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Everything posted by hallasm
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Help- Choosing a Norway Itinerary
hallasm replied to stickey_mouse's topic in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
Celebrity Apex has the three iconic deep fjorde to Geiranger (UNESCO), Flåm ( the railway) and Olden. Bergen is much more interesting than Ålesund. Eidfjord/Odda are very small town and not in deep fjords. My vote for Celebrity Apex. -
Ama, Avalon, Uniworld - Anyone been on their Bordeaux Cruises?
hallasm replied to pontac's topic in River Cruising
At first glance, I don’t see any issue with the wine host being an American who owns a winery. A few years ago, I went on a wine-themed cruise with Uniworld to Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, where the wine host was from California (Richard Sanford). We had some fantastic visits to vineyards (in particular in Rhone ), with wine tastings both at local producers and onboard the ship. -
Warnemunde to Lubeck; also info on Aarhus, Denmark
hallasm replied to Pearl64's topic in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
Yes, it is possible to take public transport to ARoS, but I think you will walk almost the same distance and it will take longer. It is about a 1 km walk through the Latin Quarter and the pedestrian street. The main attraktions in Aarhus are: ARoS Aarhus Art Museum Den Gamle By (The Old Town - open air Museum) The Latin Quarter in Aarhus (cobblestoned historic streets/ Møllestien / Aarhus River) Aarhus Cathedral Other interesting places are (Outside Aarhus) Moesgaard Museum Marselisborg Castle (Royal summer residence) -
Correct spelling: Eidfjord, Stavanger, Ålesund here some examples of lokal operators - ask if looking for a specific tour Olden Adventure - https://www.oldencruise.com Fjord Tours - https://www.fjordtours.com Norways Best - https://www.norwaysbest.com/en Uniktur - https://uniktur.com Rødne - https://rodne.no/en/
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My answer to your question in another topic. GetYourGuide is an online marketplace where you can book tours around the world. GetYourGuide acts as an intermediary, working with local tour operators and quality can therefore vary depending on the local guide/operator. Find local operators and book directly with them.
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GetYourGuide is an online marketplace where you can book tours around the world. GetYourGuide acts as an intermediary, working with local tour operators and quality can therefore vary depending on the local guide/operator. Find local operators and book directly with them. Which ports of excursions?
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Flying out of Lisbon, why aren't there 1-stop flights back to the US?
hallasm replied to NoWhiners's topic in Cruise Air
You should also look at the total travel time - there can be a long wait at stopovers. -
Great itinerary. Yes, the Norwegian fjords are breathtaking - Geiranger and Bergen are my favorite ports in Norway.
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Hi Johanna. Very interesting - yes, an almost identical picture. Same day, almost the same time, and maybe even from the same location - the bridge wing on Anthem on June 25, 2024.
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Yes, it's the same fjord and the same landscape when you sail out in the evening - often it's the first hour after leaving the port that's the most interesting. But admittedly - there aren't very many people on deck early in the morning. However, I think the landscape is most beautiful at sunrise - it can also be breathtaking at sunset - but then you've mostly come out of the fjord. Enjoy Norway - which fjords?
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Schengen question—do sea days count?
hallasm replied to Traveling4Annie's topic in Ask a Cruise Question
@Traveling4Annie I don’t know where you’re from or how you plan to enter the Schengen Area on July 26, but I assume you are flying to Europe. Be prepared that your problems may begin even before you leave your home country, as the airline has carrier liability and will check your return ticket and intended length of stay at boarding when traveling to the Schengen Area. Airlines and ferry companies are required under EU regulations to verify travel documentation (passport, visa, return ticket, etc.) because they can be financially penalized if they transport a passenger who is denied entry into the Schengen Area. They might check whether your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. They may ask you to show a return or onward ticket proving that you will leave the Schengen Area within 90 days. They may also ask about the duration and purpose of your stay. -
Schengen question—do sea days count?
hallasm replied to Traveling4Annie's topic in Ask a Cruise Question
Madeira is the last Schengen port. On a transatlantic cruise from Genoa (Italy), with a stop in Madeira (Portugal), the Schengen EES (Entry/Exit System) will typically be activated at the last Schengen port where the ship leaves the Schengen area. In this case, it is Madeira (Portugal). Days after Madeira do not count towards the 90 days you are allowed to stay in Schengen. -
ITA Airways allows one piece of hand luggage, weighing no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs), and with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 35cm x 25cm (including handles and wheels). In addition to the main hand luggage, passengers can also bring one personal item like a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack (under seat).
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I would also say that Princess has the best itinerary. Includes two deep fjords to Skjolden and Olden as well as the coastal city of Stavanger. Honningsvåg (North Cape), Tromsø and Trondheim are included in both cruises. HAL has very small ports of call such as Måløy and Eidfjord. Leknes is also a small port on the Lofoten islands.
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There is also a problem if the water level in the river is too high - then the ships cannot pass under the bridges - an equally big problem as low water leves.
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Best fjord boat trip close to port
hallasm replied to Pollylolly's topic in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
This is a Lysefjord tour I did with Rødne last year from Stavanger -
This forum is for specific questions about the fjords. Contact with fellow guests is done in Roll Call - you have already posted there.
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I agree with @gnome12 - option A for the same reasons.
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Best fjord boat trip close to port
hallasm replied to Pollylolly's topic in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
The question is which are the prettirst fjords in Norway - the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List - while the Aurlandsfjord, Lysefjord and Trollfjord are also beautiful. In fact, Skjolden is located at the bottom of the Sognefjord, which is Norway's longest fjord. Olden is located in the Nordfjord, which is also impressive. So there are already two fjords in your itineary - you just need to be on the upper decks one to two hours before arrival - or in the evening. From Stavanger you can easily sail to the Lysefjord - book with Rødne. -
I love cruises and have been on several transatlantic and cruises with many sea days. But I have never participated in ship activities other than shows. I find most activities offered by the ship very trivial. Reading my Daily newspaper - app on iPad. I’m bringing my own games and entertainment in the form of Card games, Sudoku, E-book reader / book, Podcasts or audiobooks (downloaded in advance) and listening to music. Creative activities such as sketchpad and drawing supplies, keeping a diary / travel blog or handicrafts. I have also spent time on online courses and other learning as well as light exercise equipment. And most importantly - to relax.
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Is the cruise industry killing communities?
hallasm replied to Bbbobbins's topic in Ask a Cruise Question
Overtourism has become an increasing problem in many small and popular cruise ports. But at the same time, these ports are dependent on income from tourism. In recent years, both cruise lines and local authorities have implemented various measures to address the issue. Both in terms of overtourism but also the environmental impact on the vulnerable fjords and small urban communities. Ports have introduced daily limits on the number of cruise ships allowed and staggered arrival times to better distribute visitors throughout the day. Local authorities are introducing environmental fees and tourist taxes to help cover wear and tear and improve infrastructure. Several cruise lines are opting for less well-known, yet scenic ports to ease pressure on the most popular destinations. Cruise companies and ports are investing in LNG-powered ships, shore power facilities, waste treatment systems, and technologies to reduce emissions—especially in small fjord ports with vulnerable natural environments. Years ago, environmental restrictions were introduced for cruise ships in Flåm and Geiranger in Norway, but those limits have now been postponed as the towns were in fact economically dependent on the continued visits of large cruise ships. Venice has completely banned large ships from entering the lagoon itself and established alternative docking sites. Overtourism remains a challenge, especially during peak season, but many cities rely heavily on the revenue generated by cruise tourism. However, there is a growing recognition among both local authorities and cruise lines of the need for sustainable and responsible tourism. A combination of regulation, technological investment, and better planning is seen as the way forward. -
There are Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere and Aurora Australis in the Southern Hemisphere) all year round - as mentioned earlier often more intense around the equinox. But it requires the sky to be dark (and cloudless) - therefore you cannot see it in the summer when the sky is bright (due to the midnight sun).
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I have been with Hurtigruten in January - it was a very nice trip. The best opportunities for the Northern Lights are actually around the equinox in September and March - the weather is often much better here. Hurtigruten has two options - the traditional postal route with 34 stops between Bergen and Kirkenes - either 6 days from Bergen to Kirkenes or 11 days return. Another option is their Signature voyages with fewer and longer stops. There is a 'Northern Lights Promise' - but read the terms and conditions - it is not a one for one replacement.