Cruising to Norway on the Azura

[The Invigilator]

Bergen and Stavangar are both easy DIY, with Stavangar the ship will dock right in the town pop off the ship and you will see the white wooden buildings up on the right, it's a really easy place to mooch around. If the weather isn't that good I would thoroughly recommend a trip to the oil museum which will be about a 10 minute walk from the ship. We loved Bergen, unfortunately we only got a few hours here and would have liked longer. The shuttle bus will drop you off in the town and its a fairly easy walk to the funicular lift - if you havn't booked would definitely recommend getting there early because it does get busy. We queued for a while and then decided to walk up Mount Floen it was a lovey walk and definitely worth the effort the view is AMAZING. If you have time a walk around the Bryggan is lovely there are narrow little alleyways between the shops and you can go through to the back and see where they are renovating the buildings. You will have a fab time it's a beautiful country. Enjoy

[Romig1]

Good tip about getting to the funicular nice and early.

The fish market is interesting, with smoked whale available to sample amongst other offerings. It's quite pricey though -we fancied some king crab claws but baulked at the cost. Instead we made do with some beautifully sweet and juicy fresh prawns with bread and mayo...but they still cost about £14 for a good plateful!

[Wina G]

We didn't have the shuttle bus in Bergen when we were on Oceana Grand Event as we were able to dock within walking distance

The prawns were extremely yummy, but then I do love prawns

[hdean61]

Sounds ideal, I think we're pretty much decided to just book excusions for Olden and Andalsnes now. Hey I think I'm getting better at remembering the spellings!

[Romig1]

Which tours are you considering?

[hdean61]

Sorry Romig, didn't see your question before.

Not sure as of yet but think in Andalsnes either the scenc railway or the church.

Olden - I think definitely Briskdale Glacier. I was looking at 2 trips, one where you walked a lot further than the other where you take a troll car. The troll car was a lot more expensive than the other which seems to be essentially the same thing with the walking so I'm not sure.

I dont mind walking really but if it's raining all the mile and a half (I think that's what it said). I suspect I'd be wishing we'd paid the extra to take the troll car.

[Romig1]

I would opt for the walk at Briksdaal.

It's a pretty walk with lovely scenery around, and not too taxing. You can stop and take photos whwenever you want if walking too.

If it does rain, I'm not sure if the troll-car can be covered - there are roll bars(?) but I don't know if these can (or do) take a cover. If not, you will still get almost as wet as if you walked!

[Romig1]

Oh, and you will still need to walk a few minutes even if doing the troll-car option.

[hdean61]

Ok you've talked me into it (easy done). I'll be taking a coat with a hood anyway and I suppose I won't melt in a bit of rain.

[Manoverboard]

Olden is very easy DIY either on foot or even by bike if you fancy it ...

Follow the pathway up the hill, via the little wooden Church, on up to the bridge and waterfall, cross into the water meadows with carpets of flowers and then back to the ship for lunch. Now walk down the oposite side of the Fjord for an hour or more and return once again to the ship but this time for a jolly good sleep

We had a white piano sailaway out of Olden on Oriana, you may not have that but please remember to view the sailaway from the aft.

I agree that Stavanger and Bergen are also easy DIY.

[hdean61]

Thanks for that, I can't wait:)

[Chloe_]

Hi, I'm also a bit worried about the north sea for A321n (31st Aug), what will the weather be like then for those that know? I dont want the 3 first time cruisers with us to get a bad picture of cruising. I'm used to the BoB so it wouldn't bother me or my family too much but they've not really been on the sea before.

[Boris+]

Hi Chloe,

We did a cruise up to Norway last year, and had absolutely no problems. The temperature was just nice and then the sea state was lovely too. We had a bit of rain in Bergen (at the end of the cruise) but apart from that it was great. Just don't forget both a sun hat and a light jacket in case it rains.

Have a great time.

Em

[JenniC]

We are on this cruise... First time in Fjords.. Really excited..

[Boris+]

Have a wonderful time Jenni - hope you fall in love with it like we did. We made a point of getting up (and dressed) quite early and going along to the balcony underneath the bridge to be forward with cameras going into our first fjord. It was just us on our own up there, and quite romantic really - well worth while.

Enjoy it - Em

[JenniC]

Thanks Em.. We booked a Getaway, inside somewhere, so will have to be on deck most of the time!! I want lots of photos... Doing a 1 day 1:1 landscape photography course on Monday and have my new camera to play with.. I am like the proverbial kid with a new toy

[oldbluefox]

Whilst in Olden do try to find time to go into the old church. From the outside it looks nothing special but it is rustically beautiful inside. Take your camera.

[Emrobo]

sorry to butt in, do you think this cruise will be suitable for a 5 and 3 year old, well they will be 6 and 4 then?

[Barrygsquires]

In answer to some concerns, we did this cruise two years ago.
The North Sea was a mill pond going, woke up to fog and horns, lovely then Stavangar was 70 degrees, really enjoyed just wandering around the little houses.
Olden was magical, warm and we crossed the river then walked for three hours through fields and farms to a waterfall then crossed back and along the road to the church and back to town.
Flamm we took the train to the top and walked for a couple of hours in the sun and had the waffles then train back before an almighty storm came down the fjord but was gone in an hour and sailed out in the gym.
Bergen was wet am so walked about town then up the funicular after lunch for great views as it cleared, much cheaper than a tour.
Waking as you sail down a Fjord is a wonderful experience and two mornings I got on top of the bridge as they were filming so whilst cold the views were stunning.
The North Sea had white horses coming back but Azura rode them with no problems so go and don't worry, walking on deck at midnight in daylight watching the start of a sunset is worth it !!

[JenniC]

walking on deck at midnight in daylight watching the start of a sunset is worth it !!

Thanks for that Barry, made me even more impatient for 28 June That gave me goosebumps of anticipation

[hdean61]

Beginning to get all excited again now, not long to go!

[JenniC]

Beginning to get all excited again now, not long to go!

As from tomorrow we can say " we are going on holiday next month" We too are getting excited as will soon come round and never been to Fjords. A couple we met on the GE last year are off on 18th May and are going to give us some tips when they get back so will share them on here

[hdean61]

That'll be great, looking forward to the tips. Getting close now!