Norwegian Fjords vs. Artic Circle Cruise
 

We are considering a cruise to Northern Europe -- specifically Norway -- but can't decide between the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle. Celebrity Cruise Line offers both in July 2011.

We have limited cruising experience, but LOVED the scenery of our Alaska Cruise/Tour which we took a few years ago.

Any thoughts about which of the two Celebrity cruises would be more scenic would be most appreciated. Pros/Cons for each would be welcome. Thanks so much

Doesn't matter what you choose, you'll have great views.

We did the Polar Circle cruise with Royal Caribbean. Most of the reports of this type of cruises mention high waves. On our trip they were up to 12 feet, a smaller cruise ship behind us turned back. Add to this wind and rain...

On the plus side, we have certificates of crossing the Circle framed at home :) There was nothing special about crossing, just another drunk party at the pool in the freezing wind.

I would not do it again, but I would go back to Norway to see the fjords in a heart-beat! And of course now with the prior experience I'd pick a safer Fjords cruise.

I always start with Expedia - they offer many options to look up cruises. I've only traveled with 3 lines, and from cheapest to more expensive: RCI, NCL, Princess.

You will clearly see the prices on Expedia. It's not only the cruise line, it's also the time of the year, and pure luck :)

Look at Hurtigruten, the Norwegian Coastal Ships.
We didn't encounter any rought seas and went all the wya up to Kirkenes at the top.

The Arctic Circle cruise spends 6 of its 11 days at sea - and those really will be AT SEA (look at the locations of the cruise ports - this is nothing like Alaska's Inside Passage).

The Norwegian Fjords cruise spends only 3 days at sea.

If you have never been to Norway, I'd recommend the Fjords cruise. You will get a great overview of the southern coastal cities, and the scenery should be beautiful, at least in the port visits and fjord cruising. I lived in Norway for a couple of years (one of the west coast cities the cruise visits, although it has been a long time now) and would love to go back.

Both the Lofoten Islands and Svalbard, which the Arctic Circle cruise visits and which are quite off the beaten path, would be beautiful as well.

I agree that you should check out Hurtigruten (HUR-tig-root-en; it translates as "the fast route"). It is not really a cruise line - more like a combination ferry/cargo/cruise line. It makes shorter stops at multiple ports along the way, but in doing so it also allows you to see some great scenery. And it calls at the Lofoten Islands as well. If you sail round-trip you will be able to see/stop in places on the southbound leg that you passed at night on the northbound one.

Airfare would run you more than for the Celebrity cruises, though, as the ports of call are not exactly on the main flight routes (even Bergen).

Their website http://www.hurtigruten.com/norway/ has info on the Norway cruises, and there are links to their other destinations at the top as well.