GoCruise and Travel with Rich Rochester

Stavanger is a city that blends Norway’s maritime heritage with modern energy, both literally and figuratively. Known as the “Oil Capital of Norway,” it is also one of the country’s most charming cruise ports, welcoming ships throughout the summer season. For travelers sailing from the UK, Stavanger often features as a highlight on Norwegian Fjords itineraries, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and scenery that makes it stand out from smaller fjord villages. Pulpit Rock and Fjord Adventures The headline attraction near Stavanger is Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) , a dramatic cliff rising 604 meters above Lysefjord. The hike to the top takes around four hours round trip, with a steady climb that rewards hikers with one of the most iconic views in Norway. For those less inclined to hike, fjord cruises from Stavanger offer a chance to see Pulpit Rock from below, where its sheer vertical face is just as impressive. Lysefjord itself is a natural wonder, with waterfalls, towering cliffs, an...

Tucked deep within Nordfjord, Olden is a village that feels like the very essence of Norway distilled into one place. Cruise ships glide into its port each summer, bringing travelers eager to discover a landscape where emerald valleys meet shimmering glaciers and fjords stretch endlessly into the horizon. It’s a destination that balances adventure with tranquility, offering both headline attractions and hidden gems that reward those willing to linger. Glaciers, Fjords, and Skylifts The Briksdal Glacier is often the star of the show. As one of the most accessible arms of the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier, it draws visitors who hike or ride troll cars up to its icy face. The journey itself is part of the magic, the waterfalls tumble down cliffs, wildflowers brighten the path, and the air carries that crisp clarity only found near glacial ice. Yet Olden is not defined by Briksdal alone. The Loen Skylift , located just six kilometers from the port, is one of the steepest cable cars in t...

When you’re setting off on a cruise from Southampton Cruise Terminals , the last thing you want is stress over where to leave your car. Parking at the port can be busy, and spaces fill quickly, so arranging your Southampton cruise parking in advance is one of the simplest ways to start your holiday relaxed and ready to board. By booking ahead, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is safe, secure, and conveniently located for the duration of your cruise. Why Book Southampton Cruise Parking in Advance? Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port, with thousands of passengers embarking every week on ships from P&O Cruises , Cunard , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises , Celebrity Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Fred. Olsen , and NCL . With so many sailings, parking demand is high. Booking your parking early ensures: ·          A guaranteed space close to your terminal. ·         ...

Ahead of our recent cruise from Tilbury, we chose to stay at the Premier Inn Thurrock East and opted for one of their Premier Plus rooms. For just £12 more than the standard rate, the upgrade felt like excellent value. The room itself was clean and contemporary, with thoughtful design touches that gave it a more boutique feel than you’d expect from a budget chain. A wall-mounted television set against a decorative slatted panel, ambient lighting, and a dedicated seating area with a modern bench and brass floor lamp all contributed to a sense of comfort and style. The Premier Plus extras made a difference too: a mini-fridge, Nespresso machine with pods, complimentary bottled water, upgraded toiletries, and plenty of charging points including USB sockets and the Ultimate Wi-Fi package included as standard. These are small details, but they add up to a more relaxed and practical stay, especially when preparing for a holiday. Whilst Premier Inn doesn’t claim to be luxury, this room compare...

 The Norwegian Fjords are one of those destinations that stay with you. Towering cliffs, waterfalls tumbling into deep blue waters, and small villages tucked along the shoreline—it’s scenery that feels timeless. For UK travellers, the beauty of this region is matched by the simplicity of getting there. With cruises sailing directly from Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Dover, Tilbury, and Rosyth (Edinburgh) , you can step aboard close to home and let the holiday begin without the stress of airports or long flights. That convenience is a real benefit. Your luggage is handled once, you settle in straight away, and the journey flows naturally from your doorstep to the open sea. For families, it takes away the hassle. For seasoned cruisers, it brings back the traditional rhythm of travel. The crossing itself becomes part of the adventure, easing you into the landscapes of Norway. A typical seven night itinerary might include Bergen, Geiranger, Ålesund, or Stavanger. Bergen is oft...