Is There No(r)Way You Would Go?

For years myself and Jonathan had wanted to visit Norway and as of today we have just come back off the ‘Fjords, Mountains and Glaciers’ Cruise with the Boudicca through Fred Olsen. I will talk about the ship in my next blog as this week i wanted to share with you the ports of call we visited.

First stop Lerwick, Shetland Islands

There was a courtesy shuttle bus that ran between the cruise terminal and the centre of town. This ran every 45 mins or so until 5pm. We used this shuttle to get into town and then we had a walk to the Shetland Museum and Archives. This took us about 20 mins from the drop off point and wasn’t a bad little museum to say it was free. It had some interesting detail on the history of the Shetland Islands. We had a walk back to the ship for lunch as we noticed it would only take 15-20 mins or so walking the other way to where the bus came from. However we used the bus to get a lift back into town as from there it was about 20-25 minute walk to the Clickimin Broch (a small Bronze-Age settlement excavated in the last century). Very close to here we found two Shetland Ponies grazing so i was chuffed to see these without having to book the excursion. All in all an enjoyable day.

Excursions available through Fred Olsen and Cruising Excursions include Shetland Sightseeing, Scenic Shetland and Jarlshof, Spectacular Northmavine, Seabirds at Samburgh Head and more. Ranging from £49pp – £88pp.

Next stop Bergen, Norway –

We had been recommended the City Sightseeing bus tour for Bergen and we had booked this through cruising excursions. We though this was worth it as it was a day pass we could use to get round the main sights of the town. And the first stop is right outside the Skolten Cruise terminal so for us it was right outside the terminal. Stops included the Fish Market, Bergen Aquarium, Bergen Museum, The City Park, Mount Floyen Funicular station and more. To do the full circuit took about 50 minutes. After a bit of souvenir shopping and some lunch we used this bus to go back up to the top and got off near The National Stage to take photos as the views up this end were beautiful. We strolled down to the City Park and from here walking along the harbour front took us roughly 30-40 mins or so back to the ship. We walked away with a magnet and a print from a little art store which together set us back about £30-35. It is as expensive in Norway as people say. All in all a great day.

Other excursions available included Exploring the Hardangerfjord, Bergen with Mount Floyen, Grieg’s Bergen, Bergen Flightseeing, A taste of Bergen and More. Prices range from £38pp to £135pp.

Next Stop Flam, Norway –

This was my favourite, what a lovely little place. We booked the Flam railway, this was a big highlight of the trip for us. We booked an 11:05 train which i noticed seem to be an ideal time. The first train out was very busy and the trains after lunch seemed busy too. It’s about 50 mins out and 50 mins back including a 5 minute stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall. On the journey out we sat on the left side of the train. Once you reach the top it’s a good idea to swap sides of the train if you can. That way you can get some great pictures from both sides. You can book the train ticket on it’s own or combine it with other tours. We enjoyed a walk around the little village. The scenery really is beautiful here particularly when you sail away.

During the evening when we sailed out the Captain took us down the Naeroyfjord to Gundavangen where the ship turned round to sail back up. You will only experience this on the smaller ships like Fred Olsen as the Cruise Line’s are only allowed down this Fjord if they are no more than 210 meters in length, and the Boudicca was 206!

Excursion prices in Flam range from £35pp to £165pp.

Final stop Olden, Norway –

Another beautiful place in Norway. Watching the mist clear during the morning here was amazing. Here we had booked the Fishing Trip. We have never fished before and this didn’t matter as it was easy to pick up. I watched the captain set my rod up ready but did have to ask one of the other guests how to drop my line back in after i had reeled it up the first time. I managed to catch a Mackerel and im not sure what the second one was i keep forgetting the name, if you recognise it in the photo please feel free to to comment and let me know. We also booked onto the Glacier sightseeing bus tour the full route of this was about an hour and they take you to a post where you can see a Glacier from across the lake, and the driver makes some other scenic stops for photos too.  We absolutely loved the Fishing trip and really enjoyed this bus tour as well. The bus tour was about £25 and you can’t miss it they are right outside the cruise terminal. The Fishing trip was roughly two hours and cost about £42pp. Other excursions include Briksdal Glacier and National Park, Helicopter sightseeing, Catch your own crayfish, Panoramic View at Mount Hoven Loen and more. Prices range from £46pp to £250pp.

I have 100s of photos but the pictures really don’t do Norway any justice, it really is stunning place, very peaceful and friendly locals and i definitely one of my favorite places. I would love to see more of Norway like Stavanger and Oslo. If you would like to know more please get in touch 0333 300 2656 [email protected] or please leave us a comment about your Fjords experience.

Stay tuned for my blog on the Boudicca.