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Disney Cruise Mom Blog

I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

Guest Trip Report: 10 Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland on the Disney Magic

October 15, 2018 by Disney Cruise Mom 2 Comments

I have yet another guest trip report to share with you guys!  This one is one of the more unique itineraries that DCL does so I am so excited to share it with you.

Carol and her family sailed on the most recent 10 night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland on the Disney Magic on August 16, 2018 .  (FYI, you can see all of my previous trip reports and guest trip reports by clicking here .)

Here is an introduction to Carol and her family:

My name is Carol and I am a mom of 2 amazing children and have the joy of being married to a wonderful man who shares my joy of traveling.  When I am not traveling I work as a pediatrician and love spending time with my family, 2 cats and dog in upstate NY.   In addition to blogging and traveling, I enjoy singing, baking, reading and just about anything Disney.  We are a Disney loving family and have been blessed to have taken many trips to both Disney World and Disneyland.  We also love to cruise on Disney Cruise Line, and now have been on more than 10 cruises.  We enjoy traveling and seeing the world, and have traveled to such places as San Diego, Boston, NYC, Washington DC and many more.  We look forward to expanding our travels to see much more of the world, as we firmly believe we learn about different places, people and cultures when we travel.  I hope I can share some of what I have seen and learned with you.  

You can visit Carol’s blog by clicking here .

Copenhagen: Day 1

We had been planning a trip on the Disney Magic to the Norwegian Fjords for over a year.  This cruise left from Copenhagen and went to 3 different cities in Norway, then to Reykjavik and to Scotland, and finally ended in England.  We decided to start our trip with 3 days in Copenhagen to make the most of our time.  We flew out of Boston with a layover in Amsterdam and then to Copenhagen.  Our flights were relatively uneventful, just overnight, so we were tired upon arriving to Copenhagen.  However, we decided to just stay awake and sight see to try and get on Copenhagen time.  We were able to go to directly to our AirBnB, which was nice, so we could put down our luggage and change to clean clothes.  We were very pleased with our AirBnB, since it was our first time staying in one.  It was a good layout with close proximity to everything.

We then began a very busy day in Copenhagen.  There are so many things to see, it was difficult to know where to start.  So we started with Christiansborg Palace, which is where the Royal Family used to live, and is now used for the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and some official events by the Royal Family.  There are Royal Reception Rooms, Ruins, the Royal Kitchen and the Royal Stables.  We visited the Royal Reception Rooms and the Ruins.

Christiansborg Palace:

A dining room table for royalty that can seat 50 people!

A royal fireplace:

The palace has been built and rebuilt many times, the latest being less than 100 years old, but the ruins date back to the 1100’s.  It was very interesting to see all the ruins and different layers of building.

Ruins under the castle:

We then went to Stroget, which is a famous street with many shops and restaurants, including high-end and famous shops like Prada, Louis Vuitton and many others.  We, of course, visited the Disney Store, and because my son is a HUGE Lego fan, we had to visit the Lego store as well, since, of course, Legos originated here in Denmark.  It was fun, but pretty much just like all other Lego stores!

After that we went on a canal tour, in which you take a tour on the canals of Copenhagen.  This was a nice way to see many things in the city easily, and was very informative and fun.  We also realized how many bridges there are in Copenhagen!

Houses on the canal:

The famous Little Mermaid statue (from behind):

One of the many, many bridges:

After the canal tour, we went to the Round Tower.  This is a tower attached to a church.  You can walk up this tower to the top, and there are amazing views of Copenhagen from there.  It is unbelievable to me how they could have built such a thing in the 17th century!

The church connected to the Round Tower:

The view walking up (or down) the Round Tower:

The view from the top:

After this very busy day, we treated ourselves to a very delicious dinner, and then a well-deserved night of sleep.  We enjoyed our first day in Copenhagen very much, and found the people delightful, and very helpful.  The city is beautiful and clean, and most everyone kind and generous.  It was a day well spent!

Up next: Copenhagen, Day 2

October 17, 2018 at 11:53 am

Really looking forward to this guest trip report. We’re going on a similar trip in July 2019, ( but in reverse– starts in Dover and ends up in Copenhagen), and really looking forward to it. Not much information on this type of trip on Disney Magic so will be hanging on every word as it comes.

October 24, 2018 at 6:53 am

Deann – I hope you enjoy my report – we really enjoyed our trip it was a great time!! I am so glad Diana has let me partner with her to share my experiences!! Thank you!! Carol

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Witness Norway’s Incredible Fjords on These 8 Scenic Cruises

From more eco-friendly sailings to immersive journeys that will get you deeper into the culture and nature of the region, these cruise itineraries will bring you along norway’s beautiful coastline in comfort..

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Havila Voyages operates environmentally friendlier coastal cruise ships, including the Havila Castor, seen hear gliding into Trollfjorden.

Courtesy of Havila Voyages

The country’s more than 1,000 scenic fjords, idyllic mountains, and imposing glaciers are among the many awe-inspiring landscapes you will see on a cruise in Norway . Add sightings of the aurora borealis in the dark winter months, cultural attractions in the cities and towns along the way, plus abundant adventure-filled outings, such as kayaking, mountain biking, dog-sledding, and cross-country skiing, and it’s clear why Norway is such a sought-after cruise destination.

Years ago, on a cruise in Norway, I met a fellow passenger who complained about the sheer number of fjords, saying that he would have preferred more variety of landscape. To me, as a frequent cruiser, these striking vistas are a must-see experience on the world map. Sailing into Trollfjord in the Lofoten Islands, you might even imagine that you see those elusive and fanciful trolls as your ship glides along shimmering water through the 328-foot opening of a passage flanked by towering cliffs.

Most Norway sailings operate between May and September, with the height of the season running from June through August. That said, you can cruise Norway year-round.

It’s worth noting that in 2018, the Norwegian Parliament adopted a resolution that will limit access to only those ships able to sail emissions-free in the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord in western Norway; it will go into effect by 2026. While it’s not yet totally clear how exactly the regulation will play out, this could potentially impact which ships sail to Geiranger and Flam in the near future.

The coastal city of Bergen is a highlight of many Norway sailings.

Photo by Mao Yuqing/Unsplash

What you’ll see on a Norway cruise

Nature and culture are the star attractions on cruises exploring the western coast of Norway. Passengers will have dramatic views as they glide into fjords dotted with scenic mountain-backed villages and colorful homes.

Note that most Norway cruises do not visit the capital city of Oslo, so if that’s on your wish list you’ll want to select your itinerary carefully.

As for other itinerary highlights, the historic Hanseatic city of Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, is a must for history lovers, home to the old wharf area of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its dozens of 14th- to 16th-century wooden houses. Bergen also has a bustling fish market and some of the best arts attractions in the country, including the home of composer Edvard Grieg.

If your cruise goes above the Arctic Circle , you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights Cathedral in Tromso, which claims status as a Northern Lights capital based on its position on the so-called aurora oval, improving your chances of seeing the aurora borealis there. Less-visited Alta, also on the aurora oval, has such winter attractions as Northern Lights viewing while spending the night in a teepee at a Sami dogsledding camp—an experience offered by some cruise lines. In North Cape, you can stand at the northernmost edge of the European continent.

Geiranger, at the head of the UNESCO-recognized Geirangerfjord, stuns with waterfalls that include the 1,000-foot Seven Sisters. From Stavanger, visit Pulpit Rock for more cliff and waterfall drama or stay in town and visit the fascinating sardine canning museum, wood houses, and shops in the old town.

Flam has the star attraction of the UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord, viewable on a one-hour steep ascent on the antique trains of the Flam Railway. Aesund is a pretty fishing village known for art nouveau architecture, while Olden boasts access to glaciers and glacial-fed waterfalls and lakes. Viking history is a draw in Trondheim, founded in 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason and known today for its culinary scene.

The best cruises in Norway

Take your time appreciating the beauty of the Norwegian coastline with a 17-day Azamara sailing.

Courtesy of Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises

Best for comprehensive itinerary

The 684-passenger Azamara Onward will sail Norway in July 2024 on a 17-night itinerary from Oslo to Copenhagen. The ship will call at 13 ports along Norway’s western coast, including heading far north to Tromso, Alta, and Honingsvag, and will sail around the Lofoton Islands to Trollfjord. Less-visited places will include the small northern city of Bodo. The ship is designed as a floating boutique hotel at sea, with seven restaurants, including a well-regarded steakhouse.

To book: 17-night sailing embarking July 13, 2024, from $6,159 per person; azamara.com

Experience Norway on a classic ocean liner that will feel like a throwback to an entirely different era of cruising on Cunard’s forthcoming Queen Anne vessel.

Courtesy of Cunard

Best for a classic ocean liner experience

Cunard’s 3,000-passenger Queen Anne debuts in May 2024, and during its first summer it will head to Norway on three seven-night cruises, round trip from Southampton, U.K. You can do two bucket list experiences at once— sailing on a real ocean liner (a vessel custom built for long voyages) and visiting the Norwegian fjords. The line’s classes of service will be in play, with suites guests gaining access to dine on exclusive menus in the Princess Grill or top-tier Queens Grill. There’s the Britannia dining room or upgraded Britannia Club for everyone else.

To book: 7-night cruises from $1,199; cunard.com

“Let it go” and just bring the whole family to experience the magic of Norway on a Disney Dream cruise.

Courtesy of Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line

Best for families

Disney Cruise Line does select itineraries in Norway, inspired by the popular Nordic-themed Frozen franchise. The 2,500-passenger Disney Dream will sail to the Norwegian fjords in 2024, with Elsa and Anna likely to make appearances. Family-friendly shore excursions include boat making and seafood cooking classes, with reduced prices for passengers age three to nine. Onboard the ship, there’s a water coaster, Disney-centric Broadway shows, first-run movies, and the opportunity to send the kids to Disney’s Oceaneer Club so you can spend time in the adults-only Quiet Cove pool.

To book: 7-night round-trip sailing from Southampton, U.K., on August 5, 2024, fares from $2,772 per person (with reduced rates for children nine and under); disneycruise.disney.go.com

Cruise in Norway with a local operator—Havila Voyages—that is aiming to create a model for sustainable sailings in the region.

Havila Voyages Best eco-friendly sailings

Norwegian-owned Havila Voyages operates four new environmentally friendlier coastal cruise ships that carry both people and cargo between Bergen and Kirkenes, year-round. The hybrid ships run on liquified natural gas (LNG) and, for up to four hours, on 86-ton battery packs, for emissions-free sailing (the packs can be charged in ports with clean electricity). Done up in decor inspired by Norwegian landscapes, they carry up to 468 overnighting cruise passengers, plus locals, to 34 ports. Shore excursions allow you to leave the ship and rejoin at a later port to get to key attractions.

To book: 12-day summertime sailings from $2,963 per person; 5-night sailings from $1,677 per person; havilavoyages.com

For a truly cozy cruise experience, book yourself onto the nine-passenger HMS Gåssten —seen here in the Norway archipelago of Lofoten.

Courtesy of Simon Biffen/HMS Gåssten

HMS “Gåssten”

Most intimate Norwegian cruise

Chartering the nine-passenger HMS Gåssten is not for the faint of pocketbook, but it will be an experience to write home about. Built in 1973, the small blue and white wooden boat started life as a Swedish navy minesweeper. Today, the boat boasts four comfortable cabins and an oak-lined salon. Sailings are from the colorful fishing village of Henningsvær and explore the Lofoton archipelago, known for its dramatic scenery, including soaring mountains. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking are among the activities offered. (In March and April there are sailings featuring remote ski touring from mountain peaks down to shoreline.)

To book: A 6-night summertime charter (May through September), starts at $68,830, redsavannah.com

If you want an outfitter that truly knows Norway, go with the one that has been sailing there for more than a century—Hurtigruten.

Courtesy of Stian Klo/Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten

Best for local experience

Sailing with Hurtigruten is a classic Norwegian experience. The company has been operating regular service up and down the west coast of Norway year-round for 130 years. The Norwegian Coastal Express ships stop at 34 ports, delivering mail and cargo and serving as transport for locals while carrying international travelers in cruise ship accommodations. The sailings are between Bergen and Kirkenes, up near the Russia and Finland border. You can book 5- or 6-night one-way north or south sailings, or 11-night round-trip cruises that do the whole 2,500-mile circuit. Since some stops are for less than an hour, a key is to also book optional shore excursions, which leave the ship and reboard further down the line.

To book: 11-night fares from $2,309; 6-night from $1,600 per person, hurtigruten.com

Ponant offers one of the rare Norway sailings that includes the modern capital of Oslo.

Photo by Jacek Dylag/Unsplash

Best upscale expedition experience

French cruise line Ponant has expedition ships exploring the Norwegian fjords in summer and winter. In July, the 184-passenger Le Champlain sails between Bergen and Oslo, bringing guests to nature attractions and tracing Viking history with port calls that include Arendal in the south, a popular water sports spot, and sailing up the coast as far as Alesund, and including Olden. There’s also a stop at the historic Swedish city of Goteborg. One sailing, sold by Smithsonian Journeys, adds experts on Scandinavia as lecturers. When you’re not out exploring by inflatable Zodiac, there’s the bonus of an underwater observatory/bar, known as Blue Eye.

To book: 7-night cruises from $7,550 per person; ponant.com

Embrace the frigid Nordic scenery by warming up onboard the Viking Venus with traditional Scandinavian fare.

Courtesy of Anthony Weller/Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises

Best wintertime cruises

From January through March 2024, Viking Cruises is exploring the coast of Norway with the 930-passenger Viking Venus , done up in contemporary Scandinavian decor and with such locally inspired features as a Nordic spa with hot and cold treatments and a café serving heart-shaped Norwegian waffles with cheese. The 12-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” sailings are between London and Bergen, and feature overnights in Tromso, Alta, and Bergen, with quality time to explore day and night.

To book: 12-night cruises from $5,499 per person, vikingcruises.com

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

LJM Maritime Academy Summer Campers Tour the Disney Wish

Recently, Disney Cruise Line invited the next generation of seafarers from the LJM Maritime Academy Summer Camp on a special tour of the Disney Wish while the ship was docked Continue Reading →

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Trip Log Day 7: 9-Night Alaskan Cruise on Disney Wonder – Sitka, Alaska – July 21, 2024

Trip log, day seven. Sitka, Alaska.9-Night Alaskan Cruise on Disney WonderJuly 21, 2024Guests Ashore: 7:00 am Guests Onboard: 2:45 pmPersonal Navigator – Day 7 I was out of the room early Continue Reading →

Special Guests Announced for the 2024 TCM Classic Cruise Aboard the Disney Magic

Today, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) revealed the slate of special guest stars for the 2024 TCM Classic Cruise aboard the Disney Magic sailing from Lauderdale on October 26th to Cozumel and Continue Reading →

Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage Announced for November 20, 2025 – New Details on the Pirates of the Caribbean Inspired Cask and Cannon Pub

Today, Disney Cruise Line revealed November 20, 2025 will be the Maiden Voyage for the Disney Destiny which will embark on a 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with stops Continue Reading →

Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of August 26, 2024

This week’s special offers from Disney Cruise Line include dates from September into March 2025. Currently, there are 41 unique sail dates, available with special offers available across the fleet Continue Reading →

Norwegian Fjords Disney Cruise Line Report — Day 5

Day 5 of our Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard the Disney Magic was supposed to be our port day in Geiranger, Norway. However, as you might’ve read at the end of our Day 4 cruise report , we were unable to dock there due to high winds. Due to Geiranger’s small size, a floating “Sea Walk” dock is used there, and the captain deemed it too windy to dock.

This was pretty controversial among guests aboard our cruise. We heard a lot of second-guessing of this decision, particularly after we cruised past the port area, and a Holland America ship was there. That was exacerbated by the fact that a couple of the excursion outfitters initially indicated to some other guests they might deny refunds on the technicality that we were not “unable” to dock, but rather, our captain “chose” not to dock. Supposedly, it was a judgment call of the captain, and authorities in Geiranger would’ve been willing to use the Sea Walk.

At this point, I probably should make a disclosure: I am not, nor have I ever been, a cruise ship captain. I know, you might find this unfathomable. Surely in my free time between blog posts, I could’ve taken up the hobby. I just haven’t gotten around to it yet…

I know the internet is the place where everyone is an expert about everything, and baseless opinions should be offered without restraint (and I certainly do plenty of that!). However, it takes me a mnemonic device just to remember which side is port and starboard, so I’m really out of my element here.

Part of the frustration among guests probably stems from the fact that the announcement we wouldn’t be stopping in Geiranger was made at ~10 p.m. the night before, and on the basis of wind. Now, I’m no meteorologist (you’re learning so much about me today), but I’d assume wind forecasts are just like any other weather: subject to uncertainty and change. It did turn out to be very windy the following morning, but still.

It stinks that we were unable to stop in Geiranger, but I have a difficult time getting upset at the captain (or anyone else) for the judgment call not to stop. The Holland America ship (supposedly) brought its own tender boats, which we did not have.

The officials in Geiranger are likely going to be less risk-averse when it comes to allowing use of the Sea Walk–their city is highly dependent upon tourism. Moreover, if the worst were to happen, the media is not going to make it a story about negligence of some port authority in Norway–it’s going to be about Disney ‘s mistake.

I also don’t think there are any nefarious motives on the part of Disney Cruise Line. Guest satisfaction likely dropped by virtue of failing to stop in Geiranger–irrespective of the reason–and I suspect Disney does not have any profit motivations for keeping guests on the boat. If anything, it seems like they’d lose out on Port Adventure markup, going through more food, and impromptu entertainment.

There are some scenarios in which I think Disney pays face to the importance of its “Four Keys” philosophy (Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency), but in this situation, I’m inclined to believe the captain was erring on the side of safety in making the decision.

Perhaps I’m giving Disney Cruise Line too much deference, but sometimes, a bad situation is just a bad situation, and there’s no one to “blame” for it.

Before we get into the anecdotal portion of the day’s report, I’ll share some planning info for Geiranger. Based upon our research, the main thing to do in Geiranger was get back out on the water to get up close to waterfalls and go into narrower areas of the fjord.

The two main options, from what we saw, were kayak tours/rentals or RIB tours. We planned upon doing a kayak rental because that looked like the cheapest option, but had not booked this in advance for a couple of reasons. First, a lot of the reviews indicated the rental companies would just cancel on you if they were able to fill their slots with official excursions booked through the cruise companies. Second, our top (morning) priority was hiking, and we weren’t sure when we’d be done with that.

The hike we planned on doing was the Storsæterfossen waterfall hike , which takes you past the “backside of water.” If you’re thinking of doing the hike, here’s a detailed report on it . Some other reports indicate this takes you past a cool farm and (potentially) goats, making it a must-do as far as I’m concerned.

There were a handful of museums and other options in Geiranger, but nothing else that really piqued our interest. From our research, the highlight of Geiranger was the fjord, not the quaint village/town. To be perfectly honest, this was probably the port I was least enthused about before the trip.

I was really looking forward to the hike, and also eating some Norwegian waffles, but the most exciting aspect of this day was the cruise through Geirangerfjord. Pretty much everything I read about Geiranger highlighted the fjord, not the port.

The good news was that in lieu of stopping in Geiranger, we were going to due an extended cruise through Geirangerfjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, that morning. The cruise director had informed us that we’d start passing Geirangerfjord’s famed waterfalls at around 8:30 a.m.

Based on previous reports I had read, Geiranger day is normally when everyone gets up early to watch the ship navigate through the narrow fjord before arriving into port.

These seemed to indicate 5 a.m. was a good time to get up to start watching, and that it would be crowded even then.

So, I was up on the deck at 5 a.m…along with maybe 5 other guests?

I suspect the captain’s announcement of the highlights occurring much later, coupled with the general disappointment that we were not stopping, had led to most people sleeping in.

When I got up there, the wind was absolutely brutal (nearly my entire coffee “jumped” out of my cup before I put the lid on it). The wind had been/was so bad that everything was tied down.

I was really glad to have my suitcase back at this point, because I had packed for a veritable arctic expedition. I bundled up, and sat at the rail on the forward side of the ship, watching for a while. In a couple of hours, this same spot (below) would be elbow to elbow with people, so it was nice to enjoy it in relative solitude.

I think I mentioned it before, but packing a waterproof & windproof outer layer, an insulating layer (think a down jacket), and a moisture-wicking base layer is essential for a cruise like this.

My recommendation for the outer layer is something GORE-TEX. It can be very expensive, but it’s made to last, and most brands that use GORE-TEX have generous repair policies. (I had my last GORE-TEX jacket for ~10 years and sent it in to have holes repaired twice…before I was finally “advised” that it looked “very 1990s.”)

Presumably, the same outerwear recommendations apply to Alaskan cruises and other European itineraries.

Even if the weather report does not dictate all of those layers, remember that the ship is moving and you’ll potentially be up early/late to watch port arrivals.

At some point (fairly early), the crew brought out pastries, hot chocolate, and coffee.

Despite the circumstances, most guests we encountered that morning seemed to be in a pretty good mood. Even with the disappointment of not docking in Geiranger, I think the landscape we were passing was enough to lift our collective spirits.

Sarah joined me an hour or so later, and the deck was starting to get more crowded. It was also getting progressively better. The folks who opted to sleep in definitely made the right decision, as things didn’t start getting really good until about 7 a.m.

This scenic cruise was exceptional. We passed all of the famous waterfalls, De syv søstrene (“the Seven Sisters”), Friaren (“the Suitor”), and Brudesløret (“the Bridal Veil”), and had some exceptional weather as we did.

Aside from the luck we had for a fleeting period up at the Path of Trolls, the entire trip had been overcast up until this point. We weren’t exactly disappointed as we knew there was a high probability of overcast weather and drizzle in Norway.

Really, the biggest negative of overcast weather is in terms of photos. In person, this still looks (mostly) spectacular; I think it’s easier for your eyes for focus on the elements that are stunning regardless, or maybe you just mentally block out the sky (or maybe I’m the only one who feels this way and you’re scratching your heads at what on earth I’m talking about).

In any case, the conditions were perfectly photogenic this particular morning, and the cruise through Geirangerfjord was one stunning sight after another. I don’t want to say that we were not disappointed that we didn’t dock in Geiranger (I definitely would’ve preferred that), but the extended cruise was a nice consolation prize. It also reinforced our desire to do the Alaska cruise, as others around us kept comparing the fjord to Tracy Arm. On Page 2 , we’ll share more from our Geirangerfjord cruise/impromptu day at sea, I’ll share thoughts on Frozen’s Norwegian roots, our Alaskan cruise decision, and more!

Written by Tom Bricker

I guess the pilot at the port has a big influence on whether a ship can dock or not as well. Maybe there were differences in the ships that did/didn’t dock or maybe different pilots advising the captains.

Regarding your Alaska decision, I’m researching a trip there and heard that you can really see more by booking a land package and taking small boat day cruises, rather than booking a cruise ship with land excursions. Especially given your interest in landscape photography/national parks and hiking. I think that’s the way I’m going to do it next summer.

Tangled the Musical is the reason I want to sail on the Disney Cruise Line so bad… Is that bad? I don’t think so. Tangled is my absolute favorite newer Disney movie. Better than Frozen, duh. I haven’t seen Moana, I’ll be honest.

Definitely not bad. Tangled is the the BEST Disney movie EVER!!

Tangled is best by far!

There is a creepy face in the waterfall photo at the bottom of page 1?

I agree with your assesment on not Docking. We had it happen on our First Disney Cruise at Castaway Cay. It was a December cruise, and the sea and wind was a bit rough the whole trip. The Captain made every attempt to dock but it just wasn’t in the cards that day. Of course I was a bit disappointed about not docking- part of the reason we took the cruise was to see Castaway Cay. But I was really impressed at how quickly and seamlessly new entertianment options were added and food options were put out, and how the crew responded to help make up for the disappointment. Besides- i wouldn’t have been a very nice beach day anyway, and it gave me an excuse to go on another cruise!

I’ve been to Geiranger (on the Hurtigruten) and really the best part is the cruise through the fjord. We have family in Norway, and needed to get from Torvik (the port before Alesund) to Andalsnes to catch the train up north so we took the ferry to Geiranger in order to see the fjord and caught a bus from there – it’s called the Golden Route and if you like hairpin turns you’ll love it! If you had clear skies to see all the waterfalls and the gorgeous countryside then in my opinion you got the best bit.

Love the photos in this installment, especially the one on top of page 2. The last photo of Mickey creeps me out. Looks like a photo of one of those posable dolls. Realistic miniature versions of things are nightmare fuel. Too bad I’m reading this at midnight.

Ha, the weird thing is: I don’t even remember taking that photo. I usually take photos of the characters after the character attendant takes our pic, but that one is poorly-framed and really close-up. So, either Mickey snuck into our room and took a selfie, or my autofocus wasn’t working for a more straightforward photo, and I only got pics as he creeped towards the camera (which seems to happen a lot, and is usually fun for photos).

Loved the trip report series! Having these super detailed trip reports/travel guides are really what set your blog apart from the rest. And Alaska will always be there! Missing a port would be disappointing but at least there is good food and entertainment and spa and gym and just relaxing in your room to be had (I.e. Not stuck in an airport!). Keep up the excellent reporting, eagerly look forward to your installments and posts!

Thanks! Hopefully, what I put together at the end will be useful for others planning this cruise in the future.

We are planning the Norway cruise for 2019. Love your blogs.

“While I really don’t want any animated films having a presence in World Showcase, about the only one I could (potentially) get behind is Ratatouille. ” How about Mulan?

I’ll second the recommendation for GORE-TEX and it’s longevity. Last winter, I finally replaced my GORE ski jacket that was purchased in 1991.

I hadn’t even considered Mulan because I don’t think any changes are on the table for the China pavilion, but…maybe? I could see a show in the courtyard area that incorporated Mulan into it, and I’d be fine with that.

I kind of like the Three Caballeros in the Mexico pavilion since the film was made at the request of the Mexican government because they wanted a movie about Mexico after they saw the success of Saludos Amigos for South America. The film’s outdated, so maybe a completely different, more modern ride plot would be better, but I enjoy what’s there now and don’t think it’s disrespectful.

I love the pictures and your positive attitude. I think too many people let something like not being able to make it into a port ruin their day and possibly the rest of their vacation. When we were on the Fantasy, we got up really early to meet for our excursion in Jamaica only to sit in the theater for about an hour and a half because captain Fabian was doing his best to try to dock the ship in very windy conditions. He did manage it, but if our day in port had been cancelled, I would not have let it ruin my trip. Quite a few people were complaining about having to wait so long though.

Part of it is human nature, but I think many Disney fans are predisposed (so to speak) to such complaints. Walt Disney World conditions people to both plan extensively, and also expect a vacation scenario where everything goes (more or less) according to plan.

The more you travel, the more you see such extensive pre-planning and everything working out as planned is not so much the norm.

You really made out with the towel animal/monsters on this trip! Your maid was TALENTED! Jealousss

I think the whole lost luggage snafu made her feel sorry for me, so she brought out her towel animal A-game. It was awesome.

Well keep those towel animal pics coming, because for everyone great one I show my husband, brings me one step closer to convincing him we NEED to do DCL. Following me showing him that last one, his response “haha that’s great, maybe we should check it out, you know how much I love towel animals.” Score!

Gorgeous pictures. You may be neither a meteorologist nor a cruise ship captain, but you’re a heck of a photographer. And a terrific writer on top of that.

“You may be neither a meteorologist nor a cruise ship captain…”

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2025 Northern Europe Cruises: Discover Iceland, Norway & Belgium

There's no better way to travel the world than aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. If you're interested in seeing the sights of northern Europe, you won't want to miss the opportunity to cruise with Norwegian - which consistently wins the award for Europe's top cruise line from World Travel Awards year after year. With multiple departure ports of call, you can start your cruise from your city of choice before traveling on a voyage you won't forget.

Here, we'll take a closer look at Norwegian's 2025 Northern Europe cruises , highlighting some of the most notable ports of call and helping you plan your cruise.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Northern European cruises .

2025 Northern Europe Departure Ports

If you'd like to explore Northern Europe from the sea, you'll have 10 potential ports of departure from which you can start your journey. You can begin your cruise in northern Europe or from locations further south or west if that's more convenient for you. When cruising to the north of Europe in 2025, these are the cities from which you can depart:

• Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Lisbon, Portugal.
• London (Southampton), United Kingdom.
• New York City, United States.
• Oslo, Norway.
• Paris (Le Havre), France.
• Reykjavik, Iceland.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Stockholm, Sweden.
• Tromsø, Norway.

So, get ready to pack your bags and head to the departure port that best suits your travel plans in 2025.

2025 Northern Europe Cruise Ports

With a staggering list of port cities in 2025, the most challenging part of planning your trip will be deciding which cities to visit during your northern European cruise vacation. Perhaps you want to take a northern lights tour in Reykjavik, or maybe you can't wait to visit the Tower of London. Whatever your dreams are for your 2025 cruise, Norwegian has a port city that will leave you breathless. Here are some highlights of what could be on your agenda in 2025.

Reykjavik, Iceland

With its rugged natural beauty and vibrant towns filled with rich cultural experiences, a visit to Iceland won't disappoint. There are few places with the diverse topography and landscape found in Reykjavik , where you can see flowing lava, hot springs, impressive waterfalls, and rocky mountains waiting for you to snag the perfect photo to document your cruise. While the natural setting is enough to fill your senses, don't miss out on the top-tier dining experiences that you'll find in the quaint villages.

London (Southampton), England

London (Southampton) serves as a starting point for several of our cruises around northern Europe, which comes as no surprise given the vast number of activities you can participate in before starting your cruise vacation. Visit with royalty at Buckingham Palace, see London from a bird's eye view aboard the London Eye, or even take in a Broadway-style show in the West End. Sip some tea and munch some scones as you dream about the adventures awaiting you along your voyage.

RELATED CRUISES: 12-Day Baltic from Stockholm to Paris: England, Germany & Belgium 12-Day British Isles Round-Trip London: Ireland & Scotland 14-Day Northern Europe from New York to Reykjavik: Iceland, Greenland & Canada

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a city built upon a series of canals that make for the perfect morning or afternoon stroll. Take in the city's scenic beauty and marvel at the stunning architectural design of the buildings that border the canals. Consider renting a bike and traveling around the city like many of the locals. If you prefer to relax, a canal cruise might be more your speed. Don't miss the opportunity to see some of the most astounding museums in the world, including the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Galway, Ireland

This port city on Ireland's picturesque west coast has a rich history that dates back to the thirteenth century. Explore a traditional Irish farm, search abandoned castles, or tour remarkable cathedrals during your stop in Galway. If you're up for an adventure, explore Aillwee Cave, an underground sanctuary carved from melting water during the Ice Age, where you can see interestingly shaped stalactite and stalagmite formations and catch a glimpse of the bones of an extinct species of bear. Before you leave, no trip to an Irish village would be complete without some music and ale at the local pub.

Helsinki, Finland

Known as Scandinavia's "White City of the North," Helsinki has a fascinating architectural style featuring buildings erected using local light-colored granite. Tour the National Museum of Finland to learn more about the cultural history of the Finnish people and view artifacts dating back to the Stone Age. Visit one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, the Suomenlinna fortress, a fort located on a quiet island where you can find a bit of solitude. Or take a walk through the central Market Square, where you can sample local produce, taste local food, and shop for souvenirs in the comfort of heated tents.

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Oslo, Norway