Excellent experience in the Norwegian Fjords

Item: Norwegian Jade
Rating: 4.2
Author: Huntingdon1701

Norwegian Jade Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

Huntingdon1701

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 49

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

9 Night Norwegian Fjords (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 25, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Jade

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9665

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

This was an amazing experience. The fjords are very scenic, although the towns are generally very small so don'texpect to do much sightseeing or shopping in those. However, do go kayaking in Geiranger (most sheltered and scenic of all the places to do it) and consider the rib ride in Alesund if you're adventurous (don't do a rib ride in an actual fjord because you don't experience the speed). If you don't have a balcony, it's worth getting a spa pass, because this looks out over the bow of the ship and gives you great views while a) being away from the crowds on the pool deck, b) in the warm, and c) with access to a hot tub and sauna at the same time as the views (and special drinks etc). I ate in Le Bistro, La Cucina, Jasmine Garden, Sushi Bar, O'Sheehans and Grand Pacific. They were all okay, but La Cucina was the least enjoyable experience due to being oddly laid out. The sushi bar was surprisingly excellent, and not very expensive. O'Sheehans was very convenient from my cabin - only one deck down and a short corridor away, and it was rarely busy. The staff were all welcoming and quickly learned your name, which was quite amazing given that the cruise was sold out.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Ports of call

Southampton (London), England

4 out of 5

Haugesund

3 out of 5

This is not the most scenic of the ports. We did the ship's tour Amazing Akrafjord, which involved a trip on a small boat to see a not very impressive waterfall. The lunch of local produce was delicious though - including cognac infused smoked salmon.

Thumbs Up 2

Geiranger, Norway

5 out of 5

The most beautiful port to visit. You get the full fjord experience and yes, they are as impressive and scenic as you've been told. I did the ship's kayaking tour here, which was not too strenuous, but gave you a full on experience of the majesty of the fjord. I definitely recommend doing that here.

Thumbs Up 3

Flaam, Norway

4 out of 5

We did the ship's tour on the railway - sit on the right hand side of the railway as it leaves Flam (facing into the mountain), but when you switch over to the second train for the onward journey, switch over to sitting on the left. That way you get the best views on each leg. If you don't do that, then you end up with a few hours of effectively blank mountainside. It was very scenic though. Flam itself is tiny, so don't expect to find much to do in the actual port.

Thumbs Up 4

Alesund, Norway

4 out of 5

The hill viewing point is quite a steep climb - you may want to consider the little train that goes up there. I also did the ship's rib ride tour. This was a bit terrifying but also very exhilirating and good fun. You are given extensive suiting so you will not feel cold or get very wet. The seats are designed to absorb some of the bumps, but only sit in the front if you like roller coasters.

Thumbs Up 1

Bergen, Norway

5 out of 5

Another beautiful port. I did the ship's tour Hardangerfjord and we felt this was the best tour, with only the kayaking in Geiranger coming close. There are so many beautiful waterfalls here, and the chance to walk behind one is not to be missed. The lunch stop at a local apple farm was also excellent (do not miss the apple cake!).

Thumbs Up 2

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland

4 out of 5

It can be a bit bleak and lacks shelter, but seeing Skara Brae and the Ring of Brogdar was fascinating, either neither is all that big. We were given a display of Scottish dancing to send us on our way.

Thumbs Up 2