WJ Tested: Costa Mediterranea Norway & Northern Europe Itinerary Highlights
WJ Tested: Costa Mediterranea Norway & Northern Europe Itinerary Highlights
By WAVEJourney
9-Night Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Ports in Norway to Bremerhaven, Germany with Costa Cruises Costa Mediterranea
Read WAVEJourney’s Full Cruise Report and Review Here.
Exploring Norway and Northern Europe with Costa Cruises aboard Costa Mediterranea was a dream trip come true. After previously travelling through Norway on land, this cruise itinerary was a fantastic option for seeing the country from a completely different perspective. It’s hard to beat cruising the Fjord Region and visiting Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Bremerhaven, Germany via a beautiful floating hotel. WAVEJourney highly recommends this Costa Cruises ship and itinerary for a cruise of a lifetime.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 1 – IJMUIDEN, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: Casual
ALL ABOARD: 16:30
Costa Mediterranea sails to Bergen, Norway at 17:00
This Norway and Northern Europe cruise was roundtrip Ijmuiden (near Amsterdam).
A mandatory passenger emergency drill for all guests that embarked in Ijmuiden required wearing the life jacket which was found in our cabin and took place before sail away.
COSTA EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE:
Free Time in Amsterdam
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Liguria Menu was the highlight of the Argentieri Restaurant dinner menu featuring regional specialties.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Variety Show in the theatre featuring dancing and singing.
DAY 2 – AT SEA – SAILING TOWARDS BERGEN, NORWAY
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: Gala
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pop-up market for shopping in the Atrium on Deck 2
Pasta Festival lunch at Lido Armonia on Deck 9
Presentation of the Officers in the evening – opportunity for guests to meet the onboard service directors.
Picture with the Captain Giacomo Longo
The Gala Menu was the highlight of the Argentieri Restaurant dinner.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Roberto Sinagoga – One Man Show performance of different musical genres.
DAY 3 – BERGEN, NORWAY
View WJ’s short video from Bergen
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: Red and Black (or evening casual if you didn’t pack red or black items)
EXPECTED ARRIVAL: 8 AM
ALL ABOARD: 4:30 PM
Costa Mediterranea sails to Hellesylt/Geiranger at 5 PM
COSTA EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE:
Panoramic Tour of Hardangerfjord
Funicular Ride and Hiking on Mount Floien
Sightseeing Tour of Bergen and Scenic Funicular Ride
Panoramic Tour of Bergen
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Campania Menu in Argentieri Restaurant for dinner.
Latin Dance Group Show
Latin Night – music and dancing
ENTERTAINMENT:
Elements – A Costa Cruises live show in the theatre.
DAY 4 – HELLESYLT/GEIRANGER, NORWAY
View WJ’s short video from Hellesylt
View WJ’s short video from Geiranger
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: Casual
EXPECTED ARRIVAL: 8 AM in Hellesylt and 11 AM in Geiranger
LAST TENDER FROM PIER IN GEIRANGER: 5 PM
Costa Mediterranea sails to Andalsnes at 6 PM
The stop in Hellesylt was only to allow passengers booked on Costa excursions to leave the ship for the tours.
In Geiranger, Costa Mediterranea used tenders between the ship and pier on a continuous basis (free of charge). The process was well-organized and didn’t take too long to get to the town in the tenders.
COSTA EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE:
Briksdal Glacier Walk
Excursion from Hellesylt to Geiranger with Breathtaking Views
Overland: From Stranda to Trollstigen
Raft Tour of the Geiranger Fjord
Hiking in the Mountains
Sights of Geiranger
The Herdal Valley, Alpine Farm and Tasting of Local Specialities
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Emilia Romagna Menu in Argentieri Restaurant for dinner.
Fashion show on the sea – Tommy Hilfiger, Armani, Nautica fashion show with new collection worn by models.
Karaoke
ENTERTAINMENT:
Tenor Andrea Casablanca in the theatre.
DAY 5 – ANDALSNES, NORWAY
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: 70s (or casual if you didn’t pack for the 70s)
EXPECTED ARRIVAL: 7 AM
ALL ABOARD: 5:30 PM
Costa Mediterranea sails to Flam at 6 PM
COSTA EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE:
Premium: Atlantic Road, Haholmen Island and Viking Experience
Day Excursion to Valldal and the Trollstigen
Excursion on Foot to the Panoramic Viewpoint of the Trollveggen, The Trolls Wall
Train Excursion to the Romsdal Region
Trollstigheimen Excursion
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Menu by Bruno Barbieri in Argentieri Restaurant for dinner
Carnaval Pool Party at the Cadmo Swimming Pool on Deck 9
World Oceans Day with Peppa Pig
Revival Party – music from the 70s and 80s dedicated party.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Live show in the theatre – Juke Box
DAY 6 – FLAM, NORWAY
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: White (or casual if you didn’t pack anything white)
EXPECTED ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM
ALL ABOARD: 5:30 PM
Costa Mediterranea sails to Stavanger
COSTA EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE:
Aurland Valley and Osterbo
Naeroyfjord Boat Trip and Stalheim
Marvellous Tvinde Waterfall and the Secrets of the Viking Civilization
Flam, Voss and Stalheim
Stalheim and Undredal
Panoramic Tour of the Stegastein Viewpoint
Discover the Marvellous Norway: Hike and Train
The Flam Railway and a Cycle Tour Through the Fjords
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Veneto Menu in Argentieri Restaurant for dinner
Variety Show performance by the Latin Dance Group
White Night party
ENTERTAINMENT:
Live show in the theatre – Saeed in My Comedy Show – mime show for the entire family.
DAY 7 – STAVANGER, NORWAY
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: Green, white and red (or casual if you didn’t pack those colors)
EXPECTED ARRIVAL: 7 AM
ALL ABOARD: 6:30 PM
Costa Mediterranea sails to Bremerhaven, Germany
COSTA EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE:
Boat Trip on Lysefjord
Tour of Stavanger and Surroundings
Adventure on the Preikestolen, The Pulpit Rock High Above the Fjords
Stavanger: Nature, History and Flavors
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Calabrian Menu in Argentieri Restaurant for dinner
Bubble Show with Peppa Pig
Election of Mister Cruise
The Italian Night Party – dancing and music
ENTERTAINMENT:
Live show in the theatre – Sapori d’Italia – entertainment and singing.
Live show in the theatre – Cabaret2 – with the animation team.
DAY 8 – AT SEA SAILING TOWARDS BREMERHAVEN, GERMANY
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: Gala
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pop-up market – shopping for souvenirs in the Artrium
Paella lunch at Lido Armonia on Deck 9 from Noon to 1 PM
The Chef’s Menu in Argentieri Restaurant for dinner
Disembarkation information for English-speaking passengers
Karaoke
Passion Show performance by the Latin Dance Group
Masquerade Night Party – purchase a mask and dance the night away
ENTERTAINMENT:
Live show in the theatre – Acrobatic show – Duo Legenda.
DAY 9 – BREMERHAVEN, GERMANY
SUGGESTED DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENING: Casual
EXPECTED ARRIVAL: 8 AM
ALL ABOARD: 4:30 PM
Costa Mediterranea sails to Ijmuiden/Amsterdam
A paid shuttle bus service from the port into Bremerhaven was available for 12 Euro per person. Purchase a round-trip ticket in advance on the ship at either the Excursion Office, Hospitality Service Desk or interactive machines.
COSTA EXCURSION OPTIONS AVAILABLE:
Exploring Bremen
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Puglia Menu at Argentieri Restaurant for dinner
International Pary with the ship’s DJ
ENTERTAINMENT:
Live show – Beat the Rhythm – a variety of traditional and modern music styles.
DAY 10 – IJMUIDEN/AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Disembarkation started at 8 AM and was a smooth process with reasonably priced transfers to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
NOTE: WJ were guests of Costa Cruises aboard Costa Mediterranea from June 4 to 13, 2019. Read our review full disclosure statement – all opinions and findings are ours at the time of travel.
