NORWEGIAN FJORDS IN MAY

The booking process with Bolsover was excellent as usual, with helpful and patient advice.
Boarding at Southampton was relatively quick and efficient.
We had a cabin on A deck, with balcony overshadowed by the overhang of the upper deck. This was not an issue as we had great views and did not want to sunbathe.
The cabin itself was not overly large but efficiently laid out with ample storage and hanging space. The bed was very comfortable and we slept well. Our cabin steward, Kiran, was friendly and helpful and looked after us really well.
We were on Freedom Dining in the Peninsular restaurant and as early diners we had no difficulty in getting a good table every evening. The food was of a consistently good standard with a good choice and not one disappointing course among our group of four. We also took breakfast and lunch in this restaurant where the service, from the waiters and wine waiter, was excellent – friendly and professional.
Having booked our cruise at the last minute the choice of excursions had reduced and we were particularly disappointed not to be able to take a train trip from Flam – a small settlement where there is little else to occupy short term visitors. One of our party went on the hiking excursion from Bergen which was enjoyable but not quite as challenging as it could have been – i.e., catering for those of lower fitness. The excursion to Bakers Paradise from Stavanger was pleasantly enjoyable. We also took the Panorama excursion from Olden – good but not to full potential because of the weather. While there was a good range of excursions at most ports and we enjoyed the ones we took, they were relatively expensive.
Britannia is a very big ship but does not seem overcrowded probably because of its size but there was a lot of walking to get from A to B and the lifts were very slow on times. The main theatre is impressive and the ship’s troupe were very professional if rather loud. The highlight performers for us were The Bluejeys – a 1950s tribute band.
Disembarkation at Southampton was equally smooth and efficient as was the CPS car parking service. All in all, an enjoyable cruise.