Choosing a Norway itinerary and ship

[Linda-E]

My DH is speaking at a conference in The Hague in early September. We'd like to add a cruise to the itinerary and we are looking at either the Caribbean Princess or the Rotterdam 7-day itineraries.

 

The ms Rotterdam sails from Rotterdam to Eidfjord, Alesund, Gerainger and Bergen. The big plus is the logistics of being able to fly in and out of Amsterdam with easy transportation to Rotterdam and The Hague.

 

The Caribbean Princess sails from Southampton to Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt/Gerainger and Bergen. The cruise is significantly less expensive but a much larger ship and more complicated logistics for travel to and from Southampton.

 

Any thoughts on these two itineraries? What are the must-dos in these ports?

 

We are very familiar with Princess but haven't cruised HAL in a long time. What type of entertainment and menus can we expect on the Rotterdam? I know HAL has a liberal smoking policy - will this be an issue for us enjoying our balcony?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Ine]

I replied on the HAL board on your questions, cannot help re Princess

[TLCOhio]

My DH is speaking at a conference in The Hague in early September. We'd like to add a cruise to the itinerary and we are looking at either the Caribbean Princess or the Rotterdam 7-day itineraries.

The ms Rotterdam sails from Rotterdam to Eidfjord, Alesund, Gerainger and Bergen. The big plus is the logistics of being able to fly in and out of Amsterdam with easy transportation to Rotterdam and The Hague.

Any thoughts on these two itineraries? What are the must-dos in these ports?

We are very familiar with Princess but haven't cruised HAL in a long time.

 

While I cannot offer a detailed comparison of Princess versus HAL, I would offer these quick reactions/thoughts/questions:

 

1. Much of Norway and the Baltics is about the ports, not as much for the pro/con details about one cruise line versus another. From what others has expressed, there are differences between HAL and Princess, but most would say that these differences are not that major. Most consider these two cruise lines somewhat, generally similar.

 

2. Your comments about Rotterdam being much easier for the logistics seems to be THE very major and deciding factor if it were my decision. That "easy transportation" would be wonderful, saving much time, money and effort versus doing a cruise out of the English port.

 

We have been to Alesund, Gerainger and Bergen. All wonderful. You can see more on my full live/blog connected below. Right now, here are a few quick notes, ideas, visuals to help spur your interest and excitement for the wisdom of doing such a Norway "adventure"!! Any added questions or needs? Don't be shy!! Fire away with your interests!!

 

Here is another option to consider: Going farther north along the wonderful Norway coast??

KEY NORWAY COAST CHALLENGE/QUESTION: Your major issue is whether to just focus on the lower Norway fjords, Bergen, etc. Nice and wonderful. BUT, there is the option of going up, UP farther north, above the Arctic Circle, seeing such great places as the Lofoten Islands, the North Cape, interesting cities such as Tromso and Trondheim, etc., in taking more time to go more north. Only doing the lower portion requires less time, has more sailing/ship options and costs less. That’s very good! BUT, if you can take the added time, seeing farther up this Norway coast can be very special and unique. Especially, if you really love/seek nature, great scenery, wildlife, etc. Your choice?

 

 

Alesund’s architecture is characterized by its turrets, spires, medieval-romantic frontages . and other whimsical touches that give this town its distinctive style. It is like something from a fairytale. On the night of January 23, 1904, the town, built largely of wood, was totally destroyed at night by gale-aided flames. Only one person died, but more than 10,000 people were left without shelter. Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm vacationed nearby and sent four warships with materials to build temporary shelters. The town was rebuilt in stone, brick and mortar in Jugendstil or Art Nouveau, the architectural style of the time. This design reflects a “romance with the past” and highlights Nordic mythology along its winding streets. To honor Wilhelm, one of the most frequented streets of the city is named after him. The town has an unusually consistent architecture, most of the buildings having been built between 1904 and 1907.

 

More Alesund area info, tourism options at:

http://www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/en

 

As the seat of Norway’s medieval kingdom of Norway for six centuries, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold encircled by deep fjords, towering mountains, and sweeping glaciers. Today's Bergen has much of the medieval flavor remaining around Bergen's harbor. We explored the cobblestone streets, saw its pastel-color wooden houses, bargained in some of the many artisans' workshops and visited the famous and always-entertaining Fish Market. You can watch the locals haggling over today's catch and enjoy a quayside lunch of freshly caught salmon or fish and chips.

 

Rated by Frommers as more scenic than Oslo, Bergen was the base of the medieval Hanseatic merchants. Those historic timbered houses are set around Bryggen or The Wharf, a center for crafts and workshops. Its prime row is mostly reconstructed 14th-century structures, some of which were originally destroyed by fire. Det Hansseatiske Museum depicts commercial life on the wharf in the early 18th century and is highly rates with well-preserved wooden structure. Its art museums are highly-rated with religious icons, local art, etc.

 

In the afternoon, after some of the big crowds had lessened, we took the Floibanen funicular railway to the top of a 1050-foot high peak for scenic views. This cable car has been operating for over 80 years and was refurbished in 2002. The Funicular Lower Station is situated 150 meters from the Fish Market. At the top of the Mount Floyen, there are hiking trails and places for lunch or dinner. The trip takes seven minutes and both cars are on the same cable going up and down. Mariakirken or St. Mary’s Church is the most outstanding Romanesque church in Norway. Bergen is Norway’s largest port and has a population of 252,000. Scenic Bergen completed our voyage with its dramatic backdrop of seven rounded mountains and cobble-stoned streets. It entices you to take memories and photos cherishing the land of the Norsemen. Here is the link to this rail option:

http://www.floibanen.com

 

Their good and helpful Tourism Office can be accessed on the web at: http://www.visitbergen.com/en

 

We docked at the fairly handy Skoltegrunskaien Pier. This put us within about a 10-15 minute walk of the main attractions at the market and warehouse area.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 174,507 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

This is the dramatic overview of Alesund from the Aksla vantage point along the western coast of Norway. This spot allows a nearly 360-degree view of this setting for this island city and the surrounding mountains and islands. It is at a 597’ height overlooking the five islands making up the scenic town.:

 

 

 

From Aksla, here is some of the charming architecture in Alesund. This includes a canal or waterway in the middle of the town. This is called "Brosundet" ( or the Bridge sound). That means Ale sund (sloping sound). Or reflecting that the sound slopes through town. This is how Alesund got its name.:

 

 

 

This picture shows the Bergen Floibanen funicular railway coming up the steep hill with the harbor, fish market, etc. in the background. On the top, somewhat right, the Silver Cloud and Costa ships can be seen in the harbor, plus nearby scenic areas, etc.

 

 

 

Here’s a close look at these historic Bergen Hanseatic merchant warehouse building fronts, people taking pictures, etc. :

 

 

 

Right near the Hanseatic merchant warehouse area is the Bergen Fish Market with lots of options to buy food to eat on site or just watch, enjoying the “show” as people ask questions and buy the various fresh fish items.:

 

 

 

This is the super scenic view from immediately above Geiranger that shows the Silver Cloud and Costa ships tendered. A little before this picture, we were to go to Mt. Dalsnibba as a photo stop from this 4,920-foot vantage for the snow-covered surrounding mountains, icy glaciers, crystalline lakes and Geirangerfjord far below. We went there, but it was totally “socked in”. It was so thick, you could barely find your bus on this day on top of the big mountain crowded with lots of buses from the Costa ship. But this view, at a lower level, makes up for that problems and provided a wonderful vista.:

 

[margsipie]

Of the ports you mentioned, I have been to Bergen, Geiranger and Alesund. Alesund is the only one that does not overlap and that would be disappointing to miss. The city's architecture (as you can see in the photo above) and the surrounding landscapes and towns are stunning. When we were there, we went on an 8 hour excursion that included the Troll Road, Troll Wall, ancient churches, and lunch with at least 5 different kinds of salmon. The views we saw that day at our stops and traveling to and from the stops were some of the best I have seen, topping many European spots.

 

I agree with Terry that the ports should be more of a consideration than the cruise line, but to touch on that, we have done HAL twice and had no major issues with the smoking (and we are quite sensitive and averse.)

[eandj]

Smoking by neighbors on their balconies CAN be a problem. But you just won't know until..

 

We have cruised on both and actually on port intensive trips, we don't worry too much about the ship and entertainment. Not enough time onboard to make that a priority. We have never left a HAL cruise ( or any other line) complaining about anything major. As mentioned the two lines are more alike than different.

 

I would go with the one easiest for transportation and if that includes Alesund, that's a plus. There's nothing scary when trying a new line.;)

[Linda-E]

Thank you! I appreciate your input.