Embarkation and Disembarkation – It was so pleasant to cruise from the UK with no airport.
We arrived at the car park next to the terminal and were on the ship within an hour.
First stop was the safety drill and then we dropped our bag off at the stateroom and collected our cards.
Disembarkation was seamless too, off at 07:20hrs and home within 2 hours.
Stateroom Concierge – Our stateroom was immaculately presented as always and Ratha was always very pleasant and professional and asked us daily if there was anything she could do for us.
With Concierge it was nice to have the invitation to Grand Cuvee Dining Room lunch away from the first day busy buffet.
Also the large umbrellas in the cabin, towelling bath robes and a bottle of bubbly.
Spacious balcony with recliners and foot rests.
Good amount of storage if you are able to reach the over bed cabinets.
We enjoyed having in in room kettle, tea and coffee.
OceanviewCafeBuffet – Always a good selection and nicely presented for breakfast and lunch.
Sardines from the grill were the highlight.
We did not use the buffet in the evening.
Grand Cuvee Dining Room – we had anytime dining but decided to make a reservation for the same time every evening so that we could see the early show.
We required a table for two which always seemed to be a bit of a problem but we did always get one.
Juan, Rudo and Tapas were a good team.
And provided attentive service.
We found the food in the dining room to be a good standard and plentiful.
Celebrity Entertainers – we found all the entertainment to be excellent and it would be hard to have a favourite because everyone was good but we enjoyed Coda Duo and Camilla before going to the show.
Also very good, the DJ who made a good atmosphere between the Martini Bar and Craft Social when the live musicians had finished.
Guest Entertainer, Comedian and singer Jo Little was so funny and not to be missed if she is on the schedule.
Excursions – Check pre booked excursions in stateroom in case of any time changes.
We had a tome change without notice time for Bergen excursion.
We booked a tour to an Ice House which we thought would be different having been to Bergen before.
Our tour was booked pre cruise and scheduled for 1.30pm but when we got on board, we checked our tickets in the stateroom to find the meeting time had changed to 3.45pm.
Given it was booked on line we think we should have been notified of the change in case we wanted to change to something else at pre cruise price.
We went to the meeting point, we were told the tour was delayed due to weather and road conditions, we waited about an hour or more and then we decided to drop out as the ship was due to depart at 7.30pm.
We had a without question refund returned to our OBC so we treated ourselves to perfume and aftershave at the end of the cruise.
Olden – we took Hop on Hop off bus from the port which was very scenic 700 Krone for two, we were pleased with the trip.
The town near the port is just a couple of grocery shops, an outdoor wear outlet with very high prices and aCafe an excursion or bus is definitely required in this port.
Alesund – Hop-on Hop off bus 900 Krone for two, served the purpose but not scenic like Olden.
Stavanger- ship docks directly opposite the old cobbled streets along the the old town shops it was a pretty walk about for two hours.
Excursion prices are cheaper if you book pre cruise.
Future Cruise Bookings – we found the stateroom availability being displayed on board was different to what was available online, check the staterooms online so that you are aware of full availability.
CafeAl Bacio – Just the place to enjoy a special coffee, unfortunately it is generally not possible as it is filled with guests who stay there long after finishing their drinks and cakes, looking at phones and books.
We had to take our coffees to go most of the time.
The drinks package gets you the drink but without a seat it is not so enjoyable, we did get a seat twice in a seven day cruise.
They need signs like the OceanviewCafeasking people to vacate the table for others once they have finished, it shouldn’t really need to be spelt out, but unfortunately it appears reminders are required.
The table service here was quite slow which probably also added to the table turnover.
Staff – We found the staff to be friendly, professional and very efficient.
The attentive service of the staff makes the cruise.
Particularly good was Hero in Craft Social who served great Singapore Slings and in our option was by far the best bar tender.
Ship cleanliness – staff work very hard keeping the ship tidy and spotless.
Restrooms are always immaculate with rolled cotton towels nicely presented.
There is always staff at the buffet entrance to ensure hand sanitising.
The Solarium is very well maintained with constant cleaning attention.
Captains Club Events – Mixology and Music was very good but seemed quite rushed and not long enough, we got there at the start time but it had already begun.
The senior officers event lasted longer with music and canapes.
Michael was an excellent Captains Club host.
Weather – Norwegian Fjords end of June, some days it was very chilly, definitely take layers, luckily we had jumpers and jackets.
If you forget and need to purchase in Norway it will be expensive.
I actually wish I took a scarf.
