Fjords Advice

[Staff Davies]

Just booked a week up the Fjords on Ventura May 18th yipee!
Never been north of Newcastle before so i wondered if anyone can give me any tips or must sees?

These are the stops
18 May 2013
Southampton -
Great Britain
20 May 2013
Bergen -
Norway
21 May 2013
Molde -
Norway
22 May 2013
Olden -
Norway
23 May 2013
Stavanger -
Norway
25 May 2013
Southampton -
Great Britain

Cheers and thanks for your help

Staff

[JohnTheDog]

My only comment is be prepared for any weather condition, we went in May & it was deep snow but really hot, others are freezing, some get soaked & cold...so good footwear & layers of clothes.

[Mo2013]

Hi, I've been to Bergen, and went on the funicular railway, you get a great view from the top. You can do it DIY but the queue can be long. We went on a trip from the ship. Someone on my cruise took a helicopter flight there too and enjoyed that. Haven't been to the other places but I have to tell you that the fjords are beautiful and stunning. Take a jacket and definitely think layers of clothing. Enjoy !

[Boris+]

Hi Staff Davies,

I thought I had done a reply, but it's gone awol - so here's another one.

We didn't do the Molde destination, but we did the others.

On our first sailing in to a Fjord we got up really early and went to the balcony bit underneath the bridge onboard and got some smashing photos.

We thought that Bergen was a very very rainy place - a nice pleasant clean town with very welcoming people. We didn't do an excursion here - but we got some great photos of sailing under the roadbridge when we left port.

Stavanger - some very very pretty white painted woodenhouses in the old part of town, and with the brightly colour flowers in the borders and baskets was a good photo opportunity. We walked around to the museum and saw some big pink jellly fish in the harbour, which was quite unexpected. Quite a few things to see, quite easy walking, a very nice clean and friendly place - we didn't do an excursion.

Olden - we did the excursion to walk up the Briksdal Glacier. There is a transport system of 'troll cars' there, but we decided to walk. Stunning in the only word, and we can't wait to return. The coach trip to the Glacier is about half an hour, and some lovely views of another glacier and a small lake enroute. If you do the excursion to the Briksdal Glacier there is a gift shop by the coach park which is well stocked and clean with a good set of facilities. The walk up isn't too bad, and there are loads of photo opportunities on it. Half way up is a huge waterfall, and a waterproof jacket and/hat is sometimes needed here because of the spray and mist. There is a small herd of goats halfway up also - and then the glacier at the top, with the wonderful shades of azure blue.
If you do this excursion and are offered refreshments - beware the cakes are stunning!!!

I sincerely hope that you enjoy this wonderful cruise as much as we did ours.

Em

[Sealion]

Have always found Norwegian weather to be similar to the UK...... not really warm and likely to rain with the odd sunny day. It always seems to rain in Bergen!

There wil be plenty of choice in the tours available but it very easy to do your own thing particularly in Bergen with an easy walk from where the ship is berthed, past the Bryggen (very old wooden houses fronting the quayside and now mainly gift shops) right round to the interesting fish market. You can also take the funicular from near the fish market for a fabulous view over the town and fiord.

Stavanger is also easy to stroll around under your own steam but there is sometimes a tour by boat to a private island ,which has an amazing sub tropical garden - incredible for so far north.

Olden is so pretty but there is very little to do apart from a lovely walk along the meadow to the few expensive shops so an organised tour might be worthwhile here. If your feeling fit a trip to the Briksdal Glacier is recommended.

The only slight downer is that anywhere else in the world you might stop for a coffe or something stronger but in Norway any drink is very expensive.

You will see breathtaking scenery and enjoy a very different cruise.

[Boris+]

Sorry - I forgot to say something about the taxfree/tax refund system. When you go into a shop have a look on the window or by the till to see which one of the two schemes the shop belongs to (and check before you leave the ship as to whether both schemes will be present for a refund on your final departure from Norway). Don't forget to ask for the 'special receipt' when you buy anything (comes with a special form to fill in). We did this and then on our last port we were told that the officials would be in the reception area of the ship from about 12.00hrs. We went down with our receipts and passports - they should have asked for our passports but didn't. It was quick and easy and we were asked if we wanted cash (£ sterling) or a refund back onto a plastic card.

We got our refund quickly and easily - just can't wait to get back.

Em

[oldbluefox]

We have been to Norway three times and have always had good weather, although slightly later in the year. It's a beautiful destination and easily DIY depending on what you want. Be mindful though that Norway is expensive, very expensive so be prepared for a big bill if drinking coffee and beer is part of your holiday.

There is plenty to see in Bergen. The Bryggen is well worth exploring with some lovely little shops selling unusual goods (at a price!). The market is also worth a wander round. They sell the most beautiful seafood, all laid out attractively with such delicacies as whale. At the end of the main pedestrianised shopping street is a beautiful little park. And, as has already been pointed out there is the railway up the mountain.

The first time we went to Olden we went to the Briksdal Glacier and it was indeed well worth the visit. Another time we had a walk up the water pastures and also went into the old church which is beautiful inside in a very rustic way. Olden is very small so if you don't do a tour you could be around it very quickly. When we go there next time we are going to do the trip to Stryn.

I like Stavanger. The old part of the town is lovely to stroll around with its whitewashed wooden houses. Again its a place to relax and chill out in. Again there is a beautiful park with a lake which is very attractive. I think there is a canning (?) museum there but we have never been into it.

We have never been to Molde so cannot comment.

I feel sure you will enjoy this beautiful country.

[Romig1]

We have been to Norway three times and have always had good weather, although slightly later in the year. It's a beautiful destination and easily DIY depending on what you want. Be mindful though that Norway is expensive, very expensive so be prepared for a big bill if drinking coffee and beer is part of your holiday.

There is plenty to see in Bergen. The Bryggen is well worth exploring with some lovely little shops selling unusual goods (at a price!). The market is also worth a wander round. They sell the most beautiful seafood, all laid out attractively with such delicacies as whale. At the end of the main pedestrianised shopping street is a beautiful little park. And, as has already been pointed out there is the railway up the mountain.

The first time we went to Olden we went to the Briksdal Glacier and it was indeed well worth the visit. Another time we had a walk up the water pastures and also went into the old church which is beautiful inside in a very rustic way. Olden is very small so if you don't do a tour you could be around it very quickly. When we go there next time we are going to do the trip to Stryn.

I like Stavanger. The old part of the town is lovely to stroll around with its whitewashed wooden houses. Again its a place to relax and chill out in. Again there is a beautiful park with a lake which is very attractive. I think there is a canning (?) museum there but we have never been into it.

We have never been to Molde so cannot comment.

I feel sure you will enjoy this beautiful country.

Not sure about the lake....the area was full of feral pigeons as I remember.

The sardine canning museum is oddly fascinating!

[Staff Davies]

Many thanks to all for the great advice and tips!
I think a hat and a waterproof coat is 1st on the packing list!!
Deffo fancy the Glacier trip not to sure about the Sardines Romig if i have a hangover that could tip me over the edge lol!

Anyone know how much a beer is ashore? I have been told its expensive in Norway


Cheers and thanks again

Staff

[Manoverboard]

Beer, eye wateringly expensive .... best to order a half or maybe a glass of milk

[The Invigilator]

Norway is absolutely stunning, definitely try to be up early for the amazing sail ins, we went in June last year and were lucky enough to have lovely warm weather - including in Bergen which has a reputation of being a very rainy city, however for us it was a beautiful day. There is a free shuttle bus that takes you to a park in Bergen, from there it is an easy walk to the fish market and then to the point where you can get the lift. However, it was very busy and after queuing for a while we decided to walk up. It only took us 40 minutes to get to the top and the view was worth every step.

In Stavangar the ship is docked very close to everything. An easy walk to see the whitewashed buildings. If the weather is not too good I would recommend a visit to the oil museum, very interesting for kids and adults too.

Olden is beautiful, we did the Gerainger Fjord all day trip from here and that was stunning.

A cruise to Norway was our first too and it truly was an amazing experience you will love it. Make sure you have a good camera because I bet you will take loads of photos
Wishing you a fantastic time

[Bobbie]

If you want to go to the Briksdal Glacier from Olden don't bother with the P&O excursion. When you get off the ship just cross the road and you will see a shuttle bus, a lot cheaper than with P&O. It drops you off in the car park at the bottom, you walk or take a troll car to the glacier, and it picks you up again a couple of hours later. The only thing you miss out on is the cakes provided when you go with P&O, which I have also heard are very good, but otherwise it's great.

[Mrs007]

Very excited that 007 and I will be joining you on this cruise Staff. I booked yesterday and they advised me that the itinerary dates have changed slightly, with Olden now on the 21st and Molde on the 22nd. It's been great reading all of the advice from everyone and it's certainly helped in choosing which tours to do, so thanks for that. It's the first time we've booked this late and we only have 11 weeks to until we sail, can't wait!

[Peter D]

Staff,

General Information: Norway is very expensive. When we visited, we saw, 35NK for a punnet of Strawberries, 109NK for a Burger and Coke, chips extra. It was 8.60NK for £1, so that makes the burger £12.60. (2012 prices)

Clothing:take a mixture: We were there in Mid July 2012 and went on a trip to Llysfjord in Stavanger when we left it was damp, misty and cold and so we dressed in warm clothing. On our return 3 hours later it was 23C+ and they were sunbathing on Oriana.

Stavanger
The ship will berth in the centre with only a short walk into town. Stavanger town itself is very colourful and easy to get around.

We did the Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock excursion. This trip was superb and highly recommended. The excursion ship goes from right next to your cruise liner. There are ample seats inside but with limited views, and a few seats top side. We decided to spend the whole of the trip on top standing at the front of the boat. This proved to be a good choice later on when the ones from inside decided to join us on top.

After a quiet and fast trip out to the Fjord in fog and expecting the worse we turned into Lysefjord and the fog lifted and we were given the most fantastic views. The trip up Lysefjord to Pulpit rock was spectacular and so tranquil. At one point the only noise was a cascading waterfall hitting the water. Words cannot describe the surrounding scenery and as well as the Fjord and Pulpit rock we saw seals and fed the goats. On the way back we stopped for coffee/tea and waffles. If you are planning to do this trip, even in July, you do need warm wet weather clothing if you plan to stay on top for the whole journey and at least a warm fleece is recommended.

After the excursion we spent the afternoon walking around the side streets. The old part of the town is lovely to stroll around with its whitewashed wooden houses. When we visited there was a market in the main square close to the ship and if you follow the road over the hill past the church there is a nice park and lake.

Another trip we have heard a lot about is the tour by boat to a private island which has an amazing sub-tropical garden - incredible for so far north.

Bergen
When we visited, there was no shuttle to town. However, it is only about 20 mins walk.

There are a number of hop-on-hop-off buses that tour the town, excellent for getting your bearings. After going almost all the way around the town we got off at the funicular terminal. The queues here were quite long so decided to walk around the city. On our walk around town we visited the fish market, here you could purchase and have your meal cooked by the stall most had their own eating area, through main city centre to the park then through the side streets back to the funicular, queues had doubled, decided not to bother, next time we visit we will do an organised trip. We walked around town and at the end of the main pedestrianised shopping street found a beautiful little park. From here we walked back to the Bryggen area, beautiful wooden buildings with some lovely little shops selling unusual goods (at a price!). We found a Christmas Store, purchased a Father and Mother Christmas. We then walked back to the ship ready for the sailaway.

Sometimes a visit to Troldhaugen is available the home of Edvard Grieg, as well as visiting Grieg’s villa, the hut where he composed music and his gravesite. It also includes Troldsalen, a concert hall with seating for 200 visitors, where if you are lucky you can enjoy a concert of Greig's music. You can even sit in the peace of Greig's garden overlooking Lake Nordås, and perhaps understand where he got the inspiration for his music.

Noticed in Bergen most of the shops give prices in NK, Dollar pounds and Euro.

Enjoy your trip and make sure you have plenty of memory cards for your camera.

[Mrs007]

Peter thanks so much for your review of the Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock tour, as this was the tour I wanted to book. I'll definitely go ahead and book it now after your recommendation.

[JenniC]

Peter thanks so much for your review of the Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock tour, as this was the tour I wanted to book. I'll definitely go ahead and book it now after your recommendation.

Dot - we have booked the Fjords, but sadly not same one as you - we are going 28/6 with Becky & family and my stepfather. We want to do the Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock excursion. Catch up soon

[Rambling Rose]

If you are keen on lovely gardens the trip in Stavanger to the Tropical Island is well worth it. We were lucky and had a beautiful day with blazing sunshine - but for anyone interested in gardens any day would be good. No coaches involved you just walk along the quay to the boat. There is then plenty of time on your return to look round the old town. We met a lovely lady there who was tidying her demolished plant pots - apparently done by the drunks the night before - we expressed surprise that anyone could get drunk in Norway!!! Must be better wages!!!

[JenniC]

I have just downloaded an app from the istore called A Day In (by Pye Tait) and it is aimed a cruise travellers with just a day in port. It is only £2.99 for each area, so I have the Baltics & Fjords, not LOADS of info, but does give a summary, with some interesting snippets about each port, with taxi numbers et. and for that price good value IMO. We are going to Olden, Bergen, Stavanger and Andalsnes and all are covered.

[Mrs007]

Hope you all have a lovely time Jenni in June, wish it was when 007 and I were going too but I'm sure we'll both enjoy our cruises to beautiful Norway.

Do you know if there is an equivalent for your 'A Day In' app for a PC Jenni?

[Not so ancient mariner]

If you are in Stavanger and you fancy a err....dubious taste T shirt or similar, you could always visit the Sh*t shop in jolly Ovre Holmegt (the street with crazy colored houses).

See: http://www.shittm.com/index.cfm?id=198043

[Mrs007]

Holiday booklet's arrived this morning Staff yayyyyyy!! Did not expect one as we're booked on a Getaway so very happy as I love to keep them as a momento of the cruise.

[woodlander]

If music is your thing - we did the excursion to Edvard Grieg's house "Troldhaugen" just outside Bergen. As well as a tour of his house overlooking a fjord there was a short piano recital especially for us in the concert hall adjoining. For me it was one of the highlights of our entire cruise. I think the trip also included a short city tour. Enjoy