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Thursday 9th Feb 2012
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Wonderful Experience With Hurtigruten MS NORDLYS
Wonderful Experience with Hurtigruten MS NORDLYS |
11 of 11 people found this review informative
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Reviewed By: Jones, Nottingham on 17th Mar 2010
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| Cruise Line: Hurtigruten Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: MS Noordam |
Sailed:
February,
2010 |
| Destination:
Arctic
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Age: 56-65 |
| Cabin: Outside |
Occasion: Birthday |
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Having not long returned from our search for the "Northern Lights" with Hurtigruten, we were so impressed that we are thinking off going again for a Xmas cruise.We flew to Tromso due to arrive to -16 degrees we were not disappointed, but it was so crisp and clear. Duly met at the airport by a Hutigruten rep and led to an awaiting bus to be taken to our ship the Nordlys.Which in fact wasn't our original choice of ship it should have been the Finnmarken, we were informed at approx 8 weeks before, just as we had paid the final balance, that the Finnmarken had been hired as a cruise ship to go to Australia for a year, we were not happy bunnies at the time. Alas we were not disappointed in her replacement, to say the least.
As being a ferry/ cruise ship you take your own lugge on board and check in, this being approx 3 o'clock pm, to be told that our cabin wouldn't be available until 5 o'clock, as it was still being cleaned and also had to be checked by a supervisor be fore we could move in, unloaded our luggage in to the luggage store and went to investigate Tromso.
On our return we showed our card to security to enter the ship and was asked to receive a squirt of hand sterilzer, which happened every time you returned on board.We then went to our cabin which turned out to be on deck 6, which we found to be adequate and very clean, the bathroom floor was actually heated, hand soap was supplied in a dispenser also shower soap like wise.
Just as we sailed, dinner was being served, this is a set three course meal, which was of a very good standard, proffessionaly served.The restaurant staff were excellent who worked well as team, and who also worked in all other departments throughout the ship,they were always happy and proud of their employers.Breakfast was a self service buffet style, with lots of choices of cereals,meats cheeses,breads and also hot foods, juices, tea,coffeeand yoghurt drinks.
The meetings for the trips on offer were very informative, and were easy to address if you hadnot booked them prior to joining the ship.The trips themselves were superb, especially the Husky Adventure in Kirkenes, a short bus trip to this we arrive to -27 degrees fabulous scernery pristine white every where.this also included the Snow Hotel which was actually 4 degrees inside, a real treat!! Then on to see the Reindeer park, their hides are so soft,really cute.Then on to the husky dog ride, after being kitted out with a large all in one suit, which proved some what difficult due to having four layers on already, we were ready!There were nine teams of dogs and sleighs ,as we approached ours, Helga our musher asked who had the longest legs to get in first,which proved to be a tight fit due to all the layers, at last we were away!!Our team of eight dogs were superb, taking us approx 5km round a huge frozen lake, Helga then said it was probaly now -32 degrees a good day for this, we were so glad of our all in on suits believe me!! This was the main highlight of our holiday, we also attended the Viking feast at Svolvaer, but felt we were a little rushed on this one.The other highlight was an evening concert at midnight in Tromso in the modern Artic Cathedral, the accustics were superb.
Continuing our voyage towards Bergen we called in to the Trollfjord, this was magical, due to very heavy snowfalling, the ship breaking the ice to enter the fjord it was a wonderful experience.
Hurtigruten offer a tea/coffee deal of which you purchase an insulated mug that you can fill as many times as you like during you voyage, at a cost of 209 krone per mug, definately a winner, as cup of coffee was 27 krone each,after the second day we were in profit!! There is a 24 hour cafe but quite pricey,alcohol quite expensive,wine in the restaurant approx £40.00 a bottle, water is safe to drink out of the tap in your cabin good news.
There is plenty of room on the ship, superb viewing on deck 7,also outside on this deck is where they hold different themes like Artic Cicle in/out, we had cod liver oil ceremony followed by a small glass of wine to follow, also holding a large king crab which was cooked for diiner later.There is a library and small music bar which doubles as a coffee room to follow dinner.
All together certainly a worthwhile experience for any body to try.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Breakfast very good selection
Dinner excellent fish | | Entertainment |  |
| | Shore Excursions | |
| Husky dog adventure
Tromso midnight concert
Viking feast not enough time | | Staff | |
| Tps were not expected, service excellent at all times, staff worked in every area very flexable good team work!! | | Children's Facilities | |
| More suited to adults | | Onboard Activities | |
| The cruise is for like minded people, site seeing and chasing the Northern Lights | | Cabins |  |
| Yes very clean and warm. | | Overall Rating | |
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