cruiser1085

We had a fabulous north bound Norwegian coast trip in March and decided to go back to Norway again next year. The last time, we had a room on the 5th deck of the MS Kong Harold with a partially obstructed view, which was fine for us. The only time we were in our cabin, for the most part, was to sleep.

So we are considering getting an inside cabin this time, to save a bit since we won't be in the room much. The ship will be the MS Richard With. From what I've read, deck 3 can be very noisy, but I'd love opinions on inside cabins on deck 5. Pros and cons. And I've read that the starboard side is preferable. Thank you!

Thank you again for everyone's input. We are planning a Northbound voyage in March of 2024. 

Is it okay to ask about things besides the cruise itself? i.e. Favorite restaurants in Bergen? We plan to stay a couple nights there before the ship sales.

Has anyone done a dog sled ride in Kirkenes? 

Are exclusions best booked from the ship, or can you book things at the (few) ports where there is time to go on one? I'm thinking back to an Alaska cruise where it was better to get off the ship and book excursions--of which there were plenty. 

Do cell phone cameras do an okay job photographing the Northern Lights, or should I borrow my friend's "good" camera. 

Favorite things to do/see in Bergen?

I want to do a King Crab excursion but have no desire to be on snow mobiles as one of you did (just personal preference)--are there other options? 

Has anyone else done the train from Oslo to Bergen? 

And flights from Kirkenes back to Bergen. Did you book on your own or through the cruise line. 

Any tips on what time of year to book our flight from the US to Norway--do prices drop at certain times of the year? 

And how easy is it to get from airport to hotels and to/from cruise ship in Bergen and Kirkenes.

Thank you! 

Thank you all for your thoughts. I will be incorporating them into our planning. 

I am in the early planning stages to cruise the coast of Norway in 2023 with my husband--the year I have read the Northern Lights will be really good.

I've done a little research and December seems like a poor time to go: too much chance of rain. Which month is best month between September and March and why? 

Cruise length: Is the 7 day cruise the best--going South I've read. Is 11 to 12 days too much time to be on a cruise?  (They have a Northern Lights guarantee if you do the longer cruise). Seems you stop at different ports going South versus North. 

Also, what excursions are best? I realize many ports only have a few minutes stop. We love the outdoors. I'm thinking dog sledding would be fun.

Do you have a favorite port and why?

I read to avoid the lower level as there can be too much noise from the port activity. Is this true? 

I also read to choose a newer boat for viewing decks. Do you have a favorite ship and why? 

I apologize if this information has already been covered. I've been away from this forum for a few years and am just now starting to plan again. Thank you in advance for your input and any tips you care to share. 

I am a relative newbie to cruises, having taken only one to the Caribbean as part of a continuing education seminar and one to Alaska's Inside Passage (which I absolutely loved, so much natural beauty). i.e. I know very little.

My fiance has been gifted a 4-night cruise voucher and it seems Carnival Cruise Line has the most availability for the dates we can travel, however, we are not party people, which it seems Carnival has a bit of a reputation for, and my fiance doesn't like being cooped up. He's agreed to go only if I want to.

So, all that said, which is better for nature lovers, Ensenada from LA or Cozumel from Florida? And what is your favorite excursion for outdoor activities like kayaking or fishing or snorkeling, visiting Mayan ruins, or simply renting a car and exploring on our own?

Is there a specific ship that has more on-board for someone who doesn't like being confined to a ship? i.e. quality of hot tub, a great deck for walking laps, mini golf perhaps, jazz music or best food? I saw one that was described as lots of country music and that for sure would not fit my fiance.

Or... I am open to other suggestions for cruise lines I could search for.

I'd love to get feedback from those of you with more cruise experience.

We are considering taking a cruise next January (2018) to the coast of Norway (or elsewhere) with the primary reason for our trip being to see the Northern Lights. We are nature lovers and adventurers more than high end luxury travelers. I would love suggestions on cruise lines that are geared towards viewing the Northern Lights and hear tips on making the most of the cruise.

Thank you in advance!

Thank you all. I'll call Harv and Marv and a taxi to see if I can hook up with the whale watch at Auke Bay.

For anyone reading this thread, I got a call back today from Dolphin Tours

https://dolphintours.com/activities/whale-watching-mendenhall-glacier-combo/

and that might have been a good choice had I not already booked our whale watch. The woman was really friendly and they provide hot coffee, hot cocoa and a snack. But, the lady pointed out I can get plenty of all of that on the cruise.

We're leaving in just a few days and I am so looking forward to it. Now for Sitka and Victoria....

I so appreciate everyone's posts. This is my first trip to AK and I really appreciate all the input.

I booked a whale watch with Harv and Marv's because they are smaller boats (6 or 12 people) rather than 25 or 40. Since our boat arrives at 1 pm, we'll go to the glacier first, then take the Harv and Marv tour.

That said, I am really curious about this post:

"For my cruise coming up I'm taking a taxi from Mendenhall to Auke Bay (not all the way back to Juneau) to meet up with Harv and Marv's tour there. I've pre-reserved the taxi with Evergreen." We were going to do the shuttle to and from Mendenhall, which would, as someone said, be backtracking, but I didn't like the tour boats that would have combined the two.

Where is Auke Bay (I'll make a call tomorrow to Harv and Marv's.

Thanks all!

My friend and I want to do both Whale watching and Mendenhal Glacier. Specifically I want to have time to hike to the falls, and the cruise offering allows only 1 hour at the Visitors Center. Has anyone done this excursion and had enough time to hike to the Glacier. Names of company that took you there would be appreciated.

I also want to fish out of Ketchikan. I'm solo, so will need to join up with others. Has anyone found a great company for this?

Thank you so much.

Thank you. I shall do that!

Lori

Thank you for responding, unfortunately, the reviews rarely say which company they toured on so it doesn't help me find the right tours to go on with the best companies...

I hope this post reaches the right people. Our cruise to Alaska on Holland America is in a week and I don't have time to read all the reviews, so some help would be appreciated.

In Juneau we'd like to do whale watching AND the glacier, but not just a drive by. We'd like to do a short hike to the glacier as well. Suggestions of companies?

In Ketchikan I want to fish for salmon. I may be alone or with my friend. I'm thinking 4 hours, and will want to have some of my catch packed and shipped. Small boat, no big groups please.

In Victoria we'd like to see the gardens--do I need to book that ahead?

And what to do in Sitka.

Thank you all!

I'm new to this, so I hope I'm posting in the right place. I'm planning a trip for August 2015 and have narrowed down my choices to two. I've read negative reviews about both ships, so am not sure which to choose.

My boyfriend and I are in our late 50's, are laid back, and love the outdoors. I've never been to Alaska, he's fished it, kayaked it, explored it and isn't really a "cruise type" person. I'd love some feedback on Norwegian Pearl versus Holland America Line Westerdam. We don't care to dress up and be "hoity-toity" (although I do enjoy wearing skirts occasionally).From what I've read, the Pearl seems to have more to do, and more restaurants, more entertainment, but is more crowded perhaps and the food not as good? The Westerdam is smaller (perhaps preferable for us) but maybe more upscale with less to do and food choices. The Pearl stops in Skagway, the Westerdam stops in Sitka, which I've heard is really cool and perhaps a "better" stop than Skagway? Both go to Ketchikan, Victoria, Juneau and Glacier Bay, which is why I've narrowed my choices to these two. Also, ideas on where to stay in Seattle? Thanks!