whitehall Loc: Canada

I am leaving in November for a cruise in the Norwegian fjords. Judging by the itinerary this will be mostly aboard the ship, with very limited time in ports, so most of my photography will be on board.
I am planning to take a 24-70 and a 70-200 plus a 16 fixed. The camera is a Canon R5. Having experienced gas over the years, I have other options, including a 5D mkiv and micro 4/3 with associated lenses, so based on others’ experiences on this type of cruise recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

IGW

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

I assume that you plan on a Hurtigruten cruise--this is definitely on my bucket list, even though I am not a fan of cruises. I have taken regular ferries on Norwegian fjords though. The entire coast of Norway is scenic so you will come back with lots of photos.

I think that you will do well with what you have--your Canon R5 will be perfect. You will take most of your shots with the 24-70mm. Having a 70-200mm and a 16mm prime will round out your kit. I would leave the DSLR at home.

The weather on Norway's Atlantic coast often is bad--be ready for fog, rain, and generally cold and sometimes stormy weather. Get protective gear for both yourself and your camera because you might be standing on the deck in the rain taking pictures--I have. You can take great shots in the fog and rain as well. Also keep in mind that days in November are short that far north, and there will be a lot of twilight. Therefore, good low-light performance of your kit will be important, but your R5 should be able to handle that.

PS: if you have time stop in Bergen for a couple of days--a charming city. Another amazing experience is taking the train from Bergen to Oslo, perhaps with a stop at Flåm.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

On my last cruise I had my APS-C DSLR with an 18-300mm zoom for on-board, and, for off ship excursions, a DMC-ZS100 pocket camera. This served me well. Now I would carry the DCZS80. Your R5 with the 2 lenses should do well for on-board but, for me, a bit bulky for off.

petego4it Loc: NY

if you're talking about the Hurtigruten mail boat trip up the coast from Bergen, IMO this is one of a lifetime and you will have ample opportunity for shots given the many stops, islands and variety. Your two lenses should cover you if weight and bulk are a factor. I'd also consider perhaps an ultra wide angle tho and be aware there will be interesting shots at all times of day. Hope you post some results!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Since you have a 3/4rds camera, rent the Olympus 12-100 f4 Pro IS lens. That would be one body and one lens and covers the same angle of view as two of your lenses and body. If you rent the Olympus 7-14 f2.8 or Panasonic 7-14 f4 lens, that would give even better two lens coverage than your three lenses. If you have an Olympus/OMDS body, it should give you 5.5 stops or more of IS. If you body is Panasonic, I do not know how many stops of ILIS the 12-100 would provide compared to the Panasonic body's IBIS. Neither of the 7-14s have IS. Whether you take the Canon or the 4/3rds, have a great trip.

rcarol

Since this is a "cruise" with Hurtigruten, you need to understand that these are "working ferries" that also accommodate passengers. Bunks are small as are the cabins. The food is good but there is only one main course for each meal. That is, passengers don't have a choice. Some of the stops in port are very short so be mindful of the time. By the way, I used a micro 4/3rds camera on my trip and was very happy with my choice. My objective was to keep my weight as low as possible. I was 75 when I took that excursion. Have a great time. I did.

gretske Loc: Lke Murray SC

I loved the trip we took on the Flåm train and the fjord cruise. I would recommend you get a collapsable rubber lens hood so you can push it up against the window, eliminating reflections and glare from behind you. I am still going through my pictures and the trip was in 2019!

whitehall Loc: Canada

You are correct. It is Hurtigruten. The lenses I am taking are R lenses, 2.8 in order to deal with low light. As for the weather, we are Canadians-just wear our normal winter clothes.
‘

Thanks for your insights

IGW

whitehall Loc: Canada

Thanks, I do nor expect to have much time on shore, but I agree with your observation about my set up being bulky. I will add an Olympus with a 12mm (24 equivalent) lens.

IGW

mtcoothaman Loc: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I did the Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkens in May. It was fabulous and had lots of photo ops=onshore and from the boat. If you pick your onshore expeditions as well as some of the onshore breaks you will have lots to see and pics. As I recall there were 34 stops , some at night, some only a few minutes. I think I had an 18-200 mmm on an APS and it was fine.