Alesund shore excursions?

[canadarocks]

We'll be in Alesund this August on the Eurodam. It is the farthest north port we will be at and we are there from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. So I really want to take advantage and see as much as possible. There are two HAL excursions I am torn between:

Hjorundfjord & Alesund: Jewels in the Crown - which includes a cruise on the fjord, and the Hessa & Aksla viewpoints

Romsdal & the Troll Path which includes visits to see the furniture making at Stordal, Liabygd and Valldal for strawberries, lunch, and the hairpin turns on the Troll Path and seeing the Troll Wall

I've also asked about this on the Ports of Call Baltics board, but I'm hoping you HAL experts can help me decide. :)

or

I've also found a website with independent tours: www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/en/WHAT-TO-DO/Sightseeings-and-day-cruises

Has anyone dealt with them? :confused:

[canadarocks]

I never got a response to this, so I'm wondering if there's anyone now who can give me some advice?

Is the Romsdal & the Troll Path excursion a good one? :confused:

[indokiwi]

Have you tried posting to the Roll Call section for the Eurodam or the Western European shore excursions board? This might be better, rather than limiting yourself to only HAL cruisers. I assume that other lines also go there and also use the same if not similar tour operators. Since you didn't get any feedback here, you might want to give it a shot over there.

[G&G]

I have no comment on shore excursions but we were there in August 2010. We did not take a shore excursion. Just walked around town and walked up hill overlooking city. The city is beautiful and worth spending time walking. We visited three ports in Norway and most of the sailing into ports was through fjords; so taking a shore excursion through a fjord maybe redundant.

[onthegogirl]

I have no comment on shore excursions but we were there in August 2010. We did not take a shore excursion. Just walked around town and walked up hill overlooking city. The city is beautiful and worth spending time walking. We visited three ports in Norway and most of the sailing into ports was through fjords; so taking a shore excursion through a fjord maybe redundant.

What ports did you visit. Will be sailing in July/Aug and agree if we will be sailing through the fjords I may be changing my plans.

[3rdGenCunarder]

I have no comment on shore excursions but we were there in August 2010. We did not take a shore excursion. Just walked around town and walked up hill overlooking city. The city is beautiful and worth spending time walking. We visited three ports in Norway and most of the sailing into ports was through fjords; so taking a shore excursion through a fjord maybe redundant.

I agree completely. Alesund has wonderful art nouveau architecture, and a local museum, which IIRC, focused on that architecture.

The hike to the overlook in Alesound is great, but there are a lot of steps. An alternate way to get to the view is a little tourist train. But buy your tickets early. When we went to get tickets after lunch they were sold out for the day, so we did the hike. Adult Beverages are expensive in Norway, but the beer we had at the park on the top was worth it.

To the OP, it sounds like you haven't done much research for your trip yet. Google the ports you're going to. Norway has some of the best tourist websites I've seen, and you'll get an idea of what there is to do on your own, so you have a comparison with what the ship is offering.

If you're going to Oslo, that involves a trip up a fjord. But the most spectacular fjord I've seen is Gerainger. If you're going there, don't spend the money on a fjord boat ride in Alesund.

[Sailor'sMate]

Alesund is a lovely city and we took the local bus to the Sunmore Museum. This is an open air museum with 55 old and distinct home and also a good boat collection including a Viking Ship. We also walked up to the Mt Aksla lookout.
We toured the fjords on other stops and if this is your only chance to see the fjords, you might want to do that.

[G&G]

What ports did you visit. Will be sailing in July/Aug and agree if we will be sailing through the fjords I may be changing my plans.


Alesund, Bergen & Oslo. All great cities. No shore excursions for us.

We did the Hop on Hop off Bus in Oslo & Bergen. It was excellent and very reasonable. Bus went to all the most popular sites in town and stopped at entrance to cruise ship port.

Also in Bergen took the cable car/train to top of mountain overlooking city; Approx $13/person. Day was clear to partly cloudy; views were spectacular !!

[3rdGenCunarder]

There is an excellent open-air museum outside of Oslo, easily reached by bus. I think there's also a museum with a viking ship, but we didn't go to it.

[canadarocks]

I appreciate the responses, so please all of you don't take offense .... but:

To the OP, it sounds like you haven't done much research for your trip yet.

Wow, that is completely wrong and somewhat of an insult. I know exactly what is available to do in Alesund (and all of the other ports we are going to! :rolleyes:). As I said in my OP, Alesund is the farthest north we go. I am considering two very different excursions outside of the city.

As I also said in my OP: I have posted this same question on the Northern Europe board. But it is two Holland America excursions that I am looking for advice on. So, to me, it made sense to ask this very specific question here.

We toured the fjords on other stops and if this is your only chance to see the fjords, you might want to do that.

Thank you for your answer to my question. :)

[Hlitner]

The problem with this entire thread is that it is in the wrong place on CC. If the OP where to repost hisher questions on the Port/Europe/Northern Europe board there would be lots of help. In fact, we even have a resident of Alesund (his name is Lars) who often contributes to that board with very detailed local info. We were in Alesund last year (our first visit) and loved the area. We will be back this June and plan to rent our own car for a long drive. Unlike some of the other Norwegian Ports (such as Honningsvaag) Alesund offers many options for both excursions of those who want to do their own thing.

Hank

[canadarocks]

The problem with this entire thread is that it is in the wrong place on CC. If the OP where to repost hisher questions on the Port/Europe/Northern Europe board there would be lots of help. In fact, we even have a resident of Alesund (his name is Lars) who often contributes to that board with very detailed local info.
Hank

The very long "What To Do in Alesund" thread on the Northern Europe board was actually started by me, so I am aware of Lars and the many other wonderfully helpful people there.

I shouldn't post specific HAL shore excursion questions on the HAL board? :eek: Somehow that doesn't seem right...... :confused:

[RuthC]

I shouldn't post specific HAL shore excursion questions on the HAL board? :eek:
Of course you should, if that's where you want to post them.

Sorry that I can't help you with your decision, but I wanted to tell you that you helped me with mine! I'll be back in Alesund this June, and wasn't sure what I might like to do there this time.
Because of your questions about the port, I booked the fjord tour.
Thanks! :D

[canadarocks]

Of course you should, if that's where you want to post them.

Sorry that I can't help you with your decision, but I wanted to tell you that you helped me with mine! I'll be back in Alesund this June, and wasn't sure what I might like to do there this time.
Because of your questions about the port, I booked the fjord tour.
Thanks! :D

Ruth, I truly do appreciate each and every post you write (as I have told you before). My cabin choice for this Baltic cruise was totally based on your recommendation!

Thank you so much for your reply here...... I was starting to feel like I had no idea what or where to post! :eek:

I know that I asked here before about the fjord tour specifically and you were wonderfully honest about not knowing whether it was a good choice or not.

So I will follow your lead and book the fjord tour as well. Could you please do me a huge favor and let me know (through a post here is fine ;)) when you return, what you thought of the excursion?

Thank you so much Ruth!

[RuthC]

So I will follow your lead and book the fjord tour as well. Could you please do me a huge favor and let me know (through a post here is fine ;)) when you return, what you thought of the excursion?
I'll give it my best shot. I'm disembarking on June 27, so you might want to keep it in mind, too, and post a prompt.
K?

[canadarocks]

I'll give it my best shot. I'm disembarking on June 27, so you might want to keep it in mind, too, and post a prompt.
K?

You got it girl! :cool: Sending myself an email reminder as we speak. :)

[atzucac]

hola!!

about this speech what at the end have decided? we are between take a tour to geiranger by bus or by cruise but don't know what to decide!!

[gwilli]

We're going on the excursion that goes on the troll path in July. Please check back mid - month for our review. We seem to choose tours that have trains, so you can pretty much guess which other excursions we will be taking. There doesn't seem to be a lot of activity on the roll calls for these European cruises. We know of only one other group of three couples going - no one else responded to roll call, but the ship is full!
Cheers!

[rafinmd]

I booked Walking Tour of Alesund & Coffee August 10 from Prinsendam. I'm planning a live thread and will have a report at that time.

Roy

[canadarocks]

hola!!

about this speech what at the end have decided? we are between take a tour to geiranger by bus or by cruise but don't know what to decide!!

I've booked the Hjorundfjord cruise and I'm waiting to ask RuthC when she returns whether it was a good choice! ;)

We're going on the excursion that goes on the troll path in July. Please check back mid - month for our review. We seem to choose tours that have trains, so you can pretty much guess which other excursions we will be taking. Cheers!

I booked Walking Tour of Alesund & Coffee August 10 from Prinsendam. I'm planning a live thread and will have a report at that time. Roy

Thanks to you both! I'll be looking for your reviews. :)

[atzucac]

i asked to the alesund tourist office and they said me that it's possible from alesund visit the geiranger fjord.

The timetable it's quite good starting at 9:30 and arrive again in alesund port at 18:00.

We don't know what will be better but people says that geiranger it's more beautiful than Hjorundfjor, and the price it's not higher 95 euros.

What you think about?

[NMLady]

I have no comment on shore excursions but we were there in August 2010. We did not take a shore excursion. Just walked around town and walked up hill overlooking city. The city is beautiful and worth spending time walking. We visited three ports in Norway and most of the sailing into ports was through fjords; so taking a shore excursion through a fjord maybe redundant.

We were in Alesund in September 2010 and as you did we simply walked around the town, visiting shops, talking to locals, and enjoying the ambiance. We did the same for our stop in Bergen.

[joangg]

I took the Jewels in the Crown tour and enjoyed it. Here is my diary : July 28th, Wednesday, we arrived at Alesund, Norway a bit late so our tour began a bit late. This small city of 39,000 is situated on the Stor fjord and is by the sea but also heads up steep hills. Very beautiful place. Our tour bus took us around this area then across a bridge and through a tunnel to where we boarded a ferry and saw the Hjorundfjord which was breathtaking. Tree covered hills backed by granite mountains dotted with bits of winter snow, then the mountains came down to the clear cold water. Some areas had farms sprinkled around but some were abandoned to the elements. The ferry took us back to our area where our ship is docked. I got my postcards written and found 2 gifts .
I enjoyed it as I hadn't seen fjiords and am from central TX. So this was good.

[atzucac]

hiii

And if yo uhave to chosse from Geirangerfjord o Hjørundfjorden fjord which one you will choose? I receive the timetable for take a ferry to geiranger and it's so good and not so expensive!

[canadarocks]

I took the Jewels in the Crown tour and enjoyed it. Here is my diary : July 28th, Wednesday, we arrived at Alesund, Norway a bit late so our tour began a bit late. This small city of 39,000 is situated on the Stor fjord and is by the sea but also heads up steep hills. Very beautiful place. Our tour bus took us around this area then across a bridge and through a tunnel to where we boarded a ferry and saw the Hjorundfjord which was breathtaking. Tree covered hills backed by granite mountains dotted with bits of winter snow, then the mountains came down to the clear cold water. Some areas had farms sprinkled around but some were abandoned to the elements. The ferry took us back to our area where our ship is docked. I got my postcards written and found 2 gifts .
I enjoyed it as I hadn't seen fjiords and am from central TX. So this was good.

On our cruise this shore excursion doesn't start until 4:00 PM. Did you find that you saw much of the city of Alesund itself on the tour? Did you go to the high viewing points? I'm still trying to decide if it's worth the hefty price!

[RuthC]

So I will follow your lead and book the fjord tour as well. Could you please do me a huge favor and let me know (through a post here is fine ;)) when you return, what you thought of the excursion?
I'm back. In a word (ok, three words), I loved it.

My excursion was late in the day (4:00 PM), for a 4-hour tour. By then the day was pretty. Any fog (can't remember if there was any that day) was lifted, and the sun and clouds played hide-and-seek, with the sun winning.
The tour group was split into two smaller groups. One group left on a catamaran, while my group was on a 2-hour bus tour of the city. It was a nice drive around town at rush hour, then up to an overlook for views. Since I've been there before I didn't leave the bus. It's a short stop, and a steep walk back uphill to reboard the bus. Then back through town on another route, and a drive to the other side of the harbor for another a different viewing spot.
There was a nice commentary about the town, the fire that destroyed much of it, and the architecture.

Then, the ride out of town to pick up the catamaran. We waited for a few minutes for the other group to arrive, and we switched transportation. It was our turn for the 2-hour boat ride. And what a ride it was! The catamaran when further up the fjord where we saw mountains, snow, waterfalls, some small settlements. It was the most beautiful scenery! We could go outside for fresh air and better views, up to the top deck (I couldn't climb up there, so don't know what that was like), or stay inside and look out large windows.
Coffee or tea was served, along with the typical Norwegian waffles w/jam and sour cream. Delicious.
The ride back took us past where we had boarded the catamaran, and back to the dock, in front of the Prinsendam. It would be a 3-5 minute walk back to the ship for most people.

I missed my 8:00 PM dinner, so called for room service. That gave me the opportunity to be outside for 9:00 PM sail away. Oh, it was grand!

I am so happy to have taken this shore excursion. It was just a beautiful, relaxing time. I do feel lucky that the boat ride portion was last, as that was the highlight.

I hope your tour is as nice, canadarocks.

[hpf]

Ruth, I was just scanning the posts when I came accross this one . I'm so glad you enjoyed your excursion in Allusand, Norway. We are going on the same cruise as canadarocks and I had booked this excursion earlier and now I'm glad I did.
Thanks for your report.
Helen

[canadarocks]

Thank you so much for remembering to post Ruth and I'm so glad that you enjoyed the tour! :D

This will be our first time in Alesund. We will arrive at 9:00 AM and our tour, like yours, is not until 4:00 PM. Is there anything that you recommend we see or do during the day (that we will not visit during the four hour excursion)?

We also have the fixed 8:00 PM dining time, but I'll be sure to forgo it that night and watch the sail-away as well. Did you eat your room service dinner after that or between 8:00 & 9:00?

While in Norway the Eurodam will also visit Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen. Should we be on deck for sail away from all of these as well?

Thanks again Ruth! You are awesome!! :D

[RuthC]

This will be our first time in Alesund. We will arrive at 9:00 AM and our tour, like yours, is not until 4:00 PM. Is there anything that you recommend we see or do during the day (that we will not visit during the four hour excursion)?
This time I stayed aboard until the excursion left. Last time I was there I took a tour out to the oceanarium. It was nice out there. I'll bet you could get a cab there and back with time to spare.
Or, the town is really very close. If there are no mobility problems, then you could walk in and stroll around. It really is pretty.
We also have the fixed 8:00 PM dining time, but I'll be sure to forgo it that night and watch the sail-away as well. Did you eat your room service dinner after that or between 8:00 & 9:00? [/quote[
I got back to my cabin about 8:10, and called for a light meal, which came quickly. I ate as soon as it came, and we sailed shortly thereafter. Being outside to enjoy it was a treat I would have missed had I dashed to the dining room in my dayclothes.
[quote]While in Norway the Eurodam will also visit Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen. Should we be on deck for sail away from all of these as well?
Of course, the ability to enjoy sailaway outdoors is at the whim of the weather in Norway. Certainly the sail down the bay leaving Oslo (technically, it's not a fjord there), can be beautiful in many types of weather. It's a long ride, and there are islands, and scenery on the mainland. Bergen is another city which I recommend you be out on deck for.

I was either in Kristiansand or Kristiansund on my '07 cruise, but can't remember which one. Guess it really doesn't matter since I can't remember the sailaway anyway! :o
But I love the water, the outdoors, and especially the fresh air and scenery in Norway. Being outside as much as I can is a given there. I always recommend being on deck while sailing, under cover if it's raining.

[canadarocks]

Thank you for your helpful answers Ruth.

I hope you had a wonderful time on your cruise, and it's great to have you back on Cruise Critic! :cool:

[sansterre]

If you have an extra hour or two, take the tram (train) ride up the mountain. It leaves from the city center, the narration (accented with folk songs about Alesund) is excellent, and the views are spectacular.

[canadarocks]

If you have an extra hour or two, take the tram (train) ride up the mountain. It leaves from the city center, the narration (accented with folk songs about Alesund) is excellent, and the views are spectacular.

Thanks for the suggestion and I've thought of doing that as well. My only concern is that we may repeat the same route on our HAL tour later in the day.

Perhaps you or RuthC can advise me? :o

[RuthC]

Perhaps you or RuthC can advise me? :o
I'm only guessing that sansterre is referring to the tram that goes to the same overlook that the shore ex will go to. There is a tram that goes there.

It is a pretty stop, but isn't worth too much time, imo. Maybe a few minutes more than the shore ex allows, but not much. There's a nice statue near the spot where the busses park, and it's worth a visit.
If you like to hike, there are areas on the mountain that would be nice to explore.
If I had the stamina I would rather explore the town on foot.

[canadarocks]

Thanks Ruth, that's what I thought. We'll go wandering on our own during the day. :)

[deebee]

hiii

And if yo uhave to chosse from Geirangerfjord o Hjørundfjorden fjord which one you will choose? I receive the timetable for take a ferry to geiranger and it's so good and not so expensive!
I think I would go with the Hjorunfjord cruise - it departs Alesund at 3 PM, cruises through the fjord to the island of Oye(sp?), you can see the mansion where the German kaiser vacationed, and then return to Alesund by 7 PM - cost is approx. $90 US. Very similar to the "Jewel in the Crowns" excursion offered by HAL, and much cheaper! Here is the website:

http://www.62nord.net/sightseeing-tours/hjorundfjord-cruise/1061/0

[canadarocks]

I think I would go with the Hjorunfjord cruise - it departs Alesund at 3 PM, cruises through the fjord to the island of Oye(sp?), you can see the mansion where the German kaiser vacationed, and then return to Alesund by 7 PM - cost is approx. $90 US. Very similar to the "Jewel in the Crowns" excursion offered by HAL, and much cheaper! Here is the website:

http://www.62nord.net/sightseeing-tours/hjorundfjord-cruise/1061/0

The only potential problem with that particular tour is the boat they use. I looked into it and the picture of the boat they will use that day shows it as totally enclosed. Personally, I want to be outside if possible. JMHO.

[hartoff2]

We'll be in Alesund this August on the Eurodam. It is the farthest north port we will be at and we are there from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. So I really want to take advantage and see as much as possible. There are two HAL excursions I am torn between:

Hjorundfjord & Alesund: Jewels in the Crown - which includes a cruise on the fjord, and the Hessa & Aksla viewpoints

Romsdal & the Troll Path which includes visits to see the furniture making at Stordal, Liabygd and Valldal for strawberries, lunch, and the hairpin turns on the Troll Path and seeing the Troll Wall

I've also asked about this on the Ports of Call Baltics board, but I'm hoping you HAL experts can help me decide. :)

or

I've also found a website with independent tours: www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/en/WHAT-TO-DO/Sightseeings-and-day-cruises (http://www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/en/WHAT-TO-DO/Sightseeings-and-day-cruises)

Has anyone dealt with them? :confused:
Sorry to be so late with this response but I just happened to run across your question. And I have a recommendation:

By all means, do the Jewels in the Crown fjord trip! I was on the Westerdam fjord cruise last year and did several fjord excursions, even though other posters are correct in saying that you sail up fjords on the way to Oslo, Bergen, etc. But they're nowhere near as spectacular as the smaller excursion boat trips. I haven't read this entire thread so perhaps this is redundant info but it's worth repeating. I agree that Geirangerfjord is spectacular, as is Naeroyfjord if you're near Flam. Also, if your cruise stops in Stavanger, do the Lysefjord excursion as well. Each fjord is different and amazing in its own right. The Lysefjord trip goes to Pulpit Rock, has some goats come down to meet the boat, includes a crepes lunch at a beautiful little restaurant on the edge of the fjord, etc. I say do 'em all....

If you want a preview of the scenery to help you decide, I have photo albums from my cruises, including the fjords, at https://picasaweb.google.com/nbhousch.

Hope this helps!

Norm

[canadarocks]

Thanks Norm! Your pictures are beautiful!! We are definitely sticking with the Jewels in the Crown tour. :)

Totally off topic, but I noticed in your Invergordon pictures you had a guide named Bruce. Was he by any chance from Ocean Links Tours? :confused:

[hartoff2]

Thanks Norm! Your pictures are beautiful!! We are definitely sticking with the Jewels in the Crown tour. :)

Totally off topic, but I noticed in your Invergordon pictures you had a guide named Bruce. Was he by any chance from Ocean Links Tours? :confused:
Yes, he was. I had used both Cyd and Bruce on a previous trip to Scotland and found them to be outstanding. So, when I did the British Isles last year, I arranged two more tours with them for folks on my roll call. Everybody raved about them! And I got a pint of scotch for bringing them the business.

A win/win for all concerned!

By the way, as you can tell from the pics, I've been to quite a few places. So, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Norm

[canadarocks]

I have a Castles, Clans, Culture & Crafts tour booked with Bruce for our day in Invergordon so it's great to read good reviews about him. What a great surprise to see him when I was browsing through your wonderful collection of pictures!

Thanks again Norm! And since you offered ;) .......

Did you actually do the Jewels in the Crown tour while in Alesund?

Did you do an organized tour in Bergen?

And were you by any chance in Kristiansand? We're still undecided about what to do there.

[hartoff2]

I have a Castles, Clans, Culture & Crafts tour booked with Bruce for our day in Invergordon so it's great to read good reviews about him. What a great surprise to see him when I was browsing through your wonderful collection of pictures!

Thanks again Norm! And since you offered ;) .......

Did you actually do the Jewels in the Crown tour while in Alesund?

Did you do an organized tour in Bergen?

And were you by any chance in Kristiansand? We're still undecided about what to do there.
Okay, you just confirmed my suspicions. You looked at the wrong photo album before. I wondered about that when you asked about Bruce but didn't follow up right away. I've actually done 2 cruises to both Norway and Scotland. The first was in 2009 and was a total of 10 days, with just a taste of each country. I think that's the album you saw, since it covers both places and has a photo of Bruce. But that trip just whetted my appetite to see more. So last year, I did 3 cruises back-to-back totalling 46 nights. Those were the ones that really concentrated on the fjords. Go back and look at the albums from 2010 (Top of the World 2010, Norwegian Fjords 2010 and Scotland & Ireland 2010). That's where the pictures from Alesund, Geiranger, Stavanger, etc can be found.

Now that we've cleared that up, I really did the Jewels tour and the pics are in the album, along with the Lysefjord pics. I did the Hardanger, Queen of the Fjords excursion from Bergen, which was good but not as good as some others I've done. Main problem with that one was that it was mainly a bus ride alongside the fjord rather than actually going on it. Plus, Hardanger is soooo wide that it looks like any other wide river you've seen. Best trip from Bergen (if you have the time) is probably some version of the "Norway in a Nutshell". Train to Myrdal, railway to Flam, sail down the Sognefjord back to Bergen. Only problem is that this is an all-day trip so you may not be in port long enough to do it. Otherwise, Bergen is a nice place to just wander around and browse the shops, flower market, etc.

Yes, I was in Kristiansand! Did an excursion to Lillesand and a boat trip back through all the little islands. It was a very nice day and I'd recommend it. I think it was called something like "Lillesand, the jewel of Sorlandet". It was a pretty good trip, although with a bit of rain. There are some pics from that excursion as well, I think in the Top of the World album. Hard to remember which cruise stopped in which port! :) But those 3 albums have all of them. And I even bothered to caption them so you can tell which is which.

If you see Bruce and/or Cyd, say "hi" for me.

Hope this isn't more info than you wanted but, since I've been to all these places, I can maybe give informed opinions. Take a look at the pics and, if you have anything else, just give a shout.

You'll love the trip - I guarantee it....

Norm

[canadarocks]

Norm, all of your info has been most appreciated! Thanks!! :D

[cthamburg]

I just found this thread this evening; thus the rather late comments.

We have visited the Norwegian fjords -- once by land, twice by sea. (My name isn't Paul Revere.) The first time was in 1998 by land and we fell in love with Geiranger. We took the Troll's Path tour, were intrigued by the hairpin turns and the need to have the bus gently nudge cows from the road. But when we got high enough for "the view", clouds had move in and we saw nothing.

Second time was on a HAL cruise in 2007 and the Troll's Path tour wasn't offered, but we did take one that took us high in the mountains for spectacular views of the fjords on a beautiful warm day.

Third time was on the same UK/Norway cruise that some of the other posters on this thead were on. (Thanks for the link to your pictures -- I enjoyed your pictures of the same places we visited with you in Norway and UK. They brought back wonderful memories.) Once again Geirangerfjord and the village of Geiranger proved to me why it's my favorite fjord and favorite port (along with Sydney, Australia). We visited a summer farm in the hills above Geiranger. Again the Troll's Path wasn't offered as an option. We were in Alesund as well and found it to be another beautiful village. I would definitely recommend the excursion with Troll's Path and anything that would take you to Geiranger and Geirangerfjord.

Geiranger, Allesund, Stavanger are all beautiful places. If you are in Stavanger, try to walk behind the buildings behind those buildings where the ship docks. You can see a bit of the buildings from the ship, but it's part of Stavanger's "Old Town", with beautiful, white houses and flowers everywhere.

Norway and the Norwegian fjords are beautiful.

We were fortunate last year to be at North Cape, north of Honnigsvag, for a few hours. There is one bus a day that goes up there, first come first served, that's cheaper than the HAL bus to the same destination and it's worth taking. We were told by the driver that 3 or 4 days a year the weather was as good as it was that day. We were bundled and layered, but we roasted. Temps were in the 50s. By afternoon, clouds and rain rolled in and those that went up then, didn't see nearly as much as we did.

[hartoff2]

Chuck, glad you enjoyed the pics. I certainly enjoyed taking them! And it's nice to hear that your experience was as terrific as mine. I'm sure that canadarocks appreciates another positive recommendation.

The good thing is that you were able to give an opinion on a couple of ports that I missed. Unfortunately, I picked up a bug for a portion of last year's trip and was forced to cancel several excursions, including transfer to the North Cape and the Eagle Road in Geiranger. But the sail up the fjord almost made it all better. :)

I also agree with you about Sydney. It's a great place to visit. But I liked New Zealand even more. I think it's my favorite destination in the world. But I guess everybody has their own personal favorites.

Canadarocks, you didn't say whether you were stopping in Oslo. If so, be sure to visit Vigeland Sculpture Park. You don't need an excursion since there's a very convenient ho-ho bus. Oslo is a very easy port to explore on your own. Just thought I'd mention that, in case you were visiting there.

Okay, I'll shut up for now. As I said, let me know if you have any other questions.

Norm

[canadarocks]

In Norway, Alesund is the farthest north we go. So Geiranger, Stavanger, etc. will have to wait for perhaps a future trip.

We do indeed stop in Oslo and we're lucky to overnight at, so we'll be getting the 24 hour Oslo Pass and touring on our own there. Vigeland Park will be a definite must see.

[cthamburg]

Chuck, glad you enjoyed the pics. I certainly enjoyed taking them! And it's nice to hear that your experience was as terrific as mine. I'm sure that canadarocks appreciates another positive recommendation.

The good thing is that you were able to give an opinion on a couple of ports that I missed. Unfortunately, I picked up a bug for a portion of last year's trip and was forced to cancel several excursions, including transfer to the North Cape and the Eagle Road in Geiranger. But the sail up the fjord almost made it all better. :)

I also agree with you about Sydney. It's a great place to visit. But I liked New Zealand even more. I think it's my favorite destination in the world. But I guess everybody has their own personal favorites.

Canadarocks, you didn't say whether you were stopping in Oslo. If so, be sure to visit Vigeland Sculpture Park. You don't need an excursion since there's a very convenient ho-ho bus. Oslo is a very easy port to explore on your own. Just thought I'd mention that, in case you were visiting there.

Okay, I'll shut up for now. As I said, let me know if you have any other questions.

Norm

Norm, So sorry you had to miss the Eagle's Pass near Geiranger. We did that one in 2007 and the day in 2010 was almost as good as the day in 2007. Likewise, it was a shame to have been so close and not have the change to get up to the North Cape. We saw plenty of reindeer as we were driving up there. It was a wonderful cruise. This summer we are doing the Voyage of the Vikings from Boston to Boston via Canadian Maritimes, Greenland, Iceland, UK to Amsterdam and back to Boston visiting different ports on the return home.

I also highly recommend Vigeland Scupture Park in Oslo -- visited that unique park in 1998.

I don't know if you have the time, funds, or inclination, Norm, but we hear that the 2013 World Cruise (not yet officially posted by HAL) will be heavy on New Zealand and Australia. We too loved NZ and Australia as well as Bora Bora and Moorea which we think are to be included too. I am going to have to copy and paste my comments and yours and send them to good friends we met on the Westerdam cruise last August/September as she will appreciate your NZ comments. We met a wonderful couple from Ottawa (same table at dinner); she was born in NZ and he in South Africa so we had some great conversation about NZ. When we were in NZ in 2009, we also visited friends there who we had met on a 2008 cruise. We have really enjoyed meeting several Aussies and Kiwis through our travels!

[bet410]

I also agree with you about Sydney. It's a great place to visit. But I liked New Zealand even more. I think it's my favorite destination in the world. But I guess everybody has their own personal favorites.


Norm

This is off-subject for this thread, but I had to comment, Norm, that after reading your posts here, I discovered your blog and have thoroughly enjoyed reading the first part of it. (I'll finish it up another time. I've gotten as far as Dunedin.) We did the same excursions that you did in Dunedin & Christchurch. You might be interested in our descriptions of the same excursions at our blog:
bet410 dot blogspot dot com

[hartoff2]

Norm, So sorry you had to miss the Eagle's Pass near Geiranger. We did that one in 2007 and the day in 2010 was almost as good as the day in 2007. Likewise, it was a shame to have been so close and not have the change to get up to the North Cape. We saw plenty of reindeer as we were driving up there. It was a wonderful cruise. This summer we are doing the Voyage of the Vikings from Boston to Boston via Canadian Maritimes, Greenland, Iceland, UK to Amsterdam and back to Boston visiting different ports on the return home.

I also highly recommend Vigeland Scupture Park in Oslo -- visited that unique park in 1998.

I don't know if you have the time, funds, or inclination, Norm, but we hear that the 2013 World Cruise (not yet officially posted by HAL) will be heavy on New Zealand and Australia. We too loved NZ and Australia as well as Bora Bora and Moorea which we think are to be included too. I am going to have to copy and paste my comments and yours and send them to good friends we met on the Westerdam cruise last August/September as she will appreciate your NZ comments. We met a wonderful couple from Ottawa (same table at dinner); she was born in NZ and he in South Africa so we had some great conversation about NZ. When we were in NZ in 2009, we also visited friends there who we had met on a 2008 cruise. We have really enjoyed meeting several Aussies and Kiwis through our travels!
Sounds as if we have similar tastes. I had actually booked the Voyage of the Vikings but cancelled it in favor of the Top of the World. I just liked the itinerary better, plus I was able to back-to-back the other cruises on the Westerdam with the TotW on the Prinsendam. But I haven't forgotten about the Voyage of the Vikings and may yet do it at some point.

Don't know if I'm up for a world cruise. I find myself wanting to be home after a month or so. I did a 63 night trip through the Pacific in 2008, doing b2b HAL cruises from L.A. to Sydney, then flying to Papeete and cruising French Polynesia on the Paul Gauguin. I loved almost every minute but was really happy to get home. By the way, Bora Bora & Moorea were also my favorites in the Society Islands. Don't know if you noticed but I have some pics from that trip on Picasa as well, if you want some more memories. :)

Just one last thing, in case you're interested: I did a blog on my Pacific trip at the request of my travel agent. It describes each day's activities, shore excursions, etc. Covers all the islands, NZ, Oz, French Polynesia, etc. You may be able to relate to it, plus I think it's a fun read. The link is http://norm-southpacific.blogspot.com/. And feel free to use any of my comments to your friends. When I put something on a web site, I certainly don't expect it to stay private! :D

Norm

[hartoff2]

This is off-subject for this thread, but I had to comment, Norm, that after reading your posts here, I discovered your blog and have thoroughly enjoyed reading the first part of it. (I'll finish it up another time. I've gotten as far as Dunedin.) We did the same excursions that you did in Dunedin & Christchurch. You might be interested in our descriptions of the same excursions at our blog:
bet410 dot blogspot dot com
What a coincidence! You posted this while I was typing my last post to Chuck. And I mentioned my blog to him since he's been there as well. Small world!

In any event, I'm glad you're enjoying reading it and I'll certainly take a look at yours. I think it's always fun to see what others have done and compare experiences. I actually wrote my blog after the fact from memory and used my pics to refresh some things that I had forgotten. And it was a lot of fun to re-live as I was doing it. If you look back a couple of posts, you'll find a link to some photo albums, including those from the Pacific trip.

Enjoy the rest of the journey!

Norm

[bet410]

What a coincidence! You posted this while I was typing my last post to Chuck. And I mentioned my blog to him since he's been there as well. Small world!

Norm

I will certainly enjoy reading the rest of your blog. We visited many of the same ports on our trip that you visited. Chuck is my brother - I had sent him the URL for your blog so he could read it too. We also have a link to Picasa where we posted pictures from that trip that you might enjoy seeing. :)

[hartoff2]

I will certainly enjoy reading the rest of your blog. We visited many of the same ports on our trip that you visited. Chuck is my brother - I had sent him the URL for your blog so he could read it too. We also have a link to Picasa where we posted pictures from that trip that you might enjoy seeing. :)
I was just looking at a few entries in your blog. First one I opened was Bora Bora and, lo and behold, there was my lagoon picture at the top of your page!! :) Same for Fiordland. It appears that we saw exactly the same sights....

Only thing different is that we did the trip in reverse. Hawaii was my first stop and French Polynesia was last. When you get to my Bora Bora entry, I think you'll find that we did the same excursion there as well.

Fun stuff!

Norm

[hartoff2]

Last one, I promise! Since you'll be in Invergordon, I'm sure you'll also be in Edinburgh (So Queensferry). And, since you'll be there in August, the Military Tattoo will probably be in progress. I haven't checked the schedule but it's usually held in August. If so, I highly recommend that you book it. And don't scrimp on the seats, get section "A" or "B" if possible. It's an amazing show, the highlight of my British Isles cruise. Hopefully, you'll be in port long enough to see it.

Okay, that's it. I won't hog your thread any more... ;)

Norm

[canadarocks]

Last one, I promise! Since you'll be in Invergordon, I'm sure you'll also be in Edinburgh (So Queensferry). And, since you'll be there in August, the Military Tattoo will probably be in progress. I haven't checked the schedule but it's usually held in August. If so, I highly recommend that you book it. And don't scrimp on the seats, get section "A" or "B" if possible. It's an amazing show, the highlight of my British Isles cruise. Hopefully, you'll be in port long enough to see it.

Okay, that's it. I won't hog your thread any more... ;)

Norm

No problem Norm! I've enjoyed reading about the other great places you all have visited! :D

And we have booked the premium seats at the Tattoo! :cool:

[bet410]

No problem Norm! I've enjoyed reading about the other great places you all have visited! :D

And we have booked the premium seats at the Tattoo! :cool:

Sorry we kind of hijacked your thread here, canadarocks! You will love the Tattoo! Norm - we did the Tattoo last year also, and we had premium seating. So we're skipping the Tattoo this year. Should have waited till this year - the seating has been updated and hopefully will be at least a little bit more roomy! And maybe they'll luck out with the weather.

I hope you enjoy your ports as much as we did, canadarocks! Norway is one of my favorite places to visit, and Alesund was wonderful. It's been 13 years since I've been in Oslo, so I can't speak to that. I do remember Vigeland Park, but what I remember most about that day was having one of the worst toothaches I've had in my life and spending part of the time at a dentist! You'll definitely have to try and get back there as there are so many beautiful places - Geirangerfjord is my favorite fjord in the world - absolutely breathtaking!

Norm, I'm jealous that you got to Lillesand - my grandfather was born there!

And since you were there in Fiordlands & Bora Bora first, that might imply that we hijacked your camera somehow! ;) Our trip was awesome, and it sounds like yours was wonderful too! Will have to continue reading today!

[bet410]

Whoops - double post! Sorry!

[hartoff2]

Sorry we kind of hijacked your thread here, canadarocks! You will love the Tattoo! Norm - we did the Tattoo last year also, and we had premium seating. So we're skipping the Tattoo this year. Should have waited till this year - the seating has been updated and hopefully will be at least a little bit more roomy! And maybe they'll luck out with the weather.

I hope you enjoy your ports as much as we did, canadarocks! Norway is one of my favorite places to visit, and Alesund was wonderful. It's been 13 years since I've been in Oslo, so I can't speak to that. I do remember Vigeland Park, but what I remember most about that day was having one of the worst toothaches I've had in my life and spending part of the time at a dentist! You'll definitely have to try and get back there as there are so many beautiful places - Geirangerfjord is my favorite fjord in the world - absolutely breathtaking!

Norm, I'm jealous that you got to Lillesand - my grandfather was born there!

And since you were there in Fiordlands & Bora Bora first, that might imply that we hijacked your camera somehow! ;) Our trip was awesome, and it sounds like yours was wonderful too! Will have to continue reading today!
I agree with you about Geirangerfjord, it's spectacular. In fact, the cover photo for my Norwegian Fjords album was taken there. I believe there are a few photos of Lillesand in the Top of the World album. We stopped at a few Norwegian ports on the way back to Amsterdam after visiting the ice cap and Spitsbergen. I've actually visited Norway on three different cruises so it sometimes gets confusing as to which was which!

I started reading some of your blog this morning. Apparently we did many of the same things, such as the off-road trek in Bora Bora. I also talked about the artillery guns in my blog so it was fun to read your comments. I'll continue reading today. Thanks for the link.

Well, like you said, we've hijacked the thread so I'm going to stop. Smooth sailing to all....:D

No problem Norm! I've enjoyed reading about the other great places you all have visited! :D

And we have booked the premium seats at the Tattoo! :cool:
That's great! You'll very much enjoy the show, especially if you have good weather. Ours was cold and drizzly and I still wouldn't have missed it. Be prepared to take video as well as snapshots. I have several video clips but haven't been able to share them except on Facebook. Looked around a bit on Picasa but didn't see any obvious way to upload video. But you'll enjoy your own much more than mine, anyway! :)

[bet410]

You'll very much enjoy the show, especially if you have good weather. Ours was cold and drizzly and I still wouldn't have missed it. Be prepared to take video as well as snapshots. I have several video clips but haven't been able to share them except on Facebook. Looked around a bit on Picasa but didn't see any obvious way to upload video. But you'll enjoy your own much more than mine, anyway! :)

Norm - I'd love to see your video on FB if you're willing. I tried a guess at your name to send a F/R, but nothing worked. If you're willing to share (and I have lots of pictures posted from last year as well as our SPANZ cruise in 2009), please email me at the address given here, and I can send you my FB info.

canadarocks - I'll be very interested in finding out how you enjoyed the ports on your cruise, having been to so many of them myself.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We were on the same cruise as Ruth C. In Alesund, we walked around town, which is an easy walking town. There is a city bus that goes to the Aquarium, which is a good way to see part of the town. The sign on the bus says Aquarium in Norwegian, but is easy to get the correct bus. Ask for the senior fair which is 17NOK each way.

On the way back, there are two stops near the ship, one around the corner from the tourist train stop and one the central bus station. You can ride the bus further, but it is a long time to get back to the center of town. In fact, we finally wound up changing buses with the help of the driver.

[canadarocks]

We were on the same cruise as Ruth C. In Alesund, we walked around town, which is an easy walking town. There is a city bus that goes to the Aquarium, which is a good way to see part of the town. The sign on the bus says Aquarium in Norwegian, but is easy to get the correct bus. Ask for the senior fair which is 17NOK each way.

On the way back, there are two stops near the ship, one around the corner from the tourist train stop and one the central bus station. You can ride the bus further, but it is a long time to get back to the center of town. In fact, we finally wound up changing buses with the help of the driver.

Thanks! That certainly makes the aquarium idea sound "do-able". Do you know how much it costs to get into the aquarium?

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

I don't remember exactly how much the Aquarium cost, but I think is was 280NOK for both of us. You will find that most things in Norway are expensive. That's why the bus was fairly reasonable.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

I thought I'd posted a reply to your question, but it did not appear, so apologies if it shows up twice.

I don't remember for sure what the aquartium cost, but I think it was 280NOK for the two of us. You will find that everything in Norway is expensive. That's why the bus was such a good deal.

[canadarocks]

I don't remember exactly how much the Aquarium cost, but I think is was 280NOK for both of us. You will find that most things in Norway are expensive. That's why the bus was fairly reasonable.

Did you find the aquarium worth what you spent and how far a bus ride is it?

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

The aquarium was interesting, but after visiting the one in Osaka, it was just a nice small town local aquarium. They say it is the biggest in Norway, but it is not very large and I thought it was better than the one in Bergen. That being said, I did enjoy the visit, and it was a good way to spend some time ashore. The sting rays reacted to our presence and came to the surface looking for a hand out.

I think the cost converted to about $50 for both of us, which might be a little expensive, but then that is the case with most things in Norway.

The city buses in Norway are the real bargain at about $3.15 pp each way. The bus ride did not take that long though I did not really time it. It seems like it was about 15 to 30 minutes and it stopped at the aquarium every 30 minutes. As I said earlier, it gave us a chance to see more of the town.

Hope this information helps. When it comes down to it, you'll just have to figure out how much you want to spend for a small aquarium and how much time you want to spend. I think we were there about an hour.

[canadarocks]

Thanks so much for the added info! :)

[G8tors5]

Wow, we are going on the Eurodam in August and I am having the same confusion. The Jewels in the Sun with the cruise looks great, although 250$ for 4 hours seems a bit much. The Troll Path looks interesting although I dont know if I want to spend 8 hours on a bus, leaving very little time for visiting in Alesund. Did you ever get any response?

[NMLady]

I think it depends on your personal interests. If it were me I'd opt for the Jewels in the Crown tour simply because I personally would enjoy and cruise and scenery more than I'd enjoy a drive on a that hairpin road to see those sights. But that's me. You have to decide for yourself what you're most interested it.

When we were in Alesund we'd spent so much on the cruise and airfare that we didn't have much left for tours so we simply wandered around the city, enjoying the uniqueness of it.

No matter what you choose to do, you will have a great time.

[canadarocks]

Wow, we are going on the Eurodam in August and I am having the same confusion. The Jewels in the Sun with the cruise looks great, although 250$ for 4 hours seems a bit much. The Troll Path looks interesting although I dont know if I want to spend 8 hours on a bus, leaving very little time for visiting in Alesund. Did you ever get any response?

I don't know if your question is directed at me but we did indeed do the HAL tour: Hjorundfjord & Alesund: Jewels in the Crown - which includes a cruise on the fjord, and the Hessa & Aksla viewpoints

It was one of the highlights of our 22 day cruise. The fjord was amazing!!!

[KirkNC]

I don't know if your question is directed at me but we did indeed do the HAL tour: Hjorundfjord & Alesund: Jewels in the Crown - which includes a cruise on the fjord, and the Hessa & Aksla viewpoints

It was one of the highlights of our 22 day cruise. The fjord was amazing!!!

We did the same excursion and while we enjoyed it, we had the misfortune of having a very low cloud ceiling which took a lot away from the fjord. On a clearer day it would be amazing.

[maysdot]

I don't know if your question is directed at me but we did indeed do the HAL tour: Hjorundfjord & Alesund: Jewels in the Crown - which includes a cruise on the fjord, and the Hessa & Aksla viewpoints

It was one of the highlights of our 22 day cruise. The fjord was amazing!!!


I will be doing the 14 day Norwegian Fjords and North Cape this August on the Rotterdam with a group (20)...all from Ontario by the way. I am in the process of planning ideas for our shore excursions....would love to hear your suggestions...especially for Alesund which is the one I am having most problems with. Right now I am thinking that this is the one place where we will take a ship's tour. At first I thought that we would hire a coach and go to Geiranger, take the sightseeing boat and then return to Alesund....I found that the drive alone was 3 1/2 hours each way, so that idea wouldn' t work as we are in port from 9-6.

The decision now is...should we take the Romsdal and the Troll Path or the Jewels of the Crown cruise? The first is 8 hours and we will see more of in-land Norway and is $50 less than the second being the cruise for only 4 hours.
Both show in the shore x brochure that they leave at 9:30 am. We are doing a lot of fjords on the HAL ship...do you feel that we would get a different (or better) feel for the fjords on the smaller more personal boat?

Many thanks for any suggestions you can give me to make the best decision for my group.

[canadarocks]

I can only speak from our experience as we have never done the Troll Path excursion...... but actually a Fjord tour was one of my "must do's" and this one was truly amazing! My husband and I never left the outside top deck because we didn't want to miss a thing! :cool:

And you will get a city tour as well (though this was a duplicate for us, because we had explored the area that morning as our Fjord tour was in the afternoon).