6/6/15 Norwegian Fjords Inaugural Cruise...just back!

[vegs1]

Just got in and unpacked from the Inaugural Norwegian Fjords cruise. Totally amazing in every way.

Stayed one night prior in Copenhagen at the Tivoli. Cute hotel but next time would pick a different location. Copenhagen was great. Lots to see. Highly recommend the canal tour, relaxing in the Nyhavn area and seeing the Little Mermaid!

The cruise itself was awesome. We did the Lysefjord cruise in Stavangar and spent the rest of the day looking around the old town at the white houses ( which were immediately next to the ship). We did a bit of shopping and climbed the old fire tower.

In Alesund, we did a full day Path of the Trolls with Leisure Time. It got away a bit late and personally, I felt it was rushed. The scenery was beautiful. Lots of snow in the mountains and beautiful overlooks. Doing this again, I would choose a half day tour and see some of the city. I heard it was very nice in town.

I loved Geiranger the most. Such a cute town. You MUST wake up early to see the fjord coming in. We did the herdelestra Goat farm for half a day. That was a lot of fun and you learned how they made brown cheese by boiling the goats milk for seven hours. It then turns into a brown fudge tasting cheese. Ended the day by walking around town again and then watching the sail out.

The final port was Bergen. We took the light rail on our own out to the Stave Church. It was a beautiful church and we even enjoyed the train ride out and back. Then went on our own and did the funicular. After that, had lunch sitting outside in the Bryggen area and did some shopping for a Norwegian knitted sweater. We loved this port also and were glad we did things on our own with no excursion.

We would go back in a heartbeat to any of the towns. Really enjoyed the cruise. Weather was much better than we expected but was quite cool. Wind proof jackets with layers is the way to go! It was light til around 11 and the sun rose at 3:30 or so. Not much darkness! We took a taxi to the ship from our hotel but had opted for the transfers through Disney back to the airport. In hindsight, would not take the transfers as there were plenty of taxis available.

Things are quite expensive so plan accordingly.

Also, there was no pirate night but they do have Freezing the Night Away. It was cute. They are not allowed to have fireworks in the fjords.

Any questions, I will try my best to answer them. For those going in the upcoming weeks,have fun!!!

 

[frozenmania]

Thanks for wonderful trip report!

We leave for 6/20 norway cruise in few days. I am still torn between Mariott and Tivoli hotel. Given your experience with Tivoli, would you recommend it again? We are family of 4 with two girls ages 4 and 7.

Did you use DCL transfer from the hotel? We were planning to take a taxi late morning to the port.

Did most vendors (food and souvenir shops) accept credit cards? Did you have to get Cash in NOK?

Thanks.

 

[DISGRL13]

Any information on Copenhagen hotels would be appreciated!! Which hotel did you stay in and what did you not like about it? Any hotels you would recommend?
Thanks!

 

[aldapl]

My mom and DS were on the Baltic cruise. They stayed at the Marriott one night before and one night after. They had no complaints about it and said they would stay there again.

 

[elena_n2o]

It seems we were together in some of the excursions vegs1!! We also did the Lysefjord one in Stavanger and the farm one in Geiranger

I think all of us would have stayed to do it all over again. Norway is gorgeous!! Though if we ever do this cruise again it would be good to try some different excursions, the Path of the Trolls one sounded really nice, and next time I would definitely try to get up early for Geiranger!!

For those looking for a hotel in Copenhagen I can recommend our one, the Ocean Hotel. It was very close to the airport (one stop in the Metro) and about 10 minutes walk away from the Blue Planet Aquarium. With the metro it took us about 10 minutes to get to the center of town, really easy. It was nice and quiet, breakfast was delicious, and it was relatively cheap compared to the hotels in Copenhagen!!

 

[Cruisingwiththefam]

Thank you so much for posting and for offering to answer questions. I've been waiting to read trip reports of this cruise to help with my own planning. My family and I are booked on the 6/16 cruise! These are the port adventures I was considering:

Stavenger - Lysefjord Cruise
Alesund - Alesund Highlights or DIY
Geiranger - Dalsnibba Viewpoint and Fjord Center or Views of Norway
Bergen - DIY (Mt. Floien)

Any info or recommendations you can provide on these port adventures or opinions on DIY is appreciated.

Finally, I have to ask for the kids - are the pools/hot tubs open for use? If yes, was anyone in them??? You won't catch me in them but I know my kids might just get in! This is a first cold-weather cruise. Thank you in advance!

 

[Medic193]

Finally, I have to ask for the kids - are the pools/hot tubs open for use? If yes, was anyone in them??? You won't catch me in them but I know my kids might just get in! This is a first cold-weather cruise. Thank you in advance!

Yes, just like in Alaska they will keep the pools open. Unless due to rough seas or something they would have to close them.

 

[DahliaRW]

Any information on Copenhagen hotels would be appreciated!! Which hotel did you stay in and what did you not like about it? Any hotels you would recommend?
Thanks!

If you just want somewhere clean and comfortable to sleep, I would recommend Danhostel Copenhagen City. You can reserve a private room if you want and they all have attached bathrooms. No amenities, but cheap, clean, comfortable and close to Tivoli, main train station, etc. But, if you're going next summer, don't stay here if it's during the Distortion Festival. There is a temporary all night (until 5am) very loud night club for 2 of the distortion festival nights, making it very hard to sleep.

If you want nicer, the Scandic Palace is very nice and includes a very nice breakfast buffet. We spent one night here (due to the noise from distortion). It is even closer to Tivoli and the train station.

 

[vegs1]

Thanks for wonderful trip report!

We leave for 6/20 norway cruise in few days. I am still torn between Mariott and Tivoli hotel. Given your experience with Tivoli, would you recommend it again? We are family of 4 with two girls ages 4 and 7.

Did you use DCL transfer from the hotel? We were planning to take a taxi late morning to the port.

Did most vendors (food and souvenir shops) accept credit cards? Did you have to get Cash in NOK?

Thanks.

I really liked the Tivoli. The beds were really comfy. I just thought it was a bit away from everything (but not that far). It did have a great breakfast buffet. I would have chosen the Radisson but it was sold out. When I called, they told me it was beside Tivoli gardens but it isn't. About a 15 minute walk away.

We took a taxi to the port. Most everywhere took credit cards...taxis included. We brought NOK and used it for tipping guides, the train, etc. the small shop at Herdelsetra Farm only took cash. Can't say on other excursions as we didn't buy anything.

Wear comfy shoes...walking in cobblestones hurts the feet. We also found it fairly cool so layer. You will have a fabulous time. Get up early in Gereinger to watch coming in to the port.

 

[vegs1]

Any information on Copenhagen hotels would be appreciated!! Which hotel did you stay in and what did you not like about it? Any hotels you would recommend?
Thanks!

We stayed at the Tivoli. It was nice. I would have preferred the Radisson. Not sure of cost but I thought the 71 Nyhavn hotel looked pretty neat. In a great area. Close to everything. On the waterfront and Nyhavn area.

Tivoli wasn't as close to everything as I expected but really, wasn't that far either. I would just stay elsewhere going back. Breakfast was awesome and the beds were comfy.

 

[vegs1]

It seems we were together in some of the excursions vegs1!! We also did the Lysefjord one in Stavanger and the farm one in Geiranger

I think all of us would have stayed to do it all over again. Norway is gorgeous!! Though if we ever do this cruise again it would be good to try some different excursions, the Path of the Trolls one sounded really nice, and next time I would definitely try to get up early for Geiranger!!

For those looking for a hotel in Copenhagen I can recommend our one, the Ocean Hotel. It was very close to the airport (one stop in the Metro) and about 10 minutes walk away from the Blue Planet Aquarium. With the metro it took us about 10 minutes to get to the center of town, really easy. It was nice and quiet, breakfast was delicious, and it was relatively cheap compared to the hotels in Copenhagen!!

I loved the Farm. So much fun. I agree....Norway is so beautiful. Would love to go back next year and do it all again. Personally, I wouldn't do the Path of the trolls again. Would have loved to see the town. It was too long.

 

[vegs1]

Thank you so much for posting and for offering to answer questions. I've been waiting to read trip reports of this cruise to help with my own planning. My family and I are booked on the 6/16 cruise! These are the port adventures I was considering:

Stavenger - Lysefjord Cruise
Alesund - Alesund Highlights or DIY
Geiranger - Dalsnibba Viewpoint and Fjord Center or Views of Norway
Bergen - DIY (Mt. Floien)

Any info or recommendations you can provide on these port adventures or opinions on DIY is appreciated.

Finally, I have to ask for the kids - are the pools/hot tubs open for use? If yes, was anyone in them??? You won't catch me in them but I know my kids might just get in! This is a first cold-weather cruise. Thank you in advance!

My family really enjoyed the Lysefjord cruise. Dress warmly as it is best to go upstairs on the boat as soon as possible and get to the front. It's windy and cool but the best views. We were really cold but we brought gloves, hats and multiple layers under wind proof jackets. Weather may be warmer when you're there.

Alesund....we did Path of the Trolls. I would not do a full day tour again as you miss the quaint towns. I would probably do it on my own next time.

Bergen...absolutely Mt. floein on your own. A trip by train to the Stave Church is nice, too. Make sure you visit the fish market. I don't eat fish but it was nice to see. They will cook food for you right there.

We were going to do Views of Norway but then the Farm opened up which we loved. Views of Norway would be good, too. I don't know anything about the other one. Whatever you do, you will have fun! Bring lots of memory for your camera.

The pools were all open and heated. Not many kids in them as it was cold to get out but some did partake. I think they went through a lot more hot chocolate than normal.

 

[frozenmania]

Any special events during sea days? Do you have to get tickets for Princess Gathering and Anna/ Elsa meets?

We are doing Path of Troll from Molde. I wonder if this is also too long of excursion.

How was Frozen Deck party?

 

[vegs1]

Any special events during sea days? Do you have to get tickets for Princess Gathering and Anna/ Elsa meets?

We are doing Path of Troll from Molde. I wonder if this is also too long of excursion.

How was Frozen Deck party?

We weren't interested in any Anna/Elsa meets so don't know about that. The Frozen Deck party was fun for the younger kids. It was cold on deck. Dancing and singing. No buffet after and no fireworks. We were told it is due to norway's environmental laws.

Special events? I can't say, sorry. We don't have little kids and basically just relaxed and played checkers. Sorry I am not more help.

The excursion should tell you how long it is in total. We didn't go to Molde.

 

[DahliaRW]

Any special events during sea days? Do you have to get tickets for Princess Gathering and Anna/ Elsa meets?

We are doing Path of Troll from Molde. I wonder if this is also too long of excursion.

How was Frozen Deck party?

Yes, you do need tickets for Princess gathering, Anna and Elsa, and Marvel characters. They are very easy to get and they will work around times with you (i.e. I asked to not have tickets that interfered with my already scheduled Palo brunch and they gave me later ones).

The Frozen Deck Party was awesome. DD loved it. Even though it's late (10:15), it's light out due to being so far north! They had a dedicated kids area right in the center, which made it really easy for dd to see and I went and got her when it was over. We both loved the show. I got there early and was right up front too. It was worth it. Just wear a warm jacket!

As for sea days, not sure if there was anything super special. They did the normal type stuff, but there were frozen themed ones (i.e. learn to draw Olaf). There is a Frozen after party for the adults on the frozen deck party night. I didn't go, but heard it was fun. There is a scavenger hunt throughout the ship that goes on for 3 days, and then if you turn in your sheet "Anna" brings you a treat and leaves it in your cabin. That was really fun and dd loved it.

 

[Crisi83]

Yes, you do need tickets for Princess gathering, Anna and Elsa, and Marvel characters. They are very easy to get and they will work around times with you (i.e. I asked to not have tickets that interfered with my already scheduled Palo brunch and they gave me later ones).
.

First cruise, going on the Norther Europe one in July... how do you get the tickets? is it something that will sell out and you need to do first thing, or just get it done soon? Also what Marvel characters did they have? Hopefully thats the same in a few weeks for my cruise... maybe have to pack my daughters Avengers dress! Its really her only marvel "costume" right now....

 

[elena_n2o]

First cruise, going on the Norther Europe one in July... how do you get the tickets? is it something that will sell out and you need to do first thing, or just get it done soon? Also what Marvel characters did they have? Hopefully thats the same in a few weeks for my cruise... maybe have to pack my daughters Avengers dress! Its really her only marvel "costume" right now....

You get the tickets from Guest Services; I went there as soon as we boarded (around 12:30 I think it was) and got tickets for the next day, to see the Princesses (we had Belle, Rapunzel and Cinderella) at 9:30 and Frozen (Anna, Elsa and Olaf) at 10:00. For Marvel we didn't go, but I think they had Captain America, Thor and Spiderman (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). I don't know if the tickets can sell out, but if you go there on your first day you should be OK. When you first check in they give you the Personal Navigator for the day, listing all activities, and it will also tell you for which events you can get tickets (and where to get them from)

We saw the princesses a lot throughout the cruise, around the corridors (mostly around deck 4), our daughter was in heaven. One evening she even took a walk with Belle and Cinderella, I think it's what she remembers most of the cruise

We did the fjords cruise last week, our first cruise too, and loved it. Have already booked to do the Mediterranean one in 2016 Hope you have a wonderful time!!

 

[akikitsune]

We kept getting tickets for the marvel meet ups because the boys kept coming up with something else they wanted to do. I also got to sneak in on the princess and other character 'ticket' times with the baby as there was no one waiting. At first we were a bit put off the ticket waiting idea but it actually worked out for us as we don't usually see lots of characters, they seemed pretty flexible with rearranging times, and allowed us to work around other things the boys wanted to do with less interference. All in all they seemed pretty accommodating but that was our experience.

 

[Flossbolna]

We are doing Path of Troll from Molde. I wonder if this is also too long of excursion.

I looked the excursion up on the website and think it will be equally long. However, we absolutely loved that excursion. Yes, it was a long time on the bus, but you go up to an area that is so different. And the waterfalls are just breathtakingly beautiful. Come prepared, bring some snacks (no one ever said that you could not bring food off the ship, so we did that later in the cruise) and something to drink. We had some issues with the schedule on our bus and with our tour guide and we left feedback with the Port Adventures desk. They were very happy to hear our feedback and said that they will consider this for future excursions and that it was really valuable for them as they are so new to that region. The one thing I like about the Molde excursion is that you get two ferry rides and those should give you a break from sitting on the bus. Bring warm clothes (wind and rain proof!), up there in the mountains it was truly cold. There was still plenty of snow around!

How was Frozen Deck party?

I thought it was nothing special. Mainly party dancing with the cruise staff people. The characters were not out for long and I was disappointed that Olaf was only on the screen. So, if you want to meet Olaf, you have to sign up for the Meet and Greet.

But obviously I am not the target audience for that deck party. ;-)

The Chocolate Hunt was fun though and we loved our treat! And all the Cast Members had nice costumes for that day!

 

[frozenmania]

Thanks Flossbolna for looking up this excursion. You are amazing! We are very excited to do this excursion. I think ferry rides will definitely break up the bus rides.

When was chocolate hunt held? Sea days?