Best time of year for Norway?

I often get asked this question when clients book or are looking to book a cruise to Norway - what is the best time of year to go? The answer is simple, any time of year as it is beautiful all year round. It really depends on what you want to see and what really floats your boat (pun intended!)

WINTER

During the Winter you will get some amazing scenery with snow capped peaks and powder white snow or you can marvel at the amazing Norther Lights (aurora borealis) in Tromso (weather permitting) the best time to experience this is September - April. You will also have the opportunity to do some fantastic trips during the winter months such as a dog sled rides across the crystal white landscape or snow mobile your way across! The weather can get as cold as -25 in places though so be prepared to take your thermals and wrap up!

    

      

SPRING

Some might say Spring would be the best time of year to go and I would have to say I may be inclined to agree. May - Mid June is when the scenery in Norway is at its most spectacular with trees and flowers waking into life. With the abundance of water due to the melting snow the waterfalls are always at their best cascading down. There is plenty of sunlight and the temperatures rise fairly nicely. There are also several public holidays in May, and the Norwegians make full use of them to celebrate springtime after a long winter.

You can also experince the land of the midnight sun June-July where you can sit up until the early hours and still feel like it is the middle of day...

SUMMER

Late June to early August is when the weather is warmest and the days are long and bright. Temperatures in July and August can reach 25°C - 30°C. At the same time there is hardly any humidity in the air so you can get some relaly beautiful weather. On the flip side the summer weather can be wet and changeable especially in Fjord Norway. If you want to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun you will have to travel to the northern part of the country in June - July.

AUTUMN

In the autumn the landscape is painted in golden colours very much like what you would find in Canada and New England. The temperature drops slowly through September, making for good berry and mushroom picking weather.

During autumn the land areas lose more heat than the sea, and eventually the coastal areas have the highest temperatures. In September the outer part of the Oslofjord usually has the highest mean temperatures. Later in the autumn, the warmest areas are usually found on the coast of Rogaland and Hordaland.


So as you can see there really isn't a 'best' time to go as each season in Norway holds something a little bit special for you. With cruise lines such as Hurtigruten who specialise in Norway and Cruise and Maritime there are lots of choices and itineraries to choose from so if you are thinking about a cruise to Norway then hopefully this has helped in deciding for you when would be the best time for you to go.

Paul Gauguin Cruises...who are they?

Most of you probably won’t have even heard of this cruise line let alone know what they are all about....want to know more?

Paul Gauguin cruises is a big player in the luxury cruise market. With a newly refurbished ship for 2012 the M/S Paul Gauguin, they operate in the untouched and simply stunning destinations of Tahiti, The French Polynesia and The South Pacific including the Cook Islands offering a truly deluxe experience.

The ship was originally part of the Regent fleet so started off as a very high standard anyway. The ship was named after the French Impressionist painter who travelled to the French Polynesia to create some of his masterpieces. You will receive 5* luxury services onboard this friendly and welcoming ship with a relaxed informal atmosphere. A wonderful way to sail the beauty of the South Seas....

Onboard there is a water sports marina deck a choice of dining areas and a fully equipped Spa are offering some relaxing treatments, Blue-Ribbon service, luxurious amenities and spacious staterooms. The Troupe of Gauguines is a local Tahitian group which include members of staff, entertainers and even story tellers who all add a touch of Tahiti to all cruises.

For 2012 they have some fantastic things in store to include the multi-million dollar refurbishment of the ship and 40 stunning itineraries...
• 20-night South Pacific Discovery cruise and land package which allows guests to discover the scenic splendours of Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Society Islands


• 11-night whale-watching itinerary in September taking in Rurutu, Bora Bora and Moorea.


• Seven-night Society Islands voyage on 2nd June taking in the transit of Venus


• Two new Fiji voyages in October and November visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands.


• Unique Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme to operate onboard between 2nd June and end August 2012. This groundbreaking programme introduces travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia and aims to give young participants aged nine to 17 direct, hands-on, interactive experience with knowledge of marine and island ecosystems.

     

Onboard each cruise guests can expect Marine Biologists, Environmentalist, Naturalists, Historians and special guest speakers so that you can take full advantage of the places you are visiting and learn all about the environments and history of each island.

You will get to really immerse yourself in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations when you sail onboard a Paul Gauguin cruise. Call me for more details and cruise deal prices of these beautiful itineraries.