Help needed with Norway and Fjjords cruise planning.

[JudyC]

We have a 7 day cruise booked at the beginning of June calling at Starvanger, Flaam, Olden, and Bergen. I'm not feeling very organised with the planning as it's our first cruise and I'm not sure how much in extras if any to add on.
The excursions are pretty expensive, but I don't want to penny pinch. Normally I'm fairly good at DIY planning, and I know we can head for the Flaam railway ourselves rather than booking through P&O.
We are pretty adventurous and I'd like to do a hiking or kayaking or both excursion at one of the ports. There is one from Starvanger travelling by coach to hike to Manfossen waterfall. As its about 90 minutes by coach each way I'm thinking maybe book through P&o for peace of mind.
There are also hiking trips from Starvanger and Olden I'm considering. I'm thinking maybe it'll be easier to book at kayaking trip in the port on spec.
Any thoughts anyone ?

[Loopylooloo]

I have cruised in Norway a couple of times (I work for Fred Olsen) so many waterfalls along the Fjords its wonderful!

We have kayaked the fjord in Flam, was really good (quite hard work though!)

In Bergen we usually go up the Floybanen, if weather is clear, its around £12 and lots to see and do at the top. And explore the Bryggen area of Bergen, little winding streets with lots of tiny shops.
No need for a tour here at all.

At Olden, we went to Briksdal Glacier, on a tour and it was fantastic, you hike through the little country park up to the glacier, then run down to try all the cakes in the cafe at the bottom.

I did a blog about it - mybigfatcruise/post/14666...abulous-fjords

[JudyC]

Originally Posted by Loopylooloo

I have cruised in Norway a couple of times (I work for Fred Olsen) so many waterfalls along the Fjords its wonderful!

We have kayaked the fjord in Flam, was really good (quite hard work though!)

In Bergen we usually go up the Floybanen, if weather is clear, its around £12 and lots to see and do at the top. And explore the Bryggen area of Bergen, little winding streets with lots of tiny shops.
No need for a tour here at all.

At Olden, we went to Briksdal Glacier, on a tour and it was fantastic, you hike through the little country park up to the glacier, then run down to try all the cakes in the cafe at the bottom.

I did a blog about it - mybigfatcruise/post/14666...abulous-fjords

See more...

Thanks for that, your blog is great! Would you say you'd need to pre book kayaking?

[BevS97]

We did this exact itinerary last summer. In stavanger we just walked around town. You dock in the centre of town and it’s a very pretty town. We were quite happy without an excursion.


On Flam we did the train on our own. I booked online and it was very easy.

In olden I booked an official excursion to visit s glacier. I wouldn’t recommend it. The glacier has mostly melted and was pretty Unimpressive. I have since seen there is a cable car excursion and I wish I’d done that instead.

In Bergen we walked to the funicular train and bought tickets to go up. We were there early and missed the queues which were massive when we came back down. After we walked through the city and looked around the markets and shops.


Hope they helps.

I also blogged.
bevs97.wordpress/categor...norway-cruise/

[BevS97]

I see we have alternative views of Briksdal Glacier. I will say the area was pretty but it’s quite a steep walk and the day I went it was very rainy which will have affected my view. If you are a walker then you’d probably enjoy it. But if not I’d consider booking the troll car or doing something else. I was very disappointed with the size of the glacier when we finally got there.

[sully301]

Originally Posted by BevS97

We did this exact itinerary last summer. In stavanger we just walked around town. You dock in the centre of town and it’s a very pretty town. We were quite happy without an excursion.


On Flam we did the train on our own. I booked online and it was very easy.

In olden I booked an official excursion to visit s glacier. I wouldn’t recommend it. The glacier has mostly melted and was pretty Unimpressive. I have since seen there is a cable car excursion and I wish I’d done that instead.

In Bergen we walked to the funicular train and bought tickets to go up. We were there early and missed the queues which were massive when we came back down. After we walked through the city and looked around the markets and shops.


Hope they helps.

I also blogged.
bevs97.wordpress/categor...norway-cruise/

See more...

we did the same one last year too! Absolutely loved Norway

[Loopylooloo]

Originally Posted by JudyC

Thanks for that, your blog is great! Would you say you'd need to pre book kayaking?

See more...

I personally would, as am not sure how easy it is to rock up and do it, if a cruise ship is offering it as a tour it might be fully booked for them anyway.

Originally Posted by BevS97

We did this exact itinerary last summer. In stavanger we just walked around town. You dock in the centre of town and it’s a very pretty town. We were quite happy without an excursion.


On Flam we did the train on our own. I booked online and it was very easy.

In olden I booked an official excursion to visit s glacier. I wouldn’t recommend it. The glacier has mostly melted and was pretty Unimpressive. I have since seen there is a cable car excursion and I wish I’d done that instead.

In Bergen we walked to the funicular train and bought tickets to go up. We were there early and missed the queues which were massive when we came back down. After we walked through the city and looked around the markets and shops.


Hope they helps.

I also blogged.
bevs97.wordpress/categor...norway-cruise/

See more...

Bev such a shame you didnt enjoy the glacier! We had fabulous weather, and love walking so really liked it, agree that the glacier itself isnt that impressive but thats global warming for you.
Your blog photos are fab though!

[SimonB]

We did Bergen and Flam last year. Bergen we did an open top bus tour which started near the cruise terminal and I seem to think it cost around £25 each with funicular tickets included and that saved a queue at the funicular.

Flam, I think the train is overpriced for what it is and the prices the cruise companies charge on top is scandalous.

If you do go on the Flam train then stay in your seats at the top. There’s nothing to see there and you will lose your seats for the journey back.

[stecee]

We did the same itinerary 2 years ago and loved it, the Fjords are spectacular. We also visited the glacier via the ships excursion and really enjoyed it, though we had fabulous weather all week.
Another excursion we went on was to a waterfall from Olden which was ok.
Bev, I’ve just read your blog and enjoyed it, the photos are fab.

[JudyC]

I've been on the recommended cruise forum boards (not sure if I'm aĺowed to say the name) I find some of the negativity on there a bit depressing though . I'm trying to find the good reviews . Guess I'm used to the more upbeat nature of the Dibb 😀