hallasm

4 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

DId the Viking Sky not have survival suits on board?  Did other Hurtigruten ships have survival suits on board?

I’m not an expert in this field, but it is my understanding that international regulations do not require immersion suits for all passengers on cruise ships - there are, however, national regulations and regulations for ships that sail in Arctic waters - I mean MS Maud sails under Norwegian flag and also used for Arctic cruises.

This are the rules for Danish ships:

”For Danish flagged passenger ships trading in Greenland, Artic and comparable waters, immersion suits are required for each person on board. During the period from 1 May to 30 September, passenger ships may undertake individual voyages without carrying immersion suits for all persons on board, on the condition that the persons who are not provided with immersion suits are provided with thermal protective aids.”

Take a chance with a bid for an upgrade - Business is somewhat better on a long flight.

33 minutes ago, teony20 said:

which cruise line did you use?

Note that most cruise lines continuously change itineraries on the Norwegian fjords and have alternating itineraries during the season.
Check your favorite cruise lines which ports they offer. Should include a couple of the deep fjords to (in order of priority) Geiranger, Flåm, Olden and Skjolden and coastal towns Bergen, Ålesund or Stavanger.
Note that most cruises do not include Geiranger and Flåm after 2025 due to restrictions on emission from ships in the UNESCO fjords.

Not flow out of  LAX recently but SAS is my primary choice in Europe and overseas.

My recommendation is to book Premium seats and make a bid for upgrade to business. Either use SAS app or flysas.com for access to bid.

In Plus from CPH to ARN marginally more space between seat for Plus.

Benefits are also lounge access in LAX and CPH  Fast track Security.

Transfer in Copenhagen is easy  - basically one terminal. When you enter the terminal building you’ll find a monitor with Gates and times for connecting flights - normally also announced onboard just before landing. Immigration/ Passport control in CPH - just follow the crowd. No additional secutiy.

Luggage is transferred between flights in CPH. Customs in ARN - you just choose the green exit.

Very easy process.

Just a note. Currently SAS is part of StarAlliance - will probably change in 2024 to Skyteam. Today SAS is using United lounges in US but might change to Delta.

2 hours ago, Nicstids said:

The remaining departures are at 16.15, 17.30 and 18.45. Does anyone have any input on which one might be best?! I note the sun doesn't set until 23.00...

The train departs at 12:00. Tender boats dock very close to the station but 12:00 is too risky. Other available times are fine - as long as you are back before departure - as you write, it is light until 23:00

You might get better answers in the Western Europe Forum

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/148-british-isleswestern-europe/

34 minutes ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

That may be the case in the Denmark market, but is certainly not the case in the US market.

Is very possible. When I have bought through TA's it has been US based TA and it has been cruise only.

It is relatively simple to compare a TA offer with the price you have to pay for individual bookings of cruise, hotels, transfer and flights and possible insurance.

If TA has the best offer, it's a simple decision.

My experience is that booking a cruise, flight, transfer and hotel yourself is often cheaper than using a TA. Get a price from a TA and then compare it with what you will pay if you book the individual parts yourself. If you plan to travel a lot, annual travel insurance is often cheaper than insurance for the individual trip. Many credit cards also offer travel insurance.

For the majority of my cruises I have booked independently.

Yes - Flåm is very similar to Geiranger - Flåm is also in a UNESCO fjord, the train and Stegastein viewpoint. 
Stavanger is also a nice coastal city.

9 hours ago, BuckeyeMark said:

and we're actually on the Apex on May 18. 

Yes, I was looking at June 18.

48 minutes ago, bongju said:

I would like to get opinions on the 12 May 2024 RCCL Anthem of the Seas itinerary

Bergen is a nice coastal city - take Fløybanan funicular railway to Mount Fløyen and walk back to the city.

In Olden take the Loen Skylift to the viewpoint - Olden is in a deep fjord.

Geiranger is located in the iconic deep UNESCO fjord - good viewpoints and hiking opportunities. May is early - some viewpoints might still be closed due to snow.

I have not much experience with Haugesund.

At least two deep fjords and Bergen - nice itinerary - still snow in the mountains and water in the rivers.

6 hours ago, BuckeyeMark said:

HOW CAN THEY BE SOLD OUT?!  They haven't even been on sale yet.

Tickets have ben on sale for few days. 
Each train has a capacity of 525 pax - the cruise lines and Norway's Best reserve a lot in advance and they sell out quickly. Vy has a share that is put up for sale 60 to 120 days before.

If you have a larger group, I would suggest that you contact Norways Best directly by email: sales@norwaysbest.com.

There might be a chance -  Sky Princess is The only ship in port June 18.

8 hours ago, BuckeyeMark said:

Having a little trouble on vy. no for May 18, 2023.

You can book one way at Norways Best -  Hike and Bike

Also Vy has a web in English Language

7 hours ago, jajsmom said:

did see this. I was looking for more information on this.  About how long would a hike down take?

This is information Included In the link

Trains are selling out fast when cruise ships in port. Limited capacity.
Hike or Bike the Flåm Valley

8 hours ago, gnome12 said:

OK. But if a time is sold out on Norway's best on the first day of availability,

Very likely. Capacity of the five trains available on the day is 75% of guests capacity on Antem - two ships in port June 17.

26 minutes ago, gnome12 said:

I think the sold out times are prebooked by the cruise lines.

No, cruise lines does not purchase from Norways Best - Norways Best is a travel agency buying a number of tickets from the vendor, Sometimes they are able to get more tickets. 60 days in advance tickets will also be available at vy.no

1 hour ago, CDNPolar said:

Sorry if I offended you.

Not at all. Thank you for your reply. 
Often the problem is when questions are asked about Hurtigruten,  it’s not clear if it regarding Coastal voyage or expedition. 

5 hours ago, bethtex said:

when you talk about excursions being expensive, is this for basic going ashore/hiking, kayaking, zodiac rides?

45 minutes ago, CDNPolar said:

Are you asking about Coastal Voyages or Antarctica?

This topic is about Hurtigruten - Norway Coastal Express.

It is necessary to be more specific when asking questions - Hurtigruten is divided into two different companies 'Coastal Express' (Hurtigruten) in Norway and 'Expedition' (HX). While HX has quite a few excursions included, not much is included in Hurtigruten.

Assuming Oslo.  List of port calls in Oslo for 2024 not yet available - Depending on port there might be 1 mile from your hotel to the port - definitely walk able.

Thank you for the additional information - much appreciated. Hope you'll see Northern Lights on your south bound voyage - looks like clear skies Thursday.

Thank you for your detailed review. Is the cabin Arctic Superior or Polar?
Can you please mention ship as the five ships on the coastal voyage are quite different- also more details on public spaces. 

Do a good research on Norwegian ports that are visited.
Some itineraries include several less interesting ports. Also consider whether the route should be the iconic deep fjords or arctic with midnight sun in June and July.

Look for the iconic deep fjords: Geiranger, Flåm and Olden. Interesting coastal cities are Bergen, Ålesund and Stavanger.

The Arctic includes Honningsvåg, Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands.

Itinerary one has some fjord sailings to Geiranger, Skjolden and Eidfjord- possible excursion from Stavanger to Lysefjord.

Itinerary two has limited opportunity - You can arrange an excursion to Geiranger from Ålesund - Will take 8 hours and depending on arrival/ departure time in Ålesund. 
There may also be opportunities from Leknes.
 

The size of the ship has no significance when it comes to the Norwegian fjords. Even the largest cruise ships can sail the deep Norwegian fjords.

For the same reason, I always fly to my cruise no later than the day before. I have traveled a lot and several times my luggage has arrived late - but only once in my 35+ cruises. Flew in to FLL - transatlantic via ORD. Our luggage arrived in the late afternoon of the day we were due to sail - the airline brought it directly to the ship. We gave notice when we checked in and got t-shirts on the ship so we could change.