Grand Norwegian Fjords & North Cape Adventure - 30 nights, June 2013

Titanic pulled away from the White Star dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10th April 1912. Five days later in the early hours of 15th April she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Of the 724 crew which lived within in the area - only 175 returned home.

Your interesting walking tour commences at Ocean Terminal, which is located adjacent to the site of the original White Star dock. A leisurely stroll will take you through Queen’s Park and past the luxury flats which used to be the old South Western Hotel. This hotel was where the First Class passengers stayed before embarking on the majestic liner. Close by are the old White Star offices where Southampton residents gathered in their hundreds, waiting day after day for news of loved ones.

A walk along Oxford Street will take you past some of the drinking establishments used by the ill fated crew including The Grapes pub, which is where filming took place for the famous ‘Titanic’ movie. At the end of the street are the ruins of Holyrood Church where a memorial to the Titanic crew stands. As you wander past the ancient Southampton walls and through the main shopping precinct, with its eclectic mix of shops, you’ll hear poignant tales of the Titanic heroes and survivors.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the SeaCity Museum. This interactive Museum is filled with information and interesting memorabilia of the fateful disaster and illustrates the impact the liner has had on the city.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion operates on foot. There is two hours walking on mostly flat ground with some slight inclines. The return journey will be by shuttle bus. Guests can opt to remain in the city centre and make their own way back to the berth by shuttle bus at their own convenience. This excursion only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's development. As you approach Hafrsfjord you’ll hear how King Harald Haarfagre defeated the regional princes here in 872, thus founding the Kingdom of Norway. Nearby at Møllebukta you’ll pass the monument of three giant swords which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

Your leisurely drive will continue along the coast of south west Norway, where you will pass the attractive 12th century Church of Sola, as it sits on the hill overlooking Sola Bay. Hear about life in Stavanger as you pass the long sandy coastal stretches of Jæren and travel by fertile farmland. As you approach Eiganes, you will travel down the narrow road with its pretty villas and past Ledaal Manor, once the home of the writer Alexander Kielland and today the King’s residence when he visits Stavanger.

Back in Stavanger, you will see the impressive medieval Cathedral, and the characteristic, colourful facades which overlook the harbour. Across the bridges towards Engøy and Buøy, situated in the fjord, there is a fascinating array of architecture – nearly all the houses are built in wood and painted in vivid colours. En route back to the ship, you will pass ‘Old Stavanger’, for a glimpse of its charming, picturesque, wooden houses which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This area is considered unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of the coach. The itinerary may operate in reverse. The tour will involve some long tunnels.

Beginning in Midtown, you will be transferred by bus from Manhattan Cruise Terminal to Pier 84 to board a water taxi. Absorb the imposing views of Manhattan as you cruise along the Hudson River, New York Harbour and get an up close view of the Statue of Liberty.

Battery Park is located at the southern tip of Manhattan and is the starting point of your walking tour to the World Trade Center. Around every corner are famous sights and locations like Broadway, and the famous “Charging Bull” Statue which has become the unofficial symbol of Wall Street.

The newly completed 9/11 Memorial consists of two massive pools set within the original footprints of the Twin Towers with 30-foot waterfalls cascading down their sides. Take some time to reflect and pay your respects to those that lost their lives there. A short stop at the Visitors Centre will give you chance to purchase souvenirs and also view the on-going construction of the site which, when finished will be home to New York’s tallest building, One World Trade.

A final walk through the financial district will allow you to see many of the iconic places that New York is so famous for including Wall Street, The NY Stock Exchange and Trinity Church.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by water taxi, bus and on foot. All guests and baggage are subject to security screening and inspections at the Memorial. No large bags will be permitted onto the Memorial. This is mainly an outside tour so please dress appropriately. The itinerary may be adjusted to ensure that you arrive at the Memorial as scheduled.

Stand at the base of ‘Lady Liberty’ and delve into the history of this iconic statue, and visit Ellis Island Museum to catch the spirit of the important role this island played in American history.

After a brief drive to Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, you will board the ferry and take in the sites of New York Harbour including beautiful views of the city including Brooklyn and its famous bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

Upon reaching Liberty Island, enjoy some time to walk around the base of this magnificent statue. There will also be a short time to visit the gift shop and enjoy some of the exterior exhibits. Your guide will provide detailed information about ‘Lady Liberty’, its completion in 1886 and her unique history.

Re-boarding the ferry, you will continue on to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until World War II. More than 12 million immigrants were processed at the island, and today over 40% of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. You will have approximately 1½ hour to explore the museum on your own.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by bus, ferry and on foot.The ferry is not exclusive to Cunard and can become busy. Guests will be required to pass through an airline-style security check before boarding the ferry. Some queuing may be experienced due to the popularity of both attractions. Food and beverages are available for purchase at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

A drive through Tromsø takes you towards the university area, where the northernmost university in the world is situated. You’ll pass the Northern Lights Planetarium, Sandnessund Bridge and the Island of Kvaløy before arriving at the polar environmental centre of Polaria.

The Polaria Centre, a fascinating building resembling huge ice blocks, shows the polar areas and the Barents region through a series of interesting exhibitions, an aquarium and a spectacular film. As you proceed along the ‘Arctic Walkway’, you’ll experience the simulated elements of Arctic nature - a snowstorm, a dozing polar bear, the tundra and the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). In the aquarium, the main attraction is the arctic bearded seals.

Returning to the city centre, you’ll cross the Tromsø Bridge, linking Troms Island with the mainland for a visit to the Arctic Cathedral.

The ultra-modern architecture of the Arctic Cathedral symbolises the Northern Lights as well as the ‘period of darkness’. The interior is dominated by the beautiful stained glass-window covering the eastern wall, picturing the Return of Christ. The Church was inaugurated in 1965 and is a typical example of a ‘boathouse-church’.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are some stairs and steps to be negotiated at the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria. Lifts are not available. The Cathedral can close at short notice for religious ceremonies, in which case only an exterior visit will be conducted. The tour involves a tunnel.

This area of wild mountains and peaceful nature will give you an understanding of how the myths about trolls originated!

Your scenic drive will take you along the picturesque Borgundfjord, passing little villages with charming houses and well-kept gardens, through the valley of Valldal and up the Trollstigen mountain road. A photograph stop will be made at the summit to capture the impressive scenery.

The descent will be along Troll’s Path with its 11 hairpin bends and surrounding mountain peaks, it is one of Norway’s most dramatic and scenic roads. In the valley, a stop will be made to admire the cascading waterfall of Stigrøra, before passing through Åndalsnes to the famous Troll Wall. A stop will be made at this famous vertical mountain face, the highest in Europe, at approximately 3,280 feet high. Your journey continues along the Romsdalsfjord and over the Ørskog mountain plateau; following the fjord once more back to Ålesund.

During the day a delicious Norwegian buffet style luncheon will be served and afterwards there will be time to purchase some souvenirs.


This excursion will operate by coach. Most of the sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of a coach, with regular stops to take photographs. There is an optional walk of 138 steps to an additional viewpoint at Trollstigen. This tour involves several tunnels.This tour also operates from the port of Andalsnes.

The Old Voss Line is the only preserved railway in Norway where the steam locomotives and teak carriages still run on a main line track. It was originally constructed in 1883 as a narrow gauge line, which formed part of the Bergen to Voss railway. In 1904 the line was upgraded to extend to Oslo and then electrified in 1954. It continued to serve as part of the Bergen to Oslo main line until it closed in 1964 when the Ulriken Tunnel opened.

The railway is now run by volunteers of the local branch of the Norwegian Railway Society. The service operates with a 1913 steam locomotive, which was restored by the society between 1981 and 1993.

Enjoy a nostalgic 45 minute ride on this lovely heritage railway which travels between Garnes and Midttun. The 11 mile journey passes through the Arna Valley towards Haukeland, where the scenery undertakes a change toward a more typical western Norwegian nature.

There will be time at Garnes Old Railway Station to browse the gift shop or explore the museum and railway area.


This excursion will operate by vintage steam train and coach. The journey to the train station is approximately 50 minutes by coach. The walk from the coach to the station is approximately 220 yards and there are three high steps to embark the train. There is no place to store wheelchairs on the train. Guests are reminded that the train is vintage therefore the toilets will be basic and the windows may experience condensation in certain weather. The coach and train journey involves numerous tunnels.

Located around 1 - 1½ hours drive from New York in Central Valley is Woodbury Common, one of the most popular premium outlets with named brands offering savings of up to 25% - 65%. It is said to be one of the world’s largest collection of designer outlets.

Upon arrival, you’ll have around 3½ - 4 hours to ‘shop till you drop’. Stroll through the charming Colonial American village setting and visit more than 220 outlet stores which include names such as Diesel, Giorgio Armani, Gap, Miss Sixty, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Versace, Adidas, and many more.

During your visit, you may also choose to enjoy the outdoor areas and entertainment centres. There are numerous restaurants and eateries available in the complex for you to purchase luncheon and refreshments.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by bus. This tour is unguided but will be accompanied by a local escort. The level of walking is at guests’ discretion; however guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the bus. There are 10 steps to negotiate at the entrance of the Woodbury Common. Please remember to take US Dollars for purchases. Credit and Debit cards are also accepted for purchases.

From the small fishing town of Honningsvåg, you’ll drive through wild, desolate and sometimes dramatic terrain. Your 45 minute journey will take you along the shore and then climbs the North Cape at a latitude of 71° 10' 21". The North Cape is the point where the Norwegian Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets the Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean. The globe monument erected here in 1978 has become the actual symbol for the North Cape.

At the North Cape Hall, you are free to explore the ‘Experience Centre’, which includes a film about the area through the seasons, as well as exhibits of the North Cape’s fascinating history. The Hall also includes a panoramic restaurant, gift shop, small chapel and a post office for that sought after ‘North Cape’ postmark. If you wish, you can stroll outside to the top of the cliff and enjoy the panorama. Even on the most pleasant day, the wind can be chilly; so if you plan to walk around outside during your visit, you are advised to take a warm jacket.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There will be several departures with each coach filled to capacity. This tour is non-guided. The fare includes the entrance fee to the North Cape Hall and the multi-media film. The film is shown every 20 - 30 minutes and you are advised to view it as soon as possible after arrival. The North Cape Hall is built on three levels with the entrance on the top level. Stairs and lifts lead to lower levels. Belongings should not be left on any tour coaches as you may not return to the ship on the same coach. The North Cape is a popular attraction therefore crowds should be expected.

This spectacular scenic drive takes you along the Romsdalsfjord, turning into the Innfjord. The road follows the shoreline through several villages to Tresfjord, where there’ll be a photograph stop before leaving the fjord and continuing up the Skorge Valley to Ørskogfjellet mountain plateau. Descend to the Storfjord and across a mountain pass to the Norddalsfjord and the village of Valldal. There will be a photograph stop at the magnificent Gudbrand Gorge, with its foaming waterfall deep below.

Enter the mountain world as you arrive at Trollstigheimen. Soon after, descend the famous Trollstig Road via a series of 11 hairpin bends to the valley below. From here, you’ll arrive in the small fertile agricultural plain around Åndalsnes. On your return drive, a short detour is made up to the ‘Troll Wall’ the highest perpendicular mountain wall in Europe.

During the tour enjoy a Norwegian buffet luncheon, featuring both hot and cold dishes and including a choice of a low-alcohol beer or soft drink.



This excursion will operate by coach. There is an optional walk to the viewpoint at Trollstigheimen, which includes approximately 138 steps. Please remember to carry local currency (Norwegian Kroner) for any additional purchases. This tour involves several tunnels. This tour also operates from the port of Alesund.

Following the Dirdal River and valley, you will reach Byrkjedalstunet. The re-constructed cheese factory in Byrkjedalstunet dates back to 1920 and now houses a restaurant and a candle-maker's workshop. Enjoy a tea or coffee and some traditional 'lapper' (thick pancakes) with jam and sour cream. Take some time to visit the colourful candle workshop, to see the wide variety of candles produced here, before browsing the gift shop with its array of Norwegian handicrafts, woollens, souvenirs and candles.

Venture onwards to see the Gloppedalsuren Boulder Field, Norway's largest field of boulders, with some as big as houses. Continue via the flat, fertile farming area of Jaeren and the beaches at Sola before some city sightseeing in Stavanger.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is approximately 15 minutes' total walking involved on this tour, most of which is optional. The lighting at the refreshment venue is quite dim to add to the atmosphere, therefore care should be taken. This tour involves several tunnels.

The Atlantic Sea Park is one of Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. The facility is built into the coastline and offers views of the coastal islands and the ocean. The exhibition area includes 11 large landscape aquariums, two open touch pools, a penguin park, two activity pools and several smaller aquariums. The largest tank, containing seven million pints of seawater, is the setting for the daily dive shows which can be viewed clearly through its large acrylic observation panels.

Together the aquariums provide a representative view of the underwater life which inhabits the Norwegian coast and the northern Atlantic Ocean. Species from various ocean depths are on display, including marine life from deep water habitats.


This excursion will operate by coach. Atlantic Sea Park is mostly wheelchair accessible with the exception of the amphitheatre, which has four steps to access it. There are toilets, a café and souvenir shop on site. Please remember to take local currency (Norwegian Kroner) or a credit card for any additional purchases.

Begin your sightseeing drive of Manhattan and view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach. You will travel through quintessential New York neighbourhoods such as trendy Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District and Fifth Avenue with its designer stores and boutiques. You will also see glimpses of Central Park, which covers some 843 acres at the core of this bustling metropolis, and provides the people of the city with a green oasis.

The highlight of your New York exploration will be a visit to St Paul’s Chapel, where President George Washington paused to pray after his inauguration. St Paul’s Chapel is currently the home to exhibits and memorabilia relating to the 9/11 attacks. A short stroll from St Paul’s Chapel will lead you to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, where you can learn about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum through models, renderings, films and genuine artefacts.

Following your stop at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, you’ll resume your travels on the pulsing streets of the city. With your hunger to discover the ‘Big Apple’ satisfied, you’ll return to your ship.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. There will be approximately 30 - 45 minutes of walking during the stop at St Paul’s Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary. The majority of this tour is spent on the coach. Tour sequence may vary. Depending on traffic or street closures, some sights may not be accessible.

Your journey will take you to the Northern Norway Science Centre where you’ll be shown to the comfortable Planetarium to watch an amazing ‘Experience the Aurora’ film. This film takes you on a colourful journey of the elusive ‘Aurora Borealis’, more commonly referred to as the Northern Lights. You’ll be able to experience the beauty, majesty and thrill of the Northern Lights as experienced by those who live around the Arctic Circle. Seven months of winter skywatching, thousands of photographs and hundreds of hours of video footage (mostly shot in the Tromsø region), have been condensed into the world's first all dome 360 degree, high resolution movie of this fascinating phenomenon.

After your Northern Lights experience, you’ll visit the interesting Polar Museum situated in the old Custom House. The museum has preserved records from bygone times when Tromsø had rich traditions in hunting and expeditions. The museum also shows a great part of the equipment, skis, tents etc. that the explorer Roald Amundsen used on his South Pole expedition.

Before returning to your ship, embark on a sightseeing drive around the main highlights of Tromsø which includes a stop at the ultra-modern structure of the Arctic Cathedral. The Cathedral’s architecture symbolizes the immense strength of the pack ice in the Arctic Ocean, whilst the interior is dominated by the beautiful stained glass-window picturing the Return of Christ.


This excursion will operate by coach. Museums in Norway do not have information displayed in English. If a religious ceremony is taking place in the Cathedral then only an exterior visit will be possible. Please note it is not possible to see the actual Aurora Borealis as it is only visible during the winter evenings. The Polar Museum is not wheelchair accessible and there are 22 steps to access the first floor.

Enjoy an orientation drive of Hamburg including many of the city sights before transferring to Lüneburg.

Lüneburg city is rich in tradition and historically connected with salt – the ‘white gold’ of the Middle Ages. The salt mines made Lüneburg a rich and powerful town and an important member of the Hanseatic League. To fully appreciate the beauty, take a tour of the Old Town on foot. The many important historical buildings testify to the prosperity of the city in the Middle Ages. Even today, salt plays an important role in Lüneburg’s status as a spa town; many illnesses are treated through salt and water therapies.

During your walk through the city and small cobbled alleyways, you will see buildings such as the historical town hall Rathaus, which was built around 1240.

Enjoy some free time, exploring the medieval, quaint town centre with its numerous shops.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Journey time to Luneburg is estimated at 45 - 60 minutes each way. The orientation drive will be around 45 minutes. There is approximately two hours of walking included on this tour with steps. Flat, comfortable, walking shoes are recommended. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common. Please be aware that there is usually a charge of approximately Euro 50 cents at public facilities.