We are cruising the fjords this summer on the Star Princess. Is it better to take the shore excursions or go on your own? We are both very physically fit and would walk if the ship docks close enough.

I don't know which ports you will call at, but last summer we went to Geiranger and Hellesylt, Olden & Bergen. In Geiranger you would need a tour to get to the incredible view points the area is famous for. Most people there took the all day excursion that ended up in Hellesylt. Olden is also a small town and there would not be much to do. We took the excursion to Olden glacier and that was fantastic. The hike to the glacier is about an hour and is not for the unsteady. It goes along a glacial stream with waterfalls and is wonderful. We were on our own except for the transportation there (also scenic with a stop) and a snack.

Bergen can be done completely on your own, although you will need the ship's shuttle to get to the downtown area. Lots to do in Bergen - funicular up the mountain, Bryggen Wharf, the fish market, etc.

HappyLC - Thank you for the information. We are cruising mid-July and stopping in Hellesylt, Geiranger, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromso, Flaam, Vik and Bergen. Someone else told us not to miss the train tour? We were also told to bring a heavy coat?

Hi, we did the same cruise on Royal last year in July. Take ships tour, the train trip is wonderful. Weather last year, in a word,great. It was in the high 70's and sunny, the only rain was in Bergen. By the way you can walk from the ship to downtown. Take eye mask,if you have outside room. the sun is not sitting on this trip. Have fun.

We did the train trip in Flam on our own, and really liked it. Our ship docked 50' from the train station; when I communicated with the RR by e-mail, they assured me there would be no problem booking on our own when we got there.