Cruising in Norway normally means a cruise around the fjords, but if you’re looking for something different, you could do no better than the Coastal Voyage.

Starting in Bergen, the ships take 11 days to make the round trip voyage, calling at the many ports en route. The ships are working vessels and the service began in 1893 as a vital link between the remote communities of Northern Norway. There are 11 vessels in the current fleet and the same traditions set up over 100 years ago,are still carried on. The ships carry passengers and supplies to over 30 ports, many not visited by the larger cruise ships. If this means docking and unloading in the early hours….that’s what happens…so if you’re a light sleeper, this may well disturb your beauty sleep. But I didn’t find it a problem(but then, I managed to sleep through a hurricane, so who am I to judge).

The oldest and most traditional ships, of which there are currently two, are being phased out, and more modern ships introduced. The ships are not luxury liners but the cabins are comfortable and with the exception of some of the cabins on the traditional ships, all have private facilities. You won’t find the West End type entertainment on board either, but there are cosy bars and restaurants.

The scenery is spectacular. I only did the voyage as far as Alesund, but if the rest is even half as good, it would be a voyage well worth taking. Because the ship stays in the coastal waters you are surrounded by scenery all the time.

Prices in Norway are generally about the same as in the UK, perhaps slightly higher, but as all meals are included on board you don’t need to worry. There are numerous excursions which can be taken while the ship is in port. Most of the excursions are available throughout the year, but some are dependent upon the season, and only if there are sufficient numbers and the conditions permit. There are various combinations of cruises to choose from. You can do the northbound journey, or the southbound, stay in Bergen before or after, do a mini cruise, and on selected departures there are themed cruises with guest speakers I thoroughly enjoyed my part of the cruise, and would recommend it to anyone looking for something slightly different

You will need your winter woollies…don’t forget you will be going into Arctic waters, and being at sea, it will appear colder. But the spectacular scenery certainly makes up for it.!!

For more information, call Genie Travel on 0845 388 8805 or e mail sales@genietvl.co.uk.