Suggestions needed for private tours during Fjord cruise

[Pia1913]

Would like suggestions for booking private tours during CB cruise June 19th. I know what to do in Flaam, but would like hints for the other ports.

 

Thanks. Our Roll Call is very miniscule.

[TLCOhio]

Would like suggestions for booking private tours during CB cruise June 19th. I know what to do in Flaam, but would like hints for the other ports. Thanks. Our Roll Call is very miniscule.

 

WOW!! You've got lots of great cruises upcoming. AND, so many CC Board posts!! With your ports of Bergen, Hellesylt/Geiranger, Honningsvag, Tromsø, Gravdal, Flam and Stavanger on your June 19 Princess cruise, we've been to all of these except the last one. Lots of ideas and suggestions. First, I would suggest you look through the below-linked live/blog that I did on our July 2010 cruise along the wonderful Norway Coast. Second, tell us more on your personal interests, travel style, budget, number in your party, etc. How much are you interested in history, countryside vs. cities, museums, food, wine, art, music, shopping, architecture, etc.?? How much of it in a leisurely style versus fast-paced? Then, with more detailed information from you, we can make better, more specific suggestions on what best fits your needs and interests.

 

The private tour options are more limited along this coast as the season is fairly short and the population/sizes are fairly small in most areas. Are you willing and/or interested in doing some independent, on-your-own adventures? For our two couples, we did three different rental car trips that worked out very well. Below are a few visuals examples for what we did, saw and loved. Lots more details and specifics on the full report. Look forward to hearing more reactions and comments back from you.

 

Cruise ship tours are not always the best, but in some cases they might be your best or easiest option in some of these ports and areas.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 60,364 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

We went to the end of the road for the dramatic Lofoten Islands with our rental car. It is a village called “A”. In their alphabet, this “A” has a small “o” above the letter. Simple name for a charming fishing town. We had box lunches from the ship and dined on a picnic table on the wooden dock. This was our view with the busy and noisy birds.:

 

 

 

This is the dramatic overview of Tromso along the Norway Coast. The Arctic Cathedral is shown bottom right in this picture.:

 

 

 

Sailing from the small fishing village of Gjesvaer near the North Cape, this is the first of many puffin visuals, showing their bright orange feet, plus their cute and unique beaks.:

 

 

 

Right near the Hanseatic merchant warehouse area is the Bergen Fish Market with lots of options to buy food to eat on site or just watch, enjoying the “show” as people ask questions and buy the various fresh fish items.:

 

 

 

This is the super scenic view from immediately above Geiranger that shows the Silver Cloud and Costa ships tendered. A little before this picture, we were to go to Mt. Dalsnibba as a photo stop from this 4,920-foot vantage for the snow-covered surrounding mountains, icy glaciers, crystalline lakes and Geirangerfjord far below. Here is this view, at a lower level, that provided a wonderful vista.:

 

 

 

After being tendered from Geiranger, we sailed out and passed by two super famous waterfalls. YES, yes, we saw lots and lots of waterfalls on this trip, but these two were among the “best of the best”. First is the “Seven Sisters”. Directly opposite in this narrow fjord, it is called several names, including “The Suitor”. The majesty for these feats of nature is pretty amazing.:

 

[Pia1913]

Terry: I want to thank you in advance for all that you've sent. This is very time consuming to digest and will read your entire blog (and make appropriate notes) at leisure.

 

Inasmuch as we've been to Copenhagen several times, the photos are not only outstanding but very reminiscent. Bergen too, won't be a new port for us, but all others will be.

 

Again, thanks in advance and I'm looking forward to a lot of reading.

[TLCOhio]

Terry: I want to thank you in advance for all that you've sent. This is very time consuming to digest and will read your entire blog (and make appropriate notes) at leisure. Inasmuch as we've been to Copenhagen several times, the photos are not only outstanding but very reminiscent. Bergen too, won't be a new port for us, but all others will be. Again, thanks in advance and I'm looking forward to a lot of reading.

 

Appreciate your follow and nice comments. Glad to bring back good memories.

 

YES, we have totally loved from Copenhagen from our two visits and one awesome day in Bergen. WOW! They are both so unique and special. We were blessed with super weather on all of our days there.

 

The Norway Coast is challenging as the number of books, reviews, etc., from there are not as large and easy to access compared to London, Paris, Venice, etc.

 

Look forward to any and all of your questions. Many good to great options to consider, but it takes more "digging" to find, ponder, evaluate, etc. Good luck!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 66,454 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 60,364 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923