TRAVELER REVIEWS

There's no better way to learn what a trip is like than from the firsthand experiences of your fellow travelers, and our Traveler Reviews are the real deal—unbiased and unedited—giving you an honest appraisal of the experiences that await you on this trip.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

We enjoyed out trip to Norway a Coastal Adventure - with Peter Szivolt and Karin Jans as our leaders. The entire trip was amazing , informative, and very enjoyable! The other crew on the Hurtigruten - Finnmarken were amazing also. Seeing the fjords in all their splendor and even the early snow made the trip even better. The many towns and villages we were able to go to were interesting and the history of all of Norway was great. The activities on the ship were fun, too. We met many different people from all over the world. What a trip!!! I would do it again if we could have the same tour guides....Thank you

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

I would not recommend this trip to anyone that doesn't have lots of extra money they want to spend on the ship. The cruise itself is very expensive plus you have to pay for sodas and wine. Your choice of wine is either white or red period. The other drinks use the lowest quality of liquors available. I have never had to pay for wine or sodas on any previous trips with Vantage or any other cruise line. The ship nickle and dimes you to death. Also there is no entertainment of any sort on the ship. The cruise director was really great and we did several excursions with him. Norway is a beautiful country and has beautiful people. I am glad I went on the trip in spite of the issues I stated. Vantage could definitely do better.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

This trip, which I had long dreamed of taking, was everything I'd hoped it would be and more. I can't praise Venture enough and especially our Adventure Leaders, Filippo and Karin, who did everything to make this remarkable journey pleasurable and easy. Their help began at the airport when I arrived and continued until they left me at the airport (at an ungodly time in the morning) after getting the boarding pass for me and sending my luggage on its way. They led us on bus and walking tours, all the while giving us current, historical, and legendary information about Norway. They had daily meetings with us, they showed us pertinent and often funny videos, they dined with us, they laughed with us. In other words, they were lovely, responsible caretakers of all of us. On a trip so far from home, it felt good to just put ourselves in their trustworthy hands. And the trip: Norway is an absolutely beautiful country--I have over 600 pictures of the landscape, the seascape, the cities, and the people. I also have wonderful memories of a well-planned, informative trip. I recommend Vantage highly and hope anyone traveling with them has leaders as devoted as Filippo and Karin.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

Our expedition leader, Karin Jans, was great. She was knowledgeable, friendly, professional and helpful. The itinerary was exceptional and we were fortunate to have great weather. The Finnmarken is due for refit next year and the need showed.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

Our tour manager, Peter Szivolt was excellent, he and Fillipi were amazing tour directors.
some of the best I have ever experienced. They were organized, enthusiastic and very knowledgable. They were also very kind, considerate and much fun!

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

I have had the pleasure of a great deal of travel, but this Nordic Splendor Coastal Adventure is far and away the most wonderful experience of all. In large part, the enjoyment was because of Cruise Director Fredick Kase, who was immensely informative, caring and sensitive, competent, and very, very entertaining. Loved every moment.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

The time spent on this cruise was wonderful and memorable. Dag and Peter were terrific guides, always taking time to answer questions, teach and enjoy the adventure with us! Vantage could not have selected better guides. We met so many very nice people on the trip and plan to keep in touch with some of them.
Thank you, Vantage, for providing such a delightful experience!
Sincerely,
Linda and John Leatherwood

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

Great trip. All And more that I expected. Great Guide. Itinerary was to my activity level. The Finnmarken was so enjoyable and also relaxing. Enjoyed the menus, the atmosphere, and the sights.Glad I made the choice for this trip.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

This was a great tour—with the exception of not seeing the Northern Lights—due mainly to our awesome tour guides Karin and Peter. These two worked great together! They each brought different strengths to the tour.

Peter was our individual guide and his personality and knowledge of the area and of photography was a big plus for us. Our interaction with Karin was equally positive and enlightening. You could not have asked for a better combo for this tour. These two work very well together which adds to the overall experience.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

Our adventure leaders were wonderful (Judit and Kopi). The trip is absolutely beautiful with lots of opportunities to see and enjoy many different places and experiences. We took the trip in the winter and enjoyed it so much that we will probably take it again during the summer sometime in the future.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

The cruise was wonderful. Our two guides, Karin and Peter, were exemplary. Our tour guide was Peter Szivolt and his knowledge of all we seen was thorough and interesting. His knowledge of the Northern Lights was total. And his concern that we were always taken care of made everything perfect. We recommend the team of Karin and Peter be used again and that you return to the use of nametags. Seating together for dinner was appreciated.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

The trip was great. The tour director Judit was wonderful. Her knowledge and helpful attitude were superb. The only negative was the trip home. We had to get up at 2:30 am to get to the airport. There is not need to get to the airport before 4:30 am because there is no one to help check in. Also I was in the last row of the plane from Bergen to Amstedam. The Amsterdam conection to Detroit MIchigan was very confusing and not enough time. Also it would have been nice to have had some entertainment on the ship.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

The weather was perfect! Our guides were so knowledgeable and gracious. We loved the fact that we were split into two groups of 15 or so. The ship was great and we loved stopping at so many ports. Included excursions, tipping local guides, etc took off the pressure of having to have local currency and how much to tip.
Would definitely recommend this trip to our friends.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

This trip was wonderful. We were a little afraid of cold weather, but there was no problem. The snow was great. My favorite things were pf course "the lights" and the ice hotel and the Atlantic highway, but everything was wonderful. Our guide Matt was fantastic, ship good. Great trip.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

We were a little hesitant to take this trip as we were afraid we would get too cold, no worries, we didn't ever get cold. The Northern Lights were super and the ship was really nice as well. Our cruise guide Matt was just amazing and every place we visited we loved.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

We loved this trip. We were a little afraid of the weather but it was great. It snowed just enough to get the flavor of the country but not enough to be a problem. Our guide Matt was super! Loved this guy. Our ship was good, our room was really comfortable. We had a handicap room and it helped so much. The places we visited were amazing. My favorite things were the Ice Hotel and the Atlantic Highway. Of course the Northern Lights were the highlight of the whole trip, we saw them 5 times. One night I was just too tired to get up and see them, they announce them in your room. All the ports have their own charm and Matt was so knowledgeable on everything it made it better. We highly recommend this trip.

Nordic Splendor a Coastal Adventure in Norway

This trip was amazing. Our guide Matt was wonderful! He went above and beyond with all of us. The ship was very nice and Matt gave us a super room, I am handicapped and he picked us a great room. We saw the "lights" 5 times. We enjoyed the whole thing, but the ice hotel and the Atlantic Highway were the best. Thanks for everything Matt!

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

What an amazing country. A most enjoyable trip. Best program leader. He was a wealth of knowledge and what a sense of humor. We received a daily history of the country talk which was most informative and entertaining.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Fredrick was great, he kept everyone informed of what was coming up on our Vantage trip and what the ship was offering. Our daily meetings were helpful in knowing culture and history. His optional walks were a good way to get out and see, hear and experience more of Norway. He made sure everyone got checked in and on their flights back to the States. The 5 included adventures were great in that it was just our small group of 42. The whispers made it easy for all to hear what was being said by our guide. Food on ship and hotels were very good with a large selection of choices. Hotel location in Bergen was a perfect location, with very nice accommodations.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

excellent trip. nice scenery.small group.affordable trip .not hectic schedule and relaxing inside the ship.we also have a bus trip going to country side ,experienced with a nice ferry ride to the next port of call. excellent tour manager.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

This was a fantastic experience, and our tour director Frederick was one of the reasons. The ship was a Hurtigruten ship on which Vantage secures reservations. Over 14 days we made many stops because in addition to serving as a vehicle for tours, also serves as a supply ship to the many small villages on the Fjords. The food is quite good and dinner was always something inspired by the local ingredients or culture. The tours Vantage includes are all excellent, but even when we were not touring, we always had a morning lecture from Frederick on some Scandinavian topic. In addition, even if our stop in a port might be only one hour, Frederick would invite us to take a stroll with him where we would be informed and entertained by someone who I can best describe as a Norwegian Johnny Carson. Some highlights for me were Bergen, Troll Fjord and the Lofoten Islands.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Wonderful Trip!! Enjoyed every day!! Thanks to the Vantage Staff!! All of the excursions were interesting; The Cruise Director, Karin, was knowledgeable, courteous, and Kind, I would like to meet Karin again on another Vantage travel. And thanks to Ms Nordlys, Hurtigruten Ship!!

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Our Coastal Norway trip was wonderful. We were very pleased with our cruise director Karin Jans. She went out of her way to make sure everyone was having a good time. Her professionalism, local knowledge and patients were exemplary.
Once again Vantage has lived up to our expectations as being the best tour company.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Coastal is a beautiful area that was well defined and described by our Cruise Director, Karin Jan's. She did a superlative job.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

A fascinating trip to a part of the world rarely seen by Americans. The fjords were beautiful, the Northern lights amazing , the food gourmet and the cultural interpretation humorous and helpful . I never thought I would have the opportunity to eat reindeer stew and Arctic Char.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Amazing trip. I had to cancel a prior trip and took this one alone. The Hurtigruten Ships are working ships, no frills, just basic needs, but the food is fantastic and offers a verity of fish at every meal. Short walks whenever we stopped long enough in each little town, with special treats some places. Scenery was fabulous , Northern lights presented shows. No rushing around, nice to interact with locals who take the ship from one port to another. Number 1 on my list of trips!

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Beautiful Norway fjords, Karin Jans is an excellent guide, knowledgeable, organized, friendly, always ready to do extra to make sure our group traveled well and experienced the culture.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

As we traveled up and down the coast of Norway I marveled at the beauty of this country. Our tour director, Fredrick Kadeem was great.his knowledge of his country and ours was great. I loved the concert at midnight at the Arctic Circle. It was a wonderful trip. I recommend it. Nancy Keesee

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Fredrick did a wonderful job as our tour director. His knowledge of Norway and really the USA history is amazing. He made the trip fun and enjoyable. You can tell he has done this many times before. He helped us move to another cabin with ease. Our cultural connections were really fun. He kept us alert and turned in to Norway. I think he is one of the best.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Zoran was a wonderful tour guide he added so much to each trip off the ship. Any trip he was guiding would be a reason to select for the future. He took care of us, and made the trip really enjoyable. Couldn't ask for better. Margaret Taylor and Patrecia Sarubbi

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Norway is truly on of the most beautiful countries in the world. I would find myself on deck with 360 degrees of stunning scenery. One of the most stunning was the Troll fjord which rises up in steep granite mountains on either side of the boat and then the captain manuevered the boat in a complete cirle to exit the fjord again. After a time I began seeing the troll faces on the mountains and could believe in the magic of Norway - but perhaps it was all the wonderful fish at mealtimes that made me feel more like a Norwegian.
A truly unforgetable experience.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

The cruise was outstanding due to the guiding of Frederick. The buffets were expansive and well stocked. The evening meal, although without choices, provided me with an opportunity to eat new foods. The ship's crew was most helpful. I would suggest that future travelers be reminded of the weather conditions. Local coinage was helpful only with local tips. Enjoyed Frederick's presentations on local topics. I'm going hopefully warmer next time.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

One of the best cruises that we have taken. The Vantage tour guide was exceptional and took us on many walks at each of the ports of call that we visited. The optional tours were excellent, for the most part, and should be reviewed by the guest carefully prior to taking them. We were not able to enter all the fiords since the cruise was early in the season and the ship had to by-pass some of them. Check your dates when booking - the northern lights were not seen on the date we had. We do plan on repeating this cruise again - but at a later date to see the northern lights. This cruise line ,Hurtengruten, runs as if a whistle-stop train and does not provide all the amenities of the tourist cruise lines. They have a small cafeteria with limited selections, no free coffee, etc. The dining room is excellent, when open, and is buffet for breakfast and lunch. Open seating all the time. Would we do this cruise again -- definitely.

Coastal Norway: the World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Great trip to take. But, book your excursions while on the ship. That way you will know the day and time they take place. Booking in advance for bird watching is advantageous though. We would consider taking this tour again in another season to see the seasonal changes. We took this tour in May, the weather was exceptionally good. Now would like to see the Northern Lights.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

good trip,great travel guide, I ENJOYED MY FELLOW PASSENGERS AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

excellent guide!

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

The Scenery is beautiful. The room is smaller than expected. The service is excellent. We enjoyed it.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

The trip was wonderful in many ways. The fjords were beautiful, food was excellent in the chef's ability to vary preparation, service was exemplary, accommodations were very good. Of course the tour guide Zoran was trrific--all things to all persons! There might have been a few more included excursions, but on the whole I have no complaints!

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Wonderful scenery, well run and well maintained ship, good food and excellent services. Overall, a wonderful journey. We like our tour leader Zoran, who is competent, caring and having a good sense of humor.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

The trip was very good but I was a little disappointed that we did not go into more fjords. The geiranger fjord was beautiful and the one you always see pictured but after that we were sailing up the coast between the islands and mainland with a lot of spare time to just sit and read or play cards. I did miss the lack of entertainment, but they did say there would be none.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

WE LOVED THE TRIP. ZORAN KONTIC WAS A GREAT GUIDE.

Norway: A Voyage of the Northern Lights

I must tell you that this trip was extremely fascinating, and we have traveled a lot. Have you ever wondered what it was like to be in the northernmost town in the world? Have you ever wondered what it's like in the northernmost area of Europe during the shortest days of the year? We found out! Our adventure began on Dec. 4, 2012. Everything of this trip was exceptional. Karin, our program manager was splendid. It snowed and was like a winter wonderland. The ship, crew and food was great. We saw the Northern lights. We saw the Christmas lights & decorations of Norway. It was cold but we dressed appropriately and also brought along cleats for the bottom of our shoes. (They came in very handy.) I could go on and on, but how about you take a look at my travel blog and see what you've been missing if you've never be on the trip? My travel blog about Norway, A Voyage of the Northern Lights: http://thefarmersmeanderings.wordpress.com/2014/01/04/norway-a-voyage-of-the-northern-lights/ Happy Travels!

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Was a memorable trip made especially great by our tour director, Wenche Rossvoll, who went out of her way to be sure we all were included. If our ship was to be docked for 45 minutes (daytime into early evening) she would encourage us all to take a walk with her around the area near the dock. She was most informative, pleasant, humorous and could understand her as her English was excellent. Had a couple movies that she encouraged us to watch. The included tours were very informative. Only downside is that Norway is rather expensive (not a Vantage complaint however). The ship was very nice and actually much better than we assumed it would be. Food was plentiful and very good. No one should have gone away hungry, even to me (Merlin) who does not eat fish. Bottled water was provided by Vantage for each meal as well as a red insulated covered cup that allowed us to get coffee anytime free. Thank you Vantage and especially Wenche.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Early in the Spring created quite the challenge. In Bergen the winds and rain were so strong it was difficult to walk.. The hotel location was perfect, right in the center so walking around would have been great otherwise. The second day waiting to board the boat was a bit boring again because of the weather. The scenery was breathtaking. I was able to sit on deck for short periods of time. It was quite cold. All of the little towns were great and the food was good. The onboard activities were very limited so bring many books. We missed the North Cape going north because the sea was too rough to dock. They tried 3 times. On the return trip we were able to go in on a sunny day and Vantage gave us a better excursion than the one originally planned so it turned out great. The guide Karen was fantastic, she was worth her weight in gold. I got sick on this trip (first time in over 20 years) and although they have no medical they took great care of me and got me to an emergency clinic. The cabin was very basic and a bit run down. If I went again I would not go early in the year, the weather is a huge part of the enjoyment of the trip.

Norway: A Voyage of the Northern Lights

This was a wonderful trip! We did see the northern lights on several occasions. But even without the northern lights, it would have been a great trip. The scenery was spectacular, cruising along the coastline and through the fjords. I always wondered what it would be like to be above the Arctic Circle in the winter. And now I know! Although the sun did not rise above the horizon for most of the trip, the sky had the beautiful pink and purple glow that you see right after sunset or before sunrise. The villages were scenic; they still had their Christmas lights up, making each stop cheerful and bright despite the long nights. The food on the cruise ship was very good, especially if you like fish! The breakfast and lunch buffets were plentiful with a wide variety of selections, and dinner was always tasty. Our travel director was wonderful. She was readily available and planned activities for us every day, whether it was a walk through town or a film on a related topic. The stay in Bergen was really nice. I loved the cheerful, colorful hotel in the middle of old Bergen. As always, it was the folks on this trip who made all the difference. As a single traveler, I never felt alone or lonely. Everyone was friendly and companionable, welcoming the single person to join their table or their activities. The only thing I would have liked a little more of is shipboard activities. I understand that Hurtigruten is a different kind of ship line, a working boat as well as a ship that transports tourists. But at times there was a dearth of activities and I found myself sitting and reading more than I would have liked - even though in general I love to read. All in all, it was a great trip. I'm so glad I did it.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

WOW!!! What a trip. We actually have done this trip twice. Once in August when everything was green and again in May (during their independence). The primary reason we did a repeat was our Program Manager Wenche. She was absolutely wonderful. The scenery was beautiful. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone.

Norway: A Voyage of the Northern Lights

We really enjoyed the cruise and the spectacular sites to include the Northern Lights ( 5 times ). The ship was much more comfortable and attractive than we were led to believe. We especially enjoyed the top deck lounging area surrounded in glass and with comfortable chairs, and indoors. The many stops were a nice pause and a chance to stretch your legs, even if you did have to wear ice cleats most of the time. The dog sled ride was a hoot!

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

We enjoyed the trip greatly.The scenery was beautiful and the food was good, some Norwegian food to get a taste of Norway. We had a chance to visit with the Norwegian people on board who pointed out information as we went along. It was a great way to see the coast line of Norway and the fjords.

Norway: A Voyage of the Northern Lights

We were very pleased with our journey to Norway.The Tour guide was very personable and knowledgeable. The ship was comfortable and the variety of food on board was a bonus.The short walks at some of the ports gave us a good idea of the make up of the lives and cultures of the people.Even the bus trip to the Russian border was exceptional.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Though it was mentioned often that this is NOT a cruise ship, just a mail ship making its route up the coast, I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be a comfortable, attractive ship experience with wonderful food and a fun atmosphere. Our guide was wonderful and all our short stops in port were filled to the max with information and sightseeing. Making the round trip journey allowed us to see things in the daytime that perhaps had been passed at night on the trip up the coast.

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

I was a lonely widow happily living out my life in a retirement home when I decided to go on this wonderful adventure of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. Not only was it incredible; after all, how many times in your life do you get to see such pristine water, such clean villages or such beautiful vistas? but while on this special voyage I happened to meet a very interesting guy who is now my new beloved husband! Yes, I met the love of my life on a Vantage Cruise in Norway! Would I recommend this trip? You bet your boots I would! With gusto and a happy smile! Oh, yes! Yes, I will!

Norway: A Voyage of the Northern Lights

It was an interesting and educational trip. We had an excellent and knowledgeable tour leader. I was expecting much colder weather and had brought snow boots. However, the weather was quite mild and wet. We had quite a bit of rain, but no snow. It made me a true believer in climate change. We were hoping to see the Northern Lights, but unfortunately we did not see them. The ship accommodations were very comfortable, and the food was great.

Norway: A Voyage of the Northern Lights

We encounter bad weather (rough sea) in about three quarter of our voyage. The captain took refuge in a port and then returned from there! There was not enough snow in places where we have tours to do like the dog sledge. We never saw the Lights! I would like to go back to enjoy what we missed!

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

This cruise was by far the very best cruise that we have been on. We have done three (3) other cruises and the Norwegian Coastal Cruise tops them all. The cruise director that accompanied our group was superior in knowledge and sense of humor than any other. This is the one cruise that we would book again!

Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Great adventure. Great ship. Loved the activities offered, especially the dog sledding. That by far was my personal favorite. Especially getting to interact with the dogs. The ship was excellent and each of the ports were fascinating.

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