Which Norway cruise? HAL or Discovery (Cruise Maritime).

Hi all

My husband and I are keen to do a Norway cruise (although we are still considering possibly doing one that incorporates Iceland as well!).

We are 35 and 40 and are interested in seeing beautiful scenery; we may do some excursions, but we are more interested in wandering around the towns and doing some walking (where possible). We have cruised Alaska with NCL and the Baltic with Royal Caribbean. We loved both trips. We aren't that keen on formal nights and we don't bother with entertainment (beyond the occasional lecture/quiz). We like to swim in the pool, have a couple of drinks in the bar and do a lot of reading. We also like having freedom about when to eat. We'll be going for the cheapest inside cabin.

We have found two possibilities

1) 14 nights with HAL (about £1200 each) Voyage of the Midnight Sun, 20th July: Dover, Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger, Tromso, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Trondheim, Molde, Bergen, Dover.

2) 11 nights with Discovery (Cruise and Maritime) (about £950 each): North Cape and the Land of the Midnight Sun, 24th July: Newcastle, Olden, Leknes, Hammerfest/Honningsvag (same day), Tromso, Svartisen Glacier (viewing), Andalsnes, Bergen, Newcastle

We like the idea of going to the Lofoten islands, which the Discovery lets us do, but we've never been on a small ship (and we've read mixed reviews of the other CM ship, the Marco Polo). I get seasick - is the ship as stable as the big ones?

I have done research into the different stops and the different ships/lines but it's all becoming overwhelming (esp. as there isn't much info on the Discovery since it has been refurbished for CM).

Does anyone have any comments on either of the ships or itineraries?

Thanks for your time - much appreciated.

Sorry - meant to add that the HAL ship is Ryndam.

I also just wanted to highlight that I've read loads about the ports on this forum, and they all sound great. But as the two itineraries are slightly different, I just wondered if anyone had strong feelings about ports that we must not miss (e.g. if we do Discovery we get Lofoten and Svartisen glacier but miss Flam and Stavanger etc.).

Thanks

We are 35 and 40 and are interested in seeing beautiful scenery; we may do some excursions, but we are more interested in wandering around the towns and doing some walking (where possible). We have cruised Alaska with NCL and the Baltic with Royal Caribbean. We loved both trips. We aren't that keen on formal nights and we don't bother with entertainment (beyond the occasional lecture/quiz). We like to swim in the pool, have a couple of drinks in the bar and do a lot of reading. We also like having freedom about when to eat. We'll be going for the cheapest inside cabin.

We have found two possibilities

1) 14 nights with HAL (about £1200 each) Voyage of the Midnight Sun, 20th July: Dover, Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger, Tromso, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Trondheim, Molde, Bergen, Dover.

2) 11 nights with Discovery (Cruise and Maritime) (about £950 each): North Cape and the Land of the Midnight Sun, 24th July: Newcastle, Olden, Leknes, Hammerfest/Honningsvag (same day), Tromso, Svartisen Glacier (viewing), Andalsnes, Bergen, Newcastle

We like the idea of going to the Lofoten islands, which the Discovery lets us do, but we've never been on a small ship (and we've read mixed reviews of the other CM ship, the Marco Polo). I get seasick - is the ship as stable as the big ones?

I have done research into the different stops and the different ships/lines but it's all becoming overwhelming (esp. as there isn't much info on the Discovery since it has been refurbished for CM). Does anyone have any comments on either of the ships or itineraries? Thanks for your time - much appreciated.

Not sure that I can solve all aspects for your overall question, but maybe I will be able to offer some insights and experiences. Have not heard of the Discovery line or ship. HAL gets fairly good marks from people who have used them.

Of the ports, Bergen is an awesome superstar and both cruises offer that must-see. As you can see from the live/blog that I did in July 2010, the North Cape and the bird island nature private tour we did was an excellent highlight. Flam and Geiranger are both excellent. We super loved the wonderful Lofoten Islands and our two different stops there. Tromso and Trondheim are nice, but not as great as the previous stops mentioned. How much "net" time will you have the North Cape and some of these other port stops?

CAUTION: Some of these port towns are kind of small and not really that exciting for just wandering around. Much of the beauty is involved in getting "up country" and/or being able to explore some of the varied island and other natural places. When are you planning this trip? July gives you the best odds on your weather. A cheaper inside cabin is not impossible as you can be up on top of the ship and/or at a nice back of ship location as you are going through some of the fjords and other scenic locations.

Below are a few of my visual samples to get you excited about this adventure. What other questions, interests do you have? Don't be shy. Happy to share more.

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 93,316 views.

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

You go on these Norway Coast cruises for the spectacular fjords. From the journey to Flam, Gudvangen and Sognerfjord, here is one picture giving you a sampling of the skies and views for these beautiful internal coastlines of the fjords. Being up on the top of the boat can provide great view on BOTH sides as you sail up and down these various fjords.

We went to the end of the road as our “adventure” in the dramatic Lofoten Islands with our rental car. We stopped in a village called “A”. In their alphabet, this “A” has a small “o” above the letter. This is a simple name for a charming fishing town with spectacular scenery. We brought along box lunches from the ship and dined on a picnic table on the wooden dock with water and sights all around us. This was our dining view with the busy and noisy birds providing entertainment!!:

Taking the cable car up to the top of Mt. Storsteinen at 1,260 feet provides great views of the town of Tromso, nearby islands, mountains and water. With our mid-day weather so sunny, it really helped enjoy this city in such a great setting. The Arctic Cathedral is shown bottom right in this picture.:

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.:

This is one of my many puffin visuals, showing their bright orange feet, plus their cute and unique beaks. We had a private boat from is the harbor in Gjesvaer near the North Cape at the top of Norway.:

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.:

Thanks for the quick and very helpful reply Terry! Your pictures are fantastic as always. When we were planning our Baltic cruise in 2010 your pictures of Tallinn etc. were invaluable.

It's helpful to know that some of the towns are very small - that means we will have to do at least some excursions, so we'll factor in that cost. We can't drive, so it will have to be organised tours. We love beautiful scenery and doing a bit of walking, so I'll do some research into tours for the smaller stops.

We plan to go in July, so we're hoping to catch the midnight sun. We always go for inside cabins (sadly we can't afford a higher grade, but we do get an amazingly deep sleep as there's no light!). We're happy to go up on board to see the views - for the Stockholm archipelago we got up early and stood on deck for the beautiful journey into Stockholm.

Do you know anything about Leknes on the Lofoten islands, as that's where the Discovery docks?

Thanks again!

HAL will be quite similar to other cruise ships you've sailed.

Discovery is very different. She's a very elderly lady, sister & occasional stand-in for The Love Boat. Small ship, about 600- pax, classic design with tiered rear decks.

Can't comment on crew, food, etc cos I cruised under her previous ownership, Voyages of Discovery, and those were big pluses.

But the ship herself was the only down-side.

Totally lacking the glitz & facilities of a modern cruise ship. Most cabins on lower decks are twin only (cannot be altered) & no fridge. No casino, no premium-pay restaurants, poor theatre & cinema, tiny & ugly pool, just one main bar & little hideaway bar.

Kept clean & tidy, but seriously showing her age. She may have had a re-furb with the change of ownership but she's coming to the end of her life so they'll not have spent mega-bucks.

Many of these things may not be important to you, but you should be aware of her limitations. She is an acquired taste.

Here's a few reviews, including one of mine - bear in mind that only the ship will be the same, comments about crew, food, entertainment, pricing, atmosphere etc relate to previous ownership.

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/memberreviews/voyages-of-discovery-cruises/cl/

JB :)

Discovery's pool is salt water but heated. I don't know about HAL's pool.

Check whether the Svartisen glacier visit is still on before you commit, if that's a deciding factor. We're going with Discovery's sister ship, Marco Polo, a week or two earlier, and the Svartisen sail-by has been cancelled because of an issue with speed limits somewhere en route caused by some fish's breeding season (or something). Check the same thing hasn't happened to your trip.

As for stability, I've sailed on Discovery across the North Atlantic from Canada via Greenland to England and didn't have a problem. Anyway, a high proportion of the voyage is in fjords or inside passages, and July weather tends to be OK. I wouldn't make that a factor.

Thank you very much for your comments, John and dsrdsrdsr - they are very helpful and much appreciated. Taking everything into account it sounds as though we'd be better off with HAL.

dsrdsrdsr, I'm jealous that you have done a cruise from America to England. I have my heart set on one that goes from England to Boston or NY via Shetland, Faroes, Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland. But we'll have to do a bit more saving for that one!

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Thanks for the quick and very helpful reply Terry! Your pictures are fantastic as always. When we were planning our Baltic cruise in 2010 your pictures of Tallinn etc. were invaluable. It's helpful to know that some of the towns are very small - that means we will have to do at least some excursions, so we'll factor in that cost. We can't drive, so it will have to be organised tours. We love beautiful scenery and doing a bit of walking, so I'll do some research into tours for the smaller stops. We plan to go in July, so we're hoping to catch the midnight sun. We always go for inside cabins (sadly we can't afford a higher grade, but we do get an amazingly deep sleep as there's no light!). We're happy to go up on board to see the views - for the Stockholm archipelago we got up early and stood on deck for the beautiful journey into Stockholm. Do you know anything about Leknes on the Lofoten islands, as that's where the Discovery docks? Thanks again!

lady of rohan: Taking everything into account it sounds as though we'd be better off with HAL.

Glad to hear from lady of rohan that you like my visuals and that past items have been helpful' date=' including for super charming Tallinn. We'll hope that your good travel luck continues. Happy to know you're a person of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make these generous comments.

HAL works well with a departure from Dover and stops in Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger, Tromso, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Trondheim, Molde and Bergen. For our 2008 Baltics/Russia cruise, we spent five days in and around the Kent and Dover areas. [i']Worked well!! [/i] Lots of great options and potentials there if you get in early.

Below are a few more visuals and notes to keep your excitement building for this great adventure!!! Let us know any added questions.

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.

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 93,457 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.:

This is an example of the charming, wooden structures that can be found around Trondheim.:

Here is a closer view to the Geiranger harbor with our ship and another one tendered there in this scenic spot.:

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”. Next shown is directly opposite in this narrow fjord and is called several names, including “The Suitor”. The majesty for these feats of nature is pretty amazing.: