Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Killer whales & Northern Lights, Norway, independent reviews
 Reviewed 27 Dec 2007 by Helena Hodges |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sleeping in the Post Office Loo at the ferry port (with my 81 year old Dad) - as we were not met by Tysfjord company as we were late!!!
And the Orcas of course...and the fantastic moonlight mountains...
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't go at christmas time! Airport chaos!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Large carbon footprint - but kept old fishing boats in service
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
If it hadn't been for the airport choas i am sure it would have been great.
Read the operator's response here:
We apologise on behalf of SAS Airlines and Tysfjord Tourist Centre to Ms Hodges and her father, for the unpredictable chain of events that led to them overnighting at the Ferry Port. It is very difficult to predict flight delays and cancellations, and in the case of the Tysfjord region the consequences can be unpleasant, largely due to the lack of a 24hr ferry service or accommodation at the ferry port. In emergency situations like these, We do all they can to remain in contact with our clients via our own 24hr Duty Office contact line, but it is essential that clients provide us with reliable contact information, preferrably in the form of a GSM mobile phone number so that we can update them with progress in solving any problem.
| Reviewed 3 Dec 2007 by Nigel Roberts | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most disappointing holiday ever ! The killer whale and northern lights weekend featured neither, and though the fjords were spectacular, the whole group felt that the operator, had been excessively optimistic about the chances of seeing orca. They spoke about 600 to 700 orca being in the fjords. The total seen on our trip was zero, and total sightings for 2007 equal 10 !! The orca expert estimated less than 40% of her groups actually see a whale.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check out the tjisfjord website. The herring migration has changed, and whales are coming into the fjords less and less. Look on the web site to see if you are likely to be lucky. It is a long, long trip. Took one and a half days there and same back, arriving midnight to no dinner ! Did I say the most disappointing holiday ever -- you get the idea.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
They benefit financially from the tourism, but realise their industry is in trouble.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Liked the fjords, fellow travellers and local staff.
Hated the complete absence of whales, and relative lack all season.
No rep so we had no support.
No Northern Lights while we were there, which is no-one's fault, but but the tin lid on things !
Travel company set our expectations way too high.