Review of a Norway cruise on the Emerald Princess in June 2025 (1) (page 2 of 7)

Hi Alfred,

You’re right—the conditions for enjoying the restaurant weren’t great. It was more of a hassle than anything else. That’s why we didn’t go back and opted to eat at the cafeteria instead, where we were much more comfortable. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, and it didn’t ruin our cruise at all. 🙂 Even going there every day, we were happy to have this backup option to avoid endless lines and the really unpleasant noise. 🙁

We didn’t try the alternative restaurants because we need to eat light in the evenings if we want to sleep well. And since our priority was making the most of the days and the stops, a good night’s sleep was a must. [;]

Hello Catherine, Great hike and discovery of Bergen. Thanks, have a nice day: Guylène.

Thanks, Guylène, Norway’s nature is absolutely stunning, and we really made the most of it.

Friday, June 20, Olden

Sailing through the fjords had already been underway for some time when we woke up around 6 a.m.





The morning forecast called for cloudy skies, but a few breaks of sunshine through the clouds lifted our spirits and made the colors pop.





Olden is a small village of just over 500 people, with a history dating back to the Viking era—a time when Norwegian Vikings were known for their maritime exploits and expeditions across Europe. The ship is allowed deep into this fjord, surrounded by towering mountains, on the condition that we remain quiet and discreet. No music, no "Movies Under the Stars" on the outdoor big screen, no honking the ship’s horn, etc. To me, that seems like the least we could do.



Several vendors are waiting on the dock at the foot of the ship, all offering excursions to the same destination: exploring this stunning valley and the Briksdal Glacier, each in their own way. The double-decker red bus sightseeing tour costs 42 € per person.





Back in February, I booked a tour with Olden Adventure online to take us to the foot of the Briksdal Glacier. (491 NOK = 41 €) From this starting point, an easy hike lets you get up close to the glacier. Briksdal Glacier is one of the arms of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe. The bus was right on time at the foot of the ship at 9:30 a.m. Instead of a live guide, an audio recording accompanied us, sharing stories about the life and landscapes we were passing through. The road was breathtaking, winding alongside two lakes with deep, dark waters. The photos taken through the bus window don’t do the scenery justice.





to be continued…

Friday, June 20th, Olden (part 1 continued)

A half-hour drive is all it takes to reach the parking lot where the bus drops us off—this is the starting point for the hike up to Briksdal Glacier. Everything’s set up here: a large parking lot, café, restaurant, and souvenir shop. In the background, a pretty waterfall adds life to the landscape as it cascades down the black rocks.



A few lupins welcome us, and large boulders mark the path.





The climb follows a fast-flowing, tumultuous river that runs down from the glacier.





Spring treats us to abundant waters that roar with all their might.





Like many glaciers around the world, Briksdal Glacier is retreating due to climate change. The retreat is striking.



Beautiful viewpoints follow one after another, and the sound of rushing water keeps us company along the way.





to be continued…

Hi Catherine, Gorgeous photos of Norway and a lovely travel journal! I really liked the champagne fountain when you arrived—I’ve never seen that on a cruise ship before 😉. Mich74

I’m taking advantage of the quiet in the restaurant this evening to catch up on my reading. Your story is a delight, and your photos are stunning—it makes me want to revisit Norway! I see that Princess has brought back its Champagne Waterfall ceremony, which had been dropped during COVID. As you know, I’m currently on a cruise on the NCL Vista in Greece. While I loved my Southampton-Barcelona cruise on its sister ship, the Prima, this one’s been a letdown. Too many people, families, and poorly behaved kids... I’ll keep following your posts whenever I can.

Hi Catherine!

I totally get your take on the restaurants—I might’ve done the same thing.

Your photos are absolutely gorgeous (as always)!

Looking forward to the next part

Hello Catherine, What beautiful landscapes. Thank you so much for sharing—we can’t hike anymore since our legs won’t carry us🙁. Guylène

Thanks to everyone for your kind messages.

@ Michel, This fountain is Princess’s specialty—I’ve never seen it on any other cruise line either.

@Catherine, I get that you’re disappointed, but the Mediterranean in the middle of summer with NCL isn’t exactly surprising—it’s bound to be crowded with kids. Hope you’re not too hot.

@ Alfred, Thanks, Alfred! Every cruise is different, and you’ve got to adapt each time—take what you like and leave what you don’t to bring back the best memories. Next time will be different again. 😉

@Guylène, We especially loved all the beautiful scenery, and we did a lot of hiking.

Friday, June 20th, Olden (part 2) After about an hour’s walk, we’re getting closer to the glacier, and the scenery is still just as stunning—it changes with every turn.





And we arrive… Where? At the beach!





What’s left of the glacier is pretty sparse.



There aren’t many swimmers on the beach—maybe because of the thin layer of ice on the water’s surface?



On the way back, water is streaming everywhere, and the spring flowers are rushing to bloom all at once, making them even more beautiful.



The volumes of water flowing down from the glacier are impressive—they race down the mountain with a deafening roar.



For those who don’t want to or can’t hike up on foot, everything’s been arranged.



to be continued…

Friday, June 20, Olden (part 3)

In the afternoon, rain threatens, but we brave the scattered drops and set off to explore this rural and picturesque village of Olden. Originally, we wanted to walk along the two lakes we saw this morning, but there’s no safe path for pedestrians—you have to walk on the road, which isn’t safe or pleasant. So, we stick to the outskirts of the village.





An outlet and two small supermarkets welcome cruise passengers looking to spend some money. A first small white church, surrounded by its cemetery, is absolutely charming. The wooden interior is very simple and rustic.





In the second church, farther away and more recent, we’re surprised to be greeted by music as we enter.





It’s an organist rehearsing in the small church. Surprised, I see people sitting on the benches, heads bowed in contemplation... but on closer inspection, they were absorbed in their smartphones.



The return navigation to the sea through the fjords under this dark sky and heavy fog weighing on the peaks reminds us a lot of the Chilean fjords.

Saturday, June 21, Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes is a small town of 2,500 inhabitants, nestled on the shores of the Romsdalsfjord and surrounded by stunning mountains (when you can actually see them…). What a great idea it was to book a tour on the Golden Train—just look at the weather today! You wouldn’t want to step outside. Thick, low clouds and rain are weighing down the sky. At least with this outing, we’ll be sheltered and dry. The platform to board the train is just a few steps from the harbor.





We booked this excursion through Get Your Guide (55 € per person). At the harbor or the train station, there’s no meet-up point for this agency, no one to welcome or guide us. We walk around in circles, but no luck—nothing. Eventually, someone lets us board the train.

We have a bit of trouble finding two free seats, but at least we’re not stuck on the platform like some other people.

The Golden Train is supposed to take us on Europe’s most beautiful railway line, according to the ads. A two-hour journey through the breathtaking Romsdalen Valley to Bjorli, which is 57 km away.

We didn’t get the audio guide promised by Get Your Guide at booking—just like yesterday, there’s only a recorded commentary in English playing in the carriages during the trip.

Fun fact: Norwegian gold reserves were secretly transported out of the country via this route during the Nazi occupation in World War II.

The photos are taken through the train windows—it’s a modern train, so there’s no platform to step out on for better shots. 🙁

The rain and the gloomy, overcast sky definitely ruin what must be a stunning landscape when you can see the peaks of those steep mountains.





It’s beautiful, but with rain streaming down the windows and reflections from the interior lights, the scenery isn’t exactly extraordinary.





When we arrive in Bjorli, everyone gets off. A 30-minute photo stop is scheduled before the return trip. But… there’s nothing to see—it’s just sad, cold, and damp, still raining.





to be continued…

Saturday, June 21, Andalsnes (part 1 continued)

Everyone quickly boards the train again. The train didn’t turn around—it was the locomotive that switched sides. So we’ll see the same landscapes on the way back as we did on the way there, and the same reflections in the windows.







It must be really beautiful… when the weather’s nice. And when it rains? At least we’re dry.

In the early afternoon, the sun starts breaking through the clouds—timidly at first, then more clearly. Since we’d been hoping for a break in the weather, we’re thrilled to finally stretch our legs a bit.

In Andalsnes, the price of the cable car (or gondola) to the top of Nesaksla Mountain is too steep for us—just over 560 NOK (47 €) per person round-trip. Tourists, yes, but we’re not suckers.



We head to the start of the Rampestreken hike, up above the town. Right from the beginning, it’s pretty steep, but well-maintained, and the lovely viewpoints come quickly.







Climbing between the tree roots is a lot of fun. But I forgot my sweetheart’s hiking pole, and we decide not to continue so he doesn’t risk hurting himself on the way down.



We wrap up the outing with a visit to a small communal park and a stroll through the town center, which doesn’t have much charm or appeal. Then a few souvenir shops—also not very interesting—before heading back to the ship.





We’re a little disappointed by this stop—we were expecting more. But the day isn’t over yet, and the surprise is still to come…

to be continued…

Hi 4yne, we took the cable car in Åndalsnes—it was sunny but with a chilly little breeze. The view during the ride is fantastic, and at the top, there’s a stunning panorama of several fjord arms, the mountains, and even a small glacier that looks like a donut. Lovely walk and a hot coffee at the hostel with a view of the fjord. We didn’t do the Golden Train—it was fully booked that day. It really brings back memories of my cruise—amazing!

Hi Nicom, It must be really beautiful when the sun’s out, but that wasn’t the case for us. Would you happen to have a photo to show us of that lovely view from the top of La Nesaksla Mountain? I think the train is always fully booked whenever there’s a ship in port, and you have to reserve it in advance. The day we were there, some people with tickets couldn’t get on because the train was overbooked.

Yeah, I have photos but I don’t know how to insert them. I’d wanted to book the train online, but it was fully booked way in advance.

Saturday, June 21, Andalsnes (part 2)

Tonight’s my partner’s birthday—though he’d prefer to be half his age, we both agree... We tour the lounges looking for a spot to celebrate. None of them work for us—too crowded, too noisy, too much commotion... and no space. I’m starting to think we’re just too picky. 😉



We decide to celebrate this moment just the two of us on our big balcony with a little aperitif. And... nature’s wonderful gift: the sun comes out to give the landscape all its grandeur and majesty. We enjoy the magnificent spectacle of cruising through the fjords in peace and quiet, with a dazzling sun—it makes all the difference! It’s a pure moment of happiness.









Little by little, we leave the fjords to head out to sea, the mountains receding in the distance.





Then they become scattered dots on the water’s surface, like a giant’s stepping stones.



At the evening buffet, the special of the day is paella, but there are also a lot of Chinese dishes on board... Quickly, the paella is reduced to just a big plate of rice. 😏

10 PM, the sun is still high in the sky on this beautiful evening.



Sunday, June 22, at sea

Bright sunshine and a glassy sea—it’s a bit chilly, but in the sun it’s pleasant, especially when you think about the heatwave hitting France. In the afternoon, as we head further north, the temperature drops noticeably.

Hello, Thanks for this review with beautiful photos and stunning landscapes—when the sun comes out, it’s truly breathtaking! 🙂 Back in 2018, we did the Baltic capitals with Princess and never had to wait for a restaurant or deal with noise.

I tried to add 2 photos of the Briksdall glacier from 2006. Will it work? Just to see the difference over 19 years