Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Discover Norway

scandinavian cruise

If your goal on a Scandinavian cruise to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Norway, then this could be exactly what you're looking for. The small British line Saga Cruises operate several itineraries to the Norwegian fjords and Northern Norway. It's one of the few lines that exclusively operates to a specific age group, in this case 50 years and over. While Viking Ocean doesn't bill itself as a luxury cruise line, it is considered by some to be in the category because of its all-inclusive approach and onboard fine dining. Whether you book an organised tour or find another way, I highly recommend getting out of Torshavn to experience what the Faroe Islands are really about. Secret by Chef Petrov — If you’re celebrating a special occasion in Sofia or are just interested in Michelin-style dining, make sure to head to Secret by Chef Petrov.

Visiting Scandinavia on a cruise - Routes North

Visiting Scandinavia on a cruise.

Posted: Tue, 16 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Scandinavia Cruise Itineraries

Stroll alongside the Nyhavn Harbour, admiring the wooden ships floating in the calm waters. Come see why Denmark is consistently rated one of the happiest places in the world. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Nordic cities such as Helsinki, Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

An Icelandic odyssey

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. While aboard, marvel at Europe’s breathtaking scenery and enjoy regionally inspired cuisine. Those sailing on Scandinavia and Baltic cruises even have the chance to experience Sky Princess®.

Book port-to-port

The most popular choices for Norway is Hurtigruten Expeditions, but there are other options including National Geographic Expeditions. Fred Olsen are one of the cruise lines with smaller ships that run regular itineraries to Scandinavia, especially Norway. Their 1,300-capacity ships are older but still contain a lot of facilities including multiple dining options, a show theatre and many lounges. Ambassador is another small British line that operates some cruises to the region. From the magnificent Lofoten Islands to the mystical winter light show, exploring this remote region by cruise ship will shape lifelong memories. Check out my review and video of a winter northern lights cruise to Northern Norway to get more of an idea about this experience.

Scandinavia Travel Records Tumble As Tourists Head North - Forbes

Scandinavia Travel Records Tumble As Tourists Head North.

Posted: Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March. Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway. For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland. This spring, we are excited to present nine new and sustainable excursions, each thoughtfully crafted to enrich your travel experience. Stay, sleep and dine in our new, modern ships in surroundings that are inspired by the natural wonders that we sail past. For a detailed list of what to bring and how to prepare for your trip, read our travel guides for Iceland, Norway, Scotland and Ireland.

The Sofia Grafitti Tour is run by the same people who do Balkan Bites and is really worth it. There is no need to book in advance and it is free of charge, but like all free tours, make sure to tip your guide what you thought the tour was worth as that is how they make their living. You can visit and learn about all of these monuments and more on a free walking tour run by Free Sofia Tour. While you won’t be able to enter any of the sites, the 2-3 hour walking tour will give you some excellent historic and cultural insight into Sofia and is a great starting point for enjoying the city.

scandinavian cruise

If you have four or more days and would rather spend more time in the city itself, it can be worth checking out the city’s alternative scene. There is, for instance, a fantastic street art culture in Sofia, however, it isn’t necessarily concentrated in one distinct area. A great way to learn more about the street art scene and of notable Bulgarian artists is to go on a free street art tour.

scandinavian cruise

Springtime Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights

It is easy to reach the centre of Sofia from the airport as it is directly connected to the easy-to-navigate Sofia metro. You can buy tickets at the machines in the stations for 1.60 lev, however, they often only take cash. Hostel Mostel — If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, then you really can’t go wrong with Hostel Mostel. This is one of the best hostels in Sofia and is a great place to meet other travellers. They have a range of both dorm beds and private rooms available, and a massive breakfast and light dinner (with a beer!) is included in the nightly rate.

Average daytime temperatures in Norway reach into the 60s and 70s and rain is less frequent than in the wet winter months. (Don't think that means you won't get wet -- Norway is still a rather damp place, even in the summertime). At Norway's northern extremes, you can view the midnight sun if you cross into the Arctic Circle during the summer. Norway's weather in May and September can be a bit chillier and rainier. The usual Nordic stereotypes melt away once you cruise around Scandinavia's vibrant capitals.

Named for who is arguably Bulgaria’s most famous author and playwright, the Ivan Vazov Theatre is one of the most famous and beautiful monuments in Sofia. Outside of the museum, you will find a series of public fountains where you will notice locals filling up bottles and jugs of water, all giving off a faint smell of sulphur. This is because Sofia sits atop a bed of natural hot springs and these fountains spit out a never-ending stream of geothermally heated water.

Contemporary architecture, leading-edge design, acclaimed cuisine, fine museums, plus the most creative solutions for green, urban living make a Scandinavia cruise truly sensational. From the colourful streets of Copenhagen to the cosmopolitan vibes of Stockholm, each capital city offers a unique perspective on Scandinavian culture, traditions, history, and way of life. Whichever time of year you prefer to travel, we have reliable departure dates and there are cruise tours available year-round. You can find out more about the best time to visit Norway on our blog. Visit Norway’s fjords in the spring and summer (May to August) for long daylight hours and warmer weather. This is the ideal time to see the fjords surrounded with greenery and to join bird watching or kayaking excursions.

The scenery from the ship can be fascinating too, but in Iceland you really need to explore the country to get the most out of a trip. While the summer brings the highest chances for good weather, the busy nature of ports can put some people off. Scandinavian cruises are typically taken during the summer, but that's not the only option. Bargains and unique experiences can be had at other times of the year, as long as you know what to expect. Whether you're looking for the ultimate in luxury or a budget-friendly break, nothing will destroy your cruise experience quicker than booking a trip at the wrong time of the year. Scandinavian cruises are a popular way to discover the very best of Norway and Northern Europe.

Many are actually on longer Nordic itineraries, some including the Baltic region and ports on the northern coast of Germany. If you're planning a fjords-based cruise, it's well worth looking in detail at how long the ships will spend in dock and when the sail-ins and sail-outs will be. Unless you're booking an excursion, the ports aren't really the highlight of these cruises. It's the many hours of sailing in and out of the fjords themselves that are the real highlight. Some people choose summer because they want to experience the midnight sun. While you will get long days all over Scandinavia, remember that you must go north of the Arctic circle to experience the true midnight sun, where the sun stays above the horizon throughout the night.

Put on your walking shoes and go hiking around one of the port cities and admire the wild landscape of the North. Trek through part of Norway's Discovery Route, which runs from Stavanger to Bergen, and see snow-capped mountains towering over pristine fjords and thunderous waterfalls. We also really like this cruise round Iceland, which includes whale-watching, geysers and the fjords on the remote eastern side of the island. In Denmark, Copenhagen and the pretty island of Bornholm are regular cruise stops, while in Sweden Stockholm and its archipelago are must-see destinations on any cruise itinerary. Norwegian-owned but based in the UK, Fred Olsen Line has four ships, all small enough to enter the Norwegian fjords but with the facilities and luxury of a larger ship. Viking Cruises have good choice of routes round Scandinavia – we like the look of this mega 29-day cruise from New York via Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard and along the Norwegian fjords to Bergen.

Travellers can also explore the medieval town of Visby, located on Sweden's Gotland island, visit the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, or venture to Turku, the oldest town in Finland. Explore further on a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, which promises an unforgettable journey through awe-inspiring landscapes and majestic natural wonders. British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice. If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise. Explore the fjords and the midnight sun in the peak season along the Norwegian coast.

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