I just got back from Holland America's Voyage of the Midnight Sun, where you go all the way up into the Arctic Circle, and it was AWESOME. I agree with most of what's in this video (and aren't these two the cutest?) but I do have some things to add. The crowd on our ship was probably older (guessing the median age in the high sixties) with about 1K passengers from the Netherlands, 500 from the US, and the other 1K from miscellaneous Europe and Australia, so people were very civilized, polite, and fairly chill. I too worried about our reception in the fjord ports due to some wanting to close them to big ships to protect the environment, but people were kind and welcoming. That said, the train in Flam sold out quickly (we did all our own excursions because the ship excursions sold out months in advance) and they were very easy to organize in port, but the key was to be among the first to get off the boat, get your tickets and get on the excursions before the hoards, especially if there was more than one ship in port. The prices we paid were typically half of what the ship charged. Everyone was fine speaking English, and we never needed local cash because we used our debit card for everything (tap to pay is everywhere). Yes, there were a lot of electric cars, and they did diminish noise, but I live in the forest, and I would say that every port was still noisy (J&J must live in a city, lol). The seas were NOT always calm in my experience, especially as you go further north. Yes, the fjords are calm, but the Norwegian Sea is not. We had multiple days of 10-20 foot waves, so if you get seasick, this is probably not the cruise for you. Our so-called premium Wi-Fi was horribly slow for the entire trip, and it did cut out in the fjords, so I got way behind on my RUclips watching... :) Every port town was charming and walkable with nature hikes/walks nearby and local restaurants to try. We saw reindeer, eagles, and all kinds of interesting birds. Plus some whales! Also, May was tulip season, so we saw so many incredible flowers. It would be spring at the lower elevations and still winter a couple thousand feet up with snow-capped mountains and rushing waterfalls. Absolutely spectacular! Holland America had incredible blackout curtains that kept all the light out when you didn't want to see the midnight sun, no face mask required. Definitely, be prepared for rain and cold. We had a lot of sun, but there were some wet days when I was glad to have boots for sloshing around puddles. As for the potential closing of the fjords to big cruise ships, yes, definitely possible, so book now rather than later. Interestingly, the ship we were on, the Nieuw Statendam, is propelled by electricity (they use diesel to generate all the electricity needed for the ship) and so, such ships may be allowed to continue this route because the small port towns do benefit economically from tourism. But, Norway is a rich oil country, so they may decide they don't need tourism dollars coming at the expense of their beautiful landscape. We shall see. I came back with 6,557 photos and video clips from this amazing adventure, so, time to sort through this and put a story together. Alaska vs Norway? I agree with J&J, do both, they're totally different and spectacular, but do Norway first because the clock may run out on this incredible destination... ⏰
Thanks JJ in advance for the video. Hi Diane, I would also like to save the price. Might I know if every port has the tour counter for booking the excursion. I tired to search and look in google map. It seems quite hard to locate these centres. Thanks a lot!
We were on RC Jewel of the Seas earlier this month and had a wonderful time cruising the fjords. The scenery is truly breathtaking at almost every turn. I ended up taking well over 900 pictures and video. I'm so glad we were able to do it!
During 2023 and 2024, there will be opportunities for all ships to connect to the electricity grid in Norway - when they are at anchor. Most ferries in Norway now run on electricity - the same applies to tourist boats and boats to the islands within a couple of years. It gets so much better
I just got home from a cruise 2 weeks ago where half of it was spent in Norway. When talking about the weather, it's basically the western part of the country that gets a ton of rain. I was in Bergen for 4 days, and it rained 3 of the 4 days we were there. We went to Eidfjord and the weather wasn't much better. However when we got to Stavanger and made our way to Oslo, the weather was sunny every single day, and you didn't have to worry about rain much. I just looked up the weather forecast for Bergen today, and it is calling for rain 13 of the next 14 days, and this is peak travel time for Norway. As far as the sunlight goes, that really messed me up. It could be 9:00 at night and it would look like it's late afternoon outside. I took a picture after the sun had set at 12:30 in the morning, and the sky was dark, but the horizon had a pinkish orange glow to it. Then approximately 2 1/2 hours later, the sun would start rising again. This was early June when I was there. Now depending where you're at in Norway, the sun may set for an hour before it begins to rise again. I eventually got used to it, but it was really weird being awake at 1:00 in the morning and thinking it was 10:00 PM back home in the states where I'm from.
As a well seasoned traveller (aka Gen X in my 50's), I appreciate you called us mature and not old. 😉It's the little things. LOL The sleeping tip was super helpful! I know light can really be disruptive to a lot of folks. 😴
Just subscribed to you guys. We are going to the Fjords high season (late June) for the first time. We want to do the railroad in Flam, but fear the train filling up. Instead of buying tickets from the cruise line in advance, can we buy them ahead online?
Hey guys. In watching you and a few others travel influencers, you guys give us insight re: nature, language barriers, the physical challenges for folks with mobility issues( stairs , walking between rocks on beaches, hiking, trails , walking distances or need a taxi, ship excursion VS a cheaper one at the stands once off the ship, food, rough seas, currency, weather etc. Great tips and insight. Thanks so much.
Actually, cars, trains and airplanes put out way more emissions than cruise ships. In fact cruise lines are focused on becoming energy efficient and environmentally friendly (most coming out with new ships each year to do so). In fact, our ship in the Fjords did a full zero emissions stop at Flam. This can’t fully be said for automakers, or other transportation types. So we actually are proud cruisers as our industry is recognizing where it can improve and is doing so. ☺️
Geiranger used to be a delightful small town in the late ‘80s well before cruise ships inundated Geirangerfjordet. I lived in Norway for 6 mos then and it was a fun drive and ferry excursion from Trondheim. It is hard to imagine what it may be like now. I go back to Norway every few years but not to Geiranger. It is quite possible to explore these areas by land and ferry-and nice and flexible.
Only thing now is the same law is imposed on the ferry industry as well. Everything has to be a zero emission vehicle now by 2025. So almost all of the Norway Fjords are an UNESCO Hertitage. Happy to see this happen for the region, sad for those who will be impacted by the loss of revenue.
My wife and I are in Norway right now, in a small campervan. We left the campsite at Geiranger only yesterday, just as a smaller cruise ship came in. The previous day a HUGE and ugly (I am a retired Navy man - I appreciate fine lines on ships. This was just a block of flats on a steel hull) P&O ship was obliterating the view, and passengers were wandering around aimlessly in the bitterly cold drizzle (22nd May 2023). We were here 24 years ago, when 2 cruise ships were in, with engines running all day, and a thick pall of pollution hung over the fjord all day. Now Norwegians are waking up to pollution, and in the next year or two cruise ships will be required to have zero emissions while in fjords. Cruise ships and their passengers contribute nothing to the local economy, they take all their meals on board. Ships are resupplied by huge lorries that trail after the ship, from port to port, adding to congestion on the narrow and twisty roads. I am sure the cruise lines pay very large sums to the port authorities for the use of the fjord and facilities, but very little of that makes its way into the pockets of locals. We are currently on a campsite we were on 24 years ago, near the snout of the Briksdal glacier. We were shocked at how much that glacier has retreated. 24 years ago our son went on a guided walk on the glacier. Now that is no longer possible, and access to the glacier here i forbidden. GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL, GUYS!
@@Pippins666 From a Norwegian, thank you for recognising this. We don't want to shun the cruise tourists, but we're tired of the pollution. You're also very right about the revenue - will hardly be noticed. In fact I think more Norwegians will visit these ports when there's less cruise traffic.
My very first cruise I booked all excursions through the ship not knowing they charge almost double the price. Since, I book through company websites or when we arrive in port. I know they GUARANTEE return to ship but most excursion companies are AWARE of ship arrivals/departures. We never had any issues making it back to port on time and usually arrive sooner than the GUARANTEED packed cruise bus.
Perfect timing! I am leaving for my Norwegian fjord cruise tomorrow!!! I ❤️ your enthusiasm and now I am even more excited to go! Didn't even think about rain pants. Excellent information, guys!
I cruised the fjords on NCL Jewel. It was AWESOME! I loved Flam best. We took a train (on our own) up the mountain and ziplined partway down. We hiked the rest of the way down, and ut was the most beautiful hike I've ever done.
I was on a Windstar cruise for 18 days going from Copenhagen, all the way north end of Norway. Being not a floating city, we were able to get into Fjords that the giant monsters could not go into. It was breathtaking, probably on the top of my list to visit, and I have been on 37 cruises!!
We sailed 11 nts. along the entire Norwegian coast on a Hurtigruten 600 pax ship - but with only 150 of us onboard - from Bergen up to Kirkenes and back this past DECEMBER. It was part of a full month we spent in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Yes, it was very, very cold (especially since we're from Florida) but we got to experience Polar Nights, Northern Lights and the beauty of Scandinavian Christmas decor everywhere, set against all the snow, and we were well-prepared with proper clothing. It was truly a standout vacation among all the ones we've taken all over the world, and right up there amongst our faves (Greek isles and Southeast Asia).
Back in 2015 I cruised both the Fjords of Norway and then Alaska. I enjoyed both and now know why Alaska is called the last frontier. This is unlike Norway. The last port in Norway in May was very cold with snow and sleet. The cruise in Alaska was end of July beginning of August. Once again it was cold and rained every day. On both you had to be prepared for all types of weather. Best to dress in layers. I would definitely cruise both again.
Thanks so much for this video! We just returned 5/29 from an extensive cruise through Viking. We absolutely LOVED it. We flew into Oslo, via Paris. Had a couple days there, took the wonderful train ride across Norway, to Bergen…the beginning of the fjords. We had absolutely fantastic weather the entire cruise (went throughout the British Isles), and the Norwegians asked us not to leave!…we had apparently blessed them with rain-free days and nights. Bergen is at the beginning of the fjords, and can’t tell you just how beautiful it is. But of course, you got back from a cruise there yourselves! This video was very informative, and YES, I do seriously recommend taking a Norwegian fjord cruise…getting a taste of it in Bergen whetted my appetite for MORE. We’ve already booked a repeat Alaskan cruise for next year, for my husband’s birthday. Thank You!
My first time seeing your youtube channel. I found this video searching for info about Norway cruises. Really nice content in your video, with video clips and thoughtful information. Question.... Which Celebrity itinerary did you take? I can't find in on their website.
We are going next summer to celebrate our 30th Anniversary for the exact reason you mentioned at the end! We did Alaska last year and want to do Norway as well. Moved up our timeline as to see Geiranger and Flam.
to your "ubgly point" , if they were to close Geiranger or Flåm, you still have another 1700 fjords remaining - some of which even more dramatic and beatiful I might add... no sweat.
My sister and I (widows in mid-70’s) just got off the Anthem of the Seas 2 days ago. We cruised from Southampton to Haugesund, Geiranger, and Bergen. I agree about Geiranger being a “cruise port town”, but Bergen was lovely. Due to mobility issues, we opted for a bus tour in each town but were happy with what we experienced. It was an altogether amazing cruise. I have seen fjords in both Alaska and New Zealand but the ones in Norway are spectacular.
Thank you for the tip on booking excursions once on land. We have been looking at the cruise excursions and felt many were pricey. This helps tremendously!!❤
Last year we went to Norway on PO Iona and liked the destination so much that we went second time this year with Celebrity Silhouette. Both lines/ships have pros and cons, but Norway makes up for everything. Our favourite ports Olden and Stavanger
@@Mrs.Skull_ For some reason my detailed answer was deleted. In short, Celebrity, but very marginally. Both have pros and cons. Our kids are younger (8), so still enjoying children's club activities and these were really great on Silhouette. I will probably still try another line next time we travel.
Planning our excursions for next year and not sure what to choose for Geiranger and Haugesund Fjords. I like having our excursions planned in advance but we do like independent tours so curious what options you found.
Most credit cards are accepted in Norway with the exception of Amex (accepted almost nowhere). Make sure to check on foreign transaction fees that could be charged by your credit card provider.
I have a cruise on hold for the Norwegian Fjords on the Apex. Do you think this is a good ship for those ports? Would it be too cold for the pools and hot tubs?
Great tips!! I was worried about the lack of excursion choices on the ship, but your tip to wait and book at each port was invaluable. I've only booked a walking tour through the ship in Bergen, otherwise we were either going to wander or see if there were tours in port. It sounds like we should stick with that! I'm very excited for our Fjords cruise now. Thank you so much!
Can I say that I LOVE you both! I just found you through a search for a Norwegian Fjords cruise and just binge watched most of your videos. They are the best out there! Thank you for the great and entertaining content. I've subscribed, of course!
Thanks for the tips! I'm on a Norwegian Fjords cruise this July. It is the "Land of the Midnight Sun" cruise, up to the Artic Circle so I'm actually excited to have the Sun NOT set for a few days!
The concern about booking on your own is that at height of season, excursions can get sold out, even on land. For our trip July 31, some were already sold out both on ship tours and land. Your cruise was in May, so I’m not sure if there would be as much available (like a train) once off the ship.
We went to Norway alone, after we had been on Royal Caribbean transatlantic cruise from Florida to Amsterdam We booked it all on our own. We followed the Norway in a Nutshell tour and spent 3 days following the path. We found the Norwegian People to be very welcoming and well, just really nice. The scenery was indescribably awesome! I was so in awe! It was the best! I 've done a lot of traveling, and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Don't be afraid to go on your own. You can do it! Like they emphasize on this video, it is really nice not to be with a big tour group! We got much better attention and private customer service.
Where was the train, in which Fjords? What time did you get off for the train? Is there only 1 and how long is the ride? Also, do you recall the cost? Tx
Oh my gosh guys! This was such an informative video. I learn a lot each time I watch you. Loved Alaska - thank you for talking about the differences. You’ve convinced me to travel to see the Norwegian fjords. Now gotta convince the hubby😂
Great review….I wondered about the reception at ports as I had heard about the protests as well. Very good to know! It looks like a fabulous trip and very enjoyable for a nature cruise experience. Thanks also for the advice on the excursions and using credit cards. Super review guys! ❤️😊
Thanks,your info about cruising fjords was informative and helpful. I live in Tasmania and hoping to go this year , i am not a cruise person, but after watching your video I could do it . I just need to decide who I crusie with .
Hi, i really enjoyed watching the vlog plus very informative so i subs here. My i ask, do you have a vlog on what to bring and wear when going to norway cruise as we are going this September. Im gathering information on how and what to bring esp clothing. Thank you and all the best to your channel
You will still be able to book a cruise to the Norwegian fjords after 2025. But ships will have to switch to electric propulsion, ships are being built or modified to deal with the new rules.
Great tips! We just took the Viking Jupiter there last year and you are so right! Our port excursions were all tailored and personalized for us through Viking - so on the Flam railway we rode in the first car and had private rides in places like the Bergen funicular. We paid a small fortune for our trip and I feel better after learning about your port excursion tips that I see where the money went. Phew! Thanks for the insight.
SPOT ON review! We did the Norwegian Fjords cruise in May, 2022 and it was amazing....just as you said. We're in our early 70s 😀and were able to completely enjoy everything we did. In Bergen, we walked and walked ... to the Folibanen. In Alesund and Olden, we took the City Train, which was so worth it. In Stavanger, we took the Lyslefjord cruise and saw amazing waterfalls, and of course, Pulpit Rock. None of these excursions were done through the ship, but on our own as you so suggested...and much cheaper. I thought your comparison between the Norwegian Fjords and Alaska was very fair. We live in Vancouver, BC and have done Alaska twice and we were concerned that Norway would 'resemble' Alaska. We found that it did not, for the reasons you so aptly explained.
I have been deciding between Norway, Iceland and Mediterranean. Thanks to your videos I’ve decided Norway for my 40th!! Thanks for all the amazing information for all the destinations!
I enjoyed your video very much. It looks like you both had a great time! We are cruising there in August of this year and very much looking forward to it. I learned some good things here. We were trying to decide to book excursions through the cruise line or do it on shore. I think I have the info I need now. Were you ever worried about getting back to the ship on time in Norway?
We are cruising out of Rotterdam on the Apex to the fjords on July 29. Really appreciate your recap as we begin to think about packing, excursions, etc. My husband and I met you on the Edge transatlantic in 2022 and glad to see you both continuing to travel and report the good and bad.
American Express cards aren't except a lot of places in Europe, the US, Mexico, and pretty much everywhere I have traveled because of the higher processing fees. Basically it costs the business more to process the same transaction using American Express as it does Visa or MasterCard. That business needs to make money so why would they accept a payment option that is going to cost them more but not get them more benefit to do so.
This is sooo helpful, as was your Nieuw Statendam review. You guys are such awesome sauce! My soon to be husband and I have just booked our honeymoon on HAL Nieuw Statendam Viking explorer in August. Iceland? Check. Greenland? Check! Shetland island? Check. So many bucket list items! We’re so excited. Thanks for such a helpful review!
Heading back to Rotterdam, the North Sea was pretty bumpy. They canceled one of the dancing shows one night and we didn't go to the orange party because it was hard to stand up let alone dance.
What'd you guys do for transfers to Rotterdam and then from Amsterdam to the airport. We're doing this cruise the end of July, staying in Amsterdam a few days before the cruise and one day after the cruise (airfare was soooooo much cheaper a day after disembarkation).
Excellent. Thank you for all the information, comparisons and enthusiasm!! I’m interested in all Scandinavia. Do you think Norway should be cruised separately?
I am confused. On cruise ship websites I see itineraries with detailed schedule as to times in each port. Usually the time in each port is very short. However, they also have long list of possible shore excursions. Is there really enough time in a port town to get out and do hiking? or go here and there on a bus? Seems would be very rushed to go anywhere if only in port 2 or at most 3 hours. I even see some ports are only 30 minutes but the shore excursions mention going to nearby area to visit historic places or learn about some local culture.
We believe you are possibly not looking at the right itineraries/cruises as we’ve never been at a place for only 30 minutes unless it was viewing a glacier from the ship. There is usually plenty of time to hike as long as your hike is closer to port. ☺️
Thanks. I do need to investigate further. I am super sensitive to being rushed which is why usually avoid arranged tours. Was considering to rent a car to travel around Norway and then take a few short cruise trips in the fjords. Thanks for the video....was informative.
Loved cruising the fjords, Geirangerfjord reminded me of the little town nestled under our Christmas tree. So glad you enjoyed it. Also found how the ship pivots (turns around inside the fjord) interesting.
Hey guys!! Lots of good energy. How long was your cruise and did you go all the way up to the north top of Norway or just partially up? I've heard if you want to try and see northern lights, you must go all the way. Thanks for this great primer as I'm doing the cruise 2024.
I avoid ship excursions when at all possible. I start researching 15-18 months in advance, using Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor, to see what my options are in each port. My goal is to have small groups with the best tour operators. Much better than a cruise line excursion. For our cruise in June, I booked our tours back in October. I even negotiated an additional bus with a provider for an earlier start time than they had available on their website. I know I'm a little crazy for booking/researching so far in advance, but this way I get exactly what I want, with flexibility, at the time I want, for the best price.
Thanks so much for these tips! What a terrific video! We're doing a fjord and arctic circle cruise in two weeks and this was very helpful. I've been so busy with work, I haven't had time to book excursions in advance. I will take your advice and book when we get there.
We’re headed to Norway on Sky Princess on June 17. . . Thanks for the insights. I even booked the restaurant in Andalsnes that was featured on Succession! We are taking 1 ship excursion-the rest on our own via Blue Puffin, Norway Excursions and DIY. Can’t wait!
I just got back from Holland America's Voyage of the Midnight Sun, where you go all the way up into the Arctic Circle, and it was AWESOME. I agree with most of what's in this video (and aren't these two the cutest?) but I do have some things to add. The crowd on our ship was probably older (guessing the median age in the high sixties) with about 1K passengers from the Netherlands, 500 from the US, and the other 1K from miscellaneous Europe and Australia, so people were very civilized, polite, and fairly chill. I too worried about our reception in the fjord ports due to some wanting to close them to big ships to protect the environment, but people were kind and welcoming. That said, the train in Flam sold out quickly (we did all our own excursions because the ship excursions sold out months in advance) and they were very easy to organize in port, but the key was to be among the first to get off the boat, get your tickets and get on the excursions before the hoards, especially if there was more than one ship in port. The prices we paid were typically half of what the ship charged. Everyone was fine speaking English, and we never needed local cash because we used our debit card for everything (tap to pay is everywhere). Yes, there were a lot of electric cars, and they did diminish noise, but I live in the forest, and I would say that every port was still noisy (J&J must live in a city, lol). The seas were NOT always calm in my experience, especially as you go further north. Yes, the fjords are calm, but the Norwegian Sea is not. We had multiple days of 10-20 foot waves, so if you get seasick, this is probably not the cruise for you. Our so-called premium Wi-Fi was horribly slow for the entire trip, and it did cut out in the fjords, so I got way behind on my RUclips watching... :) Every port town was charming and walkable with nature hikes/walks nearby and local restaurants to try. We saw reindeer, eagles, and all kinds of interesting birds. Plus some whales! Also, May was tulip season, so we saw so many incredible flowers. It would be spring at the lower elevations and still winter a couple thousand feet up with snow-capped mountains and rushing waterfalls. Absolutely spectacular! Holland America had incredible blackout curtains that kept all the light out when you didn't want to see the midnight sun, no face mask required. Definitely, be prepared for rain and cold. We had a lot of sun, but there were some wet days when I was glad to have boots for sloshing around puddles. As for the potential closing of the fjords to big cruise ships, yes, definitely possible, so book now rather than later. Interestingly, the ship we were on, the Nieuw Statendam, is propelled by electricity (they use diesel to generate all the electricity needed for the ship) and so, such ships may be allowed to continue this route because the small port towns do benefit economically from tourism. But, Norway is a rich oil country, so they may decide they don't need tourism dollars coming at the expense of their beautiful landscape. We shall see. I came back with 6,557 photos and video clips from this amazing adventure, so, time to sort through this and put a story together. Alaska vs Norway? I agree with J&J, do both, they're totally different and spectacular, but do Norway first because the clock may run out on this incredible destination... ⏰
Thanks JJ in advance for the video.
Hi Diane, I would also like to save the price. Might I know if every port has the tour counter for booking the excursion. I tired to search and look in google map. It seems quite hard to locate these centres. Thanks a lot!
The Norwegian Fjords are simply amazing! We would go time and time again to enjoy the nature and peaceful tranquility
We were on RC Jewel of the Seas earlier this month and had a wonderful time cruising the fjords. The scenery is truly breathtaking at almost every turn. I ended up taking well over 900 pictures and video. I'm so glad we were able to do it!
We have done Viking Lines 14-day Norwegian trip twice. It is off the charts great. It ranks right up there with Antarticia.
During 2023 and 2024, there will be opportunities for all ships to connect to the electricity grid in Norway - when they are at anchor. Most ferries in Norway now run on electricity - the same applies to tourist boats and boats to the islands within a couple of years. It gets so much better
I just got home from a cruise 2 weeks ago where half of it was spent in Norway. When talking about the weather, it's basically the western part of the country that gets a ton of rain. I was in Bergen for 4 days, and it rained 3 of the 4 days we were there. We went to Eidfjord and the weather wasn't much better. However when we got to Stavanger and made our way to Oslo, the weather was sunny every single day, and you didn't have to worry about rain much. I just looked up the weather forecast for Bergen today, and it is calling for rain 13 of the next 14 days, and this is peak travel time for Norway.
As far as the sunlight goes, that really messed me up. It could be 9:00 at night and it would look like it's late afternoon outside. I took a picture after the sun had set at 12:30 in the morning, and the sky was dark, but the horizon had a pinkish orange glow to it. Then approximately 2 1/2 hours later, the sun would start rising again. This was early June when I was there. Now depending where you're at in Norway, the sun may set for an hour before it begins to rise again. I eventually got used to it, but it was really weird being awake at 1:00 in the morning and thinking it was 10:00 PM back home in the states where I'm from.
As someone from Bergen, I'm happy you got such good weather... :p
Remember, so long as the trees don't fly, it doesn't blow *that* much.
As a well seasoned traveller (aka Gen X in my 50's), I appreciate you called us mature and not old. 😉It's the little things. LOL The sleeping tip was super helpful! I know light can really be disruptive to a lot of folks. 😴
Thanks
Thanks for the Super Thanks! 🥳
Just subscribed to you guys. We are going to the Fjords high season (late June) for the first time. We want to do the railroad in Flam, but fear the train filling up. Instead of buying tickets from the cruise line in advance, can we buy them ahead online?
Hey guys. In watching you and a few others travel influencers, you guys give us insight re: nature, language barriers, the physical challenges for folks with mobility issues( stairs , walking between rocks on beaches, hiking, trails , walking distances or need a taxi, ship excursion VS a cheaper one at the stands once off the ship, food, rough seas, currency, weather etc. Great tips and insight. Thanks so much.
But not telling how much they pollute !
Actually, cars, trains and airplanes put out way more emissions than cruise ships. In fact cruise lines are focused on becoming energy efficient and environmentally friendly (most coming out with new ships each year to do so). In fact, our ship in the Fjords did a full zero emissions stop at Flam.
This can’t fully be said for automakers, or other transportation types.
So we actually are proud cruisers as our industry is recognizing where it can improve and is doing so. ☺️
Thanks Cydney for watching and sharing your kind thoughts!! 🤗🥳
Geiranger used to be a delightful small town in the late ‘80s well before cruise ships inundated Geirangerfjordet. I lived in Norway for 6 mos then and it was a fun drive and ferry excursion from Trondheim. It is hard to imagine what it may be like now. I go back to Norway every few years but not to Geiranger. It is quite possible to explore these areas by land and ferry-and nice and flexible.
Only thing now is the same law is imposed on the ferry industry as well. Everything has to be a zero emission vehicle now by 2025. So almost all of the Norway Fjords are an UNESCO Hertitage. Happy to see this happen for the region, sad for those who will be impacted by the loss of revenue.
My wife and I are in Norway right now, in a small campervan. We left the campsite at Geiranger only yesterday, just as a smaller cruise ship came in. The previous day a HUGE and ugly (I am a retired Navy man - I appreciate fine lines on ships. This was just a block of flats on a steel hull) P&O ship was obliterating the view, and passengers were wandering around aimlessly in the bitterly cold drizzle (22nd May 2023).
We were here 24 years ago, when 2 cruise ships were in, with engines running all day, and a thick pall of pollution hung over the fjord all day. Now Norwegians are waking up to pollution, and in the next year or two cruise ships will be required to have zero emissions while in fjords. Cruise ships and their passengers contribute nothing to the local economy, they take all their meals on board. Ships are resupplied by huge lorries that trail after the ship, from port to port, adding to congestion on the narrow and twisty roads. I am sure the cruise lines pay very large sums to the port authorities for the use of the fjord and facilities, but very little of that makes its way into the pockets of locals.
We are currently on a campsite we were on 24 years ago, near the snout of the Briksdal glacier. We were shocked at how much that glacier has retreated. 24 years ago our son went on a guided walk on the glacier. Now that is no longer possible, and access to the glacier here i forbidden. GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL, GUYS!
@@Pippins666 From a Norwegian, thank you for recognising this. We don't want to shun the cruise tourists, but we're tired of the pollution. You're also very right about the revenue - will hardly be noticed. In fact I think more Norwegians will visit these ports when there's less cruise traffic.
Dam tourists spoil everything
2 days ago I returned from my first Norwegian Fjords Cruise. It was fantastic experience!
My very first cruise I booked all excursions through the ship not knowing they charge almost double the price. Since, I book through company websites or when we arrive in port. I know they GUARANTEE return to ship but most excursion companies are AWARE of ship arrivals/departures. We never had any issues making it back to port on time and usually arrive sooner than the GUARANTEED packed cruise bus.
Completely agree! 🙌🏽
Perfect timing! I am leaving for my Norwegian fjord cruise tomorrow!!! I ❤️ your enthusiasm and now I am even more excited to go! Didn't even think about rain pants. Excellent information, guys!
Could you please let me know which one is the cheaper cruise to visit Norwegian Fjords? Thank you
Try p&o sailing from Southampton uk
I cruised the fjords on NCL Jewel. It was AWESOME! I loved Flam best. We took a train (on our own) up the mountain and ziplined partway down.
We hiked the rest of the way down, and ut was the most beautiful hike I've ever done.
That train has such a beautiful view! 🥳
I was on a Windstar cruise for 18 days going from Copenhagen, all the way north end of Norway. Being not a floating city, we were able to get into Fjords that the giant monsters could not go into. It was breathtaking, probably on the top of my list to visit, and I have been on 37 cruises!!
We sailed 11 nts. along the entire Norwegian coast on a Hurtigruten 600 pax ship - but with only 150 of us onboard - from Bergen up to Kirkenes and back this past DECEMBER. It was part of a full month we spent in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Yes, it was very, very cold (especially since we're from Florida) but we got to experience Polar Nights, Northern Lights and the beauty of Scandinavian Christmas decor everywhere, set against all the snow, and we were well-prepared with proper clothing. It was truly a standout vacation among all the ones we've taken all over the world, and right up there amongst our faves (Greek isles and Southeast Asia).
I know you have also done the Iceland/greenland cruise. Is the fiords too similar to the Iceland cruise to warrant doing them both? Thank you.
Back in 2015 I cruised both the Fjords of Norway and then Alaska. I enjoyed both and now know why Alaska is called the last frontier. This is unlike Norway. The last port in Norway in May was very cold with snow and sleet. The cruise in Alaska was end of July beginning of August. Once again it was cold and rained every day. On both you had to be prepared for all types of weather. Best to dress in layers. I would definitely cruise both again.
Greta advice!
Thanks so much for this video! We just returned 5/29 from an extensive cruise through Viking. We absolutely LOVED it. We flew into Oslo, via Paris. Had a couple days there, took the wonderful train ride across Norway, to Bergen…the beginning of the fjords. We had absolutely fantastic weather the entire cruise (went throughout the British Isles), and the Norwegians asked us not to leave!…we had apparently blessed them with rain-free days and nights. Bergen is at the beginning of the fjords, and can’t tell you just how beautiful it is. But of course, you got back from a cruise there yourselves! This video was very informative, and YES, I do seriously recommend taking a Norwegian fjord cruise…getting a taste of it in Bergen whetted my appetite for MORE. We’ve already booked a repeat Alaskan cruise for next year, for my husband’s birthday. Thank You!
Were you on the Viking Jupiter? I was in Bergen 2 days prior to you arriving, and then boarded the ship for the Homelands cruise the day you left.
@@erics607 hi, no we were on the Viking Venus. Gorgeous new ship. I think Viking Jupiter is also pretty new.
This was great information. I am going on my Norwegian Cruise in August, and this video was so very helpful.
My first time seeing your youtube channel. I found this video searching for info about Norway cruises. Really nice content in your video, with video clips and thoughtful information. Question.... Which Celebrity itinerary did you take? I can't find in on their website.
Celebrity Apex Europe North - thanks for watching and the kind words!
We are going next summer to celebrate our 30th Anniversary for the exact reason you mentioned at the end! We did Alaska last year and want to do Norway as well. Moved up our timeline as to see Geiranger and Flam.
Hi, I am a big fan. Can you try the new MSC Euribia - Norwegian Fjords from Copenhagen and do a review? pretty please?
We hope to try MSC Euribia eventually but no promises ☺️
to your "ubgly point" , if they were to close Geiranger or Flåm, you still have another 1700 fjords remaining - some of which even more dramatic and beatiful I might add... no sweat.
My sister and I (widows in mid-70’s) just got off the Anthem of the Seas 2 days ago. We cruised from Southampton to Haugesund, Geiranger, and Bergen. I agree about Geiranger being a “cruise port town”, but Bergen was lovely. Due to mobility issues, we opted for a bus tour in each town but were happy with what we experienced. It was an altogether amazing cruise. I have seen fjords in both Alaska and New Zealand but the ones in Norway are spectacular.
Awesome ! Thanks guys! Booked in may , can’t wait! You two are lovely 🥰
So glad to hear! Enjoy the Fjords!
is train bus tour or cruise best way to visit fjords?
Thank you for the tip on booking excursions once on land. We have been looking at the cruise excursions and felt many were pricey. This helps tremendously!!❤
So happy to help! 🥳
Hope it’s as beautiful as it looks!!! Going on the Anthem of the seas!
It is even more beautiful! You will love it!
Absolutely book your Northern Lights excursion well before departure. We made this mistake and missed out.😪
Last year we went to Norway on PO Iona and liked the destination so much that we went second time this year with Celebrity Silhouette. Both lines/ships have pros and cons, but Norway makes up for everything. Our favourite ports Olden and Stavanger
@@Mrs.Skull_ For some reason my detailed answer was deleted. In short, Celebrity, but very marginally. Both have pros and cons. Our kids are younger (8), so still enjoying children's club activities and these were really great on Silhouette. I will probably still try another line next time we travel.
So excited i have just booked a trip next August to go with my Nanna for her 80th and my Mam ! Cant wait :D
Planning our excursions for next year and not sure what to choose for Geiranger and Haugesund Fjords. I like having our excursions planned in advance but we do like independent tours so curious what options you found.
Great video. One question: for Norwegian cruise, do I need to change some Norwegian Krone or we can just use our credit card?
Most credit cards are accepted in Norway with the exception of Amex (accepted almost nowhere). Make sure to check on foreign transaction fees that could be charged by your credit card provider.
I have a cruise on hold for the Norwegian Fjords on the Apex. Do you think this is a good ship for those ports? Would it be too cold for the pools and hot tubs?
In our opinion, don’t sail the fjords for pools and hot tubs. Sail for the viewing the beauty and experiencing the beauty. It’s magical! 🥳
Love your Norway tips! TYSVM!
Hi guys, love it, do you video with a selfie stick or a drone? I see you walking but don’t see your stick. Can you share please thank you Jana
Very helpful...great tips. Good for Norway to protect what they have.
Thank you Daniel! We appreciate you watching the video.
Great tips!! I was worried about the lack of excursion choices on the ship, but your tip to wait and book at each port was invaluable. I've only booked a walking tour through the ship in Bergen, otherwise we were either going to wander or see if there were tours in port. It sounds like we should stick with that! I'm very excited for our Fjords cruise now. Thank you so much!
We are excited for you! 🥳
Heading to Norway in May! Thanks for the tips. I LOVE your smiles! 😊
On which side of the ship would you recommend to book a cabin? I'm considering visiting Flam and Geiranger.
Can I say that I LOVE you both! I just found you through a search for a Norwegian Fjords cruise and just binge watched most of your videos. They are the best out there! Thank you for the great and entertaining content. I've subscribed, of course!
Thank you so much for watching and subscribing!! We are so happy to hear you love our content! 🥰
Thanks for the tips! I'm on a Norwegian Fjords cruise this July. It is the "Land of the Midnight Sun" cruise, up to the Artic Circle so I'm actually excited to have the Sun NOT set for a few days!
Should be a fantastic cruise! 🥳
Absolutely informative and delightful report on the Norwegian Fjords cruise! You guys ROCK!!
That country is BEAUTIFUL
The concern about booking on your own is that at height of season, excursions can get sold out, even on land. For our trip July 31, some were already sold out both on ship tours and land. Your cruise was in May, so I’m not sure if there would be as much available (like a train) once off the ship.
We went to Norway alone, after we had been on Royal Caribbean transatlantic cruise from Florida to Amsterdam
We booked it all on our own. We followed the Norway in a Nutshell tour and spent 3 days following the path. We found the Norwegian People to be very welcoming and well, just really nice.
The scenery was indescribably awesome! I was so in awe! It was the best! I 've done a lot of traveling, and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
Don't be afraid to go on your own. You can do it! Like they emphasize on this video, it is really nice not to be with a big tour group! We got much better attention and private customer service.
Where was the train, in which Fjords? What time did you get off for the train? Is there only 1 and how long is the ride? Also, do you recall the cost? Tx
Oh my gosh guys! This was such an informative video. I learn a lot each time I watch you. Loved Alaska - thank you for talking about the differences. You’ve convinced me to travel to see the Norwegian fjords. Now gotta convince the hubby😂
Thanks Kathy! We definitely know you will love it! 🥳
Great review….I wondered about the reception at ports as I had heard about the protests as well. Very good to know! It looks like a fabulous trip and very enjoyable for a nature cruise experience. Thanks also for the advice on the excursions and using credit cards. Super review guys! ❤️😊
Thanks,your info about cruising fjords was informative and helpful. I live in Tasmania and hoping to go this year , i am not a cruise person, but after watching your video I could do it . I just need to decide who I crusie with .
Yes! You most definitely should! 🥳☺️
Hi, i really enjoyed watching the vlog plus very informative so i subs here. My i ask, do you have a vlog on what to bring and wear when going to norway cruise as we are going this September. Im gathering information on how and what to bring esp clothing.
Thank you and all the best to your channel
How long was your cruise? Was it enough?
Our cruise was 7 nights, it was a great length!
You will still be able to book a cruise to the Norwegian fjords after 2025. But ships will have to switch to electric propulsion, ships are being built or modified to deal with the new rules.
Do we have to be from the US if we want to book with you?
I heard we all need to secure individual travel authorizations in additional to a passport for Norway starting in 2025 before cruising there
Yes, this is expected to come in 2025. ☺️
did you need excursions to see nature?
hi, JJ cruise. is it gloomy and gray during early october in Norway fjords? are there also fall colors?
Great tips! We just took the Viking Jupiter there last year and you are so right! Our port excursions were all tailored and personalized for us through Viking - so on the Flam railway we rode in the first car and had private rides in places like the Bergen funicular. We paid a small fortune for our trip and I feel better after learning about your port excursion tips that I see where the money went. Phew! Thanks for the insight.
Thank you for your review! BTW you guys are super cute and awesome!
SPOT ON review! We did the Norwegian Fjords cruise in May, 2022 and it was amazing....just as you said. We're in our early 70s 😀and were able to completely enjoy everything we did. In Bergen, we walked and walked ... to the Folibanen. In Alesund and Olden, we took the City Train, which was so worth it. In Stavanger, we took the Lyslefjord cruise and saw amazing waterfalls, and of course, Pulpit Rock. None of these excursions were done through the ship, but on our own as you so suggested...and much cheaper. I thought your comparison between the Norwegian Fjords and Alaska was very fair. We live in Vancouver, BC and have done Alaska twice and we were concerned that Norway would 'resemble' Alaska. We found that it did not, for the reasons you so aptly explained.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience as well!! 🥳
I have been deciding between Norway, Iceland and Mediterranean. Thanks to your videos I’ve decided Norway for my 40th!! Thanks for all the amazing information for all the destinations!
Thanks for your great video. Would you book early May 2024? Did you spend time in Amsterdam? We would be coming from the states. Thanks
Hey There! We are happy to help book and plan your cruise! Fill out our Cruise form at www.jjcruise.com 🐙
this was such a fantastic review !! We are considering going to Norway , on a cruise, and this helps ALOT !!!! thank you !
I enjoyed your video very much. It looks like you both had a great time! We are cruising there in August of this year and very much looking forward to it. I learned some good things here. We were trying to decide to book excursions through the cruise line or do it on shore. I think I have the info I need now. Were you ever worried about getting back to the ship on time in Norway?
We are cruising out of Rotterdam on the Apex to the fjords on July 29. Really appreciate your recap as we begin to think about packing, excursions, etc. My husband and I met you on the Edge transatlantic in 2022 and glad to see you both continuing to travel and report the good and bad.
You are going to have a wonderful cruise!! Be sure to bring layers and water-proof outerwear, and enjoy the beauty that is Norway! 🇳🇴
Also, Windstar does not have little kids...a huge plus for me
American Express cards aren't except a lot of places in Europe, the US, Mexico, and pretty much everywhere I have traveled because of the higher processing fees. Basically it costs the business more to process the same transaction using American Express as it does Visa or MasterCard. That business needs to make money so why would they accept a payment option that is going to cost them more but not get them more benefit to do so.
This is sooo helpful, as was your Nieuw Statendam review. You guys are such awesome sauce! My soon to be husband and I have just booked our honeymoon on HAL Nieuw Statendam Viking explorer in August. Iceland? Check. Greenland? Check! Shetland island? Check. So many bucket list items! We’re so excited. Thanks for such a helpful review!
Heading back to Rotterdam, the North Sea was pretty bumpy. They canceled one of the dancing shows one night and we didn't go to the orange party because it was hard to stand up let alone dance.
It’s Oct 2024. I sent a cruise request and I have no idea if you got it.
Its great to see a vast pollution machine amongst such natural beauty.
What'd you guys do for transfers to Rotterdam and then from Amsterdam to the airport. We're doing this cruise the end of July, staying in Amsterdam a few days before the cruise and one day after the cruise (airfare was soooooo much cheaper a day after disembarkation).
I so want to take the Flam railway to Myrdal and hike the 20km down
3 weeks until our Norwegian Cruise. Our first cruise ever. Can't wait.
100% agree! We have done both!
Great video, gentlemen! My wife and I will be cruising Norway this year, so this was really timely for us. We always love your videos.
Thanks for the advice about the Flaam train. Gonna be there in 2 weeks time!
Enjoy! 🥳
Great review! We are booked to do the fjords on the Sky Princess August 8 2023. Can’t wait!!
Enjoy!! 🥳
Excellent. Thank you for all the information, comparisons and enthusiasm!!
I’m interested in all Scandinavia.
Do you think Norway should be cruised separately?
great info! I can hardly wait to go!
Have a wonderful cruise!
You two are adorable and I love your content- keep smiling❣️🫶🏻
Thanks Leanne! 🫶
I am confused. On cruise ship websites I see itineraries with detailed schedule as to times in each port. Usually the time in each port is very short. However, they also have long list of possible shore excursions. Is there really enough time in a port town to get out and do hiking? or go here and there on a bus? Seems would be very rushed to go anywhere if only in port 2 or at most 3 hours. I even see some ports are only 30 minutes but the shore excursions mention going to nearby area to visit historic places or learn about some local culture.
We believe you are possibly not looking at the right itineraries/cruises as we’ve never been at a place for only 30 minutes unless it was viewing a glacier from the ship.
There is usually plenty of time to hike as long as your hike is closer to port. ☺️
Thanks. I do need to investigate further. I am super sensitive to being rushed which is why usually avoid arranged tours. Was considering to rent a car to travel around Norway and then take a few short cruise trips in the fjords. Thanks for the video....was informative.
Loved cruising the fjords, Geirangerfjord reminded me of the little town nestled under our Christmas tree. So glad you enjoyed it. Also found how the ship pivots (turns around inside the fjord) interesting.
Were you able to go to Flam and Geiranger on the same cruise? I didn't think one trip went to those places.
Hey guys!! Lots of good energy. How long was your cruise and did you go all the way up to the north top of Norway or just partially up? I've heard if you want to try and see northern lights, you must go all the way. Thanks for this great primer as I'm doing the cruise 2024.
Hey guys.
My hubby and I are planning a Nordic cruise next year from the UK. It's got to be child free.. What suggestions could you give?
Happy to help! Fill out our Cruise Booking form at www.jjcruise.com 🐙
We are going on the same cruise in August, we used onboard credits to book excursions. Looks wonderful.
Enjoy Norway 🇳🇴!!
55 days to go until our Iceland / Norway cruise.
Can some please tell me when there two presenters actually cruised there? I’d,Ike to know a month and date?
May 2023
So fun to see the cruise we were on with y'all! Thanks!
Very informative…Thanks for giving inspiration to our next cruise!
I avoid ship excursions when at all possible. I start researching 15-18 months in advance, using Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor, to see what my options are in each port. My goal is to have small groups with the best tour operators. Much better than a cruise line excursion. For our cruise in June, I booked our tours back in October. I even negotiated an additional bus with a provider for an earlier start time than they had available on their website. I know I'm a little crazy for booking/researching so far in advance, but this way I get exactly what I want, with flexibility, at the time I want, for the best price.
We just booked for next year so psyched.
Thanks for nice info！
What time eastern standard time will your presentation be on RUclips?
Sunday, 12:30 pm ET 🥳
I just love you two. So cute! (Yes, I am old.) This area is definitely on my list of places. Thanks for the info.
Thanks so much for these tips! What a terrific video! We're doing a fjord and arctic circle cruise in two weeks and this was very helpful. I've been so busy with work, I haven't had time to book excursions in advance. I will take your advice and book when we get there.
We’re headed to Norway on Sky Princess on June 17. . . Thanks for the insights. I even booked the restaurant in Andalsnes that was featured on Succession! We are taking 1 ship excursion-the rest on our own via Blue Puffin, Norway Excursions and DIY. Can’t wait!
Sounds awesome!! Have the best of times!! 🥳
Excellent information guys! Such a beautiful, beautiful place!