25 BEST Norway Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to Norway on Cruise Critic
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In Search of The Northern Lights is Viking’s 13-day ocean voyage in the Arctic, sailing between London (Tilbury) and Bergen via the Norwegian fjords. Multiple departures will operate from January to March 2025, regarded as the best time to see the lights. The 2019 sailings sold quickly, so Viking is offering the same itineraries from January through March 2020, onboard Viking Star. If you're thinking of booking one of these cruises, be aware there is no guarantee you'll actually see the northern lights. We were thrilled to have seen them, especially after reports that people on the previous cruise hadn't been so lucky. Earlier cruises (which we followed on Cruise Critic's Roll Call pages) had seemingly countless sightings.
The Ports and Excursions
A visit to the region's ancient stave churches, such as the one in Borgund, serves as a window into the past. The fjords also carry an air of Norwegian folklore, with legends of trolls and mystical creatures intertwined with the area's cultural narrative. Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil. Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship's exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship.
Pre-Extension: Bergen
Emerge rejuvenated from the nourishing mineral springs of Budapest, Hungary. Enjoy this relaxing tradition, revered since the times of the ancient Romans. The most popular baths can be found at Széchenyi, the largest spa complex in Europe, with a daffodil-yellow outdoor section. Mingle with the locals as they relax in these pool-like thermal baths and watch them play chess in the water. This is one of many treasured activities on Viking’s 15-day Grand European Tour river voyage through four countries, with stops in riverside villages and cities including Cologne, Vienna and Amsterdam. The new Viking Longships are the best way to explore Europe - and by 2015 Viking will have forty of these revolutionary vessels sailing the tranquil and historical waterways of our favorite rivers.
Pre: Bergen
During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise. Discover life in the far north during a voyage across the Arctic Circle and along the distant shores of Norway and Iceland. Marvel at the rugged beauty of Geiranger, visit the former Hanseatic League city of Bergen and admire Honningsvåg’s remote North Cape.
Travel through Croatia’s countryside to Krka National Park, known for its seven waterfalls and crystalline rivers, stretching across 100 square kilometres. The spectacular Skradinski Buk falls comprise 17 cataracts and spans 100 metres at its widest point. Wander along a nature trail to discover the park’s restored pre-industrial water mill and a monastery. The Viking 15-day Ancient Adriatic Treasures voyage makes calls in Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Montenegro and Italy including overnight stays in Istanbul, Athens and Venice. Santorini is the stunning highlight of Viking’s 11-day Greek Odyssey voyage .
day British Isles cruise from London Greenwich
Get fabulously lost in its winding streets lined with whitewashed homes, shops and cafés. From a cliff 400 metres above the ocean, finish your day watching the Cyclades sun setting over the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Other islands such as Rhodes and Crete offer opportunities to hike among the volcanic splendour, sample wine at hilltop wineries, and discover historic sites.
Europe riverways
Among the line's voyages, there's everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways, have anywhere near that number of vessels. Viking also offers complimentary self-service launderettes on each cabin deck. These became a necessity for most passengers, who wore multiple layers every day, often seeing them soaked through or dirty from interaction with wildlife, like reindeer. Most public spaces on the ship offer plenty of throw blankets, great for bundling up after a cold day in port. And we've never been so thankful for the cabin bathrooms, which feature heated floors.
A Look at Viking’s New Voyages and Itineraries for 2026 - Cruise Industry News
A Look at Viking’s New Voyages and Itineraries for 2026.
Posted: Sun, 04 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
For many of the onboard staff, the northern lights were exciting as well, and because many of them had seen them on previous cruises, they were eager to share their photos with passengers. They also were willing to share their knowledge of the best apps for taking pics of the lights, even grabbing phones and adjusting settings for passengers (like us!) who were fumbling. Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world's major rivers.
Charming hamlets & Norse heritage
Viking’s eight-day Christmas On The Rhine river voyage operates between Basel and Amsterdam. During one of Viking Ocean Cruises' Norwegian Fjords itineraries, you'll have the opportunity to take in some of Europe's most spectacular natural beauties. Exploring the Norwegian Fjords isn't limited to viewing from the ship; there are plenty of opportunities for off-board adventure. From thrilling RIB-boat tours that skim across the fjord's waters, to picturesque hiking trails that crisscross the stunning landscape, adventure awaits at every turn. Biking along the scenic Flåm railway, or kayaking in the tranquil waters of the fjords, presents another perspective of these geological wonders. Embark on a fjord safari to get up close to the magnificent waterfalls or try your hand at fishing in the rich marine life-filled waters.
Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is breathtaking to view up close, while Eidfjord is the gateway to Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. The 15-day Viking Homelands ocean voyage explores Scandinavia by sea, following ancient mariner routes. Gaze at foaming waterfalls that plunge into the fjord’s waters, visit the cosmopolitan cities of Berlin and Copenhagen, and linger longer on overnight calls in Stockholm, Oslo and Bergen.
June through August is the best time for a Norway cruise due to warmer weather, but voyages begin in May and run into September. Check out our article on everything you need to know about cruising to Norway. Explore one of Finnmark’s northernmost cities and learn about the Sami culture.
While Viking clearly put a lot of thought into making sure all the big things -- from itineraries to activities -- were perfectly scheduled, it was those little things that really made our cruise. The weather during our cruise ran from well-below to just above freezing, so the ship's main pool was covered by the retractable roof the whole time, which made it a comfortable, usable space. Viking Sky's gorgeous infinity pool at the back of the ship is uncovered, as is the adjoining hot tub.
Discover Nordic wonders by sea, then tour highlights of the legendary Rhine River. Embark in historic Bergen, a city with deep Viking roots, and set off for Norway’s dramatic fjord landscapes, cruising to scenic Flåm, cosmopolitan Stavanger, history-rich Kristiansand and vibrant Oslo. From the seaside village of Skagen, Denmark, sail the North Sea to Amsterdam. Experience France’s multicultural Strasbourg and Germany’s storied Black Forest before disembarking in cultured Basel. For most travellers, the aurora borealis is the world’s most sought-after spectacle in the sky. On a clear night, these ethereal lights may appear over Norway as faint wisps of green or dramatically dancing ribbons in multiple colours.
More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. The Alto Douro, a World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Viking Longships drift through this lush valley, past terraced vineyards, charming villages and eye-catching rock formations. At a centuries-old wine-growing estate, guests can cut grapes from the vine before stomping them by foot in a traditional stone trough.
Enjoy a lifetime’s worth of experiences on a single journey through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Bucharest. After 26 years in Europe, Viking knows the most enjoyable aspects of its popular destinations, from major cities to the countryside. Every itinerary has been honed to explore the most beautiful landscapes, stunning landmarks, and unusual customs and cuisines unique to each port of call. Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Viking Ocean Cruises website. Norwegian Fjords cruises are the ideal way to see the world and you can see a selection of these cruises from Viking Ocean Cruises.
Explore the UNESCO-listed old town, including the Great Guild House and Town Hall Square. Take a journey along Amsterdam’s network of canals or browse one of the city’s museums. Travel to London and see Westminster Abbey; visit one of the city's many museums. Cross the Norwegian Sea, one of the world’s most important spawning grounds for herring. Sail the Barents Sea and observe small seabirds as they hunt for food in the open ocean.
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