fbpx

NORWEGIAN FJORDS – Bergen-Oslo – Smithsonian Journeys

from $8,965

DATES: 2024 – Jul 20

DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

EMBARK: BERGEN  

DISEMBARK: OSLO

SHIP: LE CHAMPLAIN  

FROM: $8,965

All Inclusive – Port Charges, Open Bar, Gratuities to ship crew, Shore Excursions

 

Download Brochure

All about the NORWEGIAN FJORDS – Bergen-Oslo – Smithsonian Journeys.

Cruise with PONANT and SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS on this exceptional itinerary and discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjordsShore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Cruise with PONANT on an exceptional itinerary and discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords.

Come aboard the Le CHAMPLAIN   for an 8-day cruise and sail along the Norwegian coastline, whose vertiginous cliff faces have been sculpted by the wind and the sea, giving rise to many unspoiled fjords.

From Bergen, famous for its Hanseatic wharf which still carries a few traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings, your ship will first sail towards Alesund, where you will be able to admire the wonderfully preserved fishermen’s houses that date from the 18th century. Then, you will discover the Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before making your way to the small colorful and cosmopolitan towns of Hellesylt.

Le CHAMPLAIN   will set sail for Loen. From this small and charming village, located a few kilometers from Jostedalsbreen National Park, which is home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent Briksdal glacier.

During your cruise, you will have the privilege of sailing in the famous “Lysefjord” (light fjord), flanked by granite cliffs.

Arendal, once known as the Venice of the North because of its canals, will be an utterly charming port of call.

On the final leg of your trip you will call at Gothenburg, in Sweden. Your cruise will end in Oslo, the Norwegian capital, a city with a unique energy.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sailing in the heart of the Norwegian fjords, discovering extraordinary landscapes: steep cliffs, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation.
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Geiranger Fjord, Bryggen, former Hanseatic port of Bergen (disembarkation port),
  • Possibility of a walk at the foot of the most beautiful glaciers in Europe, the Briksdal, from Olden.
  • Sailing in the Lysefjord, meaning the “fjord of light”, flanked by granite cliffs that are several hundred meters high.
  • Discovering colorful and cosmopolitan Norwegian villages, full of picturesque charm: Hellesylt, Alesund and Stavanger.

download brochure button

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Included features:

  • Port Charges
  • Shore excursions in every port
  • Gratuities to crew, guides and drivers on included excursions
  • Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe LE CHAMPLAIN  , with all the amenities for which Ponant ships are famous.
  • All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
  • Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands… list available upon request)
  • Evening entertainment and events
  • Room service 24h (special selection)

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Meals and beverages other than those specified above
  • Optional excursions
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, Internet, etc.)
  • Travel and Emergency Evacuation Insurance
  • Pre- and Post-cruise programs
  • Airfare

  1. Day 1 BERGEN, NORWAY

    NOTE: We can arrange pre- and post-cruise tour programs for you – see more while you are here! It is always advisable to arrive at least one day early.

    Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewelers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the Hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

  2. Day 2 ÅLESUND, NORWAY

    Surrounded by a multitude of islands, fjords and majestic mountains, the town of Ålesund surprises many visitors. In fact, it is internationally renowned for its Art nouveau architecture. After the terrible fire of 1904 which reduced a large part of the town to ashes, Norwegian architects inspired by the Art nouveau style contributed to its reconstruction, with a very picturesque result. Not far from Ålesund, you will also discover Giske, the native island of Rollon, the great Viking leader who commanded the Norse expeditions to Normandy, or the beautiful island of Godoy and the village of Alnes, which offers a grandiose panorama over the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands.

     

  3. Days 3 GEIRANGER - HELLESYLT

    A must-see stopover in Norway, located halfway between Bergen and Trondheim, Geiranger offers the stunning beauty of a natural decor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The splendor of the sheer cliffs, dark rock and crystalline water are the stars of the show here. The sides of the fjord offer many possibilities for hiking: the Eagle’s Road takes you up to a steep stretch offering a gorgeous panoramic view. A visit to Geiranger village will immerse you in the rhythm of life in the little local community.
    Hellesylt is a small village located 20 kilometers from the Geiranger site. Here, you’ll get a taste of a traditional Norwegian village. Colorful houses, wooden walkways, rustic stalls where you can have a refreshment before heading off to discover more of the local color. The surroundings are simply magnificent with cliffs, mountains and lakes with peaceful waters. The village is crossed by a river whose charming cascade tumbles into the fjord waters.

  4. Day 4 OLDEN, NORWAY

    With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometers from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps, this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers. Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.

     

  5. Day 5 STAVANGER - SAILING IN LYSEFJORDEN

    At the far end of the country, stands the harbor town of Stavanger, with its warm, friendly atmosphere. A friendliness you’ll notice in the little old town cobbled streets, which has some 170 old wooden houses, as well as in its modern city center, always bustling.

    You will sail into the heart of one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords, its marvelous décor dominated by pristine nature, between vertiginous granite majestic cliff in the shape of a pulpit that rises to more than 600 meters above the waters. A bit further on, Flørli, from the top of its 4,444 steps, is the world’s longest wooden stairway, whereas the Kjerag, with its mythical boulder wedged between two rock faces, provides an unusual and unforgettable spectacle.

  6. Day 6 ARENDAL, NORWAY

    This port town located on the south coast of Norway is considered to be the locality with the best climate in the entire country. Arendal was long reputed for its iron mines from which, in the 19th century, it was able to produce a particularly strong earthy iron ore.

     

  7. Day 7 GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN

    A lively harbor town, Göteborg is located on the west coast of Sweden, at the crossing of the Göta älv river and the bay of Cattégat. In the old Haga district, you can peruse hippy-chic fashion boutiques and bohemian cafés in the ground floors of traditional wood houses. On the majestic Gustave-Adolphe square, you’ll see elegant neoclassical buildings. Not far from here is the municipal museum dedicated to the town’s history. In addition, you will be able to sail along Göteborg’s numerous canals. As for eating, it’s the fish and shellfish which make the gastronomic reputation of this beautiful stopover.

  8. Day 8 OSLO, NORWAY

    Capital of Norway, Olso, is a green city. Its many parks and gardens make it the reputedly pleasant city it is. The 80 hectares of Vigeland sculpture parks and its 212 open air exhibitions, the Munch Museum dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, plus the Akershus fortress which symbolizes Oslo’s rich history, are both must-sees. For culture, the national gallery shelters the largest Norwegian collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures open to the public. And, for sports enthusiasts, the Holmenkollen district with its Ski museum and famous ski jump offer the most stunning, all-encompassing view of the city.

LE CHAMPLAIN  

LE CHAMPLAIN  

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the second ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, LE CHAMPLAIN   will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

RESTAURANTS

As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship.

  • To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.
  • In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts.

PUBLIC AREAS

LE CHAMPLAIN   has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.

A 140 m² reception area includes:

  • A reception/concierge desk,
  • An excursions desk,
  • The ship’s administrative services,
  • The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer,
  • Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewelry, beauty products, postcards and various accessories,
  • Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.

A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:

  • Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship,
  • Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions,
  • Easier access to the sea for swimming and practicing various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.

A pool deck offering:

  • A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system,
  • A pleasant solarium,
  • An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.

A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organized during the day or evening.

Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with:

  • The latest sound and lighting technology,
  • A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

ACCOMMODATIONS ABOARD LE CHAMPLAIN  

  • Private balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Shower
  • Minibar
  • Flat screen
  • Satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery
  • Video on demand
  • Safe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath robes
  • Satellite direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volts outlet
  • French bath products
  • 24hr room service
  • Internet access and wi-fi.

DELUXE STATEROOM

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE DECK 3

  • Area: 27 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE DECK 4

  • Area: 27 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE DECK 5

  • Area: 27 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE DECK G6

  • Area: 27 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 5

  • Area: 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6

  • Area: 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4

  • Area: 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6

  • Area: 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5  

  • Area: 38 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6  

  • Area: 38 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 5  

  • Area: 32 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK G6  

  • Area: 32 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

OWNER’S SUITE

  • Area: 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

SUPERIOR STATEROOM

  • Area : 21 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin