I can't seem to find much information here or on Cruise Critic for a particular trip we're considering with them in July, called Norwegian Coastal Voyage and Lapland. The itinerary looks good to us, but we'd feel better finding some reviews other than on their own website. Any suggestions on where else to check? Thanks in advance.
Sue this is a company that is a direct mail company first and a travel company second. They cater to older seniors. They put name tags on their participants. I don't know if that is for others or for the seniors themselves. When we came across them sightseeing in Normandy off their river cruise they all wore their name tags like Rob (as in rob me...sad but true), their audio sets were old technology and their sightseeing groups were large. We got aboard and looked at the menu...that night the feature was a chicken dish. I eat enough chicken at home and look for something fun, different and superior on vacations. Since you are thinking of using them to Norway why not just book directly Sue?
123,230 posts
365 helpful votes There's a related thread here
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g1-i10703-k8984713-Grand_Circle_travel-Cruises.html
Perhaps I should have mentioned there that I've never heard of this company. A lack of reviews over the web as a whole seems to suggest that not many people have travelled with them, although if they do focus on the older market then it's quite possible that fewer of their target market will want to go online to write reviews.
Thanks all, and I finally am reading some recent reviews of those who booked directly with Hurtigruten and they seem more favorable, although reasonable with what this ship line is like. It should give us a different experience of the coast of Norway hopefully, and still different than seeing it via a car.. We are aware of that at least now. But the reason for choosing Grand Circle, is we are going with another couple and they travel exclusively with travel company bookings and don't want the "hassle" of putting the trip together themselves. I just want to make sure we aren't making a mistake with Grand Circle. I do like that they include in their travels, the week on the ship and a week or so with land travel and their air price is the most affordable we've found with many traditional land travel companies. I was able to choose my connections and carrier as well as the town we want to depart from. Someone posted the age of most of Grand Circle's travelers, and that may be the reason for the little posts available. I am hoping, as this particular package, isn't a River Cruise, and may be a little more strenuous due to the Lapland and Artic Circle portions, will draw a few more adventurous folks. Thanks for the tips.
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365 helpful votes maybe I'm just a miserable old so and so, but if I were in your shoes, I'd either insist that the other couple did something outside their comfort zone, or I wouldn't travel with them at all!
I guess that's why I always liked solo travel, lol!
Or Sue can book them just as she books herself Roj.
A recent news article for you Sue regarding Hurtigruten ships provides names of ships getting updates.
Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten announced Thursday that the company would be overhauling four of its ships with a renovation project costing an estimated $64 million dollars.
The four ships undergoing the makeovers were all built in the mid-1990s, and will receive new interiors and furnishings that better reflect modern Scandinavian design and scenery. The contract for the project was awarded to Norwegian shipyard Fosen Yards.
The project will require the four ships to be rotated through the shipyard in shifts, and the work is expected to take around three weeks for each vessel. Hurtigruten announced that the MS Polarlys will be completed by Feb. 2, the MS Kong Harald on Feb. 7, the MS Nordkapp on April 19 and the MS Nordnorge on Nov. 18.
Hurtigruten also just recently purchased the MS Spitsbergen, which will undergo a major upgrade to fit the current fleet. It will launch in spring 2016.
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam released a statement, saying, “As we continue to reinvent the Hurtigruten experience by combining tradition, innovation and sustainability, our ship upgrades aim to ensure our position as an innovator and leading force in nature-based explorer travels in polar waters.”
As for the details of the upgrades, the interiors will receive an updated look that has been dubbed "New Arctic Interior" to celebrate the beautiful coastal landscapes. On each ship, the common areas, reception foyers, cafes and bistro areas and the aft deck will be renovated, and there will also be changes to the restaurants and the food served.
In a partnership with local food suppliers, Hurtigruten has developed the Coastal Kitchen concept. Using fresh local ingredients, passengers will be able to enjoy authentic Norwegian food.
P.S. Regarding the last line in the press release....I hope they in fact do NOT serve traditional Norwegian food with the taste all boiled out of it as is typical Norwegian. Enjoy the scenery and pack a lunch....lol.
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365 helpful votes >>>Or Sue can book them just as she books herself Roj.<<<
Yes, that's a possibility, as long as the other couple don't mind!
As always great help. Thanks for the wonderful news release on the new updating for Hurtigruten. As I think planning a trip to be part of the fun in traveling, I have taken the lead with our friends. They are adventurous and mostly travel as back packers across Europe. They won't hold me down, more the other way possibly. They have enjoyed traveling "through us" so aren't too concerned with the outcome of the trip. We have always gone "solo" as well when traveling before, for many reasons, and that has been one of the highlights for us....meeting people from all over the world. As I have continued to reach out to recent travelers on the Hurtrigrun, not necessarily those traveling with Grand Circle, it appears that if one goes with the open mind that these vessels are working ships, and just enjoy the experiences for the 5 nights, all is fine. Some that say it is boring, in my mine forget to open their eyes and take in the beauty off the ship while traveling. One complaint of the Hurtrigruen from a few travelers as been the lace of activity. For us, at least we'll have some friends to play cards or chat with as our entertainment. As this company Grand Circle caters to seniors , of which I am one , I hate to bad mouth old people. I did verify with Grand Circle on this particular trip and as the stops and pace are more strenuous than most of their typical European River Cruises, the level of activity of their guests on this trip will be increased as well.. I think we should be OK. Lapland and the Artic Circle, as well as just experiencing the Norwegian coastal scenery on a different sort of ship other than big ocean liners, are exciting for me. Will keep you all posted when we get back. And again a big thank you for your continued information in helping us make our decisions.
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365 helpful votes I think that travelling with an open mind is essential no matter what the destination or the type of trip. I also don't feel the need not be entertained at all times, and I enjoy reading, chatting, and playing cards or games games. Again, I think that's why solo travel always appealed to me more than travelling with friends who didn't necessarily share the same interests as me!
From what you've written here, Sue, I'm convinced you'll have a great time no matter what you eventually decide. You've certainly got the right attitude in my book!