hallasm

SAS Booking Class J depends on whether it is within Scandinavia, Europe or overseas.
which website are you looking at and which legs are you talking about - I assume you are flying via an airport in Scandinavia to VCE / from AMS.

More details are needed to answer your question.

42 minutes ago, doingourthing said:

Not knowing anything about disembarking from the shop would it be crazy to try to get a train the afternoon ie 15:30 to Flam?

The coastal ships arrive in Bergen at 14:45 - disembarking can easily take an hour.

A Train/bus at 15:30 is too optimistic.  
 

14 minutes ago, doingourthing said:

was looking at Norway in a nutshell and staying over in Flam. Thought it might be too much of the same (as the cruise). Sounds like it’s worth it.

Yes, I would think it is worth the trip to Flåm. It is easy to order the individual elements in Norway in a Nutshell. Transportation in Norway is very reliable.
May is a fine time - still a lot of snow in the mountains and water in the rivers.

And May is still considered winter in Norway and the coastal route does not sail to Geiranger. I suppose it will be possible to visit the viewpoints in Geiranger on the excursion from Ålesund if they are not closed due to snow. 

12 minutes ago, doingourthing said:

If we do the Havila roundtrip cruise is it still worth going to Flam from Bergen.  We have three days after the cruise before we fly out.  Choice would be to see more of Bergen or take a train etc to Flam and back in 2 days.

Are you flying out from Oslo or Bergen? 
Even after a trip with Havila, I would recommend a two-day trip to Flåm. Actually the coastal voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes only sails into one deep fjord to Geiranger (not in winter) - After a day in Bergen it will be fine going to Flåm.

highlights in Flåm are the Flåm railway to Myrdal, the Stegastein Viewpoint and the boat trip from Flåm to Gudevangen through the deep fjords.
Find a hotel in Flåm, Myrdal or Gudevangen. Transport to/from Bergen to Flåm/Gudevangen by train or bus. Possible via Voss.

if flying out of Oslo Train from Flåm to Oslo.

The main attraktions in Aarhus are: 

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Den Gamle By (The Old Town Museum) 

Moesgaard Museum

The Latin Quarter in Aarhus (cobblestoned historic streets) 

There will also be HoHo bus available 

Here is a link to topic with more details 

14 minutes ago, Gretchendz said:

Update--many more changes due to bad weather.

Thank you for the update.

Yes, at this time of year you can expect canceled ports, and moved dining times.
If the weather gets very bad I usually stay in my bed. Remember to check if there are things in the cabin or in the bathroom that could fall down and break - I put my toiletries in the sink.

Safety comes first. Fortunately, for some of the route the sailing is sheltered by islands and islets. Good continued journey.

I would definitely prefer June - more water in the rivers and snow in the mountains. This video is June 10.

My last cruise was March 2020 just before the whole world shut down with Covid - I have been a little reluctant until now but have now booked three cruises in 2024.

2 hours ago, Gretchendz said:

Avoid deck 6 unless you don't mind people walking by your window all day

Not deck 6 on all ships - on most ships it is actually deck 5.
I admit it is a problem when others can see through the windows, but on Northern Lights Voyages I prefer deck 5 to be able to get out quickly On Open deck when the Northern Lights are announced.

Yes, very identical itineraries - two very good itineraries - since Arctic Circle cruising included time will also be important (midnight sun).

Deep fjords are (prioritized order): Geiranger, Flåm and Olden

Hellesylt is only a technical stop for start of excursions ending in Geiranger. No additional scenic cruising.

Interesting coastal cities (prioritized order): Ålesund, Trondheim and Tromsø

Honningsvåg is the port for North Cape - assuming cruise in June/July for midnight sun

Les interesting ports: Haugesund and Molde.

in general I do not understand why Bruges is included in a Norwegian fjord cruise - hence I would chose option 1 - but will depend on time.

Note: Cruising to Flåm and Geiranger will be very limited from 2026 due to regulations on emission in the UNESCO heritage fjords.

3 hours ago, little britain said:

It’s 23.00 on 14th until 05.00 on 15th

Many cruise ships stop in Honningsvåg over night to experience the midnight sun at North Cape. But it makes no sense in August.

- immediately one of the highlights of a cruise north of the Arctic Circle is experiencing the midnight sun, but August is too late - the midnight sun is over.

Hope the cruise is not marketed as a midnight sun cruise.

What are highlights and what can be skipped is subjective, but here is my assessment.

Highlights are:

Deep fjords  (prioritized):

Geiranger

Flåm

Olden

From 2026 majority of cruise ships cannot sail to Geiranger and Flåm

Coastal  cities (prioritized):

Bergen

Stavanger

Ålesund

Can be skipped:

Haugesund

Kristainsand

Molde

Nordfjordeid

Where do you board the ship? Immediately there is no Schengen 'immigration problem' in that you stay ashore and meet your ship in the following port two days later - you are already 'legally' in the Schengen area - but that is something NCL decides or perhaps the ship's captain.

Since it is not possible in the US, it is not certain that your local NCL rep knows the correct answer when it comes to Germany/Schengen.

My immediate expectation is that it is possible.

2 hours ago, kitkat343 said:

I was wondering about the history of the regulations of Geiranger and Flam.

I think the primary drive is to bring down emissions in shipping. Norway has been signaling for some time that they plan to take a proactive role not only in the electrification of urban transport and traffic, but also to drastically reduce pollution in a maritime context.

The ferry operator Fjord1 already has several electrified ferries in their fleet, and the Coastal Express from Bergen to Kirkenes operated by Hurtigruten and Havila has also a high focus on reducing emissions from their ships.

7 hours ago, kitkat343 said:

I was under the impression that the Norwegian government wanted the limitations on travel.  Does UNESCO have anything to do with these restrictions?

Do you mean Norway in general or is it regarding restrictions for Geiranger and Flåm?

When it comes to Geiranger and Flåm, it is probably indirect UNESCO, as Norway is obliged to protect natural areas that are on the World Heritage List. 'Zero Emission Zones' have just been introduced in the fjords that are on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Therefore, most cruise ships cannot sail in the fjords to Flåm and Geiranger from 2026, as they do not meet emission requirements.

1 hour ago, gnome12 said:

The new yearly schedule from Dec 10 2023 to Dec 14 2024 has now been posted

Thank you

21 minutes ago, NightOne said:

They are the ones behind this and the ones that drove it.

Correct. It can be a long discussion. Inclusion of a cultural or natural value on the world heritage list requires the consent of the state concerned.
The obligation to ensure the protection, preservation and continuation for future generations of cultural and natural heritage rests with the relevant state.
Norway has nominated and accepted the fjords on the UNESCO world heritage list and it is in the interest of humanity that these values are preserved - mass tourism in these fjords will eventually destroy the area. The problem is to find a balance that accommodates the conservation of the fjords and at the same time enables tourism as a source of income.

19 minutes ago, NightOne said:

Also, UNESCO sucks and should be ignored/abolished

I don't quite understand what your opinion of UNESCO has to do with this question. UNESCO has nothing to do with future restrictions in the fjords.

1 hour ago, hollon said:

What would be the best schedule for Norway, I know thats subjective, but what are your must see?

Best deep fjords are Geiranger, Flåm and Olden - Coastal cities are Bergen, Stavanger and Ålesund. 
 

It is important to do thorough research on the ports you visit - there are several ports in smaller or very small towns that are not that interesting to visit.

3 hours ago, SunsetsNSmiles said:

Also, if there is anyone out there that has good knowledge about this whole 2026 shut down of ports, I would appreciate your advice.

The Norwegian Parliament has adopted a resolution to stop emissions from cruise ships in the Norwegian World Heritage fjords by 2026. The majoritet of Cruise ships will not be able to navigate the UNESCO Heritage fjords to the ports of Flåm and Geiranger from 2026.

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.

LNG powered ships like MSC Euribia, AIDAnova, Costa Smeralda, P&O Iona and possible more, who can use bio LNG will be able to visit Flåm and Geiranger after 2026.

3 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Are you saying Helsingborg is Helsinki? If yes, the OP will dock at Helsingborg, particularly if that is where they are disembarking the ship.

Thank you for your correction. There aren't that many cruise ships calling at Helsingborg, so I didn't think of that as a possibility. Correction: larger ships tender in Helsingborg.

All should have sufficient capacity for docking including Helsinki - likely no tendering.

Norge fjords Zero emission zones - ban of cruise ships

The Norwegian Parliament has adopted a resolution to stop emissions from cruise ships in the Norwegian World Heritage fjords by 2026. The majority of Cruise ships will not be able to navigate the UNESCO Heritage fjords to the ports of Flåm and Geiranger from 2026.

However, there is a proposal to allow the use of biogas (Bio LNG) under certain circumstances for a transitional period of 5 years, so that new cruise ships powered by bio LNG can still sail the fjords until 2030.

LNG powered ships like MSC Euribia, AIDAnova, Costa Smeralda, P&O Iona and possible more, who can use bio LNG will be able to visit Flåm and Geiranger after 2026.

I've been to both t the bird Safari during summer and North Cape in Winter - two very different excursions and both very interesting and good excursions. A boat trip to the Gjesværstappan bird sanctuary or the North Cape monument with the Nordkapphallen visitor center.
Which of the two excursions is best depends entirely on interests. Read a little about Gjesværstappan and the North Cape and make a decision based on the description of the excursions and make your decision.

Two videos - North Cape in winter but you’ll still get an feeling for what you’ll see.

10 hours ago, hokieparent said:

Do you know of any recommendations to visit sites other than cruise excursions?  I read there are very few taxis available since the city is quite small.

Skagen is very popular during summer - good fish restaurants and beaches. Many Danes and Germans are having their summer holiday at Skagen.
The town of Skagen has a history spanning at least 600 years. Fishing has always been an important industry, and the town continues to be Denmark’s largest fishing port. Skagen has 9,000 inhabitants.

The port is operating a free shuttle bus from The pier to city centre.

Skagen is quite small however the must see locations are 4 to 13 km from the centre - renting a bike will be a nice experience, but you can also possible rent a car.
 
At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Skagen was home to a group of artists known as the Skagen Painters. At Skagen the light is very special.
In the City Center you will find Skagens Art Museum, with 1,800 paintings, drawings, sculptures and handicrafts by the artists active in Skagen.
The museum is located in the former home of P.S. Krøyer, who was one of the most prominent members of the Skagen Painters. You can also visit painters Anna & Michael Anchers' charming house and Holger Drachmanns Home (author & painter).

Skagen is locatied on the peninsula only few kilometres wide where the two seas Kattegat  and the Skagerrak meet at Grenen (the branch / the Tip). The tip of Grenen grows by approximately 8 meters each year.
A visit to Grenen is a must. It is possible to walk or bike the 4 km from Skagen to Grenen.

There is also a 'Grenen bus' only operated during "cruise ship calls - the cost of the Grenen bus is 5 US$ or Euro, in cash or credit card at the drop off point -  the Grenen bus runs approximately every 40 minutes (2023)   - 2024 schedule is not yet available. 

From the visiter center there is a tractor bus (Sandormen - The Sand Worm) to the Tip.

On the way towards Grenen, it is 'Det Grå Fyr' - The Gray Lighthouse. There is also a cafe here.

The Buried Church 5km south of Skagen was once the largest church in the region. Only the tower now remains, after the sand drift that started in the 16th century literally covered the rest of the church. The church has not been in use since 1795.

13 km south of Skagen is Råbjerg Mile (Dune), the largest migrating sand dune in Northern Europe. It’s easy to imagine being in the middle of a desert.with a unique flora and fauna.

Link to more information

Here a post with information on bike rental

28 minutes ago, hokieparent said:

Any additional information about the port's bus, its route and if you have other segments that you can purchase would be appreciated.

in 2023 there was a free shuttle bus from the pier to the center - it is exclusively transport from the ship to the city centre.

Previously, there was a bus service in the city, but from July 2023 there was only a bus from the center to Grenen - not to other attractions.

The Grenen Bus only runs from the city center to Grenen. Tickets could be bought at the information desk on the cruise pier or on the bus. There is no information yet about a possible bus service in 2024.