hallasm

Every year on June 23, we celebrate Sankthans with a bonfire, sing midsummer carols, bonfire speeches and send the witch to Bloksbjerg (Mountain in Germany - Brocken) Sankthans is an old remnant of pagan customs, where the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, was celebrated. There are many private and public Saint Hans events with bonfires - including at Bryggen, Refshaleøen, Ofelia Plads, Nyhavn and Frederiksberg Have. I would suggest that you return at the beginning of June - then I can make a current list of events. Also post your hotel. Examples of public events in Copenhagen 2022

I have no knowledge of legislation or problems with biofouling in Norwegian waters. However, as stated, the Norwegian Parliament has adopted a resolution to stop emissions from cruise ships and ferries in the Norwegian World Heritage fjords as soon as technically possible and by 2026 at the latest. However, there is a proposal to allow the use of biogas under certain circumstances for a transitional period of 5 years, so that new cruise ships powered by biogas can still sail the fjords until 2030. The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has submitted a proposal for a regulation on vessel emissions in World Heritage fjords by 1 January 2026 – and ships of 10,000 GT and upwards will be permitted to use biogas for a five-year period as part of a transitional arrangement.

I don't know what your nationality is and what other ports you visit, but note that tipping in Europe is very different than in the US. Staff and guides receive a fixed salary, so tips are not necessary, but of course appreciated. A smaller amount or rounding up is sufficient. The problem is the many different currencies in the region and that credit card/ApplePay is the best way to pay in ports. In general, the Euro will be the best tipping currency in your case.

You just have to check whether the ship is at the Quay or tender - there is only room for one ship at the Quay, so if several ships the rest will tender - only possible to check at the beginning of 2024

In Flåm it should be possible to do both the train and Stegastein - book train well in advance - will sell out. You might also want to do kayaking in Flåm rather than Bergen In Ålesund the cruise to Geiranger is a good option - I believe timetable will be the same as 2023. For Bergen I’ll strongly recommend to explore the city rather than the Kayak.

Please post date.

You can book transfer only from Skarfabakki Cruise terminal or transfer including admission to Blue Lagoon from different operators - example is Reykjavik Sightseeing or Destination Blue Lagoon - more options available. The same for transfer from Blue Lagoon to airport

For citizens who do not need a Schengen Visa, there are no additional requirements if the cruise departs and re-arrives in a Schengen country - as an American citizen, there is no requirement for a Schengen visa - only a valid passport . For citizens who need a Schengen Visa, a multi-entry visa is necessary. As previously mentioned, the situation will change when ETIAS comes into force in November 2023.

It is easy to explore George Town on Penang on foot. Many sights and fascinating street art.

Roaming will be possible during the day when in port - likely some possible roaming mornings and evenings when sailing the fjords in and out of Geiranger and Olden. For other days only when in port.

MSC has one deep fjord into Flåm, while Carnival has two fjords into Olden and Skjolden - in addition, Carnival has Bergen. The size of the ship has absolutely no significance for navigating these deep fjords - same experience despite size of ship. However, I would choose Carnival if the main thing is Norwegian fjords due to the two fjords and Bergen - but not the size.

The subject has been discussed several times in this this forum - here are some topics

There are many who organize northern lights tours from Reykjavik - an example or This option. September is a good month. You just have to search on the internet - or joining the Roll Call for your cruise is also an option. Several opportunities for dog sledding in Iceland (dogsledding.is) - again search internet or roll call There are also several options for Blue Lagoon - you can book transport from Reykjavik on their website - also other options for transfer from Reykjavik - again, search on the internet. You can also combine northern light tour with blue lagoon Many options - enjoy Iceland.

You can easily arrange tours yourself in the mentioned ports, but you must arrange them in advance - there will not be tours available on the pier upon arrival. Many of the Norwegian ports are very small towns and a very limited selection of excursions. Credit card is widely accepted. Your trip does have five different currencies. Seach for activities for the different ports in this ‘Northern Europe Forum’ - this actual topic is Norwegian fjords only. A lot of information available.

I have no experience with rental cars in the mentioned ports. But since they are all very small towns, I expect you have to go to the nearest airport - at best 50 to 100 km from the port. You can try searching at carrentals.com, for example.

Just note that there are two cruise terminals in Singapore - Singapore Cruise Center and Marina Bay. I used the storage facility at Marina Bay and took the MRT metro to the city - in the evening I took a taxi to the airport.

One deep fjord cruising Sognefjord to Flåm. Bergen and Ålesund are nIce coastal cities in Norway while Aarhus is a coastal city in Denmark. IMO Not that interesting : Ulvik, Molde, Haugesund, Sandness and Kristiansand One deep fjord to Olden. Stavanger and Bergen nice coastal cities. IMO not that interesting: Åndalsnes. Two Deep fjords to Olden and Skjolden, Also Bergen and Ålesund. Haugesund not that interesting Carnival is actual also good. HAL has one Deep fjord while Carnival has two. Both has Bergen and Ålesund. HAL has more ports as Well as Aarhus price and date for HAL/ Carnival might be the deciding factor.

No specific terminal - Hurtugruten is using three different terminals. Post ship and date.

Yes, most terminals will be contactless - then payment by phone is possible.

Current regulations. Newer ships can sail the fjords until 2025 - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is expected until 2030 (if using BioGas). After 2030, only electric propulsion for Geiranger and Flåm

... and you might end up with a detour. I prefer to know where I'm going when ordering a taxi.

See post #12 and #19 - my highlights are Geiranger and Flåm - also Olden is fine. Some Coastal cities are very tiny and limited activities - in addition to post #19 I’ll also mention Ålesund.

TAP is the best and most economical option from FCO to LIS.

Yes. layer is the answer. Wind and waterproof outerwear and a fleece jacket underneath. It can be cold and rainy on the outer deck and ashore. If you are very cold-hardy, it might also be good to have a hat and mittens. In general, it is warm inside the ship. Perhaps even warmer than air-conditioned ships in the Caribbean - there can be a big difference between the temperature outside and inside.

IMO a Norwegian Fjord cruise is not 'really a fjord cruise' if it does not include the deep fjords. Geiranger and Flåm are the two best deep fjord ports. September is a good time for the Northern Lights as the itinerary goes inside the Arctic Circle.