When people think of cruising, they usually think of warm beaches, the Drink of the Day, wearing a swimsuit all day, crabbing, and other “hot” topics. But have you considered taking a winter cruise to a cold-water destination? Somehow, I didn’t think so. There’s really nothing about mountains topped with snow and glaciers that brings one to think “Oh, I’d like to cruise there!” But yes, I am thinking about taking a cruise up and down the coast of Norway…..in February!
A winter cruise?
When Howard and I took our Northern Europe cruise, at least two of the destination ports were in Norway. I clearly remember (and 
this was back in 1999) standing on the side of a beautiful Norwegian mountain, while it was snowing – on August 4th. Temperatures in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (our home) were 100+ that day. And yes, I gloated! Back then, we didn’t have a digital camera, or I’d be gloating some more, and posting my photos right here!
Has Georgene lost her mind?
Now, people who know me might legitimately wonder whether I have lost my mind. After all, they are the ones that see me wearing a sweater in the office when the thermometer says 73 degrees. They are the ones that see me escape to my car at lunchtime, even when it’s over 100 degrees, just to warm up. And they are the ones that have heard me say I would never, ever, live any place further north than Texas. So yes, I see where people might think I have completely lost it…but I also see some big advantages to a winter cruise in Norway.
Why would a person take a winter cruise in Norway, of all places?
What would be the advantages, if any, of taking a winter cruise to a cold destination – in the winter? I can think of several:
- School is usually in session, so there are fewer children aboard
- Since most people prefer to be warm, the ship often sails half-empty
- Most Norwegian destinations have warm enough water, even above the Arctic Circle, to eliminate the possibility of icebergs
- With a coastal cruise, as I am considering, you are never far away from land (not that I’m afraid of being away from land), and thus, not far away from internet access! Since I write a lot, having internet access is extremely valuable to me.
I have long been a reader of TravlTips, a fantastic resource for information on alternative cruising, like freighter cruises, coastal voyages, small adventure-ship cruises and longer cruises, even on traditional cruise lines. The Spring 2012 issue of TravlTips features a story by Ron and Ileana Wood of Sun Valley Idaho, about their New Year’s Even trip on Hurtigruten line, (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyages), the Norwegian line best known for being the mail and shipping delivery system up and down the coast.
Although there are several different voyages available on Hurtigruten, the trip described in the article was 11 days up and down the coast of Norway. The most interesting part of the story, besides the commentary about the ship and the onboard ambience, was their participation in a dog-sled ride. I am not sure I am quite that adventuresome, but maybe so! Never thought I’d be willing to cruise in cold weather, either, so you never can tell what’s Georgene’s going to do!
I hear from Mr. Wood!
Update: since writing this article, I have been in contact with Mr. Wood (who kindly gave me permission to us
e his name) and during that conversation I found out that the internet access is FREE! Whoever heard of such a thing! In reply to a few other questions I asked, Mr. Wood also indicated that, despite the fact that the winter cruises are very sparsely attended, all the public areas of the ship are open and functioning, and the meal service is typical of what you would have on any other sort of cruise experience. The first evening of Mr. Wood’s cruise, the dinner service was buffet-style (and all other nights, the typical dinner service with waiters was provided), but I neglected to ask him whether this was a result of the fact it was New Year’s Eve, and thus special, or whether this was typical of first-night service on every Hurtigruten voyage. Since it is only one night out of several, depending on the length of the voyage you choose, it really doesn’t matter to me. The long, drawn-out dinners full of dancing and singing waiters – something I have never cared about anyway – has become even less appealing to me as time goes on.
Mr. Wood also indicated that it’s acceptable to bring wine in your baggage (apparently wine on the ship is very expensive, and only slightly less so ashore), and he specifically recommends boxed wine, as boxed wine is protected from air exposure, and remains fresh longer. I didn’t bother to ask Mr. Wood about any possible casino or any production show entertainment as is so prevalent on American ships, since I don’t really care about either one. I do think it is safe to say that, while a very nice nice cruise, the typical American passenger might find that Hurtigruten’s experience is different in some significant ways to the big-ship American cruise. At least, one can always hope!
As soon as I can figure out how to get this trip in the works, I’ll be sure to post it here and let everyone know!
