hallasm

Skagen is a dock port. It’s an industriel harbor - there is a shuttle from pier to the town.

Just note - Skagen is a small fishing town - do some research in advance - some Skagen topics in this forum.

And it will take at least an hour by car from Kiel to Hamburg.

33 minutes ago, Peteymil said:

Does anyone know how I can find out if Trollstigen has opened?

There is a map here showing which sections are closed due to snow - the southern part is expected to open May 20 and the northern part 30 May. Many mountain roads in Norway are closed until the end of May.

Immediately I think that Cunard has the best Itinerary.

Cunard has two scenic deep fjords to Geiranger and Olden, while HAL has one to Flåm (Sognefjorden and Auerlandsfjorden) and not so interesting to Eidfjord (Hardangerfjorden).

Bergen is more interesting than Stavanger.

Both Haugesund and Eidfjord are less interesting ports.

If you want to see Geiranger Fjord, Cunard is the best bet - It is not possible with excursions to Geiranger from HAL ports.

5 hours ago, Hezu said:

There is small chances to see northern lights even slightly earlier and later than that…

Yes. But the further north the brighter the nights.

The possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights here in 2024 are optimal now that the Solar Cycle is at its maximum with the strongest Northern Lights.

1 hour ago, Travelbird22 said:

I just want to see the Northern Lights- is it possible on a Norwegian cruise? I’ve been in summer, and the Fjords are breathtaking, but now I just want to see the Northern Lights. And is a window cabin sufficient? If balconies are sold out?

The possibilities to see the northern lights from a balcony are quite limited - it is best seen from the upper open decks. It is often announced from the bridge when there are Northern Lights.

Several cruise lines have an overnight stay in Tromsø or Alta with the option of shore excursions. It increases the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights as you are brought to an area by bus with the best possibilities (cloudless).

I was on a Nordlys voyage with Hurtigruten and in all cases it was necessary to go to the outer deck to get the full benefit - remember warm clothes - it is very, very cold on the outer deck at night in wintertime in Northern Norway at sea.
Personally, I would not book a cabin with a balcony - limited use when it is windy and cold.
Northern lights are seen from September to March (early April)

4 hours ago, Phoenix42 said:

Any recommendations on which ports are better/ which itinerary I should choose?  I am fairly certain this is a once in a life time thing so why to get the most out of it. 

These are two good itineraries - Flåm and Geiranger are two iconic deep fjords. Immediately, second option with Stavanger and Trondheim and another deep fjord to Olden is the best itinerary, but in August there is no midnight sun - there is in June - Cruising Arctic circle in August doesn’t make sense. If you want to experience the midnight sun, itinerary one is the way to go. In option one Ålesund is also a nice coastal city.
Both Haugesund and Molde are less interesting ports.

It is a short 500m walk from the cruise terminal to the Geiranger ferry. I think it is advisable to book tickets for the ferry - there are probably many cruise guests who want to sail to Geiranger - a beautiful sailing and there are not many activities in Hellesylt.

The challenge will be to get from Hellesylt to Geiranger - from the Port of Geiranger it takes 30 minutes to walk to the Zip Park. Best option is ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger - it takes an hour and a half.
I do not know if there is public transport or taxi  available from Geiranger to the Zip Park. You can try to ask at post@exploregeiranger.no

3 hours ago, wrldtrvllr said:

really asking about seeing the fjords in September/October rather than earlier in the summer

Personally, I do not have experience with sailing the deep fjords in September/October - it will depend on the time of passage of The fjords and arrival - highlights are sailing through the deep fjords - and it is best experienced in daylight - in September / October the days are short in contrast to summer where the fjords can be experienced early in the morning and late in the evening. 
Hellesylt is only partially through the fjords towards Geiranger - here it will be possible to sail through the spectacular Geirangerfjord on an excursion from Hellesylt.
There may be snowy days so it is not possible to visit the viewpoints in Geiranger.
One of the highlights in Flåm is the railway - the experience here is the same regardless of the time of day.

53 minutes ago, wrldtrvllr said:

Kiel Germany | Copenhagen Denmark | Hellesylt Norway | Alesund Norway | Flaam Norway | Kiel Germany 

As janetcbl writes - you have to go further north to see the Northern Lights - within the Arctic Circle - places like the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, Alta and Honningsvåg are popular Northern Lights destinations. Besides, it must be from September to March - maybe early April - from April to August it is far too bright during night to see the light.

Unfortunately I don't have any recommendations though in Copenhagen you can find a fairly large selection - more limited in Gothenburg and Stavanger and none in Skagen. I'm sure a search on the web will turn up some good results depending on your interests.

You will be able to find Guided fishing tours in all four locations.

7 hours ago, Packman1000 said:

We dock at Oceankaj and would like to take a canal tour, maybe Netto Boats.  What would be the best way to get there?

I answered you question in this topic - same answer!!!

6 hours ago, Packman1000 said:

So if I understand correctly, there is a boat or ferry to Nyhavn?  I would think that would be much more cost efficient and easier than a taxi (at 300 DKK).  Am I missing something?

The Harbor bus (Ferry) is from Orientkaj - you must take bus 25 or 164 (or walk 2 miles) from Oceankaj to Orientkaj (assuming your ship will dock at Oceankaj).

If you purchase a two zone ticket for the bus the same ticket is valid for the ferry - public transportation. Alternative to ferry from Orientkaj is metro M4 to Kgs. Nytorv (Nyhavn) - also same ticket - cost for two zones is DKK 24 ( cash or DOT App).

2 hours ago, Soupercb12 said:

We will be in Copehagen in May.  Would love some DIY suggestions.  Thanks!!

Here some DIY options:
Copenhagen is very walkable - the center is compact and it is safe to walk around.Good sights are Rosenborg Castle, the Royal Castle Amalienborg - guard change at noon and museums. Christiansborg Castle (The Parliament). Nyhavn and canal tour. Tivoli Gardens. Also HoHO bus. A good museum is Glyptoteket.

Also good shopping options - Illum, Illums Bolighus, Royal Copenhagen Store and George Jensen - all located at Amagertorv (pedestrian street - Strøget).

And some more inspiration in this topic:

2 hours ago, wintertexancruiser said:

do you have a web site for Great Dane Tours? I am having a hard time locating this. Thanks

Great Dane Tours / Copenhagen Tours
Booking Office: Nikolaj Plads 34 – 1067 København K
Phone: +45 2064 9664
Email: info@greatdanetours.com
https://greatdanetours.com

It is an arctic cruise but in August there is no midnight sun.
Honningsvåg has North Cape. Tromsø and the Lofoten islands are nice locations. Also Ålesund and Trondheim are fine ports, but I miss the deep Norwegian fjords to Geiranger, Flåm or Olden.

When you have good experience with NCL and they have a good itinerary it will be a good choice.
Personally, I use RCCL.

in the Mediterranean I will avoid MSC and Costa - can be a bit too 'local'.

The answer depends on whether your port of call is Ålesund or Geiranger. Geiranger Fjord is impressive but if you call Geiranger the ship sails through the fjord and then I would suggest you go to the viewpoints. I definitely think you should prioritize a trip around Bergen over a boat trip.

You might get better advice in the France Port Forum

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/462-france-ports/

20 minutes ago, kaisatsu said:

It’s on the port schedule (but is subject to change):
https://www.flamport.no/ship-arrivals2021
“Kai” = docked

”Anker” = tender

Yes, that information was previously available in the Flåm port of call list, as was the case in 2023 - however, I cannot find that information in the port of call list for 2024.
 

some Cruise Lines will include the information in The Cruise docs

price depends on the day of the week and time of day - NOK 150 to 235.

The 90-day rule applies to all Schengen countries.
Every visit counts regardless of country.
If you visit the Schengen area on a cruise, you are not in transit.

With the introduction of EES and ETIAS, all visits will be registered and there will be no doubt about how many days you have been in the Schengen area.

EES is expected to be ready at the end of 2024 and ETIAS in 2025

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/index_en

I'm not quite sure I understand your question, but since Madeira is part of Schengen, your stay in Madeira counts - also if you sail from the UK to the Schengen Area, the days you are in the Schengen area count - sea days between ports in Schengen also count .

Always check prices at the Norwegian HX site in Norwegian Krone