Saga and Fjordland Melodies

Think “Norway” and you’re thinking of one the most visually spectacular places in the world. Winding fjords lined by snow-capped mountains with waterfalls thundering down thousand-foot cliffs to the still waters below while eagles waft lazily across the bow of your ship.

The fjords may be stunning but there is plenty to more to enjoy in this scenic part of the world as the towns and cities with their architecture frozen in time and exquisite seafood-based cuisine are complemented by the people being so friendly.

And Saga's Fjordland Memories voyage will encapsutale much of it, spending three leisurely days cruising the Hardangerfjord during the unique Hardanger Music Festival, with musicians from the festival performing on board against a backdrop of breath-taking scenery.

The voyage starts in picturesque Bergen (above), however, where there will be a chance to visit composer Edvard Greig’s former home at Troldhaugen. After exploring the old town,

it's back on to the ship for a leisurely drink in the bar as Saga Sapphire sets sail out of the lovely harbour.

Passengers will then be able to fully enjoy the Music Festival and the local natural beauty, just at the time the fruit orchards are in bloom. But you can’t come to Norway without seeing the fjords and this cruise takes in one of the finest, with the classic vista of precipitous cliffs and waterfalls, plus the small settlement of Eidfjord, as the gateway to Norway’s largest National Park. Here, the clear blue sky sets the off the snow-capped mountains perfectly and it is a wonderful place to disembark and just wander the fabulous pathways.

The colossus of Hardangerfjord also gives rise to the lesser-visited Sorfjord (below) at one end, with the traditional town of Odda set at the foot of the mountains. Here, guests can view the beautiful waterfalls of the Odda Valley on a panoramic drive or perhaps take in the interesting Tyssedal Hydropower Museum.

Saga's 7-night Fjordland Memories cruise costs from £909 and departs Dover on June 2,

calling at Bergen, Ulvik, Eidfjord and Odda.

More info: call 0800 096 0074 or visit http://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/ocean-cruises.aspx.

For a fuller version of this feature, see our website on this link.

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Sample Norway's 200th Anniversary With Saga

The flags will be flying across Norway in 2014 as the country celebrates the bicentenary of its constitution. And Saga Cruises have a special selection of voyages next year perfectly suited to tie in with the celebrations and visit this land of natural beauty

The Fabulous Fjords
Music and mountains, fjords and fabulous fun will make Saga Pearl II’s sailings to Norway all the more special in 2014. Three departures also offer different dance options, with Motown on May 1, 60s Music on June 15 and Sounds of the 70s on August 15. Bergen, Geiranger, Skjolden and Haugesund are the ports of call on this 7-night cruise from Dover, with prices from £909pp.
 

Fjordland Gems
Do you love the sounds of the Rat Pack? Smooch along the fjords on Saga Sapphire, calling in at Bergen, Olden, Flam and Stavanger during the day and in the evening celebrate music inspired by the kings of cool. This 7-night cruise, sailing from Dover on July 1, is priced from £876pp.

Discover Sorfjord
Sorfjord is one of the lesser-known beauty spots in Norway and Saga Sapphire’s cruise will be all the more unusual as you enjoy music and concerts in some remarkable locations.  Hardanger Music Festival will perform a concert on board against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains. You will also have the chance to visit the former homes of composer Edvard Greig and violinist Ole Bull. Again a 7-night cruise, it is priced from £909pp and sails from Dover on June 2 calling at Bergen, Ulvik, Eidfjord, Sorfjord and Odda.

Nordic Notes
Opera buffs will love this themed cruise with behind-the-scenes insights form Barry Steward, the Royal Opera House tour manager. Enjoy arias, duets and ensembles as the Saga Sapphire passes mountains and remote villages. Passengers can also look forward to a memorable musical performance in Norway’s oldest opera house. It is priced from £1,136pp for 9 nights, departing from Dover on September 2, 2014.
 

For bookings, check with Saga Cruises or check for more ideas on this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists

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Day 6 to Norway with Fred Olsen

World of Cruising's arch blogger Steve Newman continues his trip with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines from Liverpool to Norway and back...

You can’t come to Norway without seeing the fjords and this cruise takes in some of the finest. Today, we sailed up the Hardangerfjord with waterfalls tumbling some 1,000ft down until we came to the small settlement of Eidfjord, the gateway to Norway’s largest National Park. 

After disembarking, we took a ferry/pleasure-boat back up the fjord to explore one of the deep side inlets to reach Ulvik, 'The Pearl of Hardanger.'

Famous for its fruit-blossoms in May, the temperature in the village was in the 20s celsius and the clear blue sky set the off the snow-capped mountains perfectly. For a taste of Norway we went to the village’s famous cider factory where we were abe to sample raw cider, apple juice, Apple Brandy and sweet and dry ciders with our meal.

We returned to the ship by a small ferry - an experience in itself as a flock of sheep kept us company on the short trip across! Not due to sail for a couple of hours as we neared the ship, I could swear I heard the Jacuzzis on the outside deck bubbling!

See you tomorrow... 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK’s cruise-agent specialists.



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Holland America's No-Fly Fjord Special

Plus, upgrade to an ocean view room from £599 and receive free parking!

Holland America Line is offering a seven-night luxury no-fly Norwegian Fjords cruise from just £499 per person this summer. Departing from Dover on May 4, this price includes seven nights’ full board accommodation on MS Ryndam in an inside stateroom, with ocean view staterooms  available from £599, including free parking in Dover. 

This round trip takes in some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery and fascinating ports. From Dover, sail to the maritime town of Bergen, before heading to Flåm, deep in the heart of Aurlandsfjord. From there, visit Ålesund and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago, before continuing to the hiking paradise of Eidfjord and cruising through the scenic Hardangerfjord.

Whilst at sea, guests can take advantage of the Culinary Arts Centre, which features cookery demonstrations, as well as sampling the Ryndam’s choice of elegant restaurants and lounges and being pampered at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

This offer is based on two sharing an inside stateroom on Holland America’s 'Norse Legends' cruise, departing Dover on May 4. 

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.