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Though the winter brings brutal cold, summer temperatures can exceed 77 degrees, so if you're traveling during this period, bring breathable, comfortable clothing. Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises and Princess Cruises are several of the most popular cruise lines that sail to Norway. A nostalgic voyage of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago to experience a remote wilderness of fjords, glaciers, and polar wildlife.
Follow the Northern Lights: Southbound Helsinki to Oslo
But when considering a fjord region itinerary, it's crucial to study the route in more detail, because the fjords matter just as much as the ports, if not more. As Norwegian fjord cruising's popularity surges, so does local concern about overtourism. Recent years have seen an upsurge in anti-cruise sentiments, with notices in certain destinations urging cruise tourists to reconsider their visits. The dramatic landscapes of Norway are best appreciated from the water, letting travellers grasp the true grandeur of the fjords. Some itineraries focus on one fjord, and visit some of Norway's coastal cities in addition.
Norwegian cruise ship loses navigation ability in North Sea during storm - Reuters UK
Norwegian cruise ship loses navigation ability in North Sea during storm.
Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Remarkable Port CitiesCruises to Norwegian Fjords
Less-visited Alta, also on the aurora oval, has such winter attractions as Northern Lights viewing while spending the night in a teepee at a Sami dogsledding camp—an experience offered by some cruise lines. In North Cape, you can stand at the northernmost edge of the European continent. Havila Voyages operates environmentally friendlier coastal cruise ships, including the Havila Castor, seen hear gliding into Trollfjorden.
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Some itineraries focus on ports, while others incorporate scenic cruising into the itinerary that might mean you spend a day sailing up and down a fjord but without a port call. For the more adventurous, a Norway cruise to the Arctic just might be the best option. However, you don't need an expedition ship to visit Norway's Arctic destinations, which include Tromso, Honningsvag and the North Cape, Svalbard (Spitsbergen) and the Lofoten Islands. Many mainstream and luxury lines offer itineraries to these ports, though the cruises typically last two to three weeks and may include some southern Norway destinations, too.
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The Food on a Hurtigruten Cruise Through Norway.
Posted: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Hurtigruten’s special itineraries for 2023
Norway's coastal cities, thousands of miles of coastline and world-famous fjords lend themselves to cruising perhaps more than any other country. In conclusion, Norway's fjords offer something for every traveller, be it a comprehensive cruise experience or a DIY exploration. The key is to choose the experience that aligns best with your own preferred travel style. A 15-day ‘Viking Homelands' itinerary from Viking Ocean Cruises starts in Stockholm. It calls in to historic ports including the Åland Islands, Gdansk, Bornholm, Copenhagen and Aalborg on its way to Norway and the fjords. This itinerary includes just one fjord–the Hardangerfjord on the way to and from Eidfjord–but it might suit those looking for a wider introduction to the region.
In addition to the major cruise companies, many smaller companies run multi-day boat trips around the archipelago. This could be a great solution if you are prepared to fly to Svalbard independently. For an idea of what to expect, you can listen to an episode of the Life in Norway Show all about adventure tourism in Svalbard. I'll start by talking about some of the reasons this kind of vacation is so popular. Then look at the types of cruise available, and some of the country's most popular ports.
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Both of the spaces are built around three massive crystal chandeliers costing nearly $100,000 that hang down to the floor — a showstopper of a design element. As working ships, they call at many of the 34 ports for just a few minutes, just enough time to unload and load cargo and passengers. Ponant offers one of the rare Norway sailings that includes the modern capital of Oslo. There's also the environmental impact to take into account, particularly in the fjord region.
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Flam has the star attraction of the UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord, viewable on a one-hour steep ascent on the antique trains of the Flam Railway. Aesund is a pretty fishing village known for art nouveau architecture, while Olden boasts access to glaciers and glacial-fed waterfalls and lakes. Viking history is a draw in Trondheim, founded in 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason and known today for its culinary scene. Note that most Norway cruises do not visit the capital city of Oslo, so if that’s on your wish list you’ll want to select your itinerary carefully. Most Norway sailings operate between May and September, with the height of the season running from June through August. Years ago, on a cruise in Norway, I met a fellow passenger who complained about the sheer number of fjords, saying that he would have preferred more variety of landscape.
They range in cruise length, accommodation standard, departure port, destinations, and onboard activities among many other factors. Any one factor can drastically alter the cruising experience, for the better, or for the worse. Cruising the Norwegian fjords is more than just ticking off a bucket list adventure; it's about selecting the right experience. First and foremost, it's important to understand that there is no such thing as a “typical” cruise. The Norwegian government has set forth restrictions, allowing only zero-emission vessels to cruise certain UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords, set to begin in 2026.
Plus, given Norway's notoriously finicky weather, there's no guarantee that rain won't set in before the ship departs. Norway cruise itineraries depart from a variety of cities, though most begin in Bergen or Oslo. Other popular departure cities are found across northern Europe, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Hamburg and a variety of U.K. The SS France was put into service in February of 1962 by Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, a French ocean liner company.
Enjoy a boating tour of Hardangerfjord — one of the world’s longest fjords — and hike through lush forests to towering waterfalls. You will see spectacular scenery throughout the voyage, but the number of famous fjords visited by the ship is actually very small. In 2023, more people took a Norwegian fjords cruise than ever before. In this article, I'll introduce these popular cruises in Norway and explain why so many people want to take one.
To me, as a frequent cruiser, these striking vistas are a must-see experience on the world map. This could be an entire article in itself, in fact that's probably something I will write in the future! But for now, I can say that you should prepare for varied weather throughout your trip, regardless of season. It can rain in the summer and there can be bright sunshine in the winter.
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