Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour & Trip Reviews

I technically took the abbreviated version of this exact cruise a few years back, essentially a one-way trip through the Fjords starting in Bergen and going up to Kirkenes on the Russian border. It was a graduation present from my grandfather, and we took the trip together. He is not the most mobile of travelers, and a cruise was a great compromise for us. I loved being able to talk and read with him on the many rocking chairs looking out the ship's walls, and it was helpful to get the occasional reminder from the Captain about the feature we were passing. We got a solid feel for Norway's coastline and culture from watching attentively from the boat, and also getting off at the majority of the daytime stops. We took part in a bunch of the optional activities (which we booked right beforehand, there was no trouble with that) and there were plenty of options we both liked. One my favorites was seeing a Sami settlement, learning about their culture and how they farm reindeer. The bus ride that took us from the boat to the Sami was also incredible -- the landscape had totally changed, we saw the rows and rows of fish racks, and we even saw wild reindeer run past! The optional activities also meant that when I wanted to take a hike one day, I could go and my grandfather could do whatever he wanted, and we'd see each other in a couple of hours.

A couple of other things that made this trip for us: the food and the ship itself. The ship's room was definitely close quarters, but my grandfather is a big man and we still had no trouble with anything. The entire ship is handicap accessible, and there is a gym and a hot tub I utilized multiple times! Most importantly: the food. My grandpa is a HUGE foodie and an adventurous eater, and that was definitely his primary concern, and we were both satisfied with the quality of the food. We both felt there was a good balance between having good food, and having enough classical Norwegian food. Plus, if you feel like getting fancy, there is a separate restaurant on the ship that is an extra fee.

The only reason I give "guide" a lower rating is because we weren't really guided for much of the ship, only during the optional excursions and the occasional information from the captain.

You can trust them as far as not being a scam website- however I have never dealt with worse customer service. I got better rates and service at bookit but. I wouldn’t have been so upset if cheapcarribbean would actually just get back to me! This is a problem you definitely don’t want to happen on your vacation, god forbid there be an emergency! I would just call to book if you HAVE to use it.

Traveling from Belgium through 6 countries to Switzerland is one of the most amazing travel experiences in Europe, especially if traveling with Grand Circle Travel. The ship's crew and staff are the most professional and personable folks that I've ever had the fortune to travel with. Not only have I traveled European rivers with these folks once, but have done so several times. For a single traveler, traveling with Grand Circle is a great bargain, as there is very seldom an extra charge for traveling solo and if their is, the price is very modest. You can't go wrong with these folks.

Pretty amazing way to travel to all the islands in Phang Nga Bay! We set sail from Phuket and traveled from island to island on our own sailboat. The captain was very experienced with many years sailing between the islands and his wife was an amazing cook. Some of the best meals I had in Thailand were on this boat! We were able to go to places that most tourists don't get to see and the places that were touristic were were able to go at off times and have the place to ourselves. Quarters were a little cramped however we spent little time in bed. Most of the time was spent swimming, sunning and exploring. Even spent a couple of starry nights sleeping out out on the deck. Really an amazing experience with Intrepid Travel. Next tour... Sailing in Myanmar!!

Easy booking, fast service, great travel experience._x000D_
Amazing trip & skipper, see below.

Mato was just the skipper, handling the boat was only a small part of his expertise. He knew everyone, got the best restaurants, food, wine, marina spots. He added enormously to how enjoyable our adventure was. the places we went and the things we did both on the itinerary and off it because of weather were second to none. You must pay him a handsome Bonus!!!

The trip met all expectations, was a lovely, pleasant experience, the skipper was knowledgeable and competent.

I picked this trip due to the itinerary of seeing numerous islands in a short time, and I had the freedom to be able to do that, getting to most islands by early afternoon.

It's a very unique trip I have ever done. Small group is nice, and it's more relax.

Sailing has been a dream of mine from a very young age and, furthermore, I've yet to find another country that has been so impressionable or more beautiful in every way than Italy. Therefore, when I discovered this excursion on Viator this March I immediately booked the trip and had very high hopes and expectations for the week at sea. This dream vacation turned out to be very well organized and the logistics were carried out with a high level of professionalism and attention to detail and safety. From the cleanliness of the boat to the flexibility required when hosting different groups on a weekly basis our Captain, Nico, weaved together a beautiful tapestry that combined a relaxed sailing atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, humor, sailing expertise and geographical knowledge into one holiday masterpiece. Dining together on the deck while enjoying Nico's homemade pasta dinners proved to be an unforgettable experience and the diversity of the various stops en route continued to amaze and delight my eyes. While it's impossible to define which aspect of the trip impressed me most, I must say that watching the sails lift and feeling the dynamics between the boat and the wind created an unremarkable sensation, both mentally and physically. What an incredible and outstanding vacation!!

I really enjoyed the trip

We were given more places to visit than what was on our itinerary such as an extra island n great night at sea. The skipper taught us how to sail sharing his boat knowledge. Very happy professional skipper and took into account all our budgets when eating at restaurants n food shopping. Great recommendations on what to visit on the Islands and organised good car rental for our free days. General info about the islands. Loved the tour n would go again and visit more islands.

good fun, Nico did very well under trying circumstances

An amazing way to discover the Amalfi coast. Couldn't ask for more.

It lived up to expectations in every way