What is a Norwegian Fjords cruise like?

My DH would like to cruise to the Norwegian Fjords next but I'm not sure. I know they are very beautiful but I'm concerned that there won't be enough variety. It might be a case of see one fjord and you've seen them all. What do those of you who've been think?

Most ports of call are different and most of the entries to the ports are different. I don't think you could get bored

My DH would like to cruise to the Norwegian Fjords next but I'm not sure. I know they are very beautiful but I'm concerned that there won't be enough variety. It might be a case of see one fjord and you've seen them all. What do those of you who've been think?

nmg85: Most ports of call are different and most of the entries to the ports are different. I don't think you could get bored

Agree with nmg85 above on the variety of options and great potentials along the Norway coast. Much depends on your personal interests and the variety of your varied' date=' past Europe/world travels. Tell us more about what you expect, love and seek in Norway. How much is targeted for history, culture, nature, music, wildlife, shopping, etc., etc.??

[b']KEY NORWAY COAST CHALLENGE/QUESTION[/b]: Your major issue is 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 more 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?

Check out more with my visuals posted below, plus much, much more on my live/blog connected below. Look forward to hearing more from you. Happy to share more and answer any and all 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 185,858 views.

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

In going to Flam in one of the most scenic areas, you can see here some of the great fjord, dramatic mountains, waterfalls, etc. Below is a picture and highlight from this day doing a spectacular train ride up the mountain, seeing the valleys, etc.:

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.:

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

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.:

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.:

This picture shows the Bergen Floibanen funicular railway coming up the steep hill with the harbor, fish market, etc. in the background of this charming Norway coastal town with so much great history and architecture. On the top, somewhat right, the Silver Cloud and Costa ships can be seen in the harbor.

I think it depends on you. See one cathedral, you've seen them all? See one city, you've seen them all? See one waterfall, you've seen them all? See one TV show, you've seen them all?

If scenery leaves you cold, you might find it repetitive, simply because it's not your thing. Othjerwise, go for it, because they are all different.

Each Fjord port offers something different. Flaam railway, Olden glacier visits, Alesund Troll Road trip.

IMHO its the most cost effective way of seeing Norway. We have done two Fjord trips and a North Cape 14 day trip is on the cards for next year. Despite having done half the ports previously we have no problem revisiting as a day in port is never enough.

The only potential spolier is the weather. It rains a lot, but get a fine day and it is stunning.

Thank you all. Terry, your photos are stunning as usual. We do like scenery and nature, also art and architecture, not interested in shopping. We're used to rain so that certainly wouldn't bother us! I'm inclined to give it a go and book a 7-nighter. If we really enjoy it, we can go back and do a longer cruise later. Living in the UK we fortunately have plenty of choice of Northern European cruises.

Thank you all. Terry, your photos are stunning as usual. We do like scenery and nature, also art and architecture, not interested in shopping. We're used to rain so that certainly wouldn't bother us! I'm inclined to give it a go and book a 7-nighter. If we really enjoy it, we can go back and do a longer cruise later. Living in the UK we fortunately have plenty of choice of Northern European cruises.

Appreciate your kind comments on my pictures. BUT, the credit goes to Norway and other super scenic locations we have visited. Those are the "stars", not my pictures.

For your interests of scenery, nature, art and architecture, I would seriously consider going up, UP . . . farther north than just Bergen and certain of the fjords on the shorter cruises. It will take more time and money, but you will see so much more that you would love.

Below are some details and visuals on Trondheim as "proof" or evidence for its character and charm. Just wanted to make sure that people consider that "more" can be better and worth it along this Norway coast if you go up north. We really loved Trondheim for its history, architecture, art, etc.

Trondheim is Norway's third largest municipality. It has a population of 152,800 with major university-science-medical research facilities. It is considered Norway’s historical, cultural and religious capital. Its history goes back 997 and King Olav Tryggvason, who later was made a Saint. Its Nidaros Cathedral was built from 1070 and is the most important Gothic monument in Norway. The Norway King is still crowned here. In a town noted for timbered architecture, this is Scandinavia’s largest medieval building with a 321-foot-high tower. It was Northern Europe's most important Christian pilgrimage site during the middle Ages and has organ recitals in the summer. The town was Norway’s capital until 1217. Famed actress Liv Ullmann grew up here.

For the record/background, Trondheim is 425 miles north of Bergen. For our July 5 when there, it was sunrise: 3:15 am, Sunset: 11:24 pm on this day. There was a free shuttle around the central business district that made the logistics easier. You will still need to check on logistics from the ship docking area to the main center of town. Not that far, but not quick or easy for some to do that walk.

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 185,858 views.

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

Trondheim’s top and most historic attraction is their Cathedral. Nidaros Cathedral was built from 1070 and is the most important Gothic monument in Norway. The Norway King is still crowned here. This is the front of Trondheim’s Cathedral. This is Scandinavia’s largest medieval building and has a central, 321-foot-high tower.:

This is inside the museum for the Trondheim Cathedral. It features many architectural items from over the nearly 1000-year history of this structure. In this area is also a museum with the various Royal crowns, chairs, etc.:

Stiftsgården is the royal residence in Trondheim, originally constructed in 1774 with 144 rooms constituting 43,000 sq. ft. It is the largest wooden building in Northern Europe, has buttercup-yellow coloring, a Rococo style with Baroque details, is open 10 am-5 pm and has been used by royals and their guests since 1800.:

This Trondheim bridge leads to the Bakklandet district. This “Old Town Bridge” connects to the antique wooden house used by canning workers in the early 1900’s.:

This is an example for one of the charming, wooden structures that can be found around Trondheim. It is in the Bakklandet district. The “Old Town Bridge” connects to the various antique wooden house and warehouses used by canning workers in the early 1900’s.:

The specialty stores and shops are concentrated around the downtown pedestrian street of Nordre gate. Some of these are older, traditional wooden structures, but some, such as this one, is newer and more contemporary for their design.:

I think it depends on you. See one cathedral, you've seen them all? See one city, you've seen them all? See one waterfall, you've seen them all? See one TV show, you've seen them all?

 

If scenery leaves you cold, you might find it repetitive, simply because it's not your thing. Othjerwise, go for it, because they are all different.

Very well put. I think you just nailed it:)

its all about being able to see the beauty in various places tho the theme might be the same.

I love the fjord scenery, but I do feel that if I visit too much of it in a row, I stop appreciating it at the same level. Every time I go back, it's spectacular, but after a few days in the middle of it, it doesn't have the same impact.

If this is something you're worried about, I think it's a valid concern. However, I wouldn't let it stop you from going. Instead, I'd suggest finding an itinerary with a lot of variety. There are a lot of sailings that have a mix of iconic fjord scenery like Flåm or Geiranger, historic destinations like Bergen and Trondheim, coastal cities like Stavanger and Tromsø. Also, the Arctic areas are dramatically different scenery than the southwestern fjords, so adding in Lofoten, Nordkapp, or even Svalbard can add even more differences.

I did an 11 day RT from Bergen to Kirkenes and back this last May on the Hurtigruten MS Trollfjord, and was never bored, nor did I find it repetitious. The places you see during the day going north you pass at night going south (and vice versa). Some people choose to take just one direction on this trip, and fly the opposite leg, which you might want to try for your first time. Taking the cruise north and flying south seems to be the most popular with Americans and Brits, while the opposite had a huge number of Germans. Norwegians of course take this trip for short segments often...I got to be friends with a woman who lived in Trondheim and was going on business trip to Bodo and Tromso, who then stayed on until Kirkenes and flew back to Trondheim as a mini-vacation.

Of course Hurtigruten is not for you if you must be constantly entertained with shows, movies, bingo, "art" shows, a casino, or a big pool. It is spectacular though, and goes many places that regular cruise ships like Princess, HAL, etc. do not go in the fjord country.

My wife and I did a 7 day cruise to Norway out of Copenhagen on NCL star this past June.

To give you a perspective on the type of travelers we are, we live in an RV full-time and have crossed the US twice in the last 2 years and have been to quite a few places around the world and many National Parks in the US. We love the outdoors, don't do the touristy thing and find ourselves falling in love with the people in each place we go.

This trip to Norway was stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. The length and scenery of the Fjords of Norway is something to behold. It was one of the most amazing journeys we have ever been on and would do it again in a heartbeat.

To really make it worthwhile we spent a few days in Copenhagen before and after the trip. That was just the icing on the cake. We had a really enjoyable time traversing the city on bikes. Such a diverse city of color, food, people and cultures.

Our journey through the Fjords was breathtaking. From the first glimpse of the mountainous peaks as the ship slowly rolls into Alesund to the well marked and hikeable trails of Gerainger and Flam to the hustle and bustle of the city of Bergen.

I hated going to bed at night because I felt like I was going to miss seeing something amazing.(sunset was sometime around midnight and sunrise was just before 3am) We would often be up at 1am taking pictures of the sunset-

1am somewhere between Alesund and Gerainger

The hikes were incredible. It was so hard to choose what to do in the 8 hours while in port. So much to see and do. We had to just pick a trail and go.

Near the top of the Lotsa trail in Gerainger

A view of the port of Flam

And some city hikes, local flavors and fun discoveries in Bergen

The only thing we didn't like was not being able to stay in any ports for longer or maybe an overnight. We definitely want to go back.

And while cruising through Norway might not allow you to get much more than just a quick taste of each port, there are other benefits to it, like sitting in a hot tub in 50 degree weather while cruising through the Fjords taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Definitely go. Its an experience like no other.

-Sean

We did a 14 day 'voyage to the midnight sun' cruise in July. It was fantastic, the scenery is definitely very varied and as others have said the further north you travel the more varied it is.

I couldn't begin to tell you how fantastic this holiday was but 2 things maybe sum it up. After we left the boat my husband said 'that is the 1st holiday I've been on which I didn't want to end' & my 15 year old put on Twitter that he'd just been on 'the holiday of a lifetime'

Went in June and thoroughly enjoyed except that it was a bit cool.

Great trip - well worth it.

Just to thank you all for your input again. Following the advice of Terry and others, we've booked a 14-nighter going right up to the North Cape. Really looking forward to it now!

Just to thank you all for your input again. Following the advice of Terry and others, we've booked a 14-nighter going right up to the North Cape. Really looking forward to it now!

Appreciate your follow-up and glad to hear that you are now booked. Which ship, ports and dates are you doing? Now you need to consider your options carefully for picking your port options, tours, adventures, etc. That's important!! It's more than just sailing around and seeing sights from the ship. Don't be afraid to get "up country" and do some exploring beyond just walking around near where the ship docks. Those aspects of the "adventure" was one of our favorites in doing this trip.

Below are a few of my North Cape visuals to help build the excitement for seeing this amazing part of the world. Don't be shy in asking in added questions during the coming months.

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 188,864 views.

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

Here is the view as we were sailing into Honningsvag. Nice town and area, but this community is not as dramatic and interesting as are the other, nearby areas that will take a rental car or ship tour to visit and experience.:

Going down into Gjesvaer, near the North Cape, here was a harbor scene/mountain scene. At the bottom right are some of the wooden fish drying racks. Second is a picture more from water level up to the mountains hanging over the water, a boat in the harbor, birds in the sky, etc.:

This shows a huge colony of sea gulls along the rocks and deep into the large opening in the side of the mountain that is this bird island.:

Here, the puffin is looking left, allowing a different angle to see their unique beak.:

Here is a view of the North Cape as we approached and the clouds started to clear and the sun broke through showing a great blue sky. The ship did a full 360-degree rotation to allow all on the ship, whether on the top deck as we were or in their rooms on both sides, to be able to see this wonderful spectacle of the North Cape. Notice the detail for this massive rock formation at the top of Europe?:

Just to thank you all for your input again. Following the advice of Terry and others, we've booked a 14-nighter going right up to the North Cape. Really looking forward to it now!

Do tell us - which ship and itinerary did you choose?

We're going on the Emerald Princess to Stavanger, Flaam, Olden, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromso, Lofoten Islands, Aalesund and Bergen. The ship's definitely too big to get up the Trollfjorden that Terry shows on his blog, but we can't have everything! We're going next June.

We're going on the Emerald Princess to Stavanger, Flaam, Olden, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromso, Lofoten Islands, Aalesund and Bergen. The ship's definitely too big to get up the Trollfjorden that Terry shows on his blog, but we can't have everything! We're going next June.

Trollfjorden is for the smaller vessels only so its all good:)

The itinerary is not to bad you get to see a diversity of areas in Norway. From the larger cities, two fjords and the landscapes of northern Norway.

If you need any help with the ports give me a shout out:-) You might want to travel to Geiranger or Trollstigen or even the Norangsvalley/Øye....So many options in each port - such fun:)

I could post picture after picture to show you but I can do that elsewhere..:D;)