MSC Euribia Cruise to Norway in June

Pre & post-cruise:

Copenhagen, Denmark is a beautiful city filled with a long list of activities, art, history, sightseeing and things to do. Traveling internationally with children, we opted to stay at the Scandic CPH Strandpark, which is a short distance from the airport and public transportation. This location offered an outstanding included breakfast that the entire group raved about. It is also close to the Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium Denmark). We opted for the Copenhagen Card — Discover, to take in as much as we could post-cruise. This included access to many of the iconic spots in Copenhagen, as well as, included public transportation. Post-cruise we stayed in the Wakeup Copenhagen, Borgergade, a modern, budget-friendly, well-located hotel in the City Center.

Transportation:

Copenhagen's public transportation system is excellent and is very affordable. The callout that our group had is depending on the amount of luggage and the mobility of the travelers in your group, the metro and busses could be challenging. We chose to take a cab from the hotel that is near the airport. It was $105 USD from the cruise port to the City Center was around $50 USD.

Port of call, Geiranger:

The ship will slowly make its way through the fjord up to Geiranger, with never-ending waterfalls and amazing views from both sides of the ship. Once we arrived in Geiranger, our group did several excursions from slow paced to action-packed. The stairway up the side of Storfossen waterfall will take your breath away (both ways if you make the hike). Or you can opt for the bus that will take you up further to the viewpoint as well. The majority of the group took a rib-boat ride back into the fjord to get up and close to the waterfalls that we passed on the ship. The views were incredible as everyone that participated highly recommended this and were glad they did it. The last of us took a kayaking tour similar to the rib-boat ride but not as far. This was categorized as strenuous as far as excursions. Getting back to nature and enjoying the views and peaceful sounds of the waterfalls was also a very enjoyable excursion.

Port of call, Ålesund:

Our party split into two groups in Ålesund. The first did the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus. The stops included several historical areas, Aksla Viewpoint, several stops within the City and the Atlantic Sea-Park. The Aksla Viewpoint was the most popular, with great views of the iconic area of the city and views of the cruise ship that created frame-worth pictures and memories. Walking within the city and Atlantic Sea Park were also favorites (don't forget to buy tickets to the Sea-Park as they are not included). The other part of the group took a tour to Trollstigen "Troll Road" area for the hairpin turns down the steep landscape. The viewpoint above the area is also very picturesque, seeing the valley, waterfalls and the road itself.

Port of call, Flåm:

Flåm has a great area to walk around and just see what Norway is all about. If you are looking for a tour not on the map, walking just on the outside of town, you will find a path to the Brekkefossen waterfall with views of the New and Old-town, Flåm and the cruise ship. The hike was well worth the awesome view our six and eight-year-old made, but we were all winded up once we made it to the top. The must do in Flåm is The Flåm Railway. The train takes you from Flåm to Myrdal with one quick stop to view the Kjosfossen waterfall. Words do not describe the views from start to finish. Highly recommended and suggested to get your tickets early either through the cruise line or directly through railway.

Port of call, Kiel:

Our entire travel party chose the city tour to Lübeck, Germany. The bus takes you through the farmland of Northern Germany before entering Lübeck with a tour guide that provides history and can answer questions. The tour started at the Holsten Gate and then through the old town to many of the churches and historical landmarks. Lunch was provided at a local restaurant that served schnitzel and a cold beer (if wanted). The last part of the tour, you were able to explore on your own before joining the bus and making your way back to the ship.

On the ship:

Traveling in June, we had mixed weather of cooler days with rain. The locals stated that it was unusual for June but something that should be planned for. Rain jackets were a life-saver for us. If you have cruised to Alaska, the weather is very similar. On the ship, the dining options aligned with other cruise lines. The buffet can be crowded at times (mainly mornings) but it comes with cruising. There are always alternatives if it fits your schedule. The main dining areas were assigned at your chosen time and they were able to accommodate our large party the best that they could. There are specialty dining options available that come at an extra charge if it is something that you are interested in. The crew is more than helpful in providing information that may fit your needs. The entertainment has been in line with other cruise lines and other MSC ships. While not all the shows will meet everyone's' expectations, overall the performances were excellent. Several choreographed singing and dancing shows with built-in acrobatics, illusionists and other performers. The kids clubs on ship are available along with the Ocean Cay Waterpark and Himalayan Bridge. I will comment that the number of children on this particular cruise was limited. If you do not purchase a drink or Wi-Fi package, those will be an additional charge when they are used. The only additional charge that we incurred was for normal daily gratuities.

I suggest this cruise for clients or anyone who wants to see the fjords of Norway and get closer to nature with waterfalls, tall valley walls and views that can only be seen on a boat. Cruising is also a great way to travel with groups to do many of your bucket list items without planning. Everyone has options that will fit their travel wants!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Norway. In need of further inspiration? Check out André Lucchesi’s guide, Incredible 5-Day Arctic Safari in Svalbard, Norway.