Vision vs. Brilliance - which itinerary?

[lidorose]

We are looking at two cruises, both at the end of May. We're just not sure if one might be the better option. One is all Norwegian fjords, the other has cities in Norway and Sweden. Both go to the fabulous Geiranger Fjords so that makes the decision more difficult.

 

Vision of the Seas: Round trip Oslo; Gothenberg, Sweden; Bergen; Geiranger

 

Brilliance of the Seas: Round trip Amsterdam, Alesund, Geiranger, Flam, Bergen

 

Advice as to which would have more to see? We've already been to Amsterdam, btw.

[TLCOhio]

We are looking at two cruises, both at the end of May. We're just not sure if one might be the better option. One is all Norwegian fjords, the other has cities in Norway and Sweden. Both go to the fabulous Geiranger Fjords so that makes the decision more difficult.

Vision of the Seas: Round trip Oslo; Gothenberg, Sweden; Bergen; Geiranger

Brilliance of the Seas: Round trip Amsterdam, Alesund, Geiranger, Flam, Bergen

Advice as to which would have more to see? We've already been to Amsterdam, btw.

 

Other than your mention of being to Amsterdam previously, it seems to be an easy choice. Two fjords versus only one??!! Both cruise options give you wonderful, historic and charming Bergen. I have been to Oslo and that is a nice city, especially if you really like more contemporary art such as by Munch (the "Scream") and Vigeland (with his spectacular outdoor sculpture park).

 

Getting BOTH Geiranger AND Flam is the best!! That is what we did in July 2010. I am sharing some pictures below for what you can see in Norway, plus you can go the live/blog from that trip for lots more details, visuals, etc. Amsterdam is the kind of city where you could not have seen it "ALL" previously and there are many options for things to do in that port and nearby.

 

Alesund's architecture is characterized by its turrets, spires, medieval-romantic frontages and other whimsical touches that give this town its distinctive style. It is like something from a fairytale. On the night of January 23, 1904, the town, built largely of wood, was totally destroyed at night by gale-aided flames. Only one person died, but more than 10,000 people were left without shelter. Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm vacationed nearby and sent four warships with materials to build temporary shelters. The town was rebuilt in stone, brick and mortar in Jugendstil or Art Nouveau, the architectural style of the time. This design reflects a “romance with the past” and highlights Nordic mythology along its winding streets. To honor Wilhelm, one of the most frequented streets of the city is named after him. The town has an unusually consistent architecture, most of the buildings having been built between 1904 and 1907.

 

Flam, with a population of about 500, is nestled in a tributary of the world's longest and deepest fjord. It is 128 miles long and has a maximum depth of 4,291 feet. On the question of how deep are these fjords, local say: “A mermaid could swim all the way to China.” Our chief attraction here is the 66-year-old Flam Railway. It is widely known as one of the world's best railroad journeys. It includes twenty tunnels and eight stops as it goes up the mountain. This rail lines rises from Flam’s gingerbread rail station going up 2,835 feet to Myrdal and this "Roof of Norway" rail station. Railroad website: http://www.flaamsbana.no/eng.

 

Reactions and added questions?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 65,824 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 60,033 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Appreciate those who have “tuned in” for these two posts. Don’t be shy and feel free to comment and/or ask any questions of interest.

 

 

You go on these Norway Coast cruises for the spectacular fjords. From the journey to Flam, Gudvangen and Sognerfjord, here is one picture giving you a sampling of the skies and views for these beautiful internal coastlines of the fjords.

 

 

 

This is the dramatic overview of Alesund from the Aksla vantage point. This spot allows a nearly 360-degree view of this setting for this island city and the surrounding mountains and islands. It is at a 597’ height overlooking the five islands making up the scenic town.:

 

 

 

This picture shows the Bergen Floibanen funicular railway coming up the steep hill with the harbor, fish market, etc. in the background. On the top, somewhat right, the Silver Cloud and Costa ships can be seen in the harbor.

 

 

 

This is the super scenic view from immediately above Geiranger that shows the Silver Cloud and Costa ships tendered. A little before this picture, we were to go to Mt. Dalsnibba as a photo stop from this 4,920-foot vantage for the snow-covered surrounding mountains, icy glaciers, crystalline lakes and Geirangerfjord far below. Here is this view, at a lower level, that provided a wonderful vista.:

 

 

 

After being tendered from Geiranger, we sailed out and passed by two super famous waterfalls. YES, yes, we saw lots and lots of waterfalls on this trip, but these two were among the “best of the best”. First is the “Seven Sisters”. Directly opposite in this narrow fjord, it is called several names, including “The Suitor”. The majesty for these feats of nature is pretty amazing.:

 

 

 

From our visit to the highly-rated Sognerfjord, here is one picture from Flam and riding the railroad there This includes showing a view from our car of a lower, scenic valley area.::

 

[NancyIL]

Of those two itineraries, I'd choose Brilliance because the cruise is 1 day longer, goes to one more port (2 of which are fjords, as Terry mentioned), and I give the slight edge to a Radiance-class ship over a Vision-class ship.

 

I have been only to Oslo and loved it, but I am seriously considering a 12-night Norway cruise on Brilliance in June from Amsterdam.