PROGRAM STAFF
Brand g Vacations Tour Leaders will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
CONTACTING HOME
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your domestic carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
INTERNET ACCESS
The Brand g Vacations included hotels offer free internet and Wi-Fi access. The ship offers an initial free Wi-Fi voucher and has upgrade packages available to purchase.
CURRENCY AND MONEY MATTERS
The official currency used in the Norway is the Norwegian Krone and in Iceland it is the Icelandic Króna. The currency onboard the World Navigator is the US Dollar.
The ship operates on a ‘cashless’ system and all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard account. While onboard, guests will sign for all purchases and pay their charges at the end of the cruise in Cash (Euros only) or with a credit card; cards accepted are American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Credit cards will be charged in US Dollars. Cash is also accepted for settling the onboard account.
ATMs: ATM’s connected to bank networks such as PLUS or Cirrus are widely available in most major metropolitan areas, airports, city centers, and some hotels. Fees for transactions vary. ATMs are not available onboard the ship and may be limited in the smaller towns and villages along the river. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be used. It is also recommended that guests bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling.
We recommend that you change or withdraw enough local currency while in larger cities, as ATMs and banks may not be readily available in some of the smaller towns along the itinerary. Also, we recommend that you not carry bills in large denominations, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break the larger bills into smaller denominations for you.
Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards internationally. American Express is accepted at most major hotels and large vendors. Smaller vendors and particularly restaurants may not accept American Express for payment. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express cards are all accepted onboard.
There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred (especially for small purchases) or where a card cannot be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least one major credit card as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your credit or debit cards overseas.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
SMOKING
On the ship, smoking is allowed only in designated areas on open decks. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT

All rooms on the ship include both 110/220v outlet, as well as a USB port.
The voltage in hotels is 220v, European Standard. To use any electrical products from the US or Canada you will need a plug adaptor and any device that is not dual voltage will require an electrical converter. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however, please check the manufacturer’s specifications for specific details.
EXCURSIONS
Your tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Excursions vary in difficulty level. Specific excursion information can be found in the daily itinerary. Your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Tour Leader.
ETIQUETTE
Some temples, Churches, Mosques, and other tourist attractions may require a dress code. If you plan to bring a cell phone or tablet on excursions, please ensure it is set to “silent.” Guides will alert you when photos and/or flash photos are not allowed.
FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Most host hotels are fitted with elevators for guest use however some rooms may have to be reached via stairs. The ship has elevators however, embarkation/disembarkation facilities may also be difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or walkers. The cruise line does not accept guide or support dogs. Electric mobility scooters or any other mobility mechanical devices are NOT permitted for use on the ship.
Some of the places we visit on this itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Please note: the American with Disabilities Act does not apply in Europe and accessibility to some sights may be limited for those with mobility impairments. Excursions may involve walking over uneven ground and some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g Vacations reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a passenger to end their trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
SECURITY
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. When sailing, please lock cabin doors, reducing the opportunity for theft. Cabins are fitted with safes for personal use. Brand g Vacations cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from the ship, from a hotel, or while on an excursion ashore during a voyage. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
WATER
Drinking water is provided in your stateroom for your comfort.
WEATHER
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
Average temperatures
Bergen, Norway: 63/45 degrees F
Reykjavik, Iceland: 54/39 degrees F
WHAT TO BRING
Travel Essentials:
When preparing for the journey, it’s essential to consider the fluctuating weather conditions. Despite Iceland’s reputation for cold temperatures, the Gulf Stream current can bring mild weather. However, rapid changes in weather are common, so it’s advisable to pack strategically. Key items include warm clothing such as a fleece jacket, down or fleece vest, waterproof jacket, rain pants, thermal underwear, sweaters, gloves, scarves, and a hat to ensure comfort in various conditions. Sturdy footwear is essential, with waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots recommended due to Iceland’s rainy and snowy weather.
Accessories like touchscreen gloves, sunglasses, and an easily storable umbrella are important for protection against wind, rain, and sunlight. For those planning to visit Iceland’s famous thermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, swimsuits and cover-ups are a must. It’s also recommended to bring a high-definition camera to capture the stunning landscapes, along with a portable charger and outlet adapter for electronic devices.
Carrying a waterproof bag is advisable for outdoor activities to protect valuables, while sunscreen is essential for prolonged exposure to sunlight. To stay hydrated with Iceland’s pure drinking water, travelers should bring a refillable water bottle. Finally, a zip-up backpack is convenient for carrying essential items while exploring, ensuring it’s not oversized to avoid discomfort. By following these packing suggestions, travelers can be well-prepared for the dynamic weather and diverse activities that Iceland offers.
Clothing: Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program; however, you may wish to pack a few nicer outfits for evening meals or nights out on your own. Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate both on shore and on board. A mix of shirts, everyday slacks/pants, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts are appropriate for both land and cruise. Early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces may also require a light sweater.
Footwear: Sturdy, warm and comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, are highly recommended, as there is a significant amount of walking on many excursions.