hallasm Posted March 9, 2023 #301 Share Posted March 9, 2023 A bit difficult to compare Northern Lights cruise, Midnight Sun and deep fjords 1 hour ago, bguppies said: Scenic Sailing: Norwegian Inside Passage It's the first time I've heard of the 'Norwegian Inside Passage' and I don't know what it covers, but I assume it's about the 'Tjeldsundet' between the Lofoten islands and the mainland, but I don't understand how it should take two days. 1 hour ago, bguppies said: Are any oither fjords accesible from any of the other ports via excursion? Any other must do's in any of these ports? Excursion to Lysefjord from Stavanger 1 hour ago, bguppies said: OK judging by the days, it seems that Alta and Tromso must be in the Artic Circle and staying 2 days to allow for night watching of the Lights? Pretty good chances - bur I assuming that the ‘Norwegian Inside Passage’ also is inside the Arctic Circle. 1 hour ago, bguppies said: I'd personally prefer to cruise a deep Fjord (which I know this cruise has none) even if you could 100% guarantee me seeing the Northern Lights. Absolutely no chance for Northern Lights in Southern Norway and most cruises are during summer - northern lights only when it’s dark inside the Arctic Curcle. 1 hour ago, bguppies said: I'm assuming Lofoten, Tromso and Honningsvag are all in the artic circle to see the midnight sun? Correct 1 hour ago, bguppies said: What would the weather be in southern and northern Norway in the last two weeks of June ? Would a few weeks earlier or later improve the experience much over thye end of June? It can be cold or warm - it can by rainy - a week earlier or later will not make any changes. In northern Norway there will still be snow - worm clothes, hat and mittens required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 9, 2023 #302 Share Posted March 9, 2023 1 hour ago, ElizaSTN said: Celebrity Apex out of Southhampton, visting Bruges, Flam, Geiranger, Bergen (July 20.) We'd been in a standard balcony cabin (or perhaps an aft balcony.) MSC Virtuosa out of Southhamption, visiting Haugesund, Alesund, Flaam, Stavanger (August 31.) We'd be in a balcony cabin in the Yacht Club. Both cruises are quite late in the season - it may happen that there is not much water in rivers and waterfalls. Bruges is not in Norway, but Haugesund is not the most interesting port in Norway either. Flåm and Geiranger are deep fjords with scenic cruiseing From Stavanger possible excursion to Lysefjord. Bergen is a very nice coastal city with many good sights. My choice is Celebrity Apex despite the stop in Bruges - IMO Bergen is better than Ålesund Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizaSTN Posted March 9, 2023 #303 Share Posted March 9, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, hallasm said: Both cruises are quite late in the season - it may happen that there is not much water in rivers and waterfalls. Bruges is not in Norway, but Haugesund is not the most interesting port in Norway either. Flåm and Geiranger are deep fjords with scenic cruiseing From Stavanger possible excursion to Lysefjord. Bergen is a very nice coastal city with many good sights. My choice is Celebrity Apex despite the stop in Bruges - IMO Bergen is better than Ålesund Thank you!! I'm seeing now that there is a June sailing on the Virtuosa that stops in Olden, Flaam, Haugesund, and Stavanger. Miss Bergen, but would that be preferable to sail in June? Edited March 9, 2023 by ElizaSTN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bguppies Posted March 10, 2023 #304 Share Posted March 10, 2023 This seems like pretty close to perfect for me, I just can't find a similar cruise for 2025 yet. Sky Princess Apr 27-May 5, 2024 Sat London (Southhampton) 'Sun Sea Day Mon Haugesund Tue Geiranger Wed Olden Thu Skjolden (SogneFjord) Fri Stavenger (Lysefjord) Sat Sea Day Sun London Is this cruise, 4 Fjords out of 5 days or is it a possible 5 out of 5? (I know nothing about Haugesund) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 10, 2023 #305 Share Posted March 10, 2023 3 minutes ago, bguppies said: Is this cruise, 4 Fjords out of 5 days or is it a possible 5 out of 5? (I know nothing about Haugesund) Haugesund and Stavanger are coastal cities. No scenic fjord cruising - however possible excursions to Lysefjord from Stavanger - separate sailing. Haugesund is a small city - not that many options. Geiranger, Olden and Skjolden are scenic deep fjord cruising - in the early morning when entering the port and again in the evening - same fjord sailing morning and evening. Geiranger is my favorite with nice view points - Olden has Loen Skylift and Briksdal Glaicier. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bguppies Posted March 10, 2023 #306 Share Posted March 10, 2023 (edited) 41 minutes ago, hallasm said: Haugesund and Stavanger are coastal cities. No scenic fjord cruising - however possible excursions to Lysefjord from Stavanger - separate sailing. Haugesund is a small city - not that many options. Geiranger, Olden and Skjolden are scenic deep fjord cruising - in the early morning when entering the port and again in the evening - same fjord sailing morning and evening. Geiranger is my favorite with nice view points - Olden has Loen Skylift and Briksdal Glaicier. Thanks for all your input... It is incedibly helpful for everyone to have their best possible vacation. Edited March 10, 2023 by bguppies 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hezu Posted March 12, 2023 #307 Share Posted March 12, 2023 On 3/9/2023 at 10:19 PM, hallasm said: Absolutely no chance for Northern Lights in Southern Norway and most cruises are during summer - northern lights only when it’s dark inside the Arctic Curcle. In summer you sure cannot see Northern Lights in Southern Norway (or elsewhere), but I wouldn't use such strong language that there is no chance to see them there, granted the sufficiently strong magnetic storms occur rarely and even then clouds may obstruct the view to the night sky. Just couple weeks ago the space weather had so strong magnetic storms that one could see Northern Lights even on the latitudes of The Netherlands. But certainly the best chances to see auroras are in latitudes above the Arctic Circle (and from (late) autumn to (early) spring). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 12, 2023 #308 Share Posted March 12, 2023 1 hour ago, Hezu said: but I wouldn't use such strong language that there is no chance to see them there, granted the sufficiently strong magnetic storms occur rarely and even then clouds may obstruct the view to the night sky. Just couple weeks ago the space weather had so strong magnetic storms that one could see Northern Lights even on the latitudes of The Netherlands. My answer must be seen in the context of the questions asked. I am aware that in a strong magnetic storm it is possible to see the Northern Lights far to the south - I saw the Northern Lights in Denmark last week, but I would never think of or suggest taking a cruise in southern Norway with the aim of seeing the Northern Lights. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sujormik Posted March 20, 2023 #309 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Sadly won’t be able to do the Nutshell trip to Bergen when we disembark in Oslo. Just not enough time. Are you aware of any “day” type cruise of the fjords starting in Oslo? We could see the Oslofjord but I’m wondering if there’s a secret opportunity to see a bit more in a single day. Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 20, 2023 #310 Share Posted March 20, 2023 6 hours ago, Sujormik said: Are you aware of any “day” type cruise of the fjords starting in Oslo? yes, many possibilities - Oslo Fjord is not part of what we traditionally understand about the deep Norwegian fjords on the Norwegian west coast - a completely different experience. Link to options. For a more detailed answer I think you should post yourOslom question Here: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiramoli Posted March 23, 2023 #311 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Found this cruise on Silversea Dawn - 7 nights with 1 day at sea. is it a good itinerary to see the fjords? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uttu Posted March 27, 2023 #312 Share Posted March 27, 2023 Hello Experts, Any comments on this itinerary? Seems like a good mix based on what I read here but appreciate any other insight. This is Jun 30 this year. London (Dover) > Bergen > Alesund > Molde > Olden > Cruise Nordfjord > Skjolden > Cruise Sognefjord > Haugesund > End: London (Dover) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightOne Posted March 28, 2023 #313 Share Posted March 28, 2023 On 3/8/2023 at 3:19 PM, hallasm said: Excellent analysis. Personally, however, I believe that there is a difference between sailing with a cruise ship through the deep fjords in the early morning or late evening rather than a day trip to, for example, Nærøyfjord or Lysefjord. You’re missing Lustrafjorden into Skjolden A few comments: I would prioritize Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord higher than Lysefjord. While Nærøyfjord is an excursion, the cruise ship is actually cruising through Aurlandsfjord to enter Flåm. I would also prioritize sightseeing in Bergen more than an excursion to Hardangerfjord. I can see your point in that your itinerary gives you the opportunity to visit several Norwegian fjords, but I would argue that the itinerary only includes one deep fjord into Flåm - the other fjords require a longer excursion. I can recommend a Geirangerfjord excursion from Ålesund while I would spend the day in Bergen. Then your itinerary include three fjords. But since from 2026 there will be restrictions on cruise ships sailing in Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, it will be relevant with excursions if you want to visit these fjords from 2026. Your opinion on the original itinerary I posted: Day 1: Southampton (London) Day 2: Sea Day Day 3: Stavanger (7-5) Day 4: Flåm (8-5) Day 5: Alesund (8-6) Day 6: Bergen (7-2) Day 7: Sea Day versus this one: Day 1: Southampton (London) Day 2: Sea Day Day 3: Bergen (12-8) Day 4: Skjolden/Sognefjord (8-4) Day 5: Olden (8-5) Day 6: Stavanger (10-5) Day 7: Sea Day Thoughts? No option for Geirangerfjord on latter. 😞 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 29, 2023 #314 Share Posted March 29, 2023 11 hours ago, NightOne said: Thoughts? No option for Geirangerfjord on latter. In the new itinerary, there are two deep fjord sailings into Olden and Skjolden - Olden has the Loen Skylift viewpoint and the Briksdal glacier (you can arrange trips yourself) - activities in Skjolden are more limited. Olden is a good substitute for Flåm. Ålesund is a picturesque coastal town - Skjolden has a scenic fjord sailing. There is no immediate option for Geiranger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightOne Posted March 29, 2023 #315 Share Posted March 29, 2023 6 hours ago, hallasm said: In the new itinerary, there are two deep fjord sailings into Olden and Skjolden - Olden has the Loen Skylift viewpoint and the Briksdal glacier (you can arrange trips yourself) - activities in Skjolden are more limited. Olden is a good substitute for Flåm. Ålesund is a picturesque coastal town - Skjolden has a scenic fjord sailing. There is no immediate option for Geiranger Thanks for the follow up. I think Geiranger is pretty high on the must see list but would you recommend the first or second itinerary overall? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 29, 2023 #316 Share Posted March 29, 2023 20 minutes ago, NightOne said: Thanks for the follow up. I think Geiranger is pretty high on the must see list but would you recommend the first or second itinerary overall? 🙂 Honestly I think Olden might be a pretty good substitute for Geiranger. When I have to choose a cruise the date and ship also play a role. All other things being equal, I would choose an itinerary with most fjords. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PennyHofstader Posted March 31, 2023 #317 Share Posted March 31, 2023 Hi. I'm considering options for a cruise for my mother's 80th birthday in late September. She's not very mobile and she seems to want to watch the scenery float by her balcony. In theory, she wants to see the fjords (we've been to Oslo and Bergen before). I think she would also be excited to see the Northern Lights (she's a night owl). Our last cruise was in the Caribbean in MSC's Yacht Club. She got a bit spoiled, and only left the ship briefly for MSC's private island. Now she's bored with the Caribbean and wants to go somewhere else. Are the fjords a good option? Do any ships have enclosed balconies so that she won't get too cold? Would the excursions be too much for her? Would Alaska be better? Which cruise line? (We can probably afford Cunard, but not Oceania, Viking, or Regent.) Any other suggestions? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 31, 2023 #318 Share Posted March 31, 2023 (edited) 12 hours ago, PennyHofstader said: I'm considering options for a cruise for my mother's 80th birthday in late September I cannot comment on specific cruise lines like MSC, Oceania, Viking, or Regent. Others might comment but then you should maybe post a specific subject for the cruise lines question. Just a few things to be aware of. September is a good time for northern lights but the deep Norwegian fjords are in southern Norway while the northern lights are in northern Norway - very few cruises include both the deep fjords and northern lights. In general, the cruise ships sail overnight and are in port during the day - this requires you to be up early in the morning or in the evening to see the coast when the ship sails. An option you might consider is Hurtigruten or Havila - they have a fixed schedule with daily departures from Bergen to Kirkenes (6 nights) or return (11 nights) - giving you the opportunity to see nature up close as the ships sail most of the time. Please note that these are not traditional cruises but ships on a regular schedule, but Havila in particular has brand new and comfortable ships with a good panoramic lounge - The food served on board is also excellent. You can find out more about Hurtigruten and Havila here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/663-hurtigruten/ Edited March 31, 2023 by hallasm 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PennyHofstader Posted March 31, 2023 #319 Share Posted March 31, 2023 3 hours ago, hallasm said: I cannot comment on specific cruise lines like MSC, Oceania, Viking, or Regent. Others might comment but then you should maybe post a specific subject for the cruise lines question. Just a few things to be aware of. September is a good time for northern lights but the deep Norwegian fjords are in southern Norway while the northern lights are in northern Norway - very few cruises include both the deep fjords and northern lights. In general, the cruise ships sail overnight and are in port during the day - this requires you to be up early in the morning or in the evening to see the coast when the ship sails. An option you might consider is Hurtigruten or Havila - they have a fixed schedule with daily departures from Bergen to Kirkenes (6 nights) or return (11 nights) - giving you the opportunity to see nature up close as the ships sail most of the time. Please note that these are not traditional cruises but ships on a regular schedule, but Havila in particular has brand new and comfortable ships with a good panoramic lounge - The food served on board is also excellent. You can find out more about Hurtigruten and Havila here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/663-hurtigruten/ Thank you! I did some web searching after I posted and found Havila. I think that Mom would love it! I'm still considering Alaska with a mass market cruise line as more affordable in terms of our overall travel budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suehal Posted April 3, 2023 #320 Share Posted April 3, 2023 Hallasm, Could you give me some ideas for Haugesund? We're visiting Bergen, Olden and Geringer, and there seems to be plenty to do at these stops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted April 4, 2023 #321 Share Posted April 4, 2023 11 hours ago, suehal said: Could you give me some ideas for Haugesund? We're visiting Bergen, Olden and Geringer, and there seems to be plenty to do at these stops. Unfortunately, Haugesund is one of the less interesting places to visit in Norway - I don't have any good suggestions - below some links for inspiration. You’re right - much better opportunities in Bergen, Olden and Geiranger. Do not miss the scenic sailing into Olden and Geiranger in the morning - you should plan to be at upper decks at sunrise (4:30 am) - same sailing in the evening however dining and entertainment in the evening. https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/destinations/haugesund-haugalandet https://cruise-norway.no/destinations/haugesund/ https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/explore-haugesund-and-it-surroundings-by-rib-viking-adventure/224291/?lang=uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firsttimer25 Posted May 1, 2023 #322 Share Posted May 1, 2023 How "steep" is the walk to the Birksdal Glacier from the Troll Cars.Are there any steps ? .If so how many Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlaggMary Posted May 7, 2023 #323 Share Posted May 7, 2023 We are on an Oceania cruise in Norway, late July. Are the shore excursions really worth it or it’s just cruising through the fjords the real highlight? The ships excursion to the Birksdahl Glacier is very expensive. Can we do it on our own? Is it totally worth it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlaggMary Posted May 7, 2023 #324 Share Posted May 7, 2023 On 3/29/2023 at 2:53 AM, hallasm said: In the new itinerary, there are two deep fjord sailings into Olden and Skjolden - Olden has the Loen Skylift viewpoint and the Briksdal glacier (you can arrange trips yourself) - activities in Skjolden are more limited. Olden is a good substitute for Flåm. Ålesund is a picturesque coastal town - Skjolden has a scenic fjord sailing. There is no immediate option for Geiranger Can you give me some web sites to arrange the glacier in sky lift trip on my own? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted May 7, 2023 #325 Share Posted May 7, 2023 1 hour ago, FlaggMary said: Can you give me some web sites to arrange the glacier in sky lift trip on my own? Link to ‘Loen Shuttle’ - you can book Shuttle and Sky Lift here. The same for Briksdal Glacier. There is also a Public bus from Olden Harbour to Briksdal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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