6 Tips for Enjoying a Norway Cruise for NEXT To ZERO

My two week cruise to Norway was filled with destinations I hadn't previously been to. Haugesund, Skjolden, Olden, Trondheim, Honningsvag (for North Cape), Tromso, Lofoten Islands (gravdal), Alesund, Bergen.
I was surprised at the high cost of the ship run shore excursions. And although they guarantee that you'll be back on time, there was a huge amount of money to be saved by arranging your own independent cruise excursions.
Come along with me on my trips around Norway as I detail the cost of each excursion.
#cruise
#shoreexcursions
#norway
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These are the links to the information or tours I booked.
Haugesund Langfoss Waterfall Tour
www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/St...
Sjkolden Stand Up Paddling
www.adventuretours.no/stand-u...
Skjolden eBike Rental
www.adventuretours.no/bicycle...
Olden - Local Bus Glacier - Timetable
static1.squarespace.com/stati...
Trondheim eScooter Rental
www.tier.app/en/
Trondheim Bicycle Rental
trondheimbysykkel.no/en
Honningsvag, North Cape Tour - Blue Puffin
www.blue-puffin.com/en/#north...
Tromso Local Bus App (iPhone)
apps.apple.com/no/app/troms-b...
Tromso Local Bus App (Google Play)
play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Gravdal, Lofoten Islands
www.whatsinport.com/Gravdal-L...
Ålesund - Brusundet - Storfjorden - Synnylvsfjorden Geirangerfjord, including the waterfalls "The Seven Sisters", "The Suitor" and the "Bridal Veil
www.geirangerfjord.no/fjord-c...
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[@lovecruisin6457]

I sailed on the island Princess for 34 days from Ft Lauderdale May 26. Our last 16 days was Norway. I visited the same ports you did. Sailing the fjords was absolutely breathtaking and the most fabulous experience I have had in 26 cruises with Princess.

[@CruiseShowUK]

I agree, Norway was stunning. One of the best cruises I’ve done. I will definitely book another cruise back to Norway. I’ve never done a long cruise like for 34 days before! I don’t have enough holiday time!

[@annestephenson1548]

Really helpful & informative David . Looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for taking the time .

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thank you for commenting and watching the video! I really appreciate it. Norway was such a stunning place to visit, I will be going back soon for sure. Best wishes, David

[@Wado1776]

Thank you especially for the links in the description 😊

[@CruiseShowUK]

You're so welcome!

[@shirleywong5636]

Thank you David for introducing this Norway cruising, the scenery in there is so beautiful and charming. 👍😎

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks as always Shirley! I highly recommend a cruise to Norway. I will certainly be going back. David

[@carsonscache9295]

Great Tips!! Looking forward to it!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi and thanks for watching. I loved my time in Norway the scenery was incredible and we did some really fun activities. I would love to go back at some point.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Some really great ideas in this video, thank you!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hey! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. Best wishes, David. PS. I’ll be going back to Norway on Queen Anne in June… I’ve been watching all your Cunard videos!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

@@CruiseShowUK Have a fantastic time! We're doing the same itinerary on QA, but a few weeks later!

[@janelopez6004]

Another interesting video David All the excursions look really great What such fabulous scenery 😊

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks Jane!

[@norfolkboy6935]

Some great savings David, you can’t Nok it! Fabulous scenery looks very tranquil. A Very informative video, thanks David 👍

[@CruiseShowUK]

Haha love it! I was blown away by the scenery in Norway. Incredible place. Thanks for watching as always! David

[@heathermaude8969]

Thanks for the tips- they will help me save some money on my June trip

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy Norway, the scenery is breathtaking! I can’t wait to go back one day.

[@MaineMan086]

Thanks, David. Heading to Norway aboard Rotterdam next week, and will check out the non-ship tour opportunities thanks to your encouragement!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Oh wow! We saw the Rotterdam in Geiranger…. She looks splendid and I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Have a look at www.whatsinport.com it’s really good for getting info and independent tours. Thanks for watching and enjoy the Rotterdam. David

[@aimeerogers4542]

What an amazingly beautiful country Norway is! It's right up there with Alaska. I can't wait to see it for myself someday. Great vlog!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching as always!! You certainly must do Norway, it is stunning. I don’t know why I’m only just discovering this! Very best wishes, David

[@augustovlogs]

Very good. Professional. I was in Norway recently. I saw some of these stops. I love you tips on how to do it independently!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thank you for your kind comments. Very much appreciated. 👍👍

[@larainehutchinson2606]

Hi both of you - great to remember times we shared on this cruise by watching this. These are great tips for anyone doing this trip. I just want to go and do it all again. Fab meeting you both - L and P x

[@CruiseShowUK]

Aaaaah Laraine & Patrick!!! We loved meeting you both. It was such a good cruise wasn’t it! I really hope our paths cross again one day. Best wishes to you both xx

[@autumnmobile]

Wow, Norway looks incredibly beautiful!! We are headed to Alaska with Disney next month and booked our first ever independent tour. We rented a car from a local operator in Skagway and plan to drive up into the Yukon. So much more affordable than the train and we’ll have the freedom of going at our own pace. I’m really looking forward to it! Thanks for these great videos!!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi and thanks for watching. Yes Norway was incredible and I’ll certainly be going back. Wow Disney to Alaska sounds great! I’m going on my first Disney cruise in September… I’d also love to go back to Alaska at some point, it’s an incredible place. Well done for doing your own thing. The drive sounds great… just be sensible and leave yourself time to get back!!! Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment. David

[@paulcoan7892]

Not jealous at all ☺️ Looks fantastic Thank You 👍🏻

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi Paul! It’s was fantastic! Highly recommended cruise.

[@SmileyShawnSee]

Great video, I learned a lot. ✨️

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks very much for watching. I appreciate it. David

[@angelahorton5745]

Great video! Like you we love exploring independently and took the local bus to Briksdal Glacier. We're off to Norway on Queen Victoria in 2 weeks and Queen Mary 2 up to Tromso in November so your tips will be useful. Thanks!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for the comments Angela! I really loved that hike to Briksdal Glacier, stunning all around. Oh how lovely, you have some great trips coming up… I’d love to go back to Norway for the Northern lights. Hope you get to see them on QM2.

[@annheaton7343]

Really enjoyed this video. I have watched it twice and shared with a friend. I am visiting Norway for a Christmas cruise so the weather will be different but your ideas are extremely practical. I like the idea of getting away from the organised tours. We are going to Tromso and I will definitely follow your advise about that trip

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching my video…. twice!!!! Oh how I loved my trip to Norway and I’d go back in a heartbeat. I’d love to visit during the winter to see it in all its glory. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. What ship are you sailing on? Best wishes, David.

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Going back to Norway in 3 weeks on the Queen Victoria. Some great tips there David, good if you have the confidence to strike out on your own.

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks John. I really loved Norway. The scenery was incredible and I’d love to go back one day. I’ve been looking at Queen Victoria myself. Hope you have a great time. Thanks for your continued support. David

[@HeatherTravels]

What amazing scenery! I am regretting now that I have put off doing a Norwegian cruise.

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi Heather! Thanks for watching. I absolutely loved Norway and highly recommend it. I’m sure you would love it too! David

[@lindaparker1823]

Very good video Thanks!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching Linda! I appreciate it. David

[@456789richard]

Good vid, thank you

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching Richard!

[@warrenwolf4690]

We are headed for Norway coming up next August. UTube sent to me your video. Great information. Many 😊

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks Warren! Norway is stunning with so much to see and do. It’s suited to anyone and everyone! Have a great time and thanks for watching!

[@lori6404]

We used Blue Puffin in Honningsvag in 2018 and are going to use them again in a few weeks in Tromso and Honningsvag again. Love Monika and the team!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Yes! They were great and I would use them again for sure. Enjoy Norway again! David

[@CruiseShowUK]

PS. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@janelevers291]

We are off to the Fjords in a couple of weeks. Have not booked anything in advance but we are hoping to do our own thing. We can’t wait 😊

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching Jane! Have a great cruise and if you visit Olden, try and do the bus trip to the Glacier. Very easy and inexpensive. Best wishes, David

[@janelevers291]

@@CruiseShowUK thank you we are definitely stopping at Olden.

[@helenrizi4719]

Did the same itinerary last summer--definitely need to do the research--the independant tour to the North Cape cost 1/3rd the price of the cruise ship, had more stops, and was so much more interesting! For those less physically fit than you are--you can also google Taxi tours and the name of the city--many taxi companies offer sightseeing tours by Taxi that are reasonably priced (compared to the cruise ship tours).

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi and thanks for watching. You are right, planning is best, especially if you want to do your own thing, which I highly recommend. I know quite a few people who opt for taxi tours, it’s a great option. Thanks again, David

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

It hurts me as a swede to admit this since swedes and danes has tried to steal Norways thunder for such a long time: But vikings came orginally from Norway. This video proves it beyond any doubt. The fjords FORCED the vikings to make boats to be able to travel inside Norway crossing the hundreds of fjords in Norway. Sweden and Denmark are both without fjords - so there was no need to invent boats there. Your video just made me realize this fact.

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hello and thanks for watching! Those fjords are incredible and I don’t know why I’ve only just discovered them! On several occasions looking at the houses along the fjords, I wondered how people ever moved about. Boat is the only way, so your comment makes a lot of sense. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. David

[@satsubass3497]

I LIKE !!!!!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching! David

[@admranger]

Heading to Norway (via Amsterdam) on the Celebrity Apex July 31, 2023. The bus ride in Olden is now on the agenda! Thank you!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Fantastic! You won’t regret doing that. Have a great time on the Apex and thanks for watching! David

[@admranger]

@@CruiseShowUK Strenuous is spot on for the Birksdal glacier hike. We saw people really struggling on some of the steep parts, especially the steep stairs. As a couple of active 60 year old retirees, we were worried but made it in 45 minutes. It was the best part of the cruise, tied with cruising into Geiranger fjord (our first fjord ever). Spectacular scenery. Make sure to bring a coat that can take a little (a lot!) spray from a waterfall!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hey thanks for keeping in touch. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the hike. The scenery!! Absolutely beautiful in every direction!! I hope you enjoyed Norway as much as I did. I’m going back next year on the new Queen Anne. We are on Celebrity Beyond in a few weeks. The Edge class looks great! Best wishes, David

[@Colombia20102018]

Very nice vid. I’m going to the Fjords next week with my small children. I wonder if the cruise would allow to bring your own bike, perhaps one of those that fold.

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hello and thanks for watching. It’s a good question, however I’m almost certain they do not allow this. You will find plenty of opportunities to hire bikes all over Norway. It was relatively inexpensive. I hope you have a great time. The fjords are stunning!! Best wishes, David

[@philreeves7520]

Hi David. Just became a subscriber to your channel. We're off to Norway this week and I'm wondering about Olden...and whether it's possible to do the Leon Skylift and the Birksdal Glacier in the 9 hours that we have there. I'd love to do both.

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hey Phil. Thanks for subscribing. I think you could do it. I remember thinking when I got back from the glacier that I could have done something in the afternoon. Just please keep an eye on the time and don’t miss the ship.

[@charliehorey9886]

great video....i am going to bergen for a week in early september....other than that one bus did you ever use cash? it seems like almost everywhere takes cards. thanks!

[@CruiseShowUK]

Oh wow! You’ll have a great time I’m sure. You’re right, almost everywhere takes card. Very very little cash use. Best wishes and thanks for watching. David

[@mlkriz1925]

Thanks for the video, we are planning a trip to Norway is 2024. We can decide which month to go, either early June or mid September. What time of year did you go on your cruise?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hello and thanks for watching. We took our Norway cruise in June. It’s an amazing trip, which I’m sure you will love. Best wishes, David

[@Foxd130]

I’ve never done any sort of cruise, but I want to explore the Norwegian fjords and Lofoten islands for my honeymoon in June! We typically travel without many pre-arranged tours and prefer to hike and be in nature. Do you recommend a cruise for this sort of trip?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hello and thanks for the question. In my opinion, yes. A cruise is a great way to see lots of places on one trip. On our Norway cruise, there were lots of hikers, that would set off each morning, hiking boots and backpacks galore! …. just be very mindful of the time you need to be back to the ship. Our trip was full of activity and outdoor adventures. We walked, hired bikes, scooters, paddle boards. Some of it was pre-planned, but lots were spur of the moment things. You really need to research the different cruise lines and ships, as they are all very different. You say you are a fan of nature…. Norway is absolutely stunning, the nature is on another level!!!! I can’t wait to go back next year. Congratulations on the wedding and thanks for watching. David

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

We will be cruising through the fjords on Ion a in April 2023 and looking for tours other than the ones P&O are offering. The Geri ranger catamaran trip looks interesting. Do the independent operators guarantee your return to the ship on time?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Oh how wonderful, you will have a great time I’m sure. The catamaran trip was a highlight of our trip, absolutely stunning and highly recommended. While there is no actual ‘guarantee’ as such, I wouldn’t hesitate in going with them again. They ask you at the time of booking, or you can certainly tell them you are visiting as cruise passengers from Iona. If you are interested, make sure you book quickly as it’s such a good trip. Best wishes, thanks for watching and have a great time in Norway. David

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

Sadly when I checked the schedule, there’s a trip onApril 25 but we will be there on April 26th..

[@josetteciantar8603]

Hi, we will be on the Sky Princess two week Land of the Midnight Sun and would like to do the Geiranger catamaran boat tour from Alesund. The catamaran returns at 6.00 and the cruise ship departs at 6.00. We're afraid we might miss the ship. Did you have the same problem. Thank you. First time cruisers!

[@CruiseShowUK]

@Josette Ciantar - if you are in Alesund on 31st August then the tour operator has adjusted the times to fit in with cruise ship. The new return time on that day is 17:30. If you contact them and let them know you’re on Sky Princess ship - they’ll let you know if it’s possible.

[@admranger]

@cruise show UK - If our cruise ship is heading to Geiranger, is the catamaran tour still a good idea? The cruise ship will sail in during the night and then leave at 430pm. Seems like I might want to do the 90 minute catamaran tour anyway. Thoughts?

[@CruiseShowUK]

@admranger Hiya and thanks for the question. Actually, yes you could still do the trip… the journey to Geiranger was incredible…. You really get up close and personal to all the waterfalls and pass through lots of interesting places. So I say go for it!! I would do that trip again 100%.

[@admranger]

@@CruiseShowUK We did the "slow boat" tour and wished we'd have done the "rib boat" tour our friends did. The rib boats get right up to the waterfalls -- "so close you can taste it" is how their guide described it. They loved the rib boats and it wasn't jerky since the water is so calm in the fjord.

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

Do you pay the bus driver as you board the coach to the glacier or do you buy tickets ahead of time? Pay in local currency I assume?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi Lisa. You can pay by local currency onboard the bus or simply use a debit/credit card to pay the bus driver. Almost everywhere in Norway a credit card is accepted.

[@kareng4817]

did you buy tickets for the Briksdalbussen (Olden) in advance or did you buy when you boarded using cash? Do they take cards?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hello. We bought the ticket on the bus and used our card to pay. Hope that helps

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

What are the most affordable river cruise lines in europe? Im taking this norway cruise with msc, but couldnt google an affordable river cruise line.

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi there. I think TUI offer reasonably priced river cruises. Not sure how easy they are to book from outside the UK though.

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

@@CruiseShowUK thank you. I know off topic 😩 i appreciate your response 😀

[@CruiseShowUK]

I haven’t done a River Cruise yet. But I am very tempted. I really like the look of the Viking River cruises but they are a little out of my price range!!

[@puelingpang3630]

Hello David, i think you are the only one who shows how to travel to the briksdal glacier by public bus. May i ask if the bus stops near the port. Is it once a day? Is there enough time there and back? What happened if i missed the bus?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hi there. Yes you can make it there and back in one day. There is only one bus. You can check the timetable online at skyss.no - the bus stops right outside the cruise ship.

[@puelingpang3630]

@CruiseShowUK thank you so much we really looking forward to going

[@CruiseShowUK]

You will love it. The scenery is out of this world! Thanks so much for watching my video. David

[@mscolli3]

Paddleboarding seems really risky. How cold is the water? If you fall in is it so cold your muscles lock up? How fast will you get hypothermia?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thanks for watching! I would not say it’s dangerous or overly risky. Obviously the risk of falling in is real and the water is ice cold! I would do it again though, it was very peaceful out on the fjord.

[@user-kq7og9vb3k]

Please could you let me know if the buses to briksdal glacier run all year round as going 1st week May 2023

[@CruiseShowUK]

The public bus runs from the second week in May normally.

[@user-kq7og9vb3k]

@@CruiseShowUK Thank you. We had better book the excursion onboard.

[@lesliewentworth9678]

What do you mean when you say NOK? It is Kroner.

[@CruiseShowUK]

NOK= Norwegian Kroner Thanks for watching.

[@uba51]

Did the buses have toilets?

[@CruiseShowUK]

Hello! Which bus are you referring to?

[@nasticalu]

Nok 😂😂

[@CruiseShowUK]

lol! No idea where Nok came from!! Norwegian Kroner of course!! lol thanks for watching though. David