Disney Cruise Line invites families to explore culturally rich and exotic locales, with Port Adventures like only Disney can do, during its 2015 Norwegian Fjords sailings.
From June to August 2015, the Disney Magic returns to Europe, visiting the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland for the first time. Guests exploring these new ports, steeped in Viking history, will be treated to richly diverse destinations that showcase iconic locations, enchanting cultures, tantalizing cuisine and unrivaled experiences.
To elevate guests’ experiences in Norway, Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures are designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults—in true Disney fashion—with an extra dash of pixie dust.
“Frozen” Festivities and Viking Ventures in Ålesund
For the first time in forever, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff from the animated hit “Frozen” join Disney Cruise Line guests in Ålesund, marking their very first appearance in the land that inspired their story. Only Disney guests are invited to a Norwegian summer celebration at the Sunnmøre Open Air Museum where the festivities culminate with the grand arrival of the beloved sisters and their ice-loving companion, Kristoff, who join in the lively revelry. After being personally greeted by their “Frozen” friends, and surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Norway, guests dance to local musicians and sample tasty Norwegian specialties, including svele, a traditional sweet pancake from the region.
Another Ålesund adventure exclusive to Disney Cruise Line includes a quest to a Viking village on the island of Giske, where guests head back in history to meet the village chieftain and experience the Viking world. Adventurers find themselves in the middle of daily Viking life and mingle with members of the Norse families, experiencing first-hand the traditions, authentic food and games that come with being a Viking. Guests also learn traditional Viking handiwork and put it to practice by crafting their own leather bags.
Iconic Fjord Horses in Olden
Guests travel from the quaint village of Olden on a Port Adventure exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, visiting a Norwegian Fjord Horse Center to experience one of the world’s oldest breeds and one of the country’s national symbols, the Norwegian Fjord Horse. The adventure includes an up-close look at the stallions, mares and foals in a tour of the stables. Guests also have an opportunity to interact with the horses and see these magnificent animals in action. This includes watching a dynamic riding performance and taking in the picturesque scenery during a carriage ride around the grounds.
A Taste of Norway in Kristiansand
For those with a culinary passion, a Port Adventure exclusive to Disney Cruise Line in centuries-old Kristiansand provides the perfect hands-on cooking experience. Guests don their aprons and create Nordic specialties first-hand, such as succulent wild game filets and krumkaker, a heavenly waffle cookie typically served around Christmastime. The experience culminates with guests enjoying their sumptuous meal paired with a glass of wine.
The Great Outdoors of Geiranger
From the port of Geiranger, crowning jewel of the Norwegian fjords, comes an experience just for Disney Cruise Line guests – a visit to the Gjaera Mountain Farm where the local family provides an up-close look at daily life. Children join Disney Cruise Line youth counselors to create one-of-a-kind stamped pillows in the farm’s printing studio using handmade wooden stamps that have been passed down through the family’s many generations. Meanwhile, adults explore the farm and its microbrewery, sampling fresh brews. After building up an appetite, everyone reunites for a taste of traditional Norwegian foods produced at the farm including juices, breads, creams and cured meats.
Another journey brings Disney Cruise Line guests to the Herdalsetra Mountain Farm, where on the way to a nearby scenic valley they will enjoy a spectacular view of the Geirangerfjord and the Seven Sisters waterfall made famous in Norwegian folklore. Guests tour the enchanting farm brimming with 30 farmhouses and more than 450 sprightly goats scampering around the property. They also sample the farm’s fresh cheeses including Norway’s famous brown cheese – similar to sweet fudge.
Those looking for even more adventure will find it kayaking through the Geirangerfjord. Gliding over dazzling turquoise waters, guests will get an up-close look at stunning waterfalls roaring down into the fjord and the majestic mountains along the water’s edge.
Folk Dancing and Discovery in Molde
Outside of Molde, the “town of roses,” Disney Cruise Line guests arrive for an afternoon at one of the largest folk museums in Norway, the Romsdal Open Air Museum, which encompasses more than 50 buildings. Guests explore the century-old property, including lush gardens, farmhouses, smokehouses and a chapel, and experience a spirited performance of Norwegian folk dancing featuring local children in traditional regional outfits.
“The Land of Fire and Ice”—Reykjavik, Iceland
Only Disney Cruise Line families can get “fired up” during an exhilarating trip to the edge of a local lava field that gives adventurers an up-close look at volcanic craters and lava fields that make up the country of Iceland. Families take part in an art workshop on the edge of the hardened lava field, using real lava to create their very own framed lava art.
Classic “can’t miss” Icelandic landmarks take center stage on the tour of The Golden Circle. On this visit to some of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, guests will explore a national park, a glittering waterfall, popping hot springs and a high-tech geothermal energy exhibition. Over a barbecue lunch in the woods offered exclusively to Disney Cruise Line guests, troll wife Gryla and her helpers tell the legend of troll giant Bergthor of Bláfell, whose exceptionally large grave, headstone and ring from his walking stick can be found in a nearby churchyard.
Details on all Disney Cruise Line shore excursions can be found on the Port Adventures section of disneycruise.com.