Which fjord destinations to choose?

[mocrimlaw]

I am trying to nail down a maximum 7 day excursion in Norway to add on to a Baltic cruise. Everything looks so good, I can't decide which to leave out. Bergen, Flam, Geiranger, Balestrand - all look like must-dos, but so does Alesund. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[hallasm]

I have been on a very similar cruise - link to my review: norwegianfjordscruise.blogspot.com

Bergen more interesting / bigger than Ålesund - but both locations are walkable - I did just do a walk through those cities.

For Geianger it's primarily the sailing through the fjords and so is Flam and Balestrand.

Either at Geianger or Balestrand you can take a tour to a view point - and for Flam the main attraction is the Flåm Train.

For my trip I did not take any excursions - walked througt Bergen and Ålesund, took the Train in Flam and a bus ride i Geianger. You can book tickets for train and sigh-tseeing bus at the internet.

Here are the highlight from my tour (not including Balestrand)

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[mocrimlaw]

Thank you for the link - your videos are great!

[hallasm]

Thank you for the link - your videos are great!

Thank you so much - I'm happy to help with any question. Also related to the Baltic part of toyr cruise

[aquilegia]

These questions are so difficult to answer. I absolutely loved Aalesund and was distinctly underwhelmed by Bergen. I would say that the fjords are so varied and interesting that you will have a great cruise whichever you choose.

[Splinter]

Not sure where you end up on your Baltic cruise, but you might want to consider a partial cruise on Hurtigruten from Bergen. You can go all the way to Kirkenes in 6 days, then fly back.

 

Some just go as far as Tromso (4 days) and you can also fly back from there. In the summer, they include Geirangerfjord, and from spring through fall, the Trollfjord. You could also consider taking a "Norway in a Nutshell" trip from either Oslo or Bergen to include a cruise on the Sognefjord and the Flam railway, which you can do in one long day.

[TLCOhio]

I am trying to nail down a maximum 7 day excursion in Norway to add on to a Baltic cruise. Everything looks so good, I can't decide which to leave out. Bergen, Flam, Geiranger, Balestrand - all look like must-dos, but so does Alesund. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

 

Appreciate these challenges. As noted below in my live/blog, we have been to Bergen, Flam, Geiranger and Alesund, plus many other ports in going up, UP to the North Cape. Lots to see and love in each of these great locations. Much also depends on your weather as to when you visit there. Below are some of my visuals samples on these areas as "proof/evidence" as to the benefits in visiting these locations. Sorry, have not been to Balestrand. What's best for you depends on your personal interests and travel style. Keep researching and asking good questions!! Added info we can provide?

 

For some, maybe not you, there is this also this KEY NORWAY COAST CHALLENGE/QUESTION. A decision 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 farther 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!!??

 

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 202,707 views.

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

 

 

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.:

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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. The canal or waterway in the middle of the town 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.:

 

 

 

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.:

 

[fabnfortysomething]

Terry

those photos brought back memories of our 2015 Norway cruise

At the end of May the weather wasn't great and in Geiranger our trip to Mt Dalsniba was curtailed due to road blocked by snow!

 

It was raining in Bergen and Alesund so we stayed on board and enjoyed the scenery from the ship

 

Geiranger we did mountain bus trip which as mentioned was curtailed and we visited the scenic viewpoints that are part of the HOHO bus but we had an additional trip to a mountain lake and village to make up for missing the mountain

 

Flam a lady on our roll call organised a private group to purchase railway tickets for a discount

It was great and didn't bother getting off the train at Myrdal as it was freezing and foggy but just stayed on for the return trip

 

The ships excursion was twice the price we paid and included waffles at a hotel at the penultimate stop[and a panoramic view but as mentioned it was foggy]

We remember that the train was 20 minutes late and there were lots of very cold and miserable people waiting to board the train but they weren't allowed to get on the 1 stop to Myrdal but had to wait for the return journey-we were feeling warm and smug!

 

lovely country but wrap up warm even in Summer!

[mocrimlaw]

Terry - as always, thanks for your suggestions. I would definitely like to take the trip up the entire Norway coast but it doesn't fit into this particular trip. My plan is to take the 10 day Baltic cruise on Oceania that has 3 days in St Petersburg, allowing us to go to Moscow on the middle day. I am deciding between June & August as the other dates have the middle St Petersburg day on a Thursday when the Kremlin is closed, so I don't want to go there then. But i want a few days - up to 6 we can do - ini Norway. I can't find a cruise that goes where and when I need it to or I would just take another cruise and tack it on. So I am considering an escorted trip (just because of all the transfers) or on our own and I am leaning toward Bergen, Flam, Balestrand, and Geiranger. Then maybe another time we can go all the way up. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?

[TLCOhio]

Terry those photos brought back memories of our 2015 Norway cruise. At the end of May the weather wasn't great and in Geiranger our trip to Mt Dalsniba was curtailed due to road blocked by snow! It was raining in Bergen and Alesund so we stayed on board and enjoyed the scenery from the ship.

 

crimlaw@ecentral.com: Thanks Terry. Terry - as always' date=' thanks for your suggestions. I would definitely like to take the trip up the entire Norway coast but it doesn't fit into this particular trip. My plan is to take the 10 day Baltic cruise on Oceania that has 3 days in St Petersburg, allowing us to go to Moscow on the middle day. I am deciding between June & August as the other dates have the middle St Petersburg day on a Thursday when the Kremlin is closed, so I don't want to go there then. But i want a few days - up to 6 we can do - ini Norway. I can't find a cruise that goes where and when I need it to or I would just take another cruise and tack it on. So I am considering an escorted trip (just because of all the transfers) or on our own and I am leaning toward Bergen, Flam, Balestrand, and Geiranger. Then maybe another time we can go all the way up. Does that sound like a reasonable plan? [/quote']

 

Appreciate these follow-up. Yes, as noted by our UK friend, things can be challenges with Norway weather. Our experience and the wisdom from our ship Captain is that July might be the best time of year to visit there, especially if going all of the way up to the top of Europe.

 

For crimlaw, you are wisely doing three days in St. Petersburg and watching for what specific day you might do your excursion to Moscow. Excellent research and planning!! Yes, given ALL that you are planning to do in Russia and the Baltics, then just do a more limited focus in the lower part of the Norway coast/fjords will work fine. You cannot do it "ALL" in just one trip for the Baltics and Norway. You are making things work in a solid, reasonable manner.

 

Let us know any other questions!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 155,184 views for this posting.

[PNW Traveler]

Terry - as always, thanks for your suggestions. I would definitely like to take the trip up the entire Norway coast but it doesn't fit into this particular trip. My plan is to take the 10 day Baltic cruise on Oceania that has 3 days in St Petersburg, allowing us to go to Moscow on the middle day. I am deciding between June & August as the other dates have the middle St Petersburg day on a Thursday when the Kremlin is closed, so I don't want to go there then. But i want a few days - up to 6 we can do - ini Norway. I can't find a cruise that goes where and when I need it to or I would just take another cruise and tack it on. So I am considering an escorted trip (just because of all the transfers) or on our own and I am leaning toward Bergen, Flam, Balestrand, and Geiranger. Then maybe another time we can go all the way up. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?

 

Another thought regarding a short fjord cruise - Hurtigruten offers partial coastal cruises. You can choose your departure and arrival ports. We did Bergen to Trondheim with stops in Alesund and Molde. We did a short fjord cruise at Geiranger and stayed overnight in Flam at a boutique hotel. There are many options to customize your itinerary. The Hurtigruten ships are smaller and offer better views because they can get closer to the scenery.

Our specific itinerary was: Fly to Copenhagen; DFDS overnight ferry to Oslo; train from Oslo doing the "Norway in a Nutshell" to Flam and Geiranger; train to Bergen; Hurtigruten short cruise to Alesund, Molde, and Trondheim; train from Trondheim and then train through Sweden. There is good air service from most of the Norwegian fjord cities; also the trains are fast and efficient.

One additional note on the fjords - as you venture farther north you will see higher peaks and less touristy towns.

[angeleyes27]

We were planning this in 2014 and trying to decide on Baltic or Norway and decided to add on a NIN package to the Baltic Cruise. We loved it. We are planning on doing Norway a North Cape in 2017. I would love any suggestions for that.

 

 

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[nadeki]

We will be on a cruise this June to this amazing looking area. I am finding the planning confusing!!

 

We have a family group of eight with two tweens and one older with mobility issues.

 

At the moment my source of confusion is the NCL site. On the same day it mentions Hellysat and Geiranger....is this the same place? Does the ship sail by the fjord and perhaps I don't need a day trip there?

 

If we do the Flam railway can I get in the safari boat trip in the afternoon? Or does it go to the same type places?

 

In Italy we loved having a private car take us around...at any of the ports is there some service of this type?

 

Thanks

[mocrimlaw]

I agree, it is really confusing. I am a really detailed planner, and we did the drivers through Italy in May and loved it, but I think Norway is different story. On that cruise, I think they just go cruising through Heliysilt, because they are only there for one hour. Beware also, that the brochure for NCL is DIFFERENT than the website! I called them yesterday about this because the online brochure says one cruise (on 8/9 on the Jade) leaves from Hamburg and the website itself says it leaves from London. Also, the picture shows Bergen as a stop, but the actual cruise description says Haugesund, a totally different place ( I confirmed it is really Haugesund where it stops, not Bergen). I think Norway is harder because of trying to coordinate trains, boats & buses, and there are no roads to some places due to the fjords. I have been seriously considering an escorted tour rather than trying to plan it myself, which I have never done before (because then the tour buses fill in the transportation gaps).

[nadeki]

I agree, it is really confusing. I am a really detailed planner, and we did the drivers through Italy in May and loved it, but I think Norway is different story. On that cruise, I think they just go cruising through Heliysilt, because they are only there for one hour. Beware also, that the brochure for NCL is DIFFERENT than the website! I called them yesterday about this because the online brochure says one cruise (on 8/9 on the Jade) leaves from Hamburg and the website itself says it leaves from London. Also, the picture shows Bergen as a stop, but the actual cruise description says Haugesund, a totally different place ( I confirmed it is really Haugesund where it stops, not Bergen). I think Norway is harder because of trying to coordinate trains, boats & buses, and there are no roads to some places due to the fjords. I have been seriously considering an escorted tour rather than trying to plan it myself, which I have never done before (because then the tour buses fill in the transportation gaps).

 

 

I am glad I am not the only confused soul here. I will continue to scour the boards for help. I am going now to check on the Bergen Port. We are on the June cruise out of Southampton with a stop at Hamburg ( this is the only stop I have plans for!).

[TLCOhio]

I am finding the planning confusing!! On the same day it mentions Hellysat and Geiranger....is this the same place? Does the ship sail by the fjord and perhaps I don't need a day trip there? If we do the Flam railway can I get in the safari boat trip in the afternoon? Or does it go to the same type places? In Italy we loved having a private car take us around...at any of the ports is there some service of this type?

 

Appreciate these good questions and comments. Yes, Norway can be a little confusing. It's "different" as many of the towns are small and not as easily connected by roadways due to the ways in which the long fjords sprawl back, etc. The "logistics" of Norway are very much different compared to the more densely-populated Italy that has a bigger, year-round "tourism infrastructure".

 

Yes, Hellysat and Geiranger are different towns. Nearby as the birds fly, somewhat, but much farther apart by sailing and/or road travel. For our visit in this scenic fjord, we first visited Hellysat to get off of the ship, take a coach in order to explore more "up country". We were on our way to Geiranger with its scenic overviews, etc. Below are a few sample visuals. Many more pictures on my full live/blog connected below.

 

We did a ship tour called “Overland from Hellesylt to Geiranger”, an eight-hour adventure. We saw stunning natural beauty of the “Roof of Norway’”. This drive went through the verdant hills and into the mountains. This includes the Raftevold Hotel, overlooking the Hornindals-Vannet Lake at approximately 1,700 feet. This crystal-clear lake is as deep as Lake Tahoe. Then we went to the emerald-colored Styrn Lake, seeing near the Jostedalen Glacier, Buldrefossen Waterfall; going up the Styrnefjell Road, a masterpiece of engineering that opened in 1895. It has nineteen hairpin turns and then we cross the Jølbrua Bridge, located 328 feet above a gorge., one of Norway’s most spectacular views. We stopped at the Jostedalsbreen National Park with great views, even on a cloudy and foggy day. The rains had stopped by this point in the tour. This park has the largest glacier on the European mainland and covers 510 sq. miles with the glaciers covering about 310 sq. miles. The main visitor's "centre" building was constructed in a manner similar to Viking longhouses where pillars rather than the walls are supporting the roof. This Centre in Oppstryn shows how the glacier and the landscape were shaped by water and ice through films, videos, computer programs and models. Its website for more information is:

http://www.jostedalsbre.no/engelsk/senter.htm After lunch at the Videseter Hotel, we drove past the Tystigen Glacier, saw a popular summer skiing site before reaching Mt. Dalsnibba. There was a photo stop is at a 4,920-foot vantage for the snow-covered surrounding mountains, icy glaciers, crystalline lakes and Geirangerfjord far below. But that day, the mountain top was fogged over. Sorry! That can happen A small village with a population of about 600, Hellesylt lies at the head of the Sunnylvsfjord, which is a branch of the Storfjord (Great Fjord) and nearby to the famous Geirangerfjord. Mountains and valleys surround the village, the settings of Ibsen's play, Brand.

 

In Norway, the tourism season is fairly short and in many of these small villages, the options and tourism providers are fairly limited. Also, the costs (due to taxes and labor rates) tend to be fairly high. Love both Italy and Norway, but they are very different as to what is available and possible.

 

What other questions, interests? Happy to share more!

 

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 202,844 views.

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

 

 

Hellesylt is not a large village, but it was a starting point for our overland tour. In most cases, you don’t take the tender into this port unless you have a tour departing from this point. Its options as a village are very limited. As this picture shows, it was raining. Bummer, but in the overall cruise, this is really the only place where weather had any negative impact. And, by mid-day, much of the rain has lifted. :

 

 

 

On our eight-hour “Overland from Hellesylt to Geiranger” bus tour, we stopped at the Jostedalsbreen National Park with these great views, even on a cloudy and foggy day. The rains had stopped by this point in the tour. These visuals include a nearby village scene and the grass on the top of a small building along Lake Strynsvatn. This park has the largest glacier on the European mainland and covers 510 sq. miles with the glaciers covering about 310 sq. miles. The main visitor's "centre" building was constructed in a manner similar to Viking longhouses where pillars rather than the walls are supporting the roof. This Centre in Oppstryn shows how the glacier and the landscape were shaped by water and ice through films, videos, computer programs and models. Its website for more information is:

http://www.jostedalsbre.no/engelsk/senter.htm

 

 

 

 

 

Next to the Videseter Hotel on our way to Geiranger when going “up country”, we saw this spectacular waterfall at this scenic high mountain elevation location. You can see how small is the hotel/dining building at the top to the right of waterfall to give an idea on the massive scale for this natural wonder. When you go beyond just the port stop village, you can better experience “ALL” that is there and around in these scenic parts of Norway.:

 

 

 

At the end of our visit to Geiranger, our last fjord stop, here was this cute troll to whom our friend Sharon decided to give a little hug and big chin tickle.:

 

 

 

After being tendered in 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”. Here is the “Seven Sisters”. Directly opposite it in this narrow fjord, there is another “biggie” called several names, including “The Suitor”. The majesty for these feats of nature is pretty amazing.:

 

[TLCOhio]

We are planning on doing Norway a North Cape in 2017. I would love any suggestions for that.

 

YES, can offer lots of ideas to consider for going up, UP, UP to the North Cape. It's a somewhat different look and "style" than what you might have in the southern part of Norway's western coast. More of a "sparse" look as you go to the North Cape and for being above the Arctic Circle.

 

In my view from our experiences, if you are going to be sailing up there, make sure that you will have one or two stops/opportunities to see the amazing Lofoten Islands. As detailed on my live/blog, that is a "super star" area. Below are a few visual examples as "evidence" to prove my point.

 

Lofoten Island: This 70-miles long island archipelago has natural surroundings regarded to be among the most stunning in Norway, with mountains, peaks, cliffs and white sandy beaches. The remote southern islands of Vaeroy and Rost are rated as world-class bird sanctuaries having nesting places for millions of seabirds along its cliffs. There are 35,000 people living on all of the islands and they are 886 miles northeast of Bergen. In November 2007, National Geographic Traveler rated the Lofoten Islands of northern Norway the third most appealing islands in the world. The Gulf Stream contributes to its seasonal fishing success. In Leknes, the sun (midnight sun) is above the horizon from May 26 to July 17 and in winter the sun does not rise from December 9 to January 4.

 

Need more? Added questions??

 

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 202,844 views.

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

 

 

Here is one of our first Lofoten Islands views from a stop early in the trip as we drove south towards “Å" along the A-10 highway from Leknes.

 

 

 

When we went to the end of the road as our “adventure” in the dramatic Lofoten Islands with our rental car, we stopped in a village called “A”. In their alphabet, this “A” has a small “o” above the letter. This is a simple name for a charming fishing town with spectacular scenery. We brought along box lunches from the ship and dined on a picnic table on the wooden dock with water and sights all around us. This was our dining view with the busy and noisy birds providing entertainment!!:

 

 

 

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.:

 

 

 

This is one of my many puffin visuals, showing their bright orange feet, plus their cute and unique beaks. We had a private boat from the harbor in Gjesvaer near the North Cape at the top of Norway.:

 

 

 

Here is one view of the North Cape as we approached and the clouds started to clear and the sun broke through showing a great blue sky.:

 

 

 

From the port-side control area, here is the view as our ship sailed up this narrow 300’ wide passage in the Trollfjord as a part of the Lofoten Islands along the scenic Norway coast. :

 

[angeleyes27]

Thank you. Three years ago I got advice from you regarding the Baltic cruise and we booked the NCL North Cape for next July. We were thinking of renting a car in the Loften islands as it seems there is so much to do. I like your photos as it gives me a good idea of places to see. I am not sure how hard it is to rent a car there. That village A looks very cool!

Our ship offers a tour that goes from Geiranger to Hellesylt. Your pictures and narrative sound great. Did you take a ship tour or private tour?

Thank you so much.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[nadeki]

Thank you Terry for your detailed response.... I will continue to research. Your day trip sounds great. I am not sure I can commit to eight hours and be comfortable getting back to the ship on time.

 

I am hoping I can figure out what NCL means when they mention both Hellysat and Geiranger...I am not sure which we are going to.

[fabnfortysomething]

Thank you Terry for your detailed response.... I will continue to research. Your day trip sounds great. I am not sure I can commit to eight hours and be comfortable getting back to the ship on time.

 

I am hoping I can figure out what NCL means when they mention both Hellysat and Geiranger...I am not sure which we are going to.

 

as I understand Terrys post and reading of shore excursions it is a ships tour

 

You get off at Hellysat via tender and board the ship organised buses for the 8 hour tour up and over the mountains where you meet up with the ship at Geiranger along with the people who stayed on board for the sail through the fiords

 

so the ship will wait for you-no concerns about missing tides as in other ports as there aren't any!

 

We usually do private tours but see the benefit of a ships tour here

[TLCOhio]

Thank you. Three years ago I got advice from you regarding the Baltic cruise and we booked the NCL North Cape for next July. We were thinking of renting a car in the Loften islands as it seems there is so much to do. I like your photos as it gives me a good idea of places to see. I am not sure how hard it is to rent a car there. That village A looks very cool! Our ship offers a tour that goes from Geiranger to Hellesylt. Your pictures and narrative sound great. Did you take a ship tour or private tour?

 

nadeki: Thank you Terry for your detailed response.... I will continue to research. Your day trip sounds great. I am not sure I can commit to eight hours and be comfortable getting back to the ship on time. I am hoping I can figure out what NCL means when they mention both Hellysat and Geiranger...I am not sure which we are going to

 

fabnfortysomething: as I understand Terrys post and reading of shore excursions it is a ships tour. You get off at Hellysat via tender and board the ship organised buses for the 8 hour tour up and over the mountains where you meet up with the ship at Geiranger along with the people who stayed on board for the sail through the fiords. so the ship will wait for you-no concerns about missing tides as in other ports as there aren't any! We usually do private tours but see the benefit of a ships tour here

 

YES' date=' we did our eight-hour "Roof of Norway", Hellesylt to Geiranger trip through a ship tour. Tours through the cruise company are not aways perfect, but they do protect you from being left behind if you had any delays. Very seldom does that happen, fortunately. In Norway, the bigger reason why a ship tour is worth considering is that the number and options for getting private tours is very limited in so many of these small villages, especially in these fjord areas. This is not the Caribbean where you walk off of the ship and there are a bunch of people pitching options right there at the dockside.

 

On rental cars, such as on Lofoton Islands, there are options. BUT, the cost can be high and you need to figure out some of the logistics. It's not like being at a big airport or port where there are four to six different rental companies right there as you walk off of the ship. We did rental cars for three different locations during our Norway coast sailing.

 

That village at the end of the Lofoton Island was "cool" and we had the time and flexibility to make a variety of interesting stops as we were gone down there and the in coming back.

 

Any other questions and/or info needs?? Happy to share more!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/font']

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 155,398 views for this posting.

[mocrimlaw]

Wow, Terry - as usual your commentary and pictures are incredible! That 8 hour trip sounds great. I am currently debating between an NCL cruise (essentially Alesund to Oslo) and an escorted tour to many of those places. I keep changing my mind as to which would be better. The escorted tour would help with the transportation between boats and trains and the luggage, while still allowing us to see a lot of the inland countryside and not having to plan very single leg of the trip ourselves. The cruise would of course be easier but I was wondering how much of the inland part we could see - your post lets me see that maybe I could see a lot from the cruise. Any thoughts on this? We are not too keen on renting a car after not enjoying that experience in northern Italy. Maybe it's better in Norway?

[TLCOhio]

Wow, Terry - as usual your commentary and pictures are incredible! That 8 hour trip sounds great. I am currently debating between an NCL cruise (essentially Alesund to Oslo) and an escorted tour to many of those places. I keep changing my mind as to which would be better. The escorted tour would help with the transportation between boats and trains and the luggage, while still allowing us to see a lot of the inland countryside and not having to plan very single leg of the trip ourselves. The cruise would of course be easier but I was wondering how much of the inland part we could see - your post lets me see that maybe I could see a lot from the cruise. Any thoughts on this? We are not too keen on renting a car after not enjoying that experience in northern Italy. Maybe it's better in Norway?

 

Appreciate the very nice and kind comments from the Denver resident (am watching the Bronco-Carolina NFL game right now). Will try to keep sharing and being helpful.

 

It's hard for me to tell you what will be "best" in deciding on a cruise versus an escorted tour. Each has pro/con factors!! We have visited 22 different countries in Europe, plus many other travels around the world. So much of "it" is what you seek and make it. Clearly a cruise can be easier and more handy as you get on the ship, unpack once, let the ship captain move you between places in the evenings as your dine, get entertained, rest, etc.

 

My general reaction and our most recent experiences in Australia/New Zealand, Amazon River/Caribbean and earlier this year for Africa has been to do a combination of cruise ship travel with before and after land touring, etc. We like to be more "ambitious" than just getting off in a few ports, walk around and get back on the cruise ship. Either through private/DIY creative options and/or ship tours, we have sought and succeeded in maximizing the shore options, pushing those limits, seeking out the better than average, etc.

 

Yes, driving in Norway worked well for us as the traffic is not that heavy and the roads/bridges are new/nice, etc.

 

Based on our experiences in Norway, I would lean towards the cruise options/potentials. The "logistics" for traveling along that coastline get a little challenging and might mean some marginal and long coach riding. On a cruise ship, you've got more flexible and space to move around, sight-see as your ship sails along scenic fjords, etc. If am not fully understanding your options/interests, tell me more details, ask other questions, etc.

 

Hope this helps.

 

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 217,050 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

[nadeki]

Terry, thanks for your input. I am going to keep asking questions....NCL has not yet put out shore excursions for this trip. That will help me with ideas. However I think we do want to try and do on our own as we are a group of eight and don't like the big bus experience. We will not rent a car as then I will have to spend the trip arguing with my husband on how we should drive.

 

Back to your amazing photos. I am not much of a photographer but would love to end up with some beautiful shots like you have. When you say you shoot in the raw....does this mean you just take a shot? Or is it a special setting. I also use I photo to crop but have not done anything with the lighting. I am going to look at that. What type of lens do you use?

 

Thanks.

[angeleyes27]

I am really finding your information very helpful, Terry, as well. We are taking the NCL North Cape cruise next year and I have not been able to find much. Our ports are Alesund, Bergen (we have been to both of these), and also Trondheim, Tromso, Loften Islands, and Honningvag, and we also do the Geiranger to Helligsylt. We may do the excursion like you did there. We had wanted to see Mount Disnibbna (not sure of spelling) but it seems it is part of the tour. We have driven in Flam before so we didn't find driving in Norway a problem...just some of the mountain roads may be more narrow. I heard Italy was a mess to drive in but Norway was fine.

What ports did you rent a car? I especially enjoy your photos as it lets me see which places I would like to visit. I appreciate your advice.

 

 

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