MS Nordlys, Hurtigruten

1/6/2016-12/6/2016 MS Nordlys, Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen. Never been on a "cruise" before and was very excited for this one! Did not want conventional cruise with nightly cabaret, fireworks on the dessert trolley or a wave -machine, We wanted to see Norway. We were privileged to see the Midnight Sun twice, fantastic and beautiful. Never bored, landscape was breathtaking and ever changing. The Crew were warm, friendly efficient and professional, Norwegian people are quiet and respectful, not in your face ", have a nice day, plastic smiles". MS Nordlys was understated, clean, warm and well looked after, Cabin was good size, catered for our needs, clean and well situated on the ship. Expedition Team were excellent, organized all on-shore excursions, Very informative, nightly talks and meetings about next planed trips. Cannot fault the whole experience, even my husband who always finds "something" had to admit defeat! EXPENSIVE, YES!!! But it is widely known Scandinavian countries are, especially for booze, but if you rate your holiday based on how "cheap" the booze was, then I would suggest, go to Blackpool!! We were celebrating a 60th Birthday and other events, it is certainly not something we could afford every year. Norway is an adventure and should be treated as such. We got what we paid for and were not disappointed.

Joined Nordlys at Bergen to start the classic 'there and back' cruise. The first thing that struck me was the relaxed efficiency. Everything was done with a pleasant smile. The ports of call were numerous and interesting if only for the fifteen minutes that we were there. The noise from the cargo handling was non existent. The most noise came from the young people who joined and became exited and then left. It was most queer to see teenagers dossing wherever they could but it must be remembered that this is a coastal ferry. A word of caution about the meals. Breakfast was a treat; lunch was perfection but if you missed the start of the evening meal then forget it. You were not allowed in. There was only one choice for evening dinner; take it or leave it. The cabin was a twin outside and was perfectly adequate. The viewing area was really good but another word of caution; we fancied two cups of drinking chocolate with 'something' in them and a small packet of crisps £32 thank you very much. Take your own and drink it in you’re cabin. The ship's staff were more than helpful and there was no language difficulty (English spoken by all). We returned on MAY 17, (don’t you dare forget that day) which is Norway's national day with red, white and blue bunting everywhere. It made for a festive end to our cruise, a cruise that I shall always remember and strive to do again.