Norwegian Fjords Cruise Royal Caribbean Review
OK, so it wasn’t the Love Boat (like you didn’t see that coming!), but I’m happy to have had the experience.
As a get away from it all experience, my cruise was lovely. At $6.99/minute for cell coverage, and $1/minute for internet access, I was mostly unplugged for 5 days, which pretty much never happens. I had two days at sea and it was amazing to watch from the Promenade deck as the ship skimmed over the water, leaving a wake of beautiful greens and blues, and white foam. I took some video footage of it, for which I’ve been called a “hippie,” and now I’m just a little self conscious!
As a travel experience, cruising is not for me. At least not in Europe. I think cruising is great for people who want to see as many places as possible in the shortest amount of time. If I had limited time in Europe, or wanted to inflate my travel resume to impress people at cocktail parties (you’d be surprised!), it would be hard to beat. But I like to spend time in the places I visit, I want to know what a place really feels like, not just rattle off the list of places I’ve been. Traveler vs. tourist.
Dining was a definite low point of the experience, which is sad because food is one of my favorite parts of traveling. I knew going in that as a vegetarian I’d have limited options, but most of the food was very rich, yet not very good, and it wasn’t worth the calories/damage to my arteries. It was like spending a week at the Hometown Buffet, except with a head waiter, fancy linens, and a lot of forks.
But… the Norwegian Fjords are the most beautiful natural scenery I’ve ever seen!
This photo was taken in Geiranger, Norway. I didn’t leave the ship that day because about 85% of my shipmates were of advanced age/limited mobility, so it took awhile to get them tendered. By the time my group was called, it was 1 PM, we were sailing again at 5:30, so I opted instead for a quiet day of reading, tea drinking, and looking out at the incredible scenery. On the upside, it was almost impossible to get an elevator without waiting 15 minutes, so I climbed a lot of stairs that week :)
More photos to come…
adventuresandjapes says
That’s stunning scenery!
Lisa says
Wow
Stephanie says
I loved coming into Oslo from Copenhagen. It is so beautiful from the water! Bonus- Denmark seems cheap after being in Norway:)
Anonymous says
It looks beautiful!
I’m with you on not doing a cruise ( even though I’ve never been on one!)
I want to move and explore when the mood strikes me. Not according to somone elses schedule.
Sue
Angela says
Oh my that looks lovely!!! So excited to see your other pictures.
I haven’t been on a cruise either and would like to. I’m sure you’ve seen some neat scenery :)
janice says
Can’t wait to see the pictures!
smilingsurfer says
Love your photo, looking forward to more!
I’ve only been on one cruise, Alaska inside passage. Nonstop scenery, similar to the fjords – judging by your photo. Happy to have had the opportunity, but in no hurry to cruise again- maybe never again.
Several of our friends are serial cruisers. To each his own! I can see how the floating hotel is appealing to some, it is convenient and cost effective.
Still, I prefer to travel at my own pace with options to explore what interests me.
So, how was the weather?
Welcome back :)