Norwegian coast cruise, Kirkenes to Bergen
Description of Norwegian coast cruise, Kirkenes to Bergen
This Norwegian coast cruise holiday starts in Kirkenes and ends in Bergen, taking in one of the most spectacular destinations in the world right up in the north of Norway. Every day feels like an epic adventure waking up in the likes of the North Cape, the Lofoten Islands or the wide plains of Finnmark. These land and seascapes are ones that evoke great emotions, as the drama of the great fjords, such as Lyngenfjord, Trollfjord or Batsfjord takes our breath away.
With plenty of shore excursions, you also get a chance to discover the fascinating cultural heritage of North Norway, such as the thousand year old history of Trondheim, visiting the old trading post at Nesna or hearing a midnight concert at the spectacular Arctic Cathedral. Travel spring, summer or winter, you will always have a eye opening journey on these waters, visiting settlements with fewer than 200 people but also magnificent cities such as Bergen.
Seasons will bring variations such as the Northern Lights in winter, especially North of the Arctic Circle, but you will have very long hours of daylight in summer. March or April are great as the days are getting longer but you still have magnificent winter scenery up north, although you will see the scenery changing to green and wild flower laden from May onwards south of Trondheim.
An absolute highlight is the idyllic sailing through Lyngenfjorden in springtime. Late October to the middle of January is the best time to catch sight of humpback and killer whales, and so every season brings its own Norwegian magic.
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2 Reviews of Norwegian coast cruise, Kirkenes to Bergen
Reviewed on 02 Jan 2020 by Sally Atkinson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery. The pride of the locals in their beautiful homeland; and their friendliness. Seeing the northern lights, albeit briefly.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack plenty of layers. Get a tripod and set up your camera in advance if you want pics of the northern lights
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local produce used routinely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent: seamless logistically, superb food, relaxed, informative and friendly crew teams
Reviewed on 31 May 2019 by Donna Fahey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The snow capped fiords
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring warm clothing, a sweater and a packable jacket. If you want to sit on deck, bring a sleeping bag.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not that I know
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good! Everything went as smooth as clockwork
Read the operator's response here:
communities up and down the coast that have no other transport links to the outside world, so just by joining this cruise you were helping to sustain these
communities. Additionally all of the food on board is sourced locally so once again those communities will benefit from the revenue derived from selling
their produce as well as the employment and income generated in the communities from the excursions.
Responsible Travel
Planet
These vessels operate in some of the world’s most pristine and vulnerable natural landscapes, and the vessels managers take their responsibility to protect and enhance it very seriously.The ships that run on these coastal routes use low sulphur SDM (Special Distillate Marine) fuel. They always strive to reduce their emissions, and will continue to explore every possible opportunity that could be beneficial for the environment.
Energy-Efficient Propellers
Changing propellers on the ships has had a huge impact both on propulsion and fuel consumption. The new propellers have reduced fuel consumption by as much as 10% and they are currently being fitted to the vessels one by one. These initiatives have reduced overall fuel consumption by around 15% in 5 years!
The company that runs the vessels is a participant in the Norwegian Polar Institute’s project to register marine mammals in the Arctic. Gathering this data improves insight of habitat use and seasonal migration patterns
People
Almost all of the dozens of communities strung out all along Norway's spectacular and wild west coast rely on the vessels that sail every day up and down the coast, carrying cars, freight, business passengers and cruise passengers the length of this spectacular coastline. Without the regular link that these vessels provide, many of these communities, and the businesses that thrive in them, would wither on the vine.These voyages have added another major string to the bow of the coastal communities - with tourism. The first brochure, in English, was produced as early as 1894, and today many of the towns have developed thriving tourist industries that rely on the daily influx of passengers from the vessels that ply the coast, providing a major source of income for the communities, not just directly through tourism, but also for many local producers who help to feed the visitors.
Local food
The vessels all have a local food concept where they focus on locally produced ingredients and short travelled food runs throughout the entire fleet. Visiting 34 ports along the Norwegian coast, they have an exceptional opportunity to get fresh produce from local suppliers every day, and they only serve species approved by WWF's red list for sustainable seafood.
Ingredients are delivered directly on board the ships, reducing transportation significantly and utilizing the port structure in the best possible way. Fresh local food enhances the travel experience, gives local ripple effects and tells great stories from the places we visit.
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