riplag

Has anyone ever cruised with Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) or other lines on the cruise up and down the coast of Norway. Recommendations for the best time of the year? Clothing? Tours?

Paul Therault

<BR>I will not be of much help since the only time I have cruised with them was on the Harald Jarl about 1965. Not much for creature comforts at that time. Their new ships are quite a change from that time. I took a look both inside and out at a few in Bergen not too long ago along with the Silja Line. <BR><BR>I do know the best time to cruise is in the summer when it is warmer and the days are longer. Not too pleasant are the days that are mostly dark. Also most of the sightseeing roads are not yet opened.<BR><BR>I believe the most spectacular is the Geirangerfjord. Try to book a cruise with that itinerary. Other than that, you should study extensively the shore tours offered to see what is your preference and your lifestyle on vacation.<BR><BR>No matter what time of year it is best to dress in layers. There are no dress code on the ships. Don't forget your light raingear and windbreaker.<BR><BR>Happy planning,<BR><BR>Paul

granny

We took this cruise 3 years ago, with a land tour of one week. We went with Tauck Tours. It was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend it. We went in mid-September, and it was pleasant, but cool. Through Tauck tours, side trips were arranged at the ports where we were docked with enough time to see the sights.

Chuck DeRiemer

My wife and I were on the Midnatsol two years ago for the 12 days full voyage. We sailed at the end of March and early April going up and back. Weather was cold but mainly clear with a couple of days of snow and a couple of days of light rain. Plenty of snow on the ground beginning half way up the coast. We loved it. The summer sailings, we understand, can see the ships stuffed with voyagers. On the other hand, the scenery will be green, not white. When we sailed, the ship had about 15 tourists, counting us, and we had time to chat with some of the crew and make good friends with two English couples. The two men were twins and their wives gave them the trip as their 80th birthday presents. Don't overpack. Cabins are small and everyone is informal. Once in a while I wore a blazer in the evening but I don't recall ever putting on the one tie I packed. The Midnatsol had a washer and dryer for passengers. I assume the other ships do, too. About a third of the tours were available that early in the year. We enjoyed the ones we took, but also much enjoyed just wandering around the small coastal towns and villages when the ship was docked long enough. English is widely spoken and everyone we met even briefly was friendly and helpful. We had two days of rough weather when we left the coast for the Lofoten Islands, and then back, but it wasn't bad. We understood from the crew that it can be much worse at times. Make sure you allow three or four full days for Bergen. Even when the weather is cold, Bergen is a fascinating and unique town, with much to see and do. Fortunately, the fish market was open that early in the year. The salmon sandwiches were great. We liked the voyage so much that in 2004 we're going again, same time of year, with our two kids and their significant others.<BR>You'll find the voyage memorable.

louisa

I went on the MS Nordkapp in February - Arctic Circle in Norway at that time of the year is spectacular. <BR><BR>We were due to fly back from Tromso but the airport was closed for a few hours with heavy snow - also dramatic.<BR><BR>The ship was very comfy and everyone was friendly. The only disappointment was that we didnt catch a glimpse of the "Northern Lights". Nothing for it - I'll have to go again.