PACING: This 15-day small ship cruisetour covers 34 ports of
call along Norway’s majestic landscape including 1 night before the
cruise and 1 night after the cruise in Bergen — the center of Norway’s
vibrant commercial trade. This cruisetour will visit Norway during its
winter and early spring, after the summer tourist crowds. This tour
will include selected port of call orientation walking tours and
sightseeing tours with the Vantage Discovery Leader. Walking may be done
on uneven and/or wet surfaces especially.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Most sightseeing is on heated coaches with guides. Some Optional Shore
Excursions, included sightseeing tours, and included port of call
walking tours require walking on uneven terrain.
CULTURAL FOCUS: This
program offers great cultural opportunities to immerse in Norwegian
history and culture through the onboard Vantage lectures and guided
tours.
SPECIAL FACTORS: Though they are working ships as
well as passenger ships, the Hurtigruten ships look and feel like
cruise ships. Most of the ships are outfitted with spacious, art-filled
public areas, exercise rooms, saunas, hair dryers in the cabins,
elevators and stabilizers. Unlike traditional cruises, however, there
is no organized entertainment on board (except for the Vantage lectures
by your Discovery Leader). Mother Nature is the entertainer! Think of
this as your alternative to the traditional cruise.
You may also
have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. However, as a
natural phenomenon, a sighting of the Aurora Borealis cannot be
guaranteed. It is principally dependent on the level of activity on the
sun’s surface and the amount of cloud cover locally. Norway is one of
the areas in the world where sightings are most likely, especially
northern Norway. On board the ship, the ship’s crew is often able to
alert passengers, 24 hours a day, should the Lights appear. You may
also want to bring your binoculars!
Temperatures in northern
Norway will change during the course of the voyage and perhaps
throughout the day. To prepare, the cruiseline recommends layered dress
to allow you to adapt to changes, as well as breathable rain and
windproof clothing. Be sure to have a good outer jacket over normal
clothes. It is important to have good, sturdy walking shoes and hat,
etc. for shore excursions, included sightseeing, and port of call
orientation walking tours. A helpful hint — you may want to bring an
extra pair of waterproof walking shoes for comfort!
DINING GUIDELINES IN NORWAY: General sales
tax (VAT) which is 14% on food
and 25% on non-food items. Here are
some general guide-lines regarding every-day prices:
Glass of beer in a restaurant - $10 - $11
Glass of wine in a restaurant - $13 upwards
Dinner for 2 in a modest restaurant (an entrée plus soda) - $65 - $70
Coffee and pastry in a cafe - $10
Cappuccino / Caffe latte: $6 - $7
American or English newspaper - $7.50
Pizza for one - $22 - $25
Burger meal (Burger King or McDonalds) - $15 - $18
Postage to the US (postcard) - $2
In regular restaurants (one step up from a modest restaurant), a lunch
will cost in the region of $25 - $30. A dinner starter will cost
around $25 - $30 and an entrée around $45 - $50. Something light, like
a Caesar salad, will cost around $28 while a soup will cost around $20.
On your ship, prices will be similar to those on land, with a coffee
outside of mealtimes costing $4.50 and $3.50 for a refill, tea costing
$4.25, beer $10, house wine $13 and a soda for around $6.
