Norway's Fjords for relaxation
A perfect starter cruise or an impulsive break away, sheltered waters, magnificent scenery and no dark of night – The Norwegian Fjords.
Although I love to cruise at first I was not a good sailor, therefore I usually picked a cruise with only a couple of days at sea and the rest of the days are spent ashore or in sheltered waters. The Norwegian Fjords are an ideal summer break for non-flyers it is only one day at sea going and coming back and then the experience of calm waters and land close at hand. Alternatively you can fly out to join a ship although that one day in either direction just gives you chance to unwind and relax for a day.
When you hit the Fjords the scenery is breath taking, snow capped mountains and plummeting waterfalls. The towns & villages visited are only stones through away from the ship and they offer such variety. There are excursions available in land to the Glaciers, on mountain railways, museums and other places of interest but I have to admit I just like to amble along and investigate the local life and what nature is around. At most ports of call maps are given of the community and there are some great opportunities to stretch those legs and have a good walk. The whole area is a photographer’s paradise and I have to say I have taken some beauties over the years.
When it comes to the evening and the ship is sailing on it is very difficult to tear oneself away. Imagine it has not got dark the ship is peacefully sailing between the islets some with only one house on others so small just a light. What a decision to make when does one find time close ones eyes and miss some of the voyage it really has to be seen to believe.
Last week a regular cruiser to the Fjords just decided she had withdrawal symptoms because they had not planned to visit the area this year, I know exactly the feeling and I always come home feeling relaxed and having seen so much.
If you have cruised as a first timer for a quick week you will probably want to opt for a longer itinerary next time up to the North Cape or even a little further onto Spitzbergen beyond the Arctic Circle in search of Whales and Polar Bears.
The ideal time to visit the Fjords is May through to July as this is the time the waterfalls are in full flow and the midnight sun appears, there are odd cruises available throughout the months of August and September then many option during the winter for viewing the Northern lights.
Cruising ideas:-
FRED OLSEN : 23 May 19 ~ sailing from Newcastle for 5 nights: from £849 per person based on 2 sharing and is inclusive of Drinks & Tips too! This is a super bank holiday cruise and a perfect time to visit the Fjords.
Hurtigruten, the coastal voyage are offering FREE FLIGHTS on the Summer Classic Round Voyage (12 days) on new bookings made before 31st March 2019. This voyage usually calls at 7 ports a day (allowing locals & goods to be unloaded during a brief stop.) Each day you visit a port where you have time to enjoy a few hours ashore.
Cruise & Maritime : 2020 include sailings from Hull, book now for a bargain. 1st guest pays & 2nd sharing travels for FREE. Options to upgrade to all inclusive drinks & tips, ask for further details.
09 August 2020 ~ 8 nights sailing from Hull aboard the Marco Polo from £1299 total cost the cabin, 2 sharing.
18 October 2020 ~ Norway & the land of the Northern Lights, 13 nights sailing from Hull aboard the Astoria from £1869 total cost for the cabin, 2 sharing.
The list of options goes on there are so many cruise lines sailing the Norwegian waters.
I look forward to discussing your options more and booking you on a wonderful, relaxing cruise.
Marion
Marion Owen Travel
23 Portland Street, HULL, HU2 8JX
Tel: 01482 211913
Abta D6499 / Y2812
www.marionowentravel.com