Royal really has the Best Itinerary, and though it was an older ship of 20 years - it was fine. It was just coming out of dry dock, too. Norway is one of those “must see” places with all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After next year, you won’t be able to cruise there until a “Zero Emission” cruise ship is built. Royal says 2035, they will have one. We came in 3 days ahead of time to enjoy Amsterdam and so we wouldn’t miss the cruise. Do yourself a favor and get a Balcony - the Fjords are awaiting you!
(This review is from a married couple from the States: 72 year old girl & a 68 year old man)
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Amsterdam had the fastest embarkation I ever had - 30 minutes from Hotel Craftsman to inside the Windjammer.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The Specialty Restaurants were great, the MDR was good, the buffet was mostly good but since it was self-serve- we had to ask every day for gloves. The gloves should be out so people didn’t have to ask.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We didn’t do much - but I liked that they had good current movies in the cinema.
Entertainment
We were too tired to see any of the entertainment.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward was grest and gave me a cool birthday towel animal. Waiters and managers were great. We watch the cruise director on tv, and the Blue Nose Ceremony was so unique and loved the certificate.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Our cabin was by the elevators, and no noise; just 2 decks down from the Windjammer.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was very nice, the bed was by the balcony and at first I didn’t think I would like it, BUT since this was the fjords - I could just lay in bed and watch the amazing show of waterfalls, mountains, and small towns go by. I only saw a few dust bunnies on the one drawer. Everything else was clean.
Ship tip
Get Travel Insurance, Download the App st home, double check all your paperwork & cabin.
Loved it. 1) We did a lunch canal cruise on Pure Boat Lucy. 2) We did the Windmill, chocolate, cheese and wooden shoes private small tour with Air BnB Experiences. Amazing. Also got up at 4am Philadelphia time to order tickets online for the Anne Frank House - my 2nd time there.
We booked a “Blue Puffin” Tour with. 5 stops. Terrific. North Cape is very windy so hang on to your hats. We saw a little fishing village, saw Sami people and their reindeer, gorgeous viewpoint and saw King Crabs swimming at the Northernmost Fishing Village in the world (Skarsvac)
We went to the Troll Museum (fun for all ages); Magic Ice Bar close to the Troll; Hard Rock Cafe, took the Hop on Train, and ate lunch at MENY where the little train starts. There is a church there too. Was a little hard to find the train. It drizzled a little.
Booked the “Leisurely Flam Railway” ship excursion. They did switch this port with Alesund. And cancelled our 4 hour train ride. BUT this is a must see. The Kjoxfossen Waterfall was beyond amazing, and a girl in a red dress dances up on the hill. You actually stop there twice - going & coming. I did the little $20 train first that was in the parking lot. Nice segwey into the big train. There is a free train museum at the platform. Flam has only 350 inhabitants, so cute and they waved goodbye to us!! Definitely want to come back here.
We booked the local Troll Car to Birksdal Glacier Excursion through Olden Adventures, which is right at the port. I booked ahead of time. There is a very cute local restaurant right at the port serving lunch & dinner. The Troll cars and the Glacier were absolutely fabulous. It did rain here, and you drive by the waterfall so you get a little wet. They do have some plastic coverings. You do NOT have to walk to the Glacier when you get off the troll cars. There is a covered picnic area & toilets there. We are in our 70’s and the path was pretty steep at first, then it levels off people said. MUST DO!!
We did the Hop On Bus. Went to the Floibanen Furnicular. Buy tickets online to go thru faster. Then walk all the way out and gaze over the city, then keep walking by the hotel. You will come to see the Cashmere GOATS. Ferdinand (black & white) will be the first to greet you. There is also a Troll Garden.
Was pretty good, but a long walk to the Movenpick Hotel which I could see right from the ship. Glad they had benches there to sit everyone once in awhile.
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