gaelsail

I've sailed on 4 ships, belonging to 3 different lines, where people have had norovirus. On all but one, it was controlled within days. On the third, passengers were not adhering to advisory precautions, in fact I saw several passengers knowingly acting in ways that spread the virus.

I did not catch norovirus on any of these ships, maintaining very strict hygiene myself and the ships' crews working extremely hard to contain the outbreaks.

The only times I have caught norovirus (or similar) in recent years have been because of contact with a young relative before it was known that he was ill. The other time was in the community with unknown source; probably a very busy restaurant where cutlery was already on the tables when you arrive.

My hygiene regime includes returning to the cabin & washing hands in hot, soapy water before meals. Not touching lift buttons, door handles etc. on the way to the restaurant. If seas are rough and we're told to use the handrails, I use a tissue. In the buffet, I use a napkin to handle the tongs in the servery and only sit at a cleared/wiped table.

Things I clean regularly include spectacles & case, camera & case, keys; anything that I've sat on a table or other surface around the ship.

On returning to the cabin at any time, the first stop is handwashing again so as to not spread any bugs I may have picked up around the cabin.

I'm not saying we'll never catch norovirus onboard any ship but, knowing if it's present, should reduce the risk.

But even that "promise" does not promise that you will see the Northern Lights. For many of us it costs a lot of money just to get to the Hurtigruten embarkation ports. If the weather is lousy and they give us a free week cruise it will cost us thousands of dollars for that "free" cruise. But we do think their guarantee is a great marketing idea.

Yes, I can see that. I'd be inclined to just stay on for the next departure but, I can vary my schedule & transfers to do so, without incurring extra costs.

Hurtigruten have their N Lights promise at the moment

I've looked at the sleeper option but the prices for us were astronomical. We are 3 months out now so I'll try again. Do you have any tips for the best way to get a good deal??!

I find the sleeper prices are more economical than flying or day-train when I calculate in the luggage allowances, hotel nights & meals. They've been taken over by a new company and I've only just bought our first set of tickets since. Looking online, perhaps coincidence? prices seemed to go up as berths were sold on the dates we wanted, and are available for several months ahead. After looking online I buy at the local station. The tickets can also be cancelled or changed for a small fee- if there are any changes in the ships' schedules.

If you're in Bergen, the large modern tourist office has free wifi. Conveniently located beside the quay near the town centre and Old Bergen / Fish Markets etc. You'll see lots of crew in there and they even have Apple laptops for public use!

Yes, you're right, I hadn't thought about the tourist offices but they are very good.

The mobile/internet service in Norway is very good (so good that some areas are switching off the land lines). Often the ships struggle to find a connection while sailing or the connection is very slow. Slow = money.

There must be a reason that the crew use the internet ashore :)

We take the Caledonian sleeper train to London and then, depending on the time of year (tourist season), either a train or private transport to Southampton. We always book the same company for private transport and they keep in touch by phone as the sleeper approaches Euston. It works very well for us and we book the trains around 3 months in advance for best prices, depending on the ship's sailing time- also saving the cost of a hotel.

Quite a lot of hotspots in Norway- particularly the libraries.

Very useful to read about le Ponant ships & life onboard. Thanks.

party of 2 seeking pvt car transfer from London hotel to port Dover.

Would appreciate any recommendation for services you have utilized. Thank oyu

Adelphi Executive Hire. We always use them when travelling London to ports... reliable and have also come to our rescue at short notice when a ship didn't sail. They do require a non-refundable deposit because of people who book and then don't appear at the pickup point, but don't phone to cancel.

We currently have 2 advance bookings with them, deposit through PayPal.

Planned drydock. Has always been written into the schedule.

4. Can anyone tell us if we are actually docked in the following stops or are we so far away that we can't walk to them.....

Edinburgh- will likely be South Queensferry tendering, train or bus into Edinburgh.

Glasgow- Greenock, again transport required to get to Glasgow.

You'll see lots on the forums about both destinations if you search individually (sorry, I'm no expert in either)

Marco Polo and Magellan are both adult only (16+ ?). Not sure about Azores.

Check out the latest UK News from Cruise Critic:

 

MV Azores Cruise Ship Held in Portugal Over Debt Dispute

Noting that the debt claim is against the owners, Portuscale and not the current cruise company chartering the ship.

Some leave from Southampton, others from Tilbury. Also look for 'Winter cruises' and 'Snow Shoes & Ski-Doos'.

For the latest information on Tromsø (we've seen a lot of changes over the last 2 years) I would suggest the official tourist office Visit Tromsø. They've always been very helpful in answering our queries.

On Midnatsol we had steps to climb to board and disembark the ship, about 8 or 10 steps. We remarked that the ship would not be easy for someone with mobility issues.

But still easier than the gangway on some cruise ships.

My question is, do you think Hurtigruten would be a good choice for her

I think Hurtigruten would be a very good choice for several reasons-

• You board most ships via ramps with steps, not conventional gangways. (some have wheelchair lifts too)
  
• The ships are well designed with lots of seating areas (to rest) and lifts.
  
• The observation lounges at the front of the ships give excellent viewing.
  
• There are accessible cabins available on most ships.
  
• Some ships have push button doors to the outer decks.
  
• There is a relaxed atmosphere onboard with no formal nights.
  
• The crew know the route very well and are able to give sensible informed information about going ashore/excursions.
  

Try asking here http://www.visitandalsnes.com/index.php?lang=en

That's interesting information, thanks. If the storm was forecast then I wonder why the Kong Harald didn't shelter too?

Website weather info is current- 07/08 February, for the hurricane.

We've done this, are glad we did, but wouldn't repeat it. Issues were difference in lifestyles- 2 morning people and 1 party person. Insufficient wardrobe storage. 2 good-timekeepers and 1 always late. Inability to take daytime nap due to being constantly interrupted.

... so as previously said, house-rules are essential.

Just a thought- why did the other person back out? are they insured for this happening? in which case their berth may still be funded?

Hurtigurten as one alternative, but have become somewhat confused by how the food and beverages work onboard.

Most Hurtigruten cruises are either full-board or half-board, stated in the description. Tea/Coffee are free on purchase of a ships' mug (check this still applies). Ask your travel agent to check for the dates you're looking at.

Of course, seeing the Northern Lights is all dependent upon how much solar flares are occurring then and, as always, the weather will play a role.

The first reports of Northern Lights that we saw in 2013 and 2014 were in August. These were from Norway and Scotland.

Thanks, good to know. Will stock up on GBP. Credit card not an issue, we've been using chip and pin technology for 10 years or so.

Cash machines are available in many locations if you prefer to withdraw cash as you need it.

And Fred Olsen have some going from Avonmouth and Liverpool to Norway may be easier for you to reach.

I agree, we have met many passengers from Wales on both CMV and Fred Olsen cruises sailing to Norway from Liverpool and Bristol

I usually don't have enough time to do everything on offer on sea days. They're also useful for backing up (and deleting poor) photos from the days ashore.