Arranging a Private Excursion through HAL

[carolina_yankee]

We will been the Rotterdam for the Voyage of the Midnight Sun next July. One of the stops is in Hammerfest, Norway on a Saturday, and one of the excursions is to Alta. With 20 minutes of Alta is the valley and church where my family lived for two generations before emigrating to the US in the 19th century.  It is tantalizing to be so close and yet so far. Normally, I would simply rent a car but it appears all the rental locations, including the airport, are closed on Saturdays (and might not have hours late enough for return even if they were open). 

 

Would HAL be able to arrange a private excursion? (Avalon Waterways did this for us on a River Cruise once).  If not, would my next best bet be to contact the tourism office in Hammerfest to see if they know guides or drivers who could help?  It is a bit of a trek - 2 1/2 hours each way, so the cruise ship protection could be useful.  It's July, so weather shouldn't be a travel problem.  Worst case, we'll just do the Alta excursion since it's fairly close and we want to the Northern Lights Cathedral anyway.

 

Thanks!

 

[richwmn]

15 minutes ago, carolina_yankee said:

We will been the Rotterdam for the Voyage of the Midnight Sun next July. One of the stops is in Hammerfest, Norway on a Saturday, and one of the excursions is to Alta. With 20 minutes of Alta is the valley and church where my family lived for two generations before emigrating to the US in the 19th century.  It is tantalizing to be so close and yet so far. Normally, I would simply rent a car but it appears all the rental locations, including the airport, are closed on Saturdays (and might not have hours late enough for return even if they were open). 

 

Would HAL be able to arrange a private excursion? (Avalon Waterways did this for us on a River Cruise once).  If not, would my next best bet be to contact the tourism office in Hammerfest to see if they know guides or drivers who could help?  It is a bit of a trek - 2 1/2 hours each way, so the cruise ship protection could be useful.  It's July, so weather shouldn't be a travel problem.  Worst case, we'll just do the Alta excursion since it's fairly close and we want to the Northern Lights Cathedral anyway.

 

Thanks!

 

Many HAL ports have an option of renting a Van and Driver for 1/2 or a full day. This might be available to you, check on the excursion page for that day.

 

This is the description of the 'Excursion' for my upcoming stop in Halifax NS, Canada:

About the Excursion

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver/guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your English-speaking driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. Recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations.

Capacity:5 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity.

Notes:

Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person), so only one person in the party needs to order the vehicle. The price shown is the total cost for the vehicle and English-speaking driver/guide. Entrance fees for attractions are not included. In many destinations, the number of vehicles available is extremely limited, so guests are encouraged to secure their private vehicle reservation as early as possible.

Private vehicles are arranged 'on request' by waitlisting the desired vehicle. Once we finalize the arrangement with the local tour operator, you will be notified within five business days by the Journeys Ashore staff in order to complete the booking process.

 

 

Edited July 24, 2022 by richwmn

[carolina_yankee]

6 hours ago, richwmn said:

Many HAL ports have an option of renting a Van and Driver for 1/2 or a full day. This might be available to you, check on the excursion page for that day.

 

This is the description of the 'Excursion' for my upcoming stop in Halifax NS, Canada:

About the Excursion

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver/guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your English-speaking driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. Recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations.

Capacity:5 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity.

Notes:

Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person), so only one person in the party needs to order the vehicle. The price shown is the total cost for the vehicle and English-speaking driver/guide. Entrance fees for attractions are not included. In many destinations, the number of vehicles available is extremely limited, so guests are encouraged to secure their private vehicle reservation as early as possible.

Private vehicles are arranged 'on request' by waitlisting the desired vehicle. Once we finalize the arrangement with the local tour operator, you will be notified within five business days by the Journeys Ashore staff in order to complete the booking process.

 

 

 

That's really helpful. Thank you. They don't have a private driver option listed for Hammerfest on our cruise yet, but there's plenty of time.  Given the nature of this particular opportunity, we would be willing to spend the money.