Lofoten Review

Know what to expect, and MS Lofoten will exceed your expectations!

Review for Norwegian Fjords Cruise on Lofoten
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lazydoxie@flash.net
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2016
Rear lounge/bar
Bridge of MS Lofoten
Back sundeck
Promenade on the reception "A" deck.

You will have a unique experience sailing on MS Lofoten that you would not have on any other ship. But you need to know what to expect, and more importantly, what NOT to expect on this ship.

I'd wanted to do a Norwegian fjord cruise for 30 years and finally had the time and resources to do it, I did extensive research and specifically chose the MS Lofoten because of her small size and vintage experience. I wouldn't have it any other way, but I suspect most Americans who are used to large ships and lots of amenities would be disappointed.

First, the ship itself. It has beds for about 150 people, but also takes on ferry passengers. The ferry passengers don't necessarily have beds, so they end up sleeping on couches in lounges (usually the 2 forward lounges where it is darker and quieter). This was not really an inconvenience, but is something you don't see on ships that cater to Americans. There is a dining room where full cruise passengers dine, and a cafeteria where ferry passengers can order food. All passengers can order from the cafeteria, and can get snacks, drinks, etc at any time.

Cabin Review

Cabin Single outside polar cabin

The rooms are quite small but efficient. My single room on the "B" deck had a porthole, an ample closet for hanging clothes and to place sweaters, shoes, purchases, etc. There are also some shelves by the sink for toiletries and several hooks from which to hang coats, bags, etc. The mattress seemed to be a bit uneven but with the gentle rocking of the ship it didn't affect my sleeping. I did need to close my porthole to make it dark enough to sleep in the land of the midnight sun. The toilets and showers are down the hall, The toilets are quite adequate, but the showers are lacking any sort of place to lay your clothes. There are 1 or 2 hooks, that's it, and no ventilation so the shower room gets quite steamy. Don't take anything that isn't necessary with you, and bring something easy to put on for the walk back to your room. They do not seem to change out towels or sheets at all during the trip, but might do that upon request. They provide a basic amenities kit with shampoo, body wash and lotion but it's not enough to last 10 nights. My room definitely had constant engine noise but it was not intrusuive - more like "white noise" and I didn't mind it. Light sleepers might opt for a room on the "C" deck, which seemed to be much quieter (and also had a much nicer shower room). "C" deck is also the lowest deck, so has the least amount of motion.

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