| We were there Summer 07.
Ferry from Newcastle to Bergen was a very long one. We took cars loaded up with the kit, leaving on a Friday. Overnight in scummy cabins is a needs must situation. The cabins sleep up to four so you can cut costs by sharing. We left Newcastle about midday and arrived Bergen late afternoon the following day. Take plenty to read, an ipod or similar, and loads of cash as the ferry is Norwegian prices. They even charged £1.00 for a cup of hot water. Food is reasonable quality but very expensive. Be very careful with alcohol on the ferry. The Norwegian Police breath tested nearly everyone driving/riding off the ferry in Norway at Stavanger, one of the stops before Bergen.
We saved on accomodation as we got straight on to the liverboard on the Saturday PM. Our boats skipper knew of a carpark across Bergen which he directed us to. It was secure and the car was unscathed when we collected it a week later. It is walking distance from the berths. You don't seem to see things like grafitti in Norway. No litter, the place seems less crowded and you get a good sense of security you don't often experience in the UK. It generally feels cleaner as well; maybe just my perception though.
Diving was brilliant and we arrived back in Bergen on the Saturday, again staying on the liveaboard as there were no new customers arriving. There were plenty of hotels in Bergen, though we didn't go in any. Expect mega prices everywhere though. Food and drinks that night alone came to a scary number!
Bergen has to be one of the most beautiful cities I've been in, you can't fail to be impressed by it. We spent the Saturday wandering around the markets, museums and sites before catching the ferry back in the late afternoon. Again, the return journey just goes on and on arriving in Newcastle on Sunday evening.
Sorry I can't be any more help with accomodation other than there appeared to be loads, unfortunately, just expect premium prices as Norway has a very high cost of living compared to what we're used to in the UK.
Hope you enjoy the trip.
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Martin |