Mandy Connell Adventure – Norway
Hello Potential Trip Buddies!
It’s time to plan the next Mandy Connell Adventure and this is another GREAT one that has been on my bucket list for SO LONG. This time we are headed north to some of the most beautiful places in the world, but not before we visit one of the greatest cities in the world, and I’d love for you to join me, Chuck, and The Q as we venture to…NORWAY! I’ve always wanted to visit the fjords and just found out that Norway is shutting down ship traffic to some of the most beautiful fjords, so NOW is the time! And in typical Cruise & Tour fashion, they added a stop in London before we head to Norway, for a dose of history and fish and chips (Chuck is very excited about fish and chips). This trip is going to be outstanding, and you definitely don’t want to miss it.
We will fly June 5, 2024, to London and start the trip with a bus tour that takes us to the Changing of the Guards, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey before we even head to our hotel home for the next two nights. You’ll have plenty of free time the next day before our authentic fish and chips dinner at a real British pub. Then we head to Southampton to board the stunning Celebrity Apex, one of the brand-new Edge class of ships on my favorite cruise line. Have you ever wanted to walk through a fairy tale? Luckily our first destination is beautiful Bruges, Belgium, a medieval town with canal tours and most importantly, Belgian waffles! Our next stop is through a UNESCO Heritage Fjord that takes us to Flam, where we will travel to the top of the fjord in a morning tour before hitting some kayaks to paddle our way through the fjord. Then we are off to Olden where you could hike to Briksdal Glacier or tour ancient churches. For our final Norwegian stop, we sail our way up a fjord to a former Viking village called Bergen, where you can visit another UNESCO Heritage site in the port town of Bryggen, where winding cobblestone streets take you back in time. We sail back to Southampton and then fly home on June 15th.
Just like always, Cruise & Tour has taken care of every detail, so you just have to show up, check your luggage, and have a blast! All transportation, transfers, tips, and accommodations are taken care of, along with most meals. If you’ve never traveled with Cruise & Tour, I must warn you, they will spoil you so much you won’t want to travel any other way.
One more point, though the destination is fantastic, the best part of these trips is always your fellow passengers! Chuck and I have made so many wonderful friends on these trips and can’t wait to meet each and every one of you. We can also tell you who the troublemakers are who have traveled with us before because you’re definitely going to want to hang out with them.
Jeg håper jammen du vil bli med meg til Norge!
(I’ve been working on my Norwegian, but if you haven’t, I highly recommend Google Translate!)
Mandy & Chuck
Meet Your Host… Mandy Connell has been in talk radio for over 20 years. She’s hosted #1 rated programs in Fort Myers/Naples, Louisville, Kentucky, and now Denver. She was recently named Talk Radio Woman of the Year 2022 by Talkers Magazine.
She’s a Mom to Ryan, Phil, and The Q and a wife to Chuck, who has far more personality than she does. Speaking of Chuck, he’s a native of Athens, Ohio, and a graduate of Ohio University (Go Bobcats!). He’s Retired Army, claims five kids as his, and loves a great conversation about anything but sports and politics.
Quinlan (The Q) is joining us on this trip! She's very into volleyball, tennis, music, and reading, and she loves her dog, Jinx.
Per Person Double Occupancy
$6,799
Single Supplement: $2,999
(Limited Availability)
June 5-15, 2024
11 Days / 9 Nights
Itinerary
Depart Denver
Depart Denver and travel over the English Channel to London!
Arrive in London
Arrive this morning in London. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of London**** including Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, St James Park, Big Ben Trafalgar Square, and the Westminster area. Tonight, dine like a local as you enjoy a traditional fish & chip dinner at a local pub. Cheers! (D)
London – Yours to Explore
Today is yours to explore as you choose. Indulge in Harrods shopping, ride the London Eye, explore the Tower of London, or enjoy a theater performance. (B)
Embark on the Celebrity Apex
This morning, journey to Southampton, England, renowned for its coastline, the home of Queen Mary 2, and its pivotal role as the WWII staging area for the Normandy attack on D-Day. From here, you’ll embark on the Celebrity Apex, commencing your voyage to Norway. (B, L, D)
Bruges (Zeebrugge) Belgium
Take this day to immerse yourself in the charm of Bruges, an enchanting medieval town with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and picturesque scenery. Whether wandering through markets, relaxing at a café in the lively square, or visiting museums, there’s plenty to enjoy. Additionally, Celebrity offers a selection of excursions to enhance your experience. (B, L, D)
Featured Event: Cocktails with Mandy – Get to know Mandy, Chuck, and fellow KOA listeners over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Day at Sea
Today is all about indulging in the Ship’s finest offerings! Whether you’re lounging by the pool with a book, treating yourself to a spa experience, or exploring the twenty-nine restaurants, bars, and lounges aboard the Apex, the choice is yours to make the most of your day! (B, L, D)
Featured Event: Mandy Q&A – Today is your chance to peel back the curtain and ask Mandy your most burning questions. Everything is fair game! Well… almost everything.
Flam, Norway
Seize the chance to savor the charm of Flam, a quaint village nestled deep within Aurlandsfjord and renowned for the Flam railway. As you wander, remember that Flam served as the inspiration for the beloved Disney movie – Frozen! You can opt to explore the surroundings on a hike, unwind in the saunas, or savor local delights like the Viking Plank. (B, L, D)
Olden, Norway
Today, venture into a 17th-century picturesque town nestled at the tip of Nordfjord and the mouth of Oldeelva river. This village is cocooned between towering mountains, serene glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, offering a blend of history and natural splendor. (B, L, D)
Featured Event: Your choice of Glacier Experience (scenic boat cruise or kayaking) – Begin your day on the glacier water of Lake Lodalen, renowned for its awe-inspiring mountains, waterfalls, and the famed Kjenndal glacier. Later, embark on a Troll Car journey, immersing yourself in majestic mountain surroundings as you step onto Briksdal Glacier and explore Jostedal Glacier National Park.
Bergen, Norway
Experience Bergen, the Heart of the Fjords, where you can explore Bryggen Wharf for local artist souvenirs or sample salmon and fish soup at the Fish Market. Dive into Viking history as Bergen was home to the first royal Viking farms, Alrekstad, featuring figures like Harald Hairfair (TC Series Vikings), Eirik Blodoks (Blood Axe), Hakon the Good, and Olva. The choice is yours, with no limits on exploration! (B, L, D)
Featured Event: Farewell Cocktails & Music – Tonight gather one last time with new friends and old over drinks and a live band. Skål! (That roughly translates to “Cheers!” in Norwegian).
Day at Sea
Make the most of your ship time today, whether it’s trying your luck at the Vegas-style Casino, enjoying the serene resort deck with its rooftop garden and boundless ocean views, catching a theater performance, or exploring the diverse dining options among the twenty-nine restaurant, bars, and lounges on the Apex. (B, L, D)
Disembark and Depart for home
This morning, disembark from the Apex and travel back to London, carrying memories of your remarkable voyage to Norway as you prepare to fly home. (B)
Inclusions
Included
- Economy class roundtrip international airfare from Denver (DEN)*
- Premium hotel accommodations in London and aboard the Celebrity Apex
- All ground transportation
- Expert English-speaking guides
- 24 Meals (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners)
- Classic Beverage Package and Basic Wi-Fi Package*****
- Gratuities for cruise staff, drivers, and local guides
- Taxes and fees as of 8/23/23
- Complete services of Cruise & Tour, including Tour Director
| *Other gateways may be available upon request. Additional charges may apply. |
Extraordinary Experiences
- Cocktails with your host, Mandy Connell.
- Get to know Mandy during a Q&A session.
- Experience a glacier your way – choose from a scenic cruise or kayaking!
Not Included
- Increases in taxes, fees, or surcharges after 8/23/23
- Travel Insurance
- Air upgrades
- Airline baggage fees
- Optional tours
- ETIAS authorization
- Items of a personal nature
Activity Level 2
As this tour requires average physical activity, participants should be in overall good health, standing for periods of time, climbing stairs, and able to walk longer distances over level and uneven surfaces.
Testimonials
Celebrity Apex
Rates
| Oceanview | Per Person Double Occupancy | $6,799 |
| Oceanview | Single Supplement - limited availability | $2,999 |
| Concierge Class with Veranda | Per Person Double Occupancy | $7,599 |
| Concierge Class with Veranda | Single Supplement - limited availability | $3,499 |
| AquaClass with Veranda | Per Person Double Occupancy | $8,699 |
| Sunset Sky Suite with Veranda | Per Person Double Occupancy | $10,799 |
| Celebrity Suite with Veranda | Per Person Double Occupancy | $13,599 |
| Business Class Air Upgrade | Per Person | $6,199 |
| Optional Tour to Bath & Stonehenge | Per Person | $330 |
| Travel Insurance | Per Person | Quoted at time of Booking |
Deposit/Payment
- A $1,000 per person deposit is required with your reservation.
- A second deposit in the amount of $2,000 is due 11/8/23.
- Final payment is due 2/6/24. All payments can be made by credit card or check.
Cancellation/Refund
- Your initial $1,000 deposit is refundable through 11/7/23, less a $500 per person cancellation fee.
- Between 11/8/23 and 2/6/24, the cancellation charge is 50% of the deposits paid.
- After 2/6/24 or non-appearance on departure day, 100% of the cost of your travel arrangements is forfeited.
How to Book
- Call Cruise & Tour at (800) 383-3131 or REQUEST A CALL
- Ask to have a place held on this trip
- You will receive an email with a link to our online registration form
Fill it out and you’re in!
It’s that easy. Give us a call today!
Travel Insurance Information
Worldwide Trip Protector
Cruise & Tour recommends that you purchase travel insurance.
To purchase travel protection insurance:
- Click here to view and print the Travel Insured International brochure which has a brief summary of coverage.
- After making your travel reservation and deposit, a Cruise & Tour representative will create an insurance quote for you. You will receive that travel insurance quote from Travel Insured International Customer Care.
- From here you will be able to view the quote, add additional coverage options such as Cancel for Any Reason, and purchase your policy all in the Travel Insured International Portal.
Please Note: Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion will be waived if you purchase the protection plan within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment. Options such as Cancel for Any Reason or Interrupt for Any Reason must also be purchased within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment.
To view and print the Explanation of Benefits, click here.
Cancellation/Interruption