Fjords

[panda24]

We are trying to decide between a Norway cruise and a South American that does the Chilean Fjords. How do they compare? We've done Alaska and enjoyed it, but wanted to explore elsewhere.

 

It seems Norway has more waterfalls than Alaska. However, South America seems to have glaciers, waterfalls, and penguins.

 

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

 

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[TLCOhio]

We are trying to decide between a Norway cruise and a South American that does the Chilean Fjords. How do they compare? We've done Alaska and enjoyed it, but wanted to explore elsewhere. It seems Norway has more waterfalls than Alaska. However, South America seems to have glaciers, waterfalls, and penguins. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Appreciate your good questions. Lots of different factors are involved!! Tell us more where you are traveling from, what else you enjoy seeing/doing, including for history, nature, culture, wildlife, shopping, visiting locations before or after your cruise, etc.?? Now much have you done previously in Europe and how does that fit for your wish list? How much time do you have in total for this trip? Norway can offer a nice mix of BOTH nature and cultured cities with great architecture and history. Why these various questions?

 

KEY NORWAY COAST CHALLENGE/QUESTION: A major issue/question might be 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?

 

We have done several things in Argentina, Brazil, Amazon River, but not specifically for Chilean Fjords. Have done fjords in New Zealand. Weather can be a factor and a bit of a "roll of the dice". Much depends on when you are planning to travel. As I mentioned, there are a number of aspects to consider and weigh. Below is my live/blog with lots of details and visuals for going all of the way up the top of Europe. Plus, some visuals to help share why this can be an amazing part of the world.

 

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 198,853 views.

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

 

 

You go on these Norway Coast cruises for the spectacular fjords. From the journey to Flam, Gudvangen and Sognerfjord, here is one picture giving you a sampling of the skies and views for these beautiful internal coastlines of the fjords. Being up on the top of the boat can provide great view on BOTH sides as you sail up and down these various fjords.

 

 

 

Here’s a close look at these historic Bergen Hanseatic merchant warehouse building fronts, people taking pictures, etc. Super loved the charm, character, history and beauty in Bergen.:

 

 

 

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. Here is this view, at a lower level, that provided a wonderful vista.:

 

 

 

At Flam, there are some great fjord, dramatic mountains, waterfalls, etc. Below is just one picture/highlight from this day in the Sognerfjord that is rated as the best in all of Norway for these views and doing a spectacular train ride up the mountain, seeing the valleys, waterfalls, etc.:

 

 

 

After being tendered from Geiranger, we sailed out and passed by two super famous waterfalls. YES, yes, we saw lots and lots of waterfalls on this trip, but these two were among the “best of the best”. First is the “Seven Sisters”. Directly opposite in this narrow fjord, it is called several names, including “The Suitor”. The majesty for these feats of nature is pretty amazing.:

 

[Splinter]

Have done both. It would be difficult to choose. Some of an inside passage Alaska cruise is also comparable to these. Did not see a lot of waterfalls in South America, but that may be due to doing our trip in November (early spring). Falls in Norway also limited in May when I went; not as spectacular as later in summer, but still great.

 

I would agree that making your choice should also take into consideration the other parts of these cruises. If you want tropical and hot as part of your trip, then a cruise from Santiago to Rio (or reverse) will meet your needs. If you want to include a lot of historical and cultural sites, choose Norway. You are most likely to see whales in Alaska.

 

Put all 3 on your bucket list!

[panda24]

We've done Alaska three times and enjoyed the trip. So we wanted to do something different this time. DH and I are in our late 30's and my parents are early 70's. We enjoy culture, history, and scenery.

 

The thing we really enjoyed about Alaska was the wildlife and the glaciers. Granted any excuse to go to Europe is always welcome.

 

Thank you both for your great insight!!

 

 

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[TLCOhio]

We've done Alaska three times and enjoyed the trip. So we wanted to do something different this time. DH and I are in our late 30's and my parents are early 70's. We enjoy culture, history, and scenery. The thing we really enjoyed about Alaska was the wildlife and the glaciers. Granted any excuse to go to Europe is always welcome. Thank you both for your great insight!!

 

Appreciate your follow-up, kind comments and important added information. Am I assuming correctly that this would be a trip with both of you in row late 30's . . . and your parents? How flexible are you with your amount of time? Where are you traveling from? Since you like history and culture, that makes Bergen even more important, plus maybe key locations in Norway such as Trondheim. Maybe a cruise that sails from Copenhagen or Amsterdam, allow time in both of those great, charming capitals, etc.

 

Below are a few more examples of Norway "eye candy". Let us know any added questions, info needs, etc.!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 213,449 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

This picture shows the Bergen Floibanen funicular railway coming up the steep hill with the harbor, fish market, etc. in the background of this charming Norway coastal town with so much great history and architecture. On the top, somewhat right, the Silver Cloud and Costa ships can be seen in the harbor.

 

 

 

Arriving at Flam, the Captain is right there directing this process. You can see here some of the fjord mountains, waterfalls in the background. Below are more pictures and highlights from this day in the Sognerfjord that is rated as the best in all of Norway for these views. This includes a spectacular train ride up the mountain, seeing the valleys, waterfalls, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we departed Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands of Norway on a perfect, sunny day, these are two of the green, tree-covered mountains rising up from the sea that we saw with the small out-islands in the foreground.:

 

 

 

Trondheim’s top and most historic attraction is their Cathedral. Nidaros Cathedral was built from 1070 and is the most important Gothic monument in Norway. The Norway King is still crowned here. This is the front of Trondheim’s Cathedral. This is Scandinavia’s largest medieval building and has a central, 321-foot-high tower.: