I am interested in the Norwegian Coastal Voyage and their "17 day Grand Norway" cruise. Has anyone taken this 17 day cruise and if so what did you think? Because it is expensive do you think that is was worth the expense. Who did you book your trip through? Any advise of tours to take or not take would be helpful.

I could very well ask the same question...so any info will be appreciated by 2 of us. Im also considering Lindblad and another company. Thanks!

We went with Bergen Lines. The m/s Polarlys, one of the ships that forms the Hurtigruten. You might check their web site. In this package, we flew from the US to Oslo via Amsterdam, took the train to Bergen, got on the ship, and about a week or 10 days later we ended our voyage at Kirkenes. Then flew back to Oslo, took the train to Stockholm, saw the sights, took another train to Copenhagen, then flew home to the USA. In all, about three weeks. This was in 1997. I doubt that we would want to take the trip now, considering how expensive things are in Norway (slightly less so in Sweden and Denmark). I was flabbergasted yesterday reading how much common things cost in Norway. As I call, a Big Mac costs well over $7, given as an example in this news article.

I'm assuming you are talking about the Hurtigruten cruises on the "mail boats", but I'm unclear. If so, the general agreement has been that half the trip is plenty, rather than the return as well. We only did three nights on it going from Kirkenes to Bodo. There are a number of threads here describing the adventure if you put Hurtigruten in the search function and click for Norway.

Hi tr,

Have you also asked on the Cruise Forum?

My wife and I did the Hurtigurten r/t and thoroughtly enjoyed it. M/S Polaris was a wonderful and accommodating ship. We went on numerous trips inland via bus and enjoyed those also. Food and cabin were excellent. We flew into Oslo and stayed for a day and then took a train across Norway east to west and boarded the ship in Bergen. Wonderful voyage.

Thank you very much for the input. I dont know about trbarton but I'm looking for a tour that does include Oslo and Bergen etc. I travel alone and a tour is just better for me although I know that popular on this bb. Any more stuff?

I am taking a package that includes stays at Oslo and Bergen. I have included a summary of what's included. It's with Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc

"Oslo, Norway’s historic and beautiful capital, is the starting point for this flexible program, where you will have ample time to explore. Next, travel on the famous Bergen Railway through the unspoiled fjord region to the Hanseatic city of Bergen.

In Bergen, you’ll embark on a roundtrip Norwegian Coastal Voyage, and will experience Norway the way locals do. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery—visiting such historic towns as Alesund, Trondheim, Tromso, and the magnificent Lofoten Islands—en route.

All Fares Include
- Roundtrip Economy Class transatlantic airfare from New York
- Air taxes
- Train journey from Oslo to Bergen
- The Oslo Card
- The Bergen Card
- A three-course dinner in Bergen
- Train transfers, as indicated in itinerary, between Oslo Airport and
Oslo Central or the National Theater
- Three meals daily shipboard: buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set
menu dinner
- Port charges"

Let me know if you have any questions as I have done a lot of research for this trip.

I can be reached at [email protected].

Tom Barton

Tom, thank you for your answers. I really do think you have chosen a great tour. I also have done some research and this one seems to be about the best. Things have changed in my life and now I wont be traveling till the fall and dont know if I'll get to Norway or not this year. But it is on my short list.....so keep us posted as to how your trip goes! Thanks again!

My wife and I took the Hurtigruten a couple years ago. Basically it is described by you. I don't notice, however, any shore trips in various stops along the way... may cost extra since not included? You can pick and choose while on board. Many were worthwhile so you should look into those. We were on the Polarys and it was wonderful- cheapest cabin but adequate. Food was great- had sardines every morning at breakfast!!! A fun, spectacular, restful trip. I would do it again. You should also know, if you study your itinerary, that some stops are brief and many in the middle of the night. We got off anyway and strolled around each village we came to.