Request Input for Norway Itinerary

[TiogaCruiser]

DH (finally has vacation time) and we are considering a cruise this coming summer to Norway. I'd like to request input from those who have gone before on these itineraries. 

 

We have never been to Europe, and my other cruises have been to Latin America/Antarctica. We have done Alaska 3 times, and would welcome another visit at some point in the future.

We like scenic cruising, colder climates, and wilderness over cities. We are Yosemite people. I like the smaller ships, and am pretty certain neither of us would relish the NA, E, K or

NS. (I'm not even keen on trying a Vista, but would consider it.) We've been on Amsterdam and Volendam, and I've done Veendam and Zaandam, and would like to meet Ms. Prinsendam before she leaves. He only has known Rs, and likes that size. We're not into the shows or casino. Just give us a good deck to walk on and a place outside to hang out.

 

Having said that, could I get input on these itineraries, please?      (I am starting on reading the other review/thread now with my list.)

Which are the must-see ports? Which give us the most/best scenic cruising?

• 14 Night Norway on Prinsendam:  Amsterdam, Cruising, Oslo, Oslofjord, Arendal, Eidfjord, Cruise Eidfjord, Flaam, Sognefjord, Cruising, Trondheim, Alesund,Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, Bergen, Stavanger, Esbjerg, Cruising and Amsterdam
• 14 night Norway roundtrip  on Rotterdam: Rotterdam, Cruising, Stavanger, Flaam, Sognefjord, Alesund,Trondheim, Trondheimsfjord, Cruising, Hammerfest, Honningsvag,North Cape, Cruising, Cruising, Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, Bergen, Cruising and Rotterdam
• 16 day Rotterdam to Amsterdam via Norway and Iceland on the Rotterdam. Rotterdam, Cruising, Eidfjord, Hardangerfjord, Alesund, Geiranger,Geirangerfjord, Bergen, Cruising, Seydisfjordur, Seydisfjordhur,Akureyri, Eyjafjordur, Isafjordur, Isafjordhur, Reykjavik, Cruising,Torshavn, Lerwick, Invergordon, Cruising and Amsterdam          

Edited November 15, 2018 by TiogaCruiser

[puppycanducruise]

First of all, each of those itineraries sound wonderful.

My pick would be the third cruise in your list.

Iceland and Norway, fabulous.  And visits to Faroe Island and Shetland Island to boot.  

So much to see!

[TomBeckCruise]

Wow, tough choice. Either the one that makes it to  north cape, or the one that also visits Iceland. We have been on both, albeit on Celebrity for the fjords and HAL for Iceland. 

I don't know anywhere as beautiful as the west coast of Norway.  Iceland is one of those places that is unique.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city to visit, and I would try to spend time there before the cruise.

We typically avoid Europe during the summer months, but for these cruises you probably need to consider June. July, and August.

[RuthC]

You can't go wrong with any of the choices, so that's a plus. I've cruised all over those areas more times than I can count, and am always thrilled to go back. All the choices are long enough to make the long journey worthwhile, and give you an excellent taste of the area.

Personally, I would choose the 14-day Rotterdam cruise first. It goes all the way to North Cape, while giving you a nice balance of interesting cities, small towns, and some villages. The scenic cruising has marvelous views. There are opportunities for hiking, since you like that. There will be snow and ice on some of the mountains, especially the north side. Culturally, it is interesting.

Much as I love the Prinsendam, my second choice would be the 16-day on the Rotterdam. Adding in Iceland is especially scenic, and a different perspective on rugged living areas. Lerwick is charming, but getting out of the city also has wonderful opportunities for sightseeing.

[knittinggirl]

I like the third itinerary.  I think Alesund has the Troll Mountains, Bergen has the Grieg concert.  We've done Iceland and loved it too.  We missed Geiranger due to norovirus.  I Think the Seven Sisters waterfall is on the way to Geiranger.

[rotjeknor]

If you like lots of outside deckspace and not much ( extra) entertainment , take the Prinsendam !

We sailed her to Norway, Spitsbergen etc. , such a nice intimate vessel.

And the ports on the cruise you mentioned gives you best of Norway imo. We 've done those several times .You'll get to see the most stunning fjords, waterfalls and the cities like Bergen and Oslo are certainly worth visiting.

 

[VMax1700]

We have done the 14 night  Nord Kapp from Rotterdam to Rotterdam on the Rotterdam.  It was a fantastic experience. Walking around outside the ship at midnight with the sun shining down was a moment in life that I will not forget.  The towns are great to wander around.  The strength and fortitude of the inhabitants in centuries gone by, is impossible to comprehend to this modern mind.

 

the cruise to Iceland would be good as well (we have not got there yet!).  I believe that there may be one point to consider and that is that Icelandic ports do seem to be cancelled more often than others.  I'm sure that cruisers who have been there will jump in and tell me I am wrong, but it is only a perception I have from following some of the 'Live Threads' over the last couple of years.

[grsnovi]

We only did a 7-day out of Amsterdam on the K. Will likely go back and hopefully (after I retire) will do a longer cruise. That said (and you asked about ports) I probably have no need to do Oslo or Stavanger again. Wouldn't miss Flåm as it was the highlight of our cruise. We also enjoyed pre-cruise time in Amsterdam and even if you leave from Rotterdam, the Netherlands is of a size that would allow you to take in any of their cities. Koningsdam doesn't really do a promenade deck like earlier vessels and while you've said you'd like to avoid, keep that in mind should you begin to consider a 7-day. In any event, we loved Norway for 7 days on K'dam.

[OlsSalt]

Pick the Prinsendam for sheer nostalgia, as well as the itinerary.

 

Then save your money and take the Voyage of  the Vikings to later get to Iceland, Greenland and other wonderful Nordic locations.  I personally would not try to include both Norway and Iceland in the same trip if you have the option to do a more indepth cruise later. 

 

All of the itineraries and ships are wonderful, so you will need to find some thing else that also matters to make your final decision. Or just draw straws and don't look back. This entire area is one we like to come back to over and over again. Don't be surprised if you get hooked too.

 

Have fun - you really can't lose. No choice among these three is worth a shred of buyer's remorse that you did not pick "the other one" instead.

 

As "Yosemite people", if you like rugged hikes consider the one that stops at Stavanger and you can test yourself on the famous hike up to Pulpit Rock - that stunning perch that shows up in so many Norway tourism promotionals - on the one sunny, clear day in their entire year?  (ha ha)  The day we did it,  the entire view was fogged in and we hiked in the rain that came and went. Stunning regardless. https://www.inspirock.com/norway/forsand-municipality/pulpit-rock-a512070321?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing_Search_Attractions&msclkid=5ba22fe894251aa8c9e3740530577a88&ad_acc=ipar

Edited November 15, 2018 by OlsSalt

[grsnovi]

Some eye-candy... 

[grayjay]

Living in Europe flight times are short and thus we have been able to cruise to Norway quite often. We have been to all of the ports you mention and as much as love the Prinsendam I'd suggest choosing the 16-day -itinerary of the Rotterdam because it offers you the best of Norway and Iceland , plus the north of Scotland combined, especially if you like nature, hiking and spectacular views. It was always easy to find private or shared shore excursions with lots of variety from sightseeing to hiking in all of those places.

Both of the other cruises offer more insights into the cities, most of which are lovely ( except perhaps Hammerfest) . Another alternative might be the second of the Prinsendam cruises to Norway ( the final one in June which you didn't mention and which has a different itinerary) but this is already almost sold out. We did that one this year and Captain Dag , being a Norwegian with special ties and connections to the country , was able to show us a lot of extras like some of the smaller fjords the larger ship can't enter, cruising the inner passage in Northern Norway ( same reason in regard to bigger ships) , sent a boat ashore to fetch some famous special cider...

Whatever you finally choose: ENJOY your cruise to a fabulous place.

 

[VMax1700]

More eye candy from me. Hammerfest

[VMax1700]

Midnight sun.

 

[grsnovi]

52 minutes ago, OlsSalt said:

...on the one sunny, clear day in their entire year

Had to laugh at this because our whole week was sunny. The folks who were on K'dam B2B from the prior week said they didn't see the sun once.

Edited November 15, 2018 by grsnovi

[bennybear]

As this I saw the last year for the Prinsendam that is the one I would choose to do.  We have enjoyed the Rotterdam but not sure what shape she is currently in.

[OlsSalt]

1 hour ago, grsnovi said:

Had to laugh at this because our whole week was sunny. The folks who were on K'dam B2B from the prior week said they didn't see the sun once.

 

We learned Norwegian weather changes hourly. Confirmed by the tour guides too - -this is a typical day in Norway they would say. Sun, rain and fog on a rotating schedule, except when it is sun and snow.

 

Our best experience was the guide holding up photos of one of the famous fjords, explaining this is what we could have been seeing. But even missing the postcard highlights the closer-in pastoral views of the country side from the bus, the little towns, the food, the museums, the shops and the people always more than made up for the loss of the killer photo shots.  Plus we also think the best trips to Norway are the ones that also include a stop in Goeteburg Sweden for their famous pickled herring at the Fish Church.

 

As they say in Norway, there is no bad weather in Norway; just poor clothing choices. 

Edited November 15, 2018 by OlsSalt

[Iamthesea]

Could someone please point me in the right direction to find information about the 14 night Norway roundtrip, out of Rotterdam, on the Rotterdam?  I've looked on my usually TA sites and have not found it. 

 

My husband took an Iceland cruise last May.  Have been wanting to go to Norway for quite a while.   We are looking for something in late August into late September to celebrate our 40th anniversary.  We are also looking into going to Hawaii again (took that cruise for our 25th) or cruise to New England/Canada for a second time.  Thank you!

[grsnovi]

4 minutes ago, Iamthesea said:

Could someone please point me in the right direction

This should get you there.

 

[puppycanducruise]

I believe there is also a 14 day North Cape cruise that sails Rotterdam to Rotterdam leaving May 25 2019.  ( I used the Holland America website)

Hope that helps.

[Storylady]

Your best choice would be the Prinsendam, but I believe at this date it is too late to book and get a stateroom in a good location.

 

We have done the Rotterdam to Norway. And we enjoyed the Prinsendam’s Norwegian Cruise much better. Since she is small, she tends to sail through the fjords to the next port. The Rotterdam isn’t able to go under some of the bridges and must make its way out to sea each night.

 

All three of the cruises are excellent, but if you can’t do the Prinsendam, I would do the third choice since it goes to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. 

 

If you can get a good stateroom, this is the cruise to do on the Prinsendam. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/find-a-cruise/E9N14C/P928.html

 

We did the same cruise on the Rotterdam and also the Prinsendam. We are booked for this cruise again as it is that good!

Edited November 15, 2018 by Storylady

[Iamthesea]

grsnovi and puppycanducruise - Thank you so much.  No wonder I could not find it.  Going in May is out of the question.  We will be doing a Dalmatian coast cruise at that time.  Wanted something for the Fall of 2019.

[TiogaCruiser]

15 hours ago, RuthC said:

You can't go wrong with any of the choices, so that's a plus. I've cruised all over those areas more times than I can count, and am always thrilled to go back. All the choices are long enough to make the long journey worthwhile, and give you an excellent taste of the area.

Personally, I would choose the 14-day Rotterdam cruise first. It goes all the way to North Cape, while giving you a nice balance of interesting cities, small towns, and some villages. The scenic cruising has marvelous views. There are opportunities for hiking, since you like that. There will be snow and ice on some of the mountains, especially the north side. Culturally, it is interesting.

Much as I love the Prinsendam, my second choice would be the 16-day on the Rotterdam. Adding in Iceland is especially scenic, and a different perspective on rugged living areas. Lerwick is charming, but getting out of the city also has wonderful opportunities for sightseeing.

😀 We were both hoping you would respond. You were so right about Antarctica.

[TiogaCruiser]

8 hours ago, Storylady said:

Your best choice would be the Prinsendam, but I believe at this date it is too late to book and get a stateroom in a good location.

 

We have done the Rotterdam to Norway. And we enjoyed the Prinsendam’s Norwegian Cruise much better. Since she is small, she tends to sail through the fjords to the next port. The Rotterdam isn’t able to go under some of the bridges and must make its way out to sea each night.

 

All three of the cruises are excellent, but if you can’t do the Prinsendam, I would do the third choice since it goes to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. 

 

If you can get a good stateroom, this is the cruise to do on the Prinsendam. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/find-a-cruise/E9N14C/P928.html

 

We did the same cruise on the Rotterdam and also the Prinsendam. We are booked for this cruise again as it is that good!

I hadn’t included that one as it’s hitting the upper end of our price point, and going higher as it sells out. But with the additional information that the ship can do more inside places, and a captain who likes exploring and showing the land, we might put it back on the table for consideration. This all is insightful.

[TiogaCruiser]

13 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

Pick the Prinsendam for sheer nostalgia, as well as the itinerary.

 

Then save your money and take the Voyage of  the Vikings to later get to Iceland, Greenland and other wonderful Nordic locations.  I personally would not try to include both Norway and Iceland in the same trip if you have the option to do a more indepth cruise later. 

 

All of the itineraries and ships are wonderful, so you will need to find some thing else that also matters to make your final decision. Or just draw straws and don't look back. This entire area is one we like to come back to over and over again. Don't be surprised if you get hooked too.

 

Have fun - you really can't lose. No choice among these three is worth a shred of buyer's remorse that you did not pick "the other one" instead.

 

As "Yosemite people", if you like rugged hikes consider the one that stops at Stavanger and you can test yourself on the famous hike up to Pulpit Rock - that stunning perch that shows up in so many Norway tourism promotionals - on the one sunny, clear day in their entire year?  (ha ha)  The day we did it,  the entire view was fogged in and we hiked in the rain that came and went. Stunning regardless. https://www.inspirock.com/norway/forsand-municipality/pulpit-rock-a512070321?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing_Search_Attractions&msclkid=5ba22fe894251aa8c9e3740530577a88&ad_acc=ipar

I remember your post a few years ago talking about Pulpit Rock. I really enjoyed reading it, and think about it frequently on the stairclimber.  

 

I have had VOV on my personal bucket list. We’re also considering Iceland might be a good one to do as a separate land trip at a future date, and just rent a car ( like relatives did). Maybe after the smaller HAL ships are gone. For now, while they still exist, I think I’ll cruise them.

 

I’m pretty sure we’re going to love which ever cruise we do.

[TiogaCruiser]

12 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

 

 

Our best experience was the guide holding up photos of one of the famous fjords, explaining this is what we could have been seeing. 

I considered sharing  pictures of the Chilean Fiords from my January 2013 cruise as we cruised through in heavy fog, rain, and lively seas this past March. “This, is where we are!”. .........  Then I thought “no, that’s cruel”.