Help - Norway Fjords options between Apex and Silhouette

[cruisestitch]

4 hours ago, OysterD said:

Nope, nothing to see here.....

 

But there is a huge difference between the forward facing view and the aft facing view.

 

“We’re coming up on a beautiful waterfall now so get your cameras ready”

 

”We’ve just passed a beautiful waterfall, hope you got to see it”

[NMTraveller]

5 hours ago, OysterD said:

Nope, nothing to see here.....

 

One of a few...  On S class windows are all over.  On E class find the spouting whale in this picture.  If the rear had the best view they would put the suites and retreat back there.

Edited July 23, 2023 by NMTraveller

[harbourxie]

10 hours ago, OysterD said:

To the OP, I see you've booked Silhouette and hope you have a great cruise! We all value different things on a cruise and to you the kids club is important. I'll be on Beyond in a couple months which will be my first time in an IV cabin, and I reserve the right to change my mind after that! However, I've also been looking at Apex/Silhouette for a Norway cruise and my thinking is an IV might be a better option for a cool weather cruise, especially such a scenic one as through the Norwegian Fjords. In cabin views are somewhat limited with a traditional balcony/sliding door and then the overhang from the balcony above. I think it would be nice to wake up and open the blind to have comparatively unobstructed views out. I probably wouldn't spend much time sat out on a traditional balcony with the typical weather in Norway (it's mid July and currently 13c in Alesund). Also if there are 4 of you in the cabin does an IV cabin provide you with much more valuable inside space? 

Thanks for your inputs. 

See my experiences and thoughts  process below-

1. Space. We sailed in 2 aqua class rooms next to each other for our alaska on Solstice. It was nice to have more space, but we will definitely miss the access to Blu restaurant in the future, not the extra space. For my family of 4, the space is not a high priority. Kids are in the kids club, wife in gym and spa, and I am in casino. The room is just a place to sleep. I only took one shower in the stateroom since I can do it daily in the spa. 

2. IV or real balcony. For me, I didn't have any expectations for my alaska cruise. I watched many cruise youtube videos, and felt the scenes are just okay. However, I thought the views were incredible when I watched on the real balcony. The smell, the sounds, the breezes, and the view! Just beautiful and breathtaking! I don't think I can smell the breezes if I am in an IV without turning it to a real balcony. Another point about IV- I think it is totally fine as long as the weather is not too hot or cold. It would be inconvenient to adjust the room temperature after turning IV to balcony. 

3. Kids club is not as important as destination. I want to show my kids the world as much as i can before they get too mature and not wanting to travel with me. Actually, I will be on Beyond this December to Panama Canal. I know we will be in an IV and kids club sucks! But they will see the amazing canal and hopefully enjoy it. Btw. Beyond is the only celebrity ship sailing to panama canal during holiday.

4. Price and other considerations- the Apex would cost $1k more than Solstice. With the extra $1k, I can get spa access, 3 nights specialty restaurants and probably have some $ left. The air fares are similarly priced. Rotterdam is 60km from airport but Southampton is 65miles from LHR. But those are not important factors. 

 

Thanks 

Edited July 23, 2023 by harbourxie

[JeanieC,Aston]

If based purely on itinerary I would have gone for the Brugge,Bergen,Flam trip.

Stavanger,Olden and Alesund while ashore are pretty boring.

[JeanieC,Aston]

20 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

But there is a huge difference between the forward facing view and the aft facing view.

 

“We’re coming up on a beautiful waterfall now so get your cameras ready”

 

”We’ve just passed a beautiful waterfall, hope you got to see it”

Exactly…sail past the Seven Sisters waterfall you see it all as the ship sails past from a balcony,,port or aft.

For those who say you might be on the wrong side,,,there is no wrong side in the Fjords.

If you miss sailing into the Fjiord you see it sailing out.

 

Ive never understood this clamour for Aft balconies you only see something when you have past it.

 

Plus I like the overhang,,the Fjiords get a lot of rain (Bergen is the wettest place in Europe),,with the overhang you can sit on the balcony take in the scenery and stay dry.

 

With IV cabins the bridge will probably shut the window when it rains.

[NMTraveller]

4 hours ago, JeanieC,Aston said:

Ive never understood this clamour for Aft balconies you only see something when you have past it.

 

 

The aft balconies are about the only way to get a balcony on E class unless you are in a suite.  They are booked up early and are more expensive.  Sure they have the obscured porthole balconies,  but I do not count those as they are obscured.  And IVs are not balconies.

 

To be honest I don't understand the clamor for E class (unless in a suite) especially when sailing to a scenic destination.

Edited July 24, 2023 by NMTraveller

[kr00t0n]

Echoing that Geiranger is the bomb!

 

I've done Fjords on both Silhouette and Apex, and the IVs actually pipped it for me, the full view from that when sailing through the Fjords is amazing, even if the weather is a bit chilly.

[NeroliGirl]

We've done the fjords twice on Silhouette, both times in a sunset veranda (aft) which I can thoroughly recommend. The sailaways are spectacular - you get a panoramic view of the full fjord, not just one side or the other. And you can snuggle up on the balcony with a blanket and a hot chocolate from Cafe Al Bacio!

It's a shame that neither itinerary included Geiranger which is beautiful - I've attached a photo from our last trip with the ship in the background (before she was revolutionised).

 Geiranger.HEIC

When you go to Stavanger I'd recommend getting on a bus to the Stavanger swords - I think you can do an excursion where you drive by in a coach, but if you go independently you can walk all around them. It's only 10-15 minutes outside the port so little risk you'll not get back in time! I've attached a photo.

Stavanger Swords.HEIC
I hope you have a wonderful time!

[NeroliGirl]

Oops - photos didn't upload - 2nd try!

 

Geiranger

 

 

Stavanger swords