Need advice on fjords cruise

[nellydean]

Can someone please be so kind as to tell me the best cruise operators for cruising the fjords of Norway? I have only cruised the Med and Caribbean with Royal Caribbean (and TA with Cunard) before, so have no idea where to start and your advice would be invaluable.
Many thanks

[TLCOhio]

Originally Posted by nellydean

Can someone please be so kind as to tell me the best cruise operators for cruising the fjords of Norway? I have only cruised the Med and Caribbean with Royal Caribbean (and TA with Cunard) before, so have no idea where to start and your advice would be invaluable.
Many thanks

The answer to your question is a "good news versus bad news" type of reply. There are a number of cruise lines that offer cruises along the Norway Coast, including for these outstanding fjords. We are planning a July 1-16, 2010 cruise with Silversea along this area that includes two different key fjord segments. Those two would be July 3, Saturday in Flam in Sognerfjord 8 am-Noon; and then to nearby Gudvangen, 2-6 pm.; Helleysylt, 8-10 am, July 13, Tuesday and then Geiranger, 12:30-5 pm. This cruise also does north of the Arctic Circle, northern cape/Honningsvag/Nordkapp, two places in the Lofoten Islands, Bergen, etc. Other lines such as Holland America, Crystal, Oceania, Celebrity, Regent, Azamara, etc., also offer cruises in this area. BUT . . . most of the cruise lines will only have one or two options during the peak summer period for this region. There is also a Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) line that offer "ferry" types of visits along this coast during a longer type of time period.

BUT, you asked about "THE BEST", right? Cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Regent are highly-rated and rank for top service and luxury ships, with pricing to match that level. What's your budget range and desire for level of quality? Some of the cruise lines will offer sailings that include Iceland and/or north of the northern cape options closer to the north pole. How much and what do you most want to experience in this scenic area? It depends on what you are seeking, able to afford and needing. Tell us more and we can offer some added suggestions. If you want more depth and variety along the Norway coast, this Silversea cruise is a good one. It is, however, their only offering like this one and it is booking up fairly well at this stage. Last year on Crystal, this similiar routing booked up fully and had a waiting list. For the Baltics and Russia, there are many more offerings and options compared to the potentials for the western Norway coast.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[nellydean]

Many thanks Terry, we are probably looking at June onwards, and no more than 7 nights, so that would probably rule out combining with Iceland (which I would love to visit on a land holiday).

We have a teenage son, and would put family-friendly ship and relaxed atmosphere above top quality service (which we've already experienced with Cunard).

Preferably departing the UK, but OK to fly over to join ship if necessary.

I am really seeking cruise lines that do the most popular fjord itineraries. We decided against Scandanavia/Russia and prefer to sail around one area on this occasion.

Thanks again
Helen

[phabric]

We are doing a 7 day Norwegian Interlude with the Ocean Princess. The only 2010 departure date is July 31.

1 day Dover
2 day Cruising the North Sea
3 day Stavanger,Norway
4 day Olden/Nordfjord, Norway
5 day Hellesylt, Norway
Scenic cruising of Gelranger Fjord
Geirager, Norway
6 day Bergen, Norway
7 day Cruising the North Sea
8 day Dover

[uppitycats]

HAL (Holland America) does some Norway fjord tours, too, starting in mid-late June.

[TLCOhio]

Originally Posted by nellydean

Many thanks Terry, we are probably looking at June onwards, and no more than 7 nights, so that would probably rule out combining with Iceland (which I would love to visit on a land holiday). We have a teenage son, and would put family-friendly ship and relaxed atmosphere above top quality service (which we've already experienced with Cunard). I am really seeking cruise lines that do the most popular fjord itineraries. We decided against Scandanavia/Russia and prefer to sail around one area on this occasion. Thanks again. Helen

Yes, with a teenaged son and doing only a seven-day cruise, it does narrow your options. It probably means using a larger ship, which has its pluses and minuses. Some larger boats cannot get into some locations along the Norway coast as well as certain smaller ships. You will have some options. Hopefully, for the future, you can do the Scandanavia/Russia routing. We did that summer sailing out of Dover and finishing in Stockholm. It was super wonderful!!!

For options, the Princess cruise in late July is possible. Costa has a July 11 that could work, plus four other July options on two of their other ships. MSC has several potentials in July that might fit your needs. In June, Costa, MSC and Holland America has options.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[Travel 25]

Originally Posted by TLCOhio

We are planning a July 1-16, 2010 cruise with Silversea along this area that includes two different key fjord segments. Those two would be July 3, Saturday in Flam in Sognerfjord 8 am-Noon; and then to nearby Gudvangen, 2-6 pm.; Helleysylt, 8-10 am, July 13, Tuesday and then Geiranger, 12:30-5 pm. This cruise also does north of the Arctic Circle, northern cape/Honningsvag/Nordkapp, two places in the Lofoten Islands, Bergen, etc.

Terry, it is a ways away, but can not wait to hear your review with Silversea. We were on the Silver Wisper through the Panama Canal the first year it set sail and loved it. All drinks and wine were included and open seating. Only 350 people were on board---It was like having the ship to ourself. Next year we are going to the Baltic and hope to do Norway fjords in June of 2011. Geiranger looks so beautiful and also want to go north of the Arctic Circle. As always, I am sure you will post some outstanding pictures. Steve

[KCcruisin07]

We took the Celebrity Arctic Circle cruise and were very happy with the itinerary, service, and dining. We went to Bergen, Olden, Tromso, Alta, Honningsvag, and Molde. It was a delightful cruise.

[TLCOhio]

Originally Posted by Travel 25

Terry, it is a ways away, but can not wait to hear your review with Silversea. We were on the Silver Wisper through the Panama Canal the first year it set sail and loved it. All drinks and wine were included and open seating. Only 350 people were on board---It was like having the ship to ourself. Next year we are going to the Baltic and hope to do Norway fjords in June of 2011. Geiranger looks so beautiful and also want to go north of the Arctic Circle. As always, I am sure you will post some outstanding pictures. Steve

THANKS, Steve, for the nice and kind comments! I will aim to share a trip report and pictures. Part of the challenge is that the Internet access and service on all ships is not as good or ideal as you get in those super narrow fjords and/or around/above the Arctic Circle.

Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[nellydean]

Many thanks for the replies, there are a few options there that I will research