Brim Explorer · Strandkaien, Stavanger
Brim Explorer's MS Brim is a hybrid-electric catamaran with two indoor saloons and three outdoor decks, sailing from Strandkaien to Preikestolen and the Whisky Falls. Pick it for the live English-speaking guide, which none of the other big boats offers, at the lowest from-price of any trip here.
Brim Explorer runs quiet hybrid and electric ships on Norway's fjords, and in Stavanger it runs the MS Brim, a three-level catamaran. Brim's own page says 25 to 50 percent of each trip runs on the electric motor, which cuts the engine noise for you and the underwater noise for the porpoises. Inside are two warm saloons with floor-to-ceiling windows and toilets; outside, three decks. An onboard café sells local snacks and drinks, and tap water and Wi-Fi are free.
The difference is the guide. Instead of an audio track, a guide talks you through Stavanger, the islands, the geology and the stories, live and in English. The route is the classic one: past the islands, Vagabond's Cave (the listing says you visit it with the guide), Preikestolen and Hengjanefossen. Guests often single out the guide.
Check the season before you plan around it. Brim's site gives the Stavanger season as 18 May to 30 August, with sailings at 10:00 and 14:30, so outside summer pick the electric cruise instead. Like every Stavanger cruise it turns at the Whisky Falls, about a third of the way in, and cloud can swallow Pulpit Rock: one guest who loved the trip still saw it in a whiteout. Brim charges NOK 890 for adults booked direct, with a 48-hour refund rule; GetYourGuide sells it from $83 with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Go to the pier just before the Stavanger tourist information on Strandkaien. Brim asks you to arrive 15 minutes early.
The guide starts on Stavanger and the islands as you head for the Lysefjord Bridge.
Vagabond's Cave, Preikestolen 604 m up, then Hengjanefossen. Step out on a deck for each.
The ship turns at the falls. Time for the café and questions for the guide on the way home.
★★★★★Highlight of the whole holiday, the trip was excellent from start to finish, highly recommended
★★★★★A lovely little ship, expert friendly crew and guide, beautiful weather and the Norwegian fjords!
★★★★★The tour was fantastic, our guide gave us so much interesting facts around Stavanger, the fjord and much more.
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Brim's site gives the Stavanger season as 18 May to 30 August, at 10:00 and 14:30, each lasting 3.5 hours. Outside summer, Rødne's electric cruise runs all year.
No, it's a hybrid. Brim says 25 to 50 percent of the trip runs on the electric motor, with the rest on the engine.
Yes, a live English-speaking guide. That's the main reason to choose it over the other big boats, which use audio guides.
No. Brim doesn't allow outside food or drink. The café sells local snacks and drinks, and tap water is free.
Ready to book
A summer cruise from mid-May to late August: 3.5 hours on a quiet hybrid ship with a live English guide.
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