Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a Sailing Ship

The Oslofjord Dinner Cruise offers a delightful way to explore Norway’s picturesque coastal charm. Passengers can savor a Norwegian-style seafood buffet as the sailing ship glides through the serene fjord, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. With a maximum capacity of 90 guests, the cruise combines a relaxed ambiance with the opportunity to indulge in fresh shellfish delicacies. However, as with any popular attraction, there are a few aspects that could be improved to ensure an even more memorable experience for all. Let’s take a closer look at what this unique cruise has to offer and where it could potentially enhance its offerings.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Oslo.

Key Points

• The Oslofjord Dinner Cruise is a 3-hour excursion operated by Trollcruise AS, with a maximum capacity of 90 passengers and scenic views of Oslo’s coastline.
• The cruise features a Norwegian-style seafood buffet with a variety of cold shellfish delicacies, including crayfish, crab claws, and prawns.
• The cruise departs from Rådhusbrygge 2 near City Hall at 6:30 PM and returns to the same location, providing a relaxing evening experience.
• While the cruise offers picturesque views of summer cottages and city lights, some guests have found the scenery less spectacular than expected for a fjord excursion.
• Overcrowding on the boats has been noted by some guests, leading to insufficient seating arrangements and detracting from the overall relaxing atmosphere.

Cruise Overview

The Oslofjord Dinner Cruise is an evening activity that allows travelers to explore the scenic waterway surrounding Oslo, Norway aboard a historic sailing ship.

Operated by Trollcruise AS, the cruise has a maximum capacity of 90 passengers and departs from the Rådhusbrygge 2 meeting point near City Hall.

The 3-hour excursion starts at 6:30 PM and provides guests with panoramic views of Oslo’s coastline, including quaint bathhouses and summer cottages.

Onboard, passengers can indulge in a Norwegian-style seafood buffet featuring an ‘eat as much as you want’ format.

The cruise returns to the original departure point at the end of the experience, offering a relaxing and picturesque way to spend an evening in the Norwegian capital.

Activity Highlights

One of the cruise’s main highlights is the scenic views it offers of Oslo and its picturesque surroundings along the Oslofjord.

As the vessel glides across the calm waters, passengers can take in the quaint bathhouses and charming summer cottages dotting the shoreline, as well as the stunning evening city lights.

The cruise provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the area from the comfort of the ship.

Whether it’s admiring the serene fjord landscapes or marveling at the twinkling lights of the city, the Oslofjord Dinner Cruise promises a visually captivating experience that immerses guests in the charm of Norway’s coastal setting.

Dining Experience

Upon boarding the vessel, guests can indulge in a Norwegian-style seafood buffet that features a plentiful spread of cold shellfish delicacies, including crayfish, crab claws, and succulent prawns.

The ‘eat as much as you want’ format allows travelers to savor the fresh and flavorful seafood to their heart’s content, complemented by a selection of bread, butter, green salad, dill, mayonnaise, and lemon.

The dining experience evokes a sense of abundance, with the generous seafood selection.

Freshness is highlighted as the produce is sourced locally.

Indulgence is experienced through the ‘all-you-can-eat’ style.

Delight is found as guests savor the flavors of the sea.

Vessels and Docking

Trollcruise AS operates a fleet of three distinct vessels for the Oslofjord Dinner Cruise – the SS Lady Mack, SS Vollan, and SY Johanne Marie. These boats are docked just 100 meters from the Piren bar and restaurant at Rådhusbrygge 2, also known as the City Hall pier 2.

This convenient location allows guests to easily access the vessels and embark on their scenic dinner cruise. The ships vary in size and design, but all offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with ample space for the maximum capacity of 90 travelers.

The well-maintained vessels provide a stable and secure platform for guests to savor the breathtaking views of Oslo and its surrounding fjord.

Guest Feedback: Positive Aspects

Guests frequently praise the Oslofjord Dinner Cruise’s friendly and helpful crew, who contribute to the overall positive experience. The fresh seafood and plentiful buffet also receive high marks from satisfied diners, who appreciate the ‘eat as much as you want’ format.

Plus, travelers often highlight the scenic views and relaxing ambiance of the cruise, with the provision of blankets cited as a thoughtful gesture to combat chilly weather.

Positive aspects of the experience include:

• The stunning panoramic vistas of Oslo and its picturesque shoreline

• The tranquil and serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding

• The ample food selection, catering to diverse tastes and appetites

• The attentive and accommodating staff, ensuring a memorable voyage.

Guest Feedback: Areas for Improvement

Some guests have noted areas for improvement regarding the Oslofjord Dinner Cruise’s food options and amenities. The limited buffet variety, with some finding the bread dry, has left room for expansion. Likewise, the lack of equipment for easily enjoying the seafood, such as cracking devices and bibs, has been a point of contention for some travelers. Plus, the absence of complimentary drinks, at least in the form of tap water, has been a notable omission, according to feedback.

Areas for Improvement	Guest Feedback	Operator Consideration
Buffet Variety	Limited options, dry bread	Expand menu, improve quality
Dining Amenities	Lack of seafood tools, no bibs	Provide necessary equipment
Complimentary Drinks	No free water offered	Include tap water at minimum

Common Complaints: Cruise Expectations

According to feedback, while the Oslofjord Dinner Cruise offers scenic views of Oslo’s surroundings, some travelers have felt it didn’t meet their expectations of a true fjord cruise. Instead, they have described it as a simple circle around the bay.

Mixed reviews on the scenery have also emerged, with some guests finding the landscapes less spectacular compared to other famous Norwegian fjords.

Some common complaints include:

• Disappointment that the cruise didn’t fully capture the grandeur of Norway’s iconic fjords.

• Perception that the views were less breathtaking than anticipated.

• Feeling that the experience was more of a city harbor tour rather than a true fjord excursion.

• Belief that the scenery didn’t live up to the marketing and pricing of the activity.

Common Complaints: Capacity Issues

Along With concerns over the cruise’s ability to capture the grandeur of Norway’s fjords, guests have also reported issues with the capacity of the vessels.

Some cruises have been described as overcrowded, leading to insufficient seating arrangements for all passengers.

Travelers complained that the boats appeared to be operating at or above their maximum capacity, leaving little room to move around or find a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the views.

This overcrowding detracted from the overall experience, as guests felt the cruise was too crowded and lacked the relaxing, intimate atmosphere expected of a fjord cruise.

Addressing capacity limitations could help improve guest satisfaction and ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruise Suitable for Young Children?

The cruise may not be the most suitable for young children, as the focus is on a seafood-heavy dinner buffet and scenic views rather than family-friendly activities. Families with young kids may want to consider other options that cater more to their needs.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on Board?

Passengers are generally not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board. The cruise provides a Norwegian-style seafood buffet, but additional drinks, including alcoholic options, must be purchased separately from the cruise operator.

Are There Any Restrictions on Dietary Requirements?

The cruise operator generally accommodates dietary restrictions if notified in advance. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options may be available, but guests should check with the operator before booking to ensure their needs can be met.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?

There is no strict dress code for the cruise. Passengers can wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Some choose to dress up a bit, but the overall atmosphere is relaxed and informal.

Can I Buy Tickets on the Day of the Cruise?

Yes, you can typically buy tickets on the day of the cruise, but availability may be limited. It’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons or popular cruise times.

Recap

The Oslofjord Dinner Cruise provides a delightful evening of fine dining and scenic views along Oslo’s picturesque coastline.

Guests can savor a Norwegian-style seafood buffet while admiring the charming summer cottages and landscapes from the comfort of a sailing ship.

While the small vessel capacity may cause occasional overcrowding, the cruise generally offers a memorable experience to explore Norway’s coastal allure.