Norway Cruise (+Iceland/Copenhagen/Dover) TIPS (consolidated)

[disneyfaninaz]

The special Frozen adventure in Alesund is up on the Port Adventure site. I think we'll skip this one. $$$$$$

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

The special Frozen adventure in Alesund is up on the Port Adventure site. I think we'll skip this one. $$$$$$

I was looking at it yesterday and while it doesn't apply to our sailing I believe it stated "weather permitting" so what a bummer if it indeed was cancelled for weather. Seems cool albeit pricey of course

Heather

 

[DahliaRW]

I was looking at it yesterday and while it doesn't apply to our sailing I believe it stated "weather permitting" so what a bummer if it indeed was cancelled for weather. Seems cool albeit pricey of course

Heather

Any outdoor excursion is "weather permitting" for the most part!

 

[Saamh]

I'm flying from Cleveland so not much help on Seattle prices but am seeing a little over $1000 per person. Virgin seems to be the best for us right now in partnership with Delta. I usually use a site to see what the options are. The NY Times just had an article about travel called "You Googled It, We Answered It" and recommended these sites to compare airfares across multiple carriers: Google Flights, Kayak.com and also Momondo.com.

We found our air using skyscanner.com. Got a great deal on British Airways flights.

 

[imbelle]

Anyone else notice the Bergen excursion on the Flam railway that is 9 to 9.5 hours but the onshore/onboard time in Bergen is 8 hours and 15 minutes? Thought it might go to Borgund Stave church (an hour drive from Flam) but it doesn't list it in the description.

 

[DahliaRW]

Because that includes the time you meet on the boat. I'm guessing this will be the first group off.

 

[Crisi83]

Yes, it is worth visiting in my opinion. But .... it is not uniquely Copenhagen, it is an aquarium that could be anywhere in the World. So if you prefer something you will not find anywhere else you would do better with a trip to Tivoli or to some of the Castles around Copenhagen. A taxi from the cruise ship harbour to the aquarium would run around 200 DKK (35 USD) each way.

I will leave airfare to someone else.
Jens

Jens - We are doing more planning now about our day in Copenhagen... Looking at google maps it seems like we could take a bus/subway combo that takes us to the aquarium, then take a bus straight from there to Tivoli, and another subway back to the Dock, *if* the cruise docks at Langelinie like my reading seems to say is most likely... does seem resonable to you? Langelinie is right by the Little Mermaid statue, right?

Thanks!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

City by city information/travel guides/websites (for excursions, next post):

*Thanks the_princess, jenrin (Copenhagen)
*Thanks bats, lolainkent (London/Dover)

Disney Magic Port Info in Copenhagen
More info to come/update - the old Copenhagen port schedule (i.e. newest excel file has the Disney Magic removed to hide it), but the old copy shows it docking at
"Oceankaj" Pier - c330-c334. Port info here: http://cruiseportwiki.com/Copenhagen Realize it maybe further away than normal

15/06/29 06:00 15/06/29 17:00 Disney Magic Oceankaj TR Shipping Denmark ApS TA
15/06/30 08:00 15/06/30 17:00 Caribbean Princess Oceankaj Maersk Broker Agency K/S Poc

Copenhagen, Denmark
Official Copenhagen tourist website: http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen-tourist
Wiki travel guide: http://wikitravel.org/en/Copenhagen
The Copenhagen Card (rec by Ido)- like other 'city cards' http://www.copenhagencard.com/
Tomsportguides guide (some out of date, i.e. new pier C330, but still lots of info): http://www.tomsportguides.com/Copenhagen-09-30-2012.pdf
Copenhagen free walking tour: http://www.copenhagenfreewalkingtours.dk/
Copenhagen running tour: http://running-copenhagen.dk/

Akureyri, Iceland
Official Akureyri tourist website: http://www.visitakureyri.is/en

Reykjavik, Iceland
Official Reykjavik tourist website: http://www.visitreykjavik.is/
Wiki travel guide: http://wikitravel.org/en/Reykjavik,_Iceland
Youtube series of videos on pronunciation (#11 - drinks!)

Alesund, Norway
Official tourist website: http://www.visitnorway.com/us/where-to-go-us/fjord-norway/alesund-sunnmore/
Bergen, Norway
Official tourist website: http://www.visitnorway.com/us/where-to-go-us/fjord-norway/bergen/
Geiranger, Norway
Official tourist website: http://www.visitnorway.com/us/where...ngerfjord-and-trollstigen/the-geirangerfjord/
Kristiansand, Norway
Official tourist website: http://www.visitnorway.com/us/where-to-go-us/south/kristiansand/
Molde, Norway
Official tourist website: http://www.visitnorway.com/us/where-to-go-us/fjord-norway/molde-romsdal/
Olden, Norway
Unofficial Nordfjord website: http://www.nordfjord.no/cruise
Oslo, Norway
Official tourist website: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/
Wiki travel guide: http://wikitravel.org/en/Oslo
Stavanger, Norway
Official tourist website: http://www.visitnorway.com/us/where-to-go-us/fjord-norway/stavanger/

Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Official tourist website: http://www.visittorshavn.fo/?l=en

Kirkwall, Scotland
Official tourist website: http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/info/towns-villages/kirkwall-p238491

Dover, England
Official tourist website: http://www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/Home.aspx
Port of Dover website: http://www.doverport.co.uk/
Wiki Travel guide: http://wikitravel.org/en/Dover_(England)
Getting from LON (LHR) to Dover by train (thanks bats): http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51064027&postcount=25
Accessibility in the UK: http://www.inclusivebritain.com/
Dover's train station is "Dover Priory" or DVP

Hotel suggestions for Copenhagen, Denmark
Tripadvisor's list of Copenhagen Hotels: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g189541-Copenhagen_Zealand-Hotels.html
Adina apartment Hotel (small hotel apt near cruise ship, rec. by jenrin) http://www.adina.eu/adina-apartment-hotel-copenhagen/home
Wake up Copenhagen (budget/small hotel consider 2 rm, rec by jenrin): https://www.wakeupcopenhagen.com/#/search
Cab Inn Copenhagen (budget/small hotel, rec by jenrin): https://www.cabinn.com/en/inexpensive-hotels-heart-copenhagen
Marriott Copenhagen (rec by Ido): http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cphdk-copenhagen-marriott-hotel/
Hotel (for 5 in a family, rec by KaseyC) https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/copenhagen/rkecp/hoteldetail?qAdlt=2&qBrs=6c.hi.ex.sb.ic.cp.cw.in.vn.rc.cv.rs.ma.tc&qChld=3&qCiD=05&qCiMy=082014&qCoD=07&qCoMy=082014&qDest=Copenhagen,+Denmark&qGRM=0&qHtlC=rkecp&qLat=55.6763&qLng=12.5694&qPSt=0&qRRSrt=rt&qRmP=K.O.T.X.C&qRms=1&qRpn=1&qRpp=10&qRtP=6CBARC&qSHp=1&qSlH=RKECP&qSmP=3&qSrt=sDD&qWch=0&srb_u=1&PID=6146859&icdv=99613032 in this same thread, direct post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51088652&postcount=69

Hotel discussion thread (DIS) for London, England: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3371174

Travel tip: Avoid London bridge area this summer (2015) due to construction, etc. (Thanks Disney Fantasy)

(to be continued)

Excursions by city and other Miscellaneous info

US Passport information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html

CDC travel information for Norway: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/norway

Exchange rate US $ to Danish Krone: https://www.google.com/#q=exchange+rate+us+to+dkk&safe=active
Exchange rate US $ to Norwegian Krone: https://www.google.com/#q=exchange+rate+us+to+nok&safe=active
Exchange rate US $ to British Pound: https://www.google.com/#q=1+us+dollar+to+gbp&safe=active

Disney website direct link to ports: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/northern-europe/ports/

Disney excursions link - some now Live (1/29/2015)! http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/search/

Port profiles at some Norway cities (credit link to DahliaRW, on another thread here): http://www.avidcruiser.com/port-profiles/europe/northern-europe/norway/

Roxy84 talks about Toshavn, Reykjavik, Bergen, Alesund with pictures here on DIS: http://http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3255090

Specific excursions mentioned by people...
Copenhagen, Denmark
Stromma sightseeing in Copenhagen (HOHO boat/bus, Dining cruise) http://www.stromma.dk/en/copenhagen/
Copenhagen "City Sightseeing" (another HOHO): http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/denmark/copenhagen.htm
Copenhagen Netto-Boats (different Canal tour): http://www.havnerundfart.dk/canaltours/index.php?page=forside.php
Tivoli (Walt's inspiration for DL): http://www.tivoli.dk/en/
What would you do if you only had 1 day? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51064964&postcount=28
What would you do if you had 2 days? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51069615&postcount=41

Akureyi, Iceland
Akureyi Port Manual (warning, large PDF file): http://www.port.is/files/8/new_port_manual.pdf
Reykjavik, Iceland

Alesund, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Geiranger, Norway
Kristiansand, Norway
Molde, Norway
Olden, Norway
Oslo, Norway
Stavanger, Norway
Pulpit Rock is evidently the "#1 place to hike" in the world: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...and_Municipality_Rogaland_Western_Norway.html

Kirkwall, Scotland

Dover, England

 

[booger73]

I was wondering why DF quoted the whole thing again, but then realized maybe he was responding to 'which port'

Anyways, as an update if people didn't know.. it's docking in quay C330.. (this is NOT the one next to the little mermaid).. see link/map

 

[Flossbolna]

I was wondering why DF quoted the whole thing again, but then realized maybe he was responding to 'which port'

Anyways, as an update if people didn't know.. it's docking in quay C330.. (this is NOT the one next to the little mermaid).. see link/map

It might be important to differentiate between Copenhagen as the turn around port and Copenhagen as one stop on a cruise from Dover. Turn around is Oceankaj (C330), port day from Dover is Langelinie (C190).

 

[booger73]

It might be important to differentiate between Copenhagen as the turn around port and Copenhagen as one stop on a cruise from Dover. Turn around is Oceankaj (C330), port day from Dover is Langelinie (C190).

Yes.. sorry

Disney Magic: June 6, 20, and 29th: is C330
Disney Magic: July 12th - C190

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Excursions by city and other Miscellaneous info

US Passport information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html

CDC travel information for Norway: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/norway

Exchange rate US $ to Danish Krone: https://www.google.com/#q=exchange+rate+us+to+dkk&safe=active
Exchange rate US $ to Norwegian Krone: https://www.google.com/#q=exchange+rate+us+to+nok&safe=active
Exchange rate US $ to British Pound: https://www.google.com/#q=1+us+dollar+to+gbp&safe=active

Disney website direct link to ports: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/northern-europe/ports/

Disney excursions link - some now Live (1/29/2015)! http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/search/

Port profiles at some Norway cities (credit link to DahliaRW, on another thread here): http://www.avidcruiser.com/port-profiles/europe/northern-europe/norway/

Roxy84 talks about Toshavn, Reykjavik, Bergen, Alesund with pictures here on DIS: http://http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3255090

Specific excursions mentioned by people...
Copenhagen, Denmark
Stromma sightseeing in Copenhagen (HOHO boat/bus, Dining cruise) http://www.stromma.dk/en/copenhagen/
Copenhagen "City Sightseeing" (another HOHO): http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/denmark/copenhagen.htm
Copenhagen Netto-Boats (different Canal tour): http://www.havnerundfart.dk/canaltours/index.php?page=forside.php
Tivoli (Walt's inspiration for DL): http://www.tivoli.dk/en/
What would you do if you only had 1 day? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51064964&postcount=28
What would you do if you had 2 days? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51069615&postcount=41

Akureyi, Iceland
Akureyi Port Manual (warning, large PDF file): http://www.port.is/files/8/new_port_manual.pdf
Reykjavik, Iceland

Alesund, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Geiranger, Norway
Kristiansand, Norway
Molde, Norway
Olden, Norway
Oslo, Norway
Stavanger, Norway
Pulpit Rock is evidently the "#1 place to hike" in the world: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...and_Municipality_Rogaland_Western_Norway.html

Kirkwall, Scotland

Dover, England

I was wondering why DF quoted the whole thing again, but then realized maybe he was responding to 'which port'

Anyways, as an update if people didn't know.. it's docking in quay C330.. (this is NOT the one next to the little mermaid).. see link/map

TBH My IPad locked me out if you quote a large section on IPad it will freeze and each time you access it will crash. I was working on it as other posts say re Copenhagen as our 2016 cruise calls there.

 

[linetbo]

2016 Norway and Iceland from Dover, I want to stay at least 2 days in London Can I go to the airport from my hotel and use Disney transportation? And from Copenhagen cruise port to the city how long is the ride?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

2016 Norway and Iceland from Dover, I want to stay at least 2 days in London Can I go to the airport from my hotel and use Disney transportation? And from Copenhagen cruise port to the city how long is the ride?

London the airports are about an hour outside Central London and not a good idea. Use our trains from St Pancrus to Dover priory and a short taxi from there. DCL transportation is expensive and from there two nominated hotels.

From central London to Dover by train is about and hour and 15 mins, by coach on a good day about an hour and a half. If going by DCL transfers its 90 mins from both airports direct.

 

[linetbo]

London the airports are about an hour outside Central London and not a good idea. Use our trains from St Pancrus to Dover priory and a short taxi from there. DCL transportation is expensive and from there two nominated hotels.

From central London to Dover by train is about and hour and 15 mins, by coach on a good day about an hour and a half. If going by DCL transfers its 90 mins from both airports direct.

Thanks for your answer, any other transfers from central London to Dover not on train?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Thanks for your answer, any other transfers from central London to Dover not on train?

There is National Express coach but it has many stops and takes a long time, private transfers are quick and efficient but will cost a lot.

Train is best. Any reason not to take the train? We have great public transport and if you leave St Pancrus you go on high speed trains.

You can hire a car, now driving in a London isn't for the faint hearted and we have congestion charges in London and at Dartford crossing. There is a rental car drop off just outside the port.

 

[frozenmania]

We are on 9 nights Norway cruise on June 20. Despite being silver status, I could not get the excursions that I wanted on Geiranger, Olden, and Stravanger. Would there be a chance to get these sold out excursions once onboard? Does DCL hold some reservations back for onboard booking? Thanks!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We are on 9 nights Norway cruise on June 20. Despite being silver status, I could not get the excursions that I wanted on Geiranger, Olden, and Stravanger. Would there be a chance to get these sold out excursions once onboard? Does DCL hold some reservations back for onboard booking? Thanks!

They do not hold back shore trips for on board booking but people do cancel so keep checking regularly.

Now have you checked if a private operator undertakes the same trips in those ports? Tripadvisor is good.

In Europe last year DCL did " add" more coaches and increased availability on some popular trips, so do keep checking if they see it has sold out they will try to add more.

 

[frozenmania]

I think I am going to book private tour for Geiranger. I haven't researched Olden or Stravanger yet. I will keep checking! Thanks for your advice.

What's the latest time to board on embarkation day? Does anyone get off the ship following early checkin? I am trying to do short tour of Copenhagen 6/20. Last year, we got off the ship at Venice on embarkation day and had a short walking tour. We just don't have enough time to see Copenhagen.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I think I am going to book private tour for Geiranger. I haven't researched Olden or Stravanger yet. I will keep checking! Thanks for your advice.

What's the latest time to board on embarkation day? Does anyone get off the ship following early checkin? I am trying to do short tour of Copenhagen 6/20. Last year, we got off the ship at Venice on embarkation day and had a short walking tour. We just don't have enough time to see Copenhagen.

Ship embarkation in Europe is 11 am to 3pm, I wouldn't do it outside that. We should get on at 11.30 a bit later than Port canaveral. Yes once checked in you can get back off, but be back for the mandatory drill. In 2010 I know people who checked in and then went into Dover but as the pier us narrow and used by heavy lorries ( trucks) your best to get a taxi, but the twin is walkable. Maybe a taxi to the castle and walk back.

The cruises that start and end in Copenhagen are docked further north of the city and not close to the city.