I-Cruiser

As the OP, I'm sorry for my lack of a response back- its back to school time here and my household has been crazy. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate everyone's thoughtful advice, especially I-Cruiser and Terry....

Thank you for your kind words.

If there is anything you need to know about the ports just let me know.

Lars

This is great information. Will there be an English Menu?

 

Since we have 3.5 hours is there any other places that one can visit, that is not too far and easy to find.

 

Again thanks for all the great information, very appreciated.

I would presume they have an menu in English. If not, I am sure the staff can translate.

You could go to Øye and visit the historic hotel "Hotel Union Øye". The distance from Urke to Øye is only 6 Km so you could easily walk.

Is there a café or restaurant nearby or easy to find? Looking at the Google map it show a very country setting lots of open space, hence wonder where there is a central location as we would like to have lunch off the ship.

 

Thank you .

Yes, funny you should mention this. At the white "kaihus"/"pier house" (the concrete house with the name "Urke" written on the wall) there is a cafe open from 11-23 (September and October from 12-16)

Its such a good location for a cafe with tables outside. Its the perfect setting for a meal with the fjord and mountains as a backdrop.

Thank you for the info, looking forward to the smaller ship sailing the Fjords.

 

By walking into Urke, would be the smallest village I,ve ever visited .

Have a fun experience. Urke has 980 habitants. In relation Geiranger only has about 350 out of season.

Where is the best place to buy chocolate in Norway? It can be just the over-the-counter candy bar! I will also be looking at some of the gourmet chocolate shops.😋 Thanks in advance!

Depends where you are stopping but in Geiranger there is a small chocolate house making chocolate with local ingredients inside. Think brown cheese, local berries, aquvit or blue cheese etc.

The chocolate is called: Geiranger Sjokolade and the shop is located in an old boat house in the pedestrian street in Geiranger.

Totally unrelated to any of this, but I just noticed in your signature that you're booked on the Indian Ocean/Madagascar cruise on neoRomantica. We did that cruise in 2011 (on plain old Romantica before the retrofit), and the itinerary was one of my favorites! (Except for some minor rerouting on our way into Seychelles because of the pirates.)

:) Thank you for your feedback:) It will add to the excitement playing hide and seek with the pirates:D

I would think we would have "pirate drills" as the Dubai to Europe (visa versa) itineraries has.:D

But, in keeping with the topic, there are no pirates in Norwegian waters. Not that kind anyway:)

Appreciate this great summary and information from our smart expert in Oslo. This helps re-enforce the point that there are a wide variety of "pro-con" factors to consider. Nothing is a perfect, exact fit. Need to research and think seriously about your priorities and specific interests/needs.

 

 

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 116,098 views for this posting.

Really apprciate the summary from our well travelled person from Ohio.[emoji23][emoji23]

We are going on the Nordlys. will be visiting Hjorundfjord , anchor in the Fjord, lifeboat will tender guests to the dock at Urke for their bus excursion to Oye.

 

As we are not on the shore excursion, but would like to go ashore and walk around Urke. Not sure if tender is also available to passengers not on excursion.

 

Any place special to visit? How far is the Post Office from the dock and is it also the white building with the name URKE painted on the side? Saw this picture on a short video.

 

Thanks

Hi there - You will have 3,5 hrs in Urke so I would presume you have time to wonder ashore.

The Post Office is located in the same building/same location as the "landhandel" or grocery store.

You will see the red sign:"Posten" on the wall.

I would think you will use no more than 10-15minutes for the walk to the Post Office.

The building I think you are referring to is a building by the pier.

This is a long time coming but thank you so much for all your help with our trip. We went in June. We very bravely rented a car and drove from Alesund to Hotel Oy and beyond. It involved three (or 4) ferries and some nerves of steel (due to timing) but it was the most amazing scenery we have ever seen in our lives! Truly was the real Norway as you said and definitely the road less travelled! The only thing I would advise is to allow a little more time to get back. We picked up our car right away at about 8:15 and got to Hotel Oye at about 12:30 and moved right along after a brief stop so we could catch the 1:00 (I think) ferry. We got back in time to drive up Mt Aksla (spelling?) and get back to the ship. The entire day was spectacular thanks to you because we never would have known to take that trip! Thanks again.

I am happy you enjoyed your day in Hjørundfjord and Øye.

Sorry you where pushed for time.

Lars,

 

Thank you for all your help with questions we have about Alesund and Geiranger. You live in a beautiful country. We were very lucky to have sun both days.

 

I made it up to Mt Aksla about 8:45pm to see the town as close to sunset as I could. I made it back to the ship with plenty of time to spare.

 

Becky

Becky - you are very welcome. I am glad you made it up to Mt. Aksla.

The photo is stunning with the clouds - makes it all that more "moody". Thank you for posting.

I-cruiser still researching here and on that link you sent regarding the schedule. I don't understand. Seems like it barely docks and then it leaves---most stops are under a hour. I assume this is unloading and loading stuff. If you get off how do you board again?

 

Very confused?

 

Linda

 

I tried to figure out how to private message you and couldn't. Possibly we might have to be friends or something????

Linda - Its not possible to PM on CC.

Seems you got your answer in regards to the time in port.

Its mostly about scenic cruising and you have to plan your time in ports very carefully. As mentioned in some ports they offer overland tours where you leave the ship and picks it up again a few hours later.

Note, in Geiranger you will not be able to get off the Hurtigruten as its only a stop to pick up/drop off passenger.

Not us. We are on vacation to enjoy ourselves, not pinch pennies. We try all the specialty restaurants. It's part of the adventure. If we wanted to be frugal, we'd do it at home where we aren't trying to get the most out of our vacation.

 

I have to chuckle when I hear that stale excuse that "I have already paid for a meal in the MDR, I am not going to pay for another meal in a specialty restaurant". It's like going through life worried more about not spending a penny more than necessary than allowing oneself to have the best experiences possible. If one really felt that they didn't want to spend money on something they have already paid for, then they should not be spending money on a stateroom because they have already paid for living quarters back home which are going unused.

Very well said - I totally agree.

..... On Hurtigen do you have time to stop in the cities or ????

 

Linda

Linda - Even tho the Hurtigruten markets themselves as a cruise they are really not anything like a cruise ship.

The ships are more low key and the main focus is on the voyage/scenery itself.

Hurtigruten does cruise the entire "inland passage" so you will not miss a thing.

To answer your question; Yes, Hurtigruten does dock in in each town/village and you can go ashore in most of the ports.

Enclosed in the link is the schedule with time in port on both the Northbound and Southbound Hurtigruten voyages:https://www.hurtigruten.com/uk/repository/Traffic-info-service/schedule-and-traffic-info/?direction=Northbound&season=Summer

For those having to decide about itinerary: You WILL get as many options as there are members:D just so to confuse you more:)

Just some added info on the hurtigruten; Some of the stops will only be for as little as 30 minutes and some will be at night.

Its a different experiance then a cruise but one well worth doing.

I would really appreciate some guidance from those who have cruised to Norway up the North Cape. I have read so much my head is spinning and I know I can't get an itinerary that has everything I want. We need to travel between mid June and mid-August as we are taking my 17 year old, and due to financial constraints, I can't consider some of the ultra-premium lines. I would have preferred Celebrity or RCCL, however for some reason they aren't sailing during the main summer time anymore and the one cruise I found is only 7 days. I have narrowed my choice down to these two (have never sailed on either line) and from what I have read thanks to Terry from Ohio, Lofotens are not to be missed. So I am leaning towards NCL however I like the idea of the new ship and sailing through all the fjords. Or should I just wait and see what itineraries come out for 2017 and pick something else for next summer? What would you do? HELP!!

 

NCL STAR: June 11

Sat Copenhagen, Denmark (EMBARK) --- 5:00 pm

Sun At Sea --- ---

Mon Geiranger, Norway 7:00 am 3:00 pm

Hellesylt, Norway 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Tue Alesund, Norway 8:00 am 6:00 pm

Wed Trondheim, Norway 10:00 am 8:00 pm

Thu CROSS THE ARCTIC CIRCLE --- ---

Fri Leknes, Lofoten Islands, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Sat Tromso, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Sun Hammerfest, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Mon Honningsvaag, Norway 8:00 am 7:00 pm

Tue At Sea --- ---

Wed Molde, Norway 10:00 am 6:00 pm

Thu Bergen, Norway 9:00 am 7:00 pm

Fri At Sea --- ---

Sat Copenhagen, Denmark (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am

 

or

 

Holland America Koningsdam

0 17 Jul 2016 Amsterdam, The Netherlands PC 04:00 PM

1 18 Jul 2016 At Sea

2 19 Jul 2016 Eidfjord, Norway 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

2 19 Jul 2016 Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord CO

3 20 Jul 2016 Bergen, Norway 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

4 21 Jul 2016 Alesund, Norway 07:00 AM 05:00 PM

5 22 Jul 2016 Trondheim, Norway 08:00 AM 04:00 PM

5 22 Jul 2016 Scenic Cruising Trondheimsfjord CO

6 23 Jul 2016 At Sea

7 24 Jul 2016 Honningsvag, Norway 11:00 AM 08:00 PM

7 24 Jul 2016 Scenic Cruising North Cape CO

8 25 Jul 2016 At Sea

9 26 Jul 2016 At Sea

10 27 Jul 2016 Geiranger, Norway TR 07:00 AM 04:00 PM

10 27 Jul 2016 Cruising Geirangerfjord CO

11 28 Jul 2016 Flam, Norway TR 07:00 AM 07:00 PM

11 28 Jul 2016 Scenic cruising Sognefjord CO

12 29 Jul 2016 Stavanger, Norway 10:00 AM 06:00 PM

13 30 Jul 2016 At Sea

14 31 Jul 2016 Amsterdam, The Netherlands PC 07:00 AM

Please do come back and tell us which itinerary you choose.

We are super exited:D to know!!

I am really enjoying your pictures and your sense of detail.

Amazing:)

This summer season is soon coming to a close but now is the perfect time to plan next year:):)

Both itineraries are very similar.

You should also ask yourself which one of the embarkation cities are easiest to get to, both in flight time and ticket price.

Both cruises stops in Honningsvåg for the North Cape.

I would suggest you look up all these places and read about them. Look at the pictures of the ports.

You will have to ask yourself if you want to see lots of fjords and/or want to do more in the northern regions.

The price of both cruises; how much do they differ in price.

The cruise with HAL stops in more fjords.

This cruise also crosses the Arctic Circle.

The only negative on this cruise is that it only makes one stop in Northern Norway.

It has a stop in Ålesund (you could do the Trollveggen other tours from here)

Stavanger (for Lysefjord)

Eidsfjord is very unique. Not many ships stops there.

The NCL cruise has less fjords but spends more time in northern Norway.

The only fjord you will cruise into on the NCL cruise is the Geirangerfjord.

It does stop in Molde and cruises the Romsdalsfjord but this fjord is very wide so not your typical "narrow with high mountains" type fjord.

Leknes is Lofoten islands are really quaint but not a necessarily IMO.

Tromso is an interesting city and is the big draw on this itinerary (even though its a much more popular winter destination due to the Aurora Boralis)

I would choose the HAL cruise because:

Its a newer ship.

I prefer the stunning fjord landscapes to the rugged northern Norway sceneries.

My favourite city in Norway is Trondheim. Lots of history and culture.

More sea days where you get to relax and enjoy the vistas from the ship.

Probably easier and cheaper to fly into Amsterdam.

Celebrity will probably release their 2017 itineraries in November this year. Hopefully they will re instate their Norway cruise.

RCL 2017 schedule will probably not be out before March 2016.

I hope this helps you a little on the way.

I am again speechless. Your review and pictures are absolutely stunning.

Its very inspiring how you diy your days in port.

I used to do that..then for some reason I stopped...Now, thanks to you I will find my "path" again:)

Reading your review also reminded me that we have not taken the trip to Øye this year. I must make that happen soon.

Just some silly info. In your post #6 - in the map you see a place called "Viddal".

A very dear friend of mine move there a few months ago. She is starting her own winery!!

Lars

Starting to plan our cruise and as we compare itineraries..would like to know what towns we must be sure are included...want to get as far north as possible also. Any recommendations?

What do you want to see?

What is important to you?

On here you will get all sort of answers.

I would suggest you look through a few itineraries and places. Read up and then decide.

For me the places I would visit would be:

Geiranger (Geiranger fjord)

Flåm (Aurlands fjord/Sognefjord)

Ulvik (Eidfjord)

Olden (Nordfjord)

Ålesund

Bergen

Stavanger (Lysefjord)

Kristansand

Svolvær

Leknes

Tromsø

Hammerfest

Kirkenes

Also Spitzbergen is vastly interesting.

You should look up - on this board -the fantastic pictures and reviews of "Ssislandgirl"

She is doing a day to day documentary of their cruise this summer.

There is also lots of into in my thread. (link in signature)

I am happy to help you plan your perfect Norway cruise.

:-)

Another great one. I am looking forward to the continuation:)

Can you hear them??...Can you hear the standing ovation for your reviews!!!

Hats of to you!!:):)

Thank you so much. I will be sure to report back after our cruise. You have been very helpful!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking forward to your report.:)

Enjoying following you on your cruise:)

We spent the week of Thanksgiving a couple of years ago at Agriturismo Villa Maria above the town of Minori. We had been to the Amalfi coast a couple of other times (not on cruises, we are land travelers) and were looking for something less traveled. We are also very active and from this spot we spent long days hiking town to town.

 

What types of specifics are you looking for?

Thank you for your reply.

Of course I have read about these towns and know very well they are small non touristy places.

However,I wanted to know what others had done/seen while visiting these towns.

As for our next visit we have booked a tour to see some of the towns on the Sorrento Peninsula.

I would do the Amalfi towns on a land trip or if a ship docked in Salerno.