Cruises to Norway Fjords

[KCC]

My husband and I are considering a cruise to the fjords of Norway next summer. Anyone have any experience or perspective on cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America), itineraries, departure ports (Southampton, Hamburg, Amsterdam), or shore excursions? This is a bucket list item for DH, and because of health issues and age, he is limited to only modest levels of exertion. Thanks!

 

[just tuned in]

I did this with my husband this past June (on Cunard, from Southampton).

The midnight sun is CRAZY. If you like to dine after dark, well, forget it! ;-)

There are plenty of excursions that do not require exertion.

PM me if you have questions.

 

[Deleted member 221]

I've never done a cruise, but the Norwegian coast is one of the most beautiful areas in the entire world, bar none. Have you looked at the Hurtigruten? http://www.hurtigruten.com. That's the classic Norwegian cruise, sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes, with various excursions that probably fit your "modest levels of exertion" criterion. Three of my coworkers have sailed on the Hurtigruten; all (in their 30s) gave positive reviews and said they would do it again, but also said they were among the youngest on the ship and had hoped for something a bit more lively. I've been to several of the towns where the Hurtigruten stops. Cruise ships are the bulk of their tourism, and they'll have many activities geared toward the average age of cruise passengers.

If you want to extend the trip a little longer, go to Oslo and take the "Norway in a Nutshell" package to Bergen -- train, then cogwheel train, then boat, then bus, then train again for seven stunning hours. http://www.norwaynutshell.com. Both Oslo and Bergen are worth spending 1-2 days if you can.

 

[KCC]

Thanks for the input! JTI, I'll pm you later. And I'll check out the links you provided, Louis - sounds really interesting. All of the port towns and fjord pictures that I've seen have been magical, so we are looking forward to this trip very much. As long as we are not engaged in WWIII by then, that is.

 

[genegri]

Great minds think alike! I am planning the same. Lol.

I second the suggestion of Hurtigruten. It is a little different from mainstream cruises as in you do not arrive in the port in the morning, spend the whole day doing excursions and then leave in the evening.

In stead it is very similar to Alaska marine highway and serves as a real transportation to the locals as well as mail delivery. A boat leaves almost every day of the year, very much like a long distance train or a bus. The port stops are short, and the ship sponsored excursions are usually mild. The stops can be at any time of the day, early morning, midnight, just like a train stop. I believe it makes about 33 stops in the 12-day journey. The accomadation is similar to a traditional cruise ship where you get a cabin with private bath. Food and water may or may not be included depending on your fare type. The ship atmosphere is much more genuinely local and less commercial and touristy.

If you want to see fjords, you need to go between June and October. Outside that time frame the boat does not go into the fjords. Another good time is February to March time frame, when the snow is still visible and the chance for northern lights is good.

Among mainstream cruise lines, the three you mentioned are all very good. I also like Azamara and Oceania but I tend to prefer them for Asia and South America.

I also suggest you visit cruisecritic.com where there is a wealth of information.