Our first cruise. We chose October to suit our budget, but probably not the best time of year. Its the stormy season - and did we know it at times. The frequent passages in the open sea were challenging - passengers could hardly stand up and were staggering around the dining area with plates of food, lurching from table to table and we were sliding around the bed/bunk at night.

An experience for the able-bodied but not so good for those less so. The weather (high winds) also prevented the ship from going up some of the most picturesque fjords (very disappointing)Food was very good & plentiful - largely fish-based with reindeer etc. (pretty healthy).

We booked the 'Rib Safari' to see the huge Saltstraumen whirlpool. I have seen bigger whirlpools in my bath-tub. The tidal conditions have to be right before it occurs (3 or 4 times a day). All we saw was a slight ripple on the surface and were told 'That it where it was a few hours ago'. This is not made clear in the write-up when they want your money, very disappointing. Suggest you don't book it until you know the tidal timetable. We did get distant glimpses of sea-eagles. The crew were very helpful & polite with English widely spoken. We booked separately Norwegian airline for the flights Read more