westcoastcruiser

We also did Blue Puffin and it was a FULL bus.  She did a nice job but did not expect such a large group.  I think they are capitalizing on the short travel season since they are now owners of the tour company.  Yes, it was less expensive than booking with the cruise line but it was not a small group.

never heard of the other company you are referring to..and I don’t recall seeing them when I researched tours.

We used Flightease for our RT Amsterdam business class flights associated with our cruise this past summer.  We were able to schedule flights 3 weeks before our cruise so that we traveled by land  to several countries before our 3 week  cruise.  The prices were excellent and the flights were good.  We booked as soon as the flights were released.

because we had heard of an issue where flights accidentally got cancelled if you went in and price checked after booking, we did not do so on our own.  Twice I did call HAL and had them  check and the prices were much higher than when we booked and the flight times available were less convenient.

we would not hesitate to use Flightease again.

We used it for RT Amsterdam business class this summer.  And we flew in over 3 weeks before our cruise so we could travel independently around Europe before setting sail.  Price was thousands cheaper than we could have found on our own.  Would not hesitate to use them again.

Sailed her for a few weeks.  No such issues.

We had an aft balcony for our three week Norway cruise last month.  It was fabulous seeing the wake with no wind the deal with.  Spent a lot of time on the balcony.  Aft balconies are always our first choice.

We just completed a 2 week cruise on HAL Nieuw Statendam to the North Cape.  It was amazing.  Eidfjord was a favorite port as was Alesund and the Troll Road.  The scenery is breathtaking!  Flam and Bergen are nice but the smaller cities are what we enjoyed with crisp clean air and waterfalls and sheer beauty.

Was going to suggest same thing...review on Trip advisor...I would think that rough sea conditions are not rare in that part of the world, so it would be helpful to others to know this.   

Hotel Estherea was in a good location.  Breakfast served for an extra fee but was quite good.

Did not see them during our 3 weeks on Nieuw Statendam last month.  Also I missed seeing the fruit crisps on the MDR menu each night.  Fortunately the crisps were served each evening in the Lido

We experienced no choppiness when we did this river cruise.  The air pollution was memorable though as those living along the river, I am told, burn their garbage.  Still that river cruise combined with the land portion was very near perfect.  

We flew United business class RT Amsterdam last month and were very satisfied with the service, seats, meals, entertainment.  Would fly them again if situation presented itself.

We did this in Skjolden last week.  Our price was about 1/3 cheaper than HAL’s price and, I agree, it is a bit steep.  I have had both neck (recent)  and back (few years ago) surgeries so was concerned as well.  But had absolutely no problem at all.  It goes fast but is not jarring or bumpy.  

It was enjoyable.  Our driver/guide stopped at a few places and provided commentary.  Since there was virtually  nothing else to do at that port, we were glad we booked it.  While suiting up for the tour at least a dozen people stopped hoping to book but it was completely sold out for the day.

a one piece insulated suit was provided as was a ski hat and goggles.  For us, no gloves were needed.  It was very comfortable during the ride as the wind can be cold.

cannot comment on best port...Bergen is a big city so not sure if I would pick that one as our driver took us to quiet tranquil places to see wildlife and waterfalls.

Hope this helps.

16 hours ago, travellovers2 said:

We did a 7 days Norway cruise last year in May with Holland America on the Koningsdam and it was wonderful. It sailed out of Amsterdam which gave us the chance to see Amsterdam for one week after the cruise. We took a two weeks vacation from work. Like you, we are also tired of cruising the Caribbean, so we are now mostly doing cruises in Europe.

 

These are the ports it went to. They were all wonderful.

 

Eidford

Scenic Cruising Hardangerfjord

Alesund 

Geiranger

Cruising Geirangerfjord

Bergen

 

It looks like they're offering it next year. Good Luck!

 

 

 

We just completed 21 days (b2b) cruising Norway including up to the North Cape which was phenomenal and a huge highlight.  But realize not all have that amount of time. Agree with this poster that these ports cover major places a short cruise would want to see.  Eidfjord was unknown to us before our cruise but became a huge favorite .  

We were on Nieuw Statendam and between the beautiful ship and  jawdropping scenery it ranks as the top cruise out of dozens for us.

Price varies...for Norway it was $9/day/cabin or $30 per bag.  No need to purchase before you board.

Had great chocolate on Nieuw Statendam Norway earlier  this month.

I had been one of those that found them unnecessary.  But for our recent trip that started on land in warm temperatures  and then progressed to a cruise with cooler temperatures , I have found them quite useful.  

Our travels also included multiple hotels.  This way we could keep warm weather clothing separate in one cube and cooler weather in another.  I do believe it keeps clothes from wrinkling and getting shifted in the suitcase.  So I am slowly moving to the category where I find them useful .

1 hour ago, saltshell said:

Gotta love those PCC's ! Called, missed the 3 day sale. Told I could save $39 total if I gave up gratuities.  Thought, what the heck, $39 is $39. Told her to go ahead.  After holding was told my total was even more reduced and my onboard credit was increased by $125 ! Yep, I'm dancing too.

I must be misunderstanding....you had prepaid gratuities but gave them up to save $39?  So your gratuities are less than that?  

43 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

Interesting!  I wonder if booking through a big box store made a difference in the responses you got, as the bb may or may not have actually "worked" the request for you.

Yes, Dave, I wondered the same thing...not sure how much the BB rep advocated for us.  This last time I could tell  the rep “got it”...she was amazing!  I guess that is the consequence of booking BB as it is a call center and you get whoever answers.  But that is why I called back several times.

And while I understand the point about booking at an acceptable price, making the analogy to airline tickets is not quite the same.  For us, we do not pay $6-10,000 or more to fly.  And if I see a price drop, I will continue to take the time (and it can be time consuming) to call and politely ask.  

Our cruise dropped a huge amount after final payment.  I called twice and was told “too bad”..but not in those exact words.  I called a third time and was offered an upgraded cabin category that, to us, was in an undesirable location, so declined.

This final time I called we were given a substantial FCC which we can  apply to a future cruise we already have booked.  My calls were all about 1 week to 10 days apart.  We booked through a big box store so all of my inquiries  went through them to HAL.  While I would have preferred a price adjustment or additional OBC or something similar for this upcoming cruise, I am appreciative of receiving something.  And, yes, I realize that we booked early at a price we were ok with.  But the price drop was huge so I am happy HAL recognized this and, as a result, will keep us as cruisers.

Had a similar question since we are doing independent  land  prior to cruise.  Was advised insurance is for the entire trip.  As the previous poster said..from leaving your drive until return home.  Recommend discussing with Trip Insurance  Store which is who I purchased through.  Also would not want to have a claim from first cruise that would impact 2nd cruise and be with a different policy.  JMO.

A fan of Hotel Jazz as well.  Highly recommend it.

Was there noise from the staff using that doorway/stair case?  We were across the hall from a staff door and it banged close all hours and was very disturbing .  

5 hours ago, mauimacho said:

I saved $6000 each for Business Class  PHX to CPH for July.

We did, too.  Amazing price difference!  

We saved a huge amount booking RT business class to/from Amsterdam.  Also saved a lot on a one way domestic after a cruise.  The not having to pay until  final payment plus the awesome air fares made it a win/win for us.  The airline selection may be a tad limited but when going business class that is less of a concern to us.

Tried again today...our class cabin is sold out but other categories similar to ours have dropped in price.  The big box TA person I spoke to called HAL and was told it is after final payment and since our category cabin is sold out, there is no adjustment to be made anyway.  We have two more long cruises  booked with HAL after this one and it is disappointing nothing  was even tossed our way.  Oh well.  We do like  our category cabin and, obviously, are ok with the price we paid but some token of loyalty would have been nice.