Thank you for this breakdown. We are sailing on the Rotterdam this May 25-June 8, for a back to back on 2 of your reviewed cruises. We’re very excited for our trip. Unfortunately our stop to Geiranger was changed to Skjolden. A little bummed about that change, but at lest we’ll be cruising a different arm of the Sognefjord (Flam is a port during the first week). We selected thes two weeks to maximize fjord sailings. Congratulations on your upcoming 20th cruise. Our favorite cruise thus far was last fall, a 14 day Mediterranean cruise on Princess. We sailed from Barcelona to Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Crete, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Mykonos and ending in Athens. It was fabulous! We added a couple days in Barcelona, Athens then back to Rome. Would highly suggest this cruise. However, our cruise after Norway will be a 13 day expedition cruise to Antarctica. Can’t wait for that cruise either!
I'm sure you're going to have an amazing time in Norway. We absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back! (Just a few months away!). Our first real "combined/back-to-back" was actually a Mediterranean cruise (and, like you one of, if not, our absolute favorite). It ended up being 25 total days - 12day + 13day - and visited many of the places on your list. We had less time in Greece though and more in Croatia - but wow, what a trip! I'll start doing some Med. itineraries soon... there's so much to cover! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! It means a lot. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any ideas or any regions you think I should cover!
Thanks so much for the feedback! Are there any itineraries or parts of the world you'd like to see? I have a bunch of topics on my list, and can't get to them all fast enough, but I want to make sure to do the ones people actually want to see. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for the breakdown. My husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary on May 29 and booked for the May 25 Norse Legends cruise! Now I’m even more excited!
Congratulations on your anniversary! My wife and I are celebrating our 25th this year as well! I know you're going to have an absolutely wonderful time!
WOW, WOW, WOW! That video was just what I needed! Thank you so much! I was so overwhelmed by the itinerary options, but this video answered all of my questions and now my choice is easy. Thanks! Now the only thing left is for me to convince my hubby to get on board with the plan! Haha! (pardon the pun!!!)
I would add one comment here. I think your scores are spot on when you consider beauty. But please don’t discount the late August and Sept cruises. Especially going into Geiranger. Yes a bit more rain, but also amazing fall colors. I just can imagine those fjords when the trees are ablaze in red, orange and yellow. Has to be out of this world on the beauty side. Great review of the 2024 season and love the “beauty score” concept.
6:49 Kristiansand has a "a" in "sand". 6:53 The "u" is much longer and more pronounced. 7:24 "Haugesund", not "Hagesund". The "u" is important. "Hage" means "garden". "Haug" means "pile"/"heap"/"hill". The "e" essentially making it "hilly" "Sund" means basically a narrow passageway for boats, say between a island and the mainland. So the passageway for boats in a hilly area, or something like that. 9:36 Flåm is just too much of a tourist trap to be recommended in my view. It's not *bad*. But don't pay extra to go there to put it that way. Other locations should sell you on a cruise instead of that one. 11:55 When learning that compound word try to learn the individual words first. "Nær" (close), "øy" (island) and "fjord". Essentially the fjord is named after a island called "Nærøy" And technically the original name wasn't "Nær" but "Njord" in Norwegian or in Icelandic "Njörð" (a viking god of the sea) So essentially it's the fjord near Njords island. 12:44 Romantic? Perhaps l'm just spoiled by living in this country... 13:53 Don't worry about it, for western Norway I mostly agree, although Flåm would get a zero in my book and you're missing out on everything further north. 20:19 *Far* too far south for northern lights to be probable. Also, September is a bit on the early side for that... And also a time when the Atlantic ocean isn't exactly at its kindest... On the other hand 2024, 2025 and 2026 are probably the three years where you're the most likely to see northern lights this decade. That said, this decade isn't expected to be all that great for northern lights.
Wow - thanks so much for all the comments and insights. I have to say, as beautiful as Norway is, Norwegians are even more so. You all are so kind, friendly and welcoming. Thank you so so much for sharing your wonderful part of the world, and taking the time to add to this channel!
That's a good idea. Not only does this focus on the south, it's also only 7 day cruises on one ship. It really just shows a way to look at options. The challenge I have is that all of Norway is amazing. How do you pick the best cruise options when they're basically all great? It's fun to try though!
We're looking for a 7-day cruise for the summer of 2025 that includes Geiranger. I don't see this fjord on any of Holland America's cruises in 2025. Have they dropped this fjord from the cruise? Thanks
It looks like it. I know Norway has been working hard to protect their UNESCO fjords, and Geiranger is one of them. It looks like there's a significant reduction in the number of ships visiting starting next year. Holland America may not qualify any longer to visit until they get their ships prepped for lower (or zero) emissions. However, Celebrity Apex is going to Geiranger (departing from Southampton) - that may be worth a look. That's staying in the premium cruise lines. Otherwise MSC is going if you want a big ship (but no carbon emissions) and some luxury lines like Viking.
@@ThisistheCruise Also AIDA cruiseline (German) has a wonderful itinerary if you're not worried about language barrier. I don't know much about the cruiseline. But the 10 and 11 day itineraries - seem to be perfect for what I am looking for. If you take a peak and see anything I should consider. I'm leaning towards the 10 day with a departure of June 12th or the 11 day departure June 22 on the AIDAPrima. Which would you chose?
hi, very good video. May I ask your advice if I am doing a "Copenhagen-Geiranger-Alesund-Flaam-Kiel-Copenhagen" itinerary - which side of the ship would be best for views? Port or Starboard? thanks!
Well - First, that sounds like a really cool itinerary. (I love Copenhagen!). Ok, so here's what I'd do. (sorry for the long answer) Bottom line, either side is going to be spectacular, I wouldn't sweat it too much. That being said... If you want to really dig in (and I LOVE digging in. :-), here's what I'd do. Find out when you arrive in both Geiranger and Flam. That will tell you when you're cruising IN. Will you be up at that time? If so, that helps. THEN, find out what time you're departing. Will you be at dinner or otherwise occupied? Both Flam and Geiranger's most beautiful moments are within about 30-45m from arriving/leaving. Then you can kind of piece it together from there. The downside is they're on the opposite sides. But... Your biggest "moment" is going to be Geirangerfjord's seven sisters. If you'll be up when cruising in, you want to be on the port (left) side. Obviously starboard if you think you'll be in your room for the cruise out. Reverse this for Flam. Of course, you can always leave wherever you are and go outside to watch. We were at dinner for the Sisters and told our server's we'd be back in 15m so we could go outside. (The thumbnail photo for this video was snapped while we were technically at dinner. :-) They were totally great with that and completely accommodating. As we left Flam, we went up top. Most people on the ship didn't know were were cruising by that amazing fjord on the port. It looked so eerie and mysterious. Another consideration is an Aft balcony. The first half of the cruise was with my parents. We had an interior room, and they had a corner balcony. Aft would have been just about as good because you see both side (obviously cost can be a factor there). Feel free to tell me what ship and dates, and I'll reply with some links on the ships port timings and such if you need some help. Thanks so much for the question - I know how it feels wanting to get it just right!
@@ThisistheCruise OMG, you're the best! I have watched all your videos and i love how thorough you are! we just booked this itinerary - MSC Euribia for May 4/2025, and the port side aft balcony. thank you so much for your input. I WILL listen, use and do all your input and advice. Thanks again!
Just checked the Euribia port itineraries, and it doesn't look like 2025's official schedule is published yet (I'm sure it's done, but it's a bit too far out to see it). Port Aft is perfect though! (Here's the link I use - once your date is there, make sure to go through the stops and see what actual times you'll be arriving.) www.cruisemapper.com/ships/MSC-Euribia-2204?tab=itinerary#itinerary Have a great trip!
Is it this year - 2023? This run-through was for 2024. If you're doing the Sept 9th on the Rotterdam out of Amsterdam THIS year, then I was on that ship on that exact itinerary (in June)... and. it. was. spectacular!!! I would absolutely do that again! I'm curious, if you remember, please reply back to me and let me know if the fall foliage has started to change. I'd love to hear how it went for you!
Very informative video!
Thank so much! It was a fun one to put together.
Thank you for this breakdown. We are sailing on the Rotterdam this May 25-June 8, for a back to back on 2 of your reviewed cruises. We’re very excited for our trip. Unfortunately our stop to Geiranger was changed to Skjolden. A little bummed about that change, but at lest we’ll be cruising a different arm of the Sognefjord (Flam is a port during the first week). We selected thes two weeks to maximize fjord sailings.
Congratulations on your upcoming 20th cruise. Our favorite cruise thus far was last fall, a 14 day Mediterranean cruise on Princess. We sailed from Barcelona to Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Crete, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Mykonos and ending in Athens. It was fabulous! We added a couple days in Barcelona, Athens then back to Rome. Would highly suggest this cruise.
However, our cruise after Norway will be a 13 day expedition cruise to Antarctica. Can’t wait for that cruise either!
I'm sure you're going to have an amazing time in Norway. We absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back! (Just a few months away!).
Our first real "combined/back-to-back" was actually a Mediterranean cruise (and, like you one of, if not, our absolute favorite). It ended up being 25 total days - 12day + 13day - and visited many of the places on your list. We had less time in Greece though and more in Croatia - but wow, what a trip! I'll start doing some Med. itineraries soon... there's so much to cover! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! It means a lot. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any ideas or any regions you think I should cover!
Thank you for this breakdown. This is really good content that you can't find anywhere else. Can't wait to see where you go next.
Thanks so much for the feedback! Are there any itineraries or parts of the world you'd like to see? I have a bunch of topics on my list, and can't get to them all fast enough, but I want to make sure to do the ones people actually want to see.
Thanks again!
This is the best video on Norway. Thank you so much!!
Thank you so so much!!!
Thank you so much for the breakdown. My husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary on May 29 and booked for the May 25 Norse Legends cruise! Now I’m even more excited!
Congratulations on your anniversary! My wife and I are celebrating our 25th this year as well! I know you're going to have an absolutely wonderful time!
Awesome video! Love your breakdowns.
Thanks so much! Let me know if there's any kind of itinerary you'd like to see, I'd be happy to do one!
WOW, WOW, WOW! That video was just what I needed! Thank you so much! I was so overwhelmed by the itinerary options, but this video answered all of my questions and now my choice is easy. Thanks! Now the only thing left is for me to convince my hubby to get on board with the plan! Haha! (pardon the pun!!!)
Good luck!!!
Wow, so much great information. Thank you. My partner has some more specific comments, so I’ll let my partner comment.
Can't wait to hear what they say! Thanks so much for the comments!
Your scoring system is great. Can you share your Norway spreadsheets as a google document for us? Thanks again!
Let me see what I can do. I'm working on some ideas - but as a one-off, I may be able to make that happen.
I would add one comment here. I think your scores are spot on when you consider beauty. But please don’t discount the late August and Sept cruises. Especially going into Geiranger. Yes a bit more rain, but also amazing fall colors. I just can imagine those fjords when the trees are ablaze in red, orange and yellow. Has to be out of this world on the beauty side. Great review of the 2024 season and love the “beauty score” concept.
Excellent point on the fall colors! That PLUS better chances to see the Northern lights - can you imagine?!?!?
6:49
Kristiansand has a "a" in "sand".
6:53
The "u" is much longer and more pronounced.
7:24
"Haugesund", not "Hagesund".
The "u" is important.
"Hage" means "garden".
"Haug" means "pile"/"heap"/"hill".
The "e" essentially making it "hilly"
"Sund" means basically a narrow passageway for boats, say between a island and the mainland.
So the passageway for boats in a hilly area, or something like that.
9:36
Flåm is just too much of a tourist trap to be recommended in my view.
It's not *bad*.
But don't pay extra to go there to put it that way.
Other locations should sell you on a cruise instead of that one.
11:55
When learning that compound word try to learn the individual words first.
"Nær" (close), "øy" (island) and "fjord".
Essentially the fjord is named after a island called "Nærøy"
And technically the original name wasn't "Nær" but "Njord" in Norwegian or in Icelandic "Njörð" (a viking god of the sea)
So essentially it's the fjord near Njords island.
12:44
Romantic?
Perhaps l'm just spoiled by living in this country...
13:53
Don't worry about it, for western Norway I mostly agree, although Flåm would get a zero in my book and you're missing out on everything further north.
20:19
*Far* too far south for northern lights to be probable.
Also, September is a bit on the early side for that...
And also a time when the Atlantic ocean isn't exactly at its kindest...
On the other hand 2024, 2025 and 2026 are probably the three years where you're the most likely to see northern lights this decade.
That said, this decade isn't expected to be all that great for northern lights.
Wow - thanks so much for all the comments and insights. I have to say, as beautiful as Norway is, Norwegians are even more so. You all are so kind, friendly and welcoming. Thank you so so much for sharing your wonderful part of the world, and taking the time to add to this channel!
Hi. Pls recommend an intensive Norwegian Fjords cruise that’s budget friendly that goes to Iceland too. Thanks!
Happy to! When do you plan on going and how long of a cruise are you wanting to do?
@@ThisistheCruise June - August 2025 for around 2 weeks. Thanks!
What about the best part of Norway, North Norway above the arctic circle. This is only about South Norway.
That's a good idea. Not only does this focus on the south, it's also only 7 day cruises on one ship. It really just shows a way to look at options. The challenge I have is that all of Norway is amazing. How do you pick the best cruise options when they're basically all great? It's fun to try though!
We're looking for a 7-day cruise for the summer of 2025 that includes Geiranger. I don't see this fjord on any of Holland America's cruises in 2025. Have they dropped this fjord from the cruise? Thanks
It looks like it. I know Norway has been working hard to protect their UNESCO fjords, and Geiranger is one of them. It looks like there's a significant reduction in the number of ships visiting starting next year. Holland America may not qualify any longer to visit until they get their ships prepped for lower (or zero) emissions.
However, Celebrity Apex is going to Geiranger (departing from Southampton) - that may be worth a look. That's staying in the premium cruise lines. Otherwise MSC is going if you want a big ship (but no carbon emissions) and some luxury lines like Viking.
@@ThisistheCruise Also AIDA cruiseline (German) has a wonderful itinerary if you're not worried about language barrier. I don't know much about the cruiseline. But the 10 and 11 day itineraries - seem to be perfect for what I am looking for. If you take a peak and see anything I should consider. I'm leaning towards the 10 day with a departure of June 12th or the 11 day departure June 22 on the AIDAPrima. Which would you chose?
hi, very good video. May I ask your advice if I am doing a "Copenhagen-Geiranger-Alesund-Flaam-Kiel-Copenhagen" itinerary - which side of the ship would be best for views? Port or Starboard? thanks!
It does not matter. You go out the same way you come in so you get to see both sides.
Well - First, that sounds like a really cool itinerary. (I love Copenhagen!). Ok, so here's what I'd do. (sorry for the long answer)
Bottom line, either side is going to be spectacular, I wouldn't sweat it too much. That being said... If you want to really dig in (and I LOVE digging in. :-), here's what I'd do. Find out when you arrive in both Geiranger and Flam. That will tell you when you're cruising IN. Will you be up at that time? If so, that helps. THEN, find out what time you're departing. Will you be at dinner or otherwise occupied? Both Flam and Geiranger's most beautiful moments are within about 30-45m from arriving/leaving. Then you can kind of piece it together from there. The downside is they're on the opposite sides. But...
Your biggest "moment" is going to be Geirangerfjord's seven sisters. If you'll be up when cruising in, you want to be on the port (left) side. Obviously starboard if you think you'll be in your room for the cruise out. Reverse this for Flam.
Of course, you can always leave wherever you are and go outside to watch. We were at dinner for the Sisters and told our server's we'd be back in 15m so we could go outside. (The thumbnail photo for this video was snapped while we were technically at dinner. :-) They were totally great with that and completely accommodating. As we left Flam, we went up top. Most people on the ship didn't know were were cruising by that amazing fjord on the port. It looked so eerie and mysterious.
Another consideration is an Aft balcony. The first half of the cruise was with my parents. We had an interior room, and they had a corner balcony. Aft would have been just about as good because you see both side (obviously cost can be a factor there).
Feel free to tell me what ship and dates, and I'll reply with some links on the ships port timings and such if you need some help. Thanks so much for the question - I know how it feels wanting to get it just right!
@@ThisistheCruise OMG, you're the best! I have watched all your videos and i love how thorough you are! we just booked this itinerary - MSC Euribia for May 4/2025, and the port side aft balcony. thank you so much for your input. I WILL listen, use and do all your input and advice. Thanks again!
You are more than welcome!!! Thanks for watching! I'm so excited for you and your cruise, it's going to be amazing!
Just checked the Euribia port itineraries, and it doesn't look like 2025's official schedule is published yet (I'm sure it's done, but it's a bit too far out to see it). Port Aft is perfect though! (Here's the link I use - once your date is there, make sure to go through the stops and see what actual times you'll be arriving.) www.cruisemapper.com/ships/MSC-Euribia-2204?tab=itinerary#itinerary
Have a great trip!
no E in Norway
Thanks so much! - I think I was too excited to get this one posted. :-D
@@ThisistheCruise to funny!!! 😆
You missed the dates for my Norse Legends 7 day cruise Sept 9th 🥲
Is it this year - 2023? This run-through was for 2024. If you're doing the Sept 9th on the Rotterdam out of Amsterdam THIS year, then I was on that ship on that exact itinerary (in June)... and. it. was. spectacular!!! I would absolutely do that again! I'm curious, if you remember, please reply back to me and let me know if the fall foliage has started to change. I'd love to hear how it went for you!
@@ThisistheCruise Yes it is for 2023!! We head to Amsterdam Sept 6th! Absolutely cannot wait!! Thank you for clarifying.
@@StayWildWanderlust Of course! Let me know how it goes! I'd love to hear how your experience in early-autumn is different than early summer. 😀