norwegian fjords cruise best

Accessibility Links

20 of the best Norwegian fjords cruises

Norway is a place of staggering natural beauty, from fjords and snow-capped peaks to the northern lights. these are the voyages and cruise lines that showcase them best.

N orway has the world’s largest concentration of fjords — as well some of the biggest and deepest. These natural marvels were carved out when Ice Age glaciers retreated and created an awe-inspiring contrast of snowy mountain peaks and sheer rock faces plunging into clear azure waters. Norway is also prime territory to spy the northern lights dancing across the polar sky and, come summer, experience the round-the-clock daylight of the midnight sun. Accommodation and food is pricey here, so a holiday afloat will keep costs down and you’ve got plenty of cruise lines to choose from. Here are some of the best.

Main photo: cruising on Geiranger Fjord (Alamy)

1. Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is a pioneer of cruising the Norwegian fjords. Its history goes back to 1893 when the company was founded to provide a daily passenger service for locals and deliver freight to inaccessible towns and villages along the length of the coast. These days the 11-night original route, from Bergen to Kirkenes, is available on passenger vessels, with the voyage passing about 100 fjords with 34 stops along the way. Ships hug the coastline so there’s always something to see and, on selected sailings, Hurtigruten’s northern lights promise means you get another sailing for free if the aurora borealis don’t put on a show.

Best suited to 14+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

hurtigruten.co.uk

Advertisement

2. Saga Cruises

Saga’s two 999-passenger ships, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, get brownie points for their size; they’re small enough to dock at towns and quays that larger vessels simply can’t reach. The adult-only line’s fjords cruises include overnight stays in towns such as Flam and Geiranger, providing plenty of time for excursions — one being a trip on the Flamsbana Railway, which is one of the steepest in the world. Dedicated northern lights sailings visit at peak time and shore tours seek out viewing spots that provide the best chance of seeing them.

Best suited to 50+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

travel.saga.co.uk

The all-inclusive line Scenic is launching its second ocean ship, Scenic Eclipse II, to join its original namesake vessel Scenic Eclipse. The 228-passenger vessels combine all the trappings of luxury with the thrill of expedition sailing in Norway. Soar above cascading waterfalls in one of the two onboard helicopters or dip underwater to get a different perspective of the fjords from the Scenic Neptune submarine, which can carry six passengers and dive to depths of nearly 300m (1,000ft). Back on the ship, chill out in the champagne bar or back in your spacious suite — some have private hot tubs.

Best suited to 18+ Price £££ Family-friendly N

scenic.co.uk

4. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

This line is a natural choice for a fjords itinerary just as it was in 1848 when the Olsen family started sailing commercial ships in their homeland. The Olsen Art Studio has been introduced on the latest ships in the fleet, Borealis and Bolette, and they’re used for classes such as painting the northern lights. Fred Olsen’s smaller ships are perfectly proportioned for navigating the narrow waterways, and passengers can get even closer to the scenery with an exhilarating ride on the inflatable RIB boats, now carried on all of its vessels.

As its name suggests, this is another line with a Scandinavian pedigree. Viking’s carefully curated Norway cruises feature longer port calls and overnight stays that take advantage of the midnight sun in summertime and northern lights-spotting opportunities in winter. The fleet of near-identical adult-only ships all feature a Mamsen’s restaurant, named in honour of owner Tor Hagen’s mother. The 14-night Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer itinerary crosses the Arctic Circle to visit the far north.

Best suited to 18+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

vikingcruises.co.uk

6. Holland America Line

The Unesco-listed landscape of Geirangerfjord is lined with dramatic waterfalls and it winds for nine miles, plunging to depths of 500m (1,640ft). You can see it in style from the decks or balconies on Holland America Line’s new music-themed, 2,668-passenger flagship Rotterdam — the seventh vessel to bear the historic name for Holland America — with itineraries that include midnight sun sailings. Shore trips include Eidfjord, with the chance to go kayaking or sit back and enjoy a scenic drive to a cider and apple brandy factory.

Best suited to 16+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

hollandamerica.com

7. Windstar Cruises

After a bow-to-stern renovation on Windstar’s all-suite 312-guest Star Legend, passengers can now glide through the fjords in refined comfort. Kayaking, biking, walking and small-boat excursions are among the options to fill your lungs with fresh Norwegian air. View one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock, on an RIB excursion along the Lysefjord. Look out for sea eagles, seals or porpoises before gazing at the vertiginous rock that projects out from the rock face 600m (1,969ft) above the fjord.

Best suited to 21+ Price £££ Family-friendly N

windstarcruises.com

8. National Geographic Expeditions

This cruise line gives you the chance to join a National Geographic photographer and get tips on taking the best snaps on shore tours and in the onboard photo workshop. Begin by focusing on the Crayola-coloured wooden houses in Bergen — the starting point for sailings that follow the fjords to Tromso on the 126-passenger Endurance, the first polar-class new-build ship in the company’s history, or Resolution. Cruises are operated in partnership with the experienced small-ship specialist Lindblad Expeditions.

Best suited to 40+ Price £££ Family-friendly N

nationalgeographic.com

Upmarket Cunard is renowned for cultural immersion. Expect shore excursions in Bergen to include a visit to the former home of the composer Edvard Grieg with a concert in the unusual, turf-covered Troldsalen concert hall. Sailings are available on Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, including a week-long Southampton round-trip fjords itinerary. Cruises follow Viking trading routes along the 1,300m (4,300ft)-deep Sogneford — dubbed King of the Fjords because it’s the largest and deepest in Norway.

Best suited to 12+ Price £££ Family-friendly Y

10. P&O Cruises

Sail from Southampton on a choice of four P&O ships, including the 5,200-passenger Iona which is one of the largest cruise ships built specifically for UK cruisers. Families and multi-generational groups can opt for a school holiday cruise and there are also sailings on the line’s adult-only vessels Arcadia and Aurora. Scenic sailing is combined with plenty of opportunities to go ashore with stops including pretty Stavanger, the gateway to the fjords.

Best suited to six months+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

11. Ambassador Cruise Line

The newest British cruise line in more than a decade provides a great-value cruise experience on the 1,400-passenger Ambience with a second ship, the 1,200-passenger Ambition, joining the fleet in 2023. You can enjoy cruises to the Norwegian fjords with no-fly sailings from Tilbury. These cruises are primarily aimed at the mature market, though you can expect the addition of special multi-generational cruises to Norway during the summer holidays.

Best suited to 50+ Price £ Family-friendly N

ambassadorcruiseline.com

12. Seabourn

This is another line with a Norwegian heritage and specialises in ultra-luxury cruising on its fleet of small ships. The 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation offers a range of Norwegian itineraries including the epic 25-night Iceland, North Cape & Majestic Fjords sailing. The Ventures by Seabourn programme provides exciting excursions such as an exhilarating Zodiac boat trip to Storstappen Islands, home to thousands of puffins, snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog and reindeer sledding.

Best suited to 21+ Price £££ Family-friendly N seabourn.com

13. Princess Cruises

Princess has round-trip sailings from Southampton on its cruise ships Sky Princess and Island Princess, with a range of quirky excursions. Our favourite? The chance to take a leisurely walk with llamas through fjord meadows. You’ll wander from the hamlet of Skjolden and follow trails set against a backdrop of some of the highest peaks in Europe. For something more conventional, there’s a stroll around Unesco-world heritage Bryggen, a medieval port founded by wealthy merchants and lined with paintbox-coloured wooden buildings.

14. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian’s latest vessel is a Prima Class ship carrying 3,215 passengers. Features include infinity pools and a glass-walled sauna in the outdoor spa — the perfect hot spot to watch the cool passing scenery. It will sail to Norway and its 2023 itineraries will also feature sailings from Southampton. Stops are set to include the coastal village of Maloy, a mile-long silver sand beach that’s considered one of the most stirring places in Norway to brave a bracing plunge.

Best suited to 6 months+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

15. Celebrity Cruises

Get a unique panoramic view of the fjords from the 2,900-passenger Celebrity Apex. An innovative feature on this ship is the Magic Carpet, a glass-sided cantilevered platform projecting from the side of the vessel that can be raised up and down between different decks and is variously used as a bar and restaurant. Alternatively, sail out of Southampton on round-trip Norwegian cruises on Celebrity Silhouette. Both vessels feature The Retreat, an exclusive area for suite passengers, with its own sun deck, restaurant and lounge.

Best suited to 3+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

Havila mirrors Hurtigruten and carries cruise passengers and locals between Bergen and Kirkenes on eco-friendly ships that can sail for up to four hours on battery power. There is a big accent on Norwegian cuisine and dishes on the menu change every couple of days to reflect the destinations being visited — they even include tasting-sized plates so you can try a bit of everything. If you don’t see the northern lights on sailings from October 1 to March 31 you’ll get another cruise free of charge.

www.havilavoyages.com

You’ll travel to this part of the world in style with the French line Ponant. Norwegian voyages feature a selection of no-fly cruises from Scotland and some sailings are run in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel offshoot of the renowned Smithsonian Institution. These cruises are specifically tailored for English-speaking passengers and include talks and discussions with world-class experts, plus a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that reflects the local environment and culture. New itineraries include the ten-night Nordic Discoveries & Traditions sailing and gastronomy-themed cruises.

Best suited to 3+ Price £££ Family-friendly Y

uk.ponant.com

18. MSC Cruises

MSC’s bright and blingy cruise ships provide a perfect floating home for families, couples and friends looking for a fun-filled holiday while enjoying some of the world’s most striking natural landscapes. The wide age range of MSC passengers means there are plenty of shore tours to pick from which span leisurely walking tours to exciting activities such as e-biking in Tromso, exploring Bergen on a Segway and stand up paddle boarding in Alesund. MSC offers the flexibility of being able to join cruises at ports located across Norway or sailing from Southampton.

Best suited to 6 months+ Price £ Family-friendly Y

19. Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys, which is a luxury offshoot of the MSC Group, makes its debut in July 2023. The maiden voyage of the 922-passenger Explora 1, which will be followed by second ship Explora II in 2024, is a sailing from Southampton to the Norwegian fjords with other trips to the region during the inaugural season. Itineraries feature longer stays and overnights in ports to provide passengers with more time to explore ashore. An extensive choice of excursions ranges from energetic hiking, kayaking and horse riding treks to thrilling helicopter rides over the fjords and coastline.

explorajourneys.com

20. Swan Hellenic

The Swan Hellenic name was revived in 2020, marking the return of the 70-year-old discovery cruise brand under new ownership and with new ships. Launching in April 2023 is the line’s third boutique expedition vessel, SH Diana, which carries 192 passengers and has an ice-strengthened hull to explore some of the world’s most remote regions. Multiple observation points provide you with the best views of the Norwegian scenery. The ship has a hybrid engine to allow for silent sailing through the fjords such as the Trollfjorden with the chance to spot white-tailed eagles soaring overhead.

Best suited to 21+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

swanhellenic.com

Take me there

Inspired to visit Norway but yet to book your trip? Here are the best cruise options from Fred Olsen and Imagine Cruising , as well as the best Norway tours from our trusted partners.

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• 00800 0310 21 21

• Featured Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Hidden Gems
• Departure Ports
• View Cruises

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

• Email Sign Up For Special Offers
• Phone Let Us Call You

Experience Norway’s spectacular fjords with Norwegian Cruise Line.

On your cruise to Norway, explore a fairytale landscape of cascading waterfalls, lush forests and rugged mountains that seemingly slide into the sea. From fly fishing and kayaking to hiking and more, this country truly is an outdoor playground with a diverse lineup of activities. Tour picturesque villages, including Geiranger , and vibrant cities like Olso where you can dive into Viking history, savour local cuisine and enjoy a glimpse of local culture set against a spectacular natural backdrop - all on one unforgettable cruise holiday.

About NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISES

Unpack Once and Experience the Best of Norway

Enjoy front-row seats to incredible vistas whilst cruising Norway's dramatic fjords. Serene waters, rugged cliffs rising from the sea and unlimited outdoor adventures await your discovery. View Europe's largest mainland glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, located outside Måløy. Enjoy a boating tour of Hardangerfjord - one of the world's longest fjords - and hike through lush forests to towering waterfalls.

Cruise from Bangkok , Hong Kong or Singapore and immerse yourself in the natural beauty, dramatic history and rich cultures of Southeast Asia on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. In Phuket , visit historic Buddhist temples or splash the day away on some of Thailand’s most spectacular beaches. At the Samui Elephant Sanctuary on the island of Ko Samui , learn about these incredible animals during close-up encounters. Explore traditional kampung  (villages) in Langkawi or journey inland and hike among waterfalls and hot springs.

Dive Deeper into the Country's History and Culture

Famous for its stunning art nouveau architecture, Ålesund stretches across seven islands and is surrounded by natural beauty. Tour the city's historical churches and unique architecture or reel in a grand adventure in what is considered Norway's fishing capital. Then in Oslo, explore the city's historic roots with a visit to the Viking Ships Museum which includes three well-preserved Viking-era burial ships.

Enjoy front-row seats to incredible vistas while cruising Norway’s dramatic fjords. Serene waters, rugged cliffs rising from the sea, and unlimited outdoor adventures await your discovery. View Europe’s largest mainland glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, located outside Måløy. Enjoy a boating tour of Hardangerfjord — one of the world’s longest fjords — and hike through lush forests to towering waterfalls.

Remarkable Port Cities Cruises to Norwegian Fjords

Kristiansand, Norway

Geiranger, Norway

Bergen, Norway

Oslo, Norway

Delightful shore excursions on norwegian fjords cruises.

Discover More of Norway with a Shore Excursion

Uncover the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Norway's fjords or journey into the region's dramatic past whilst exploring Viking history on a shore excursion with Norwegian.

Uncover Hidden Gems On A Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Alesund, Norway

Cruise to Alesund, one of Norway's most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style.

Bruges, Belgium

The ultimate European city, Brussels has tonnes of museums, fountains, gardens and great shopping.

Cruise to Norwegian Fjords FROM COPENHAGEN

Before embarking on your fjords cruise, experience all Copenhagen has to offer. With 250 miles of bike lanes, the city is ideal for touring and riding alongside its peaceful canals. Stroll along one of Europe's longest pedestrian-only shopping avenues, Strøget. Then visit some of Copenhagen’s historic sites including the 17th century Rosenborg Castle.

We’ve revamped everything from the carpets to the chandeliers and created brand new places and spaces in one of our most extensive ship renovation yet. Unwind in luxury and enjoy the breathtaking views from your spacious balcony in the new, exquisitely finished Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites. The brand-new Pit Stop, a 1950’s American bar, takes you back to the era when classic cars sported chrome finishes. And dance the night away at Bliss Ultra Lounge, the newest hot spot on the club scene. Come aboard the newly polished Norwegian Jewel and see what makes her shine.

We’ve revamped everything from the carpets to the chandeliers and created brand new places and spaces in one of our most extensive ship renovations yet. Unwind in luxury and enjoy the breathtaking views from your spacious balcony in the new, magnificently refinished staterooms. Savor every bite at six new restaurants, including the addition of our fine Italian outlet, Onda by Scarpetta. And dance the night away at Bliss Ultra Lounge, the newest hot spot on the club scene. Come aboard the exquisitely updated Norwegian Spirit, completely reimagined from the outside in.

Explore Our Norwegian Fjords CRUISE ITINERARIES

5 Best Norwegian Fjord Cruises

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

We share the best Norwegian Fjord cruises so you can choose the best option for your trip. This includes prices, ship types, and their pros and cons.

Picture yourself sailing on quiet waters, with giant cliffs and beautiful waterfalls all around. This is what it’s like to go on a Norwegian Fjord Cruise, where you can see some of the most amazing sights in the world. Planning a cruise holiday can be a challenge, especially if it is your first cruise, but these are some great options for you.

Norwegian fjords are famous for their big, beautiful views and are perfect for people who love nature and want to go on an adventure. In this article, we will talk about the top 5 Norwegian Fjord Cruises.

Each one gives you a special chance to see incredible places and lovely scenery.

On the cruise ship, you’ll get to see the best of what nature has made, and these memories will stick with you forever. Getting ready for this amazing trip means packing the right things.

Knowing the right cruise must-haves can make your trip even more enjoyable. So, come along as we go through Norway’s most beautiful natural spots and find out what’s best about Norwegian Cruises.

Why Choose a Norwegian Fjord Cruise

Going on a Norwegian Fjord Cruise is like being in a beautiful picture come to life. You’ll see some of the most stunning parts of nature on this kind of trip. These cruises mix amazing views, peaceful sailing, and a special chance to feel close to nature.

The fjords in Norway, with their tall cliffs, green hills, and deep blue water, are incredibly beautiful. The view changes at every corner.

While on a Norwegian Fjord Cruise, you don’t just see the amazing fjords but you will also visit cute little villages and lively cities along the coast. These places show you Norway’s rich history and culture, from old Viking stories to how people in Norway live today.

The fjords are usually very calm, like a mirror, so the boat ride is smooth. This is great for people who haven’t been on a cruise before.

Plus, The peaceful fjords are perfect for relaxing and thinking, and many people choose these cruises to take a break from their busy lives.

Best Norwegian Fjord Cruises

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten stands out as a premier choice for exploring the Norwegian fjords, offering an authentic and immersive experience. Known as “The World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage,” Hurtigruten provides a unique journey along Norway’s stunning coastline.

This cruise line is renowned for its smaller, more intimate ships that navigate closer to the fjord walls, offering unrivaled views and a closer connection to nature.

The Hurtigruten voyage is more than just a cruise; it’s an exploration into the heart of Norway’s natural beauty. The journey takes you through narrow passages and tranquil waters, showcasing the best of the fjords’ dramatic landscapes.

Along the way, you’ll visit remote villages and bustling coastal towns, gaining insights into the local culture and history.

What sets Hurtigruten apart is its focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the pristine beauty of the fjords is preserved for future generations.

With its unique itineraries and commitment to responsible tourism, Hurtigruten offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the Norwegian fjords in depth.

Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises delivers an experience of luxury and tranquility, perfect for travelers who value comfort and a touch of sophistication. This cruise line is tailored for the over-50s, offering a calm and classy environment that’s ideal for a leisurely exploration of the fjords.

The Saga fleet features ships that are elegantly furnished, boasting roomy cabins, exquisite dining experiences, and top-notch amenities.

As you sail through Norway’s peaceful waters, enjoy the stunning fjords from the luxury of your spacious cabin or the ship’s various lounges and viewing decks.

Beyond the onboard experience, Saga Cruises offers diverse excursions that take you deep into the fjords. You’ll have the chance to visit charming seaside towns and immerse yourself in Nordic history and culture.

Saga’s focus on luxurious, intimate cruising, along with its stellar service, makes every part of your voyage both delightful and unforgettable.

If you’re in search of a luxurious, relaxed pace on your journey, Saga Cruises offers an exceptional way to experience the splendor of the Norwegian fjords.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is renowned for blending luxury with cultural enrichment, making it a top choice for a Norwegian Fjord cruise.

This cruise line is celebrated for its elegant, Scandinavian-designed ships that offer a blend of comfort and style, providing an intimate setting for exploring Norway’s dramatic landscapes.

Aboard Viking Cruises, guests enjoy spacious staterooms, many with private verandas perfect for fjord-gazing. The dining experiences are a highlight, with a range of gourmet options that include regional specialties, offering a taste of Norwegian cuisine.

What sets Viking apart is its focus on immersive cultural experiences. The cruise includes expert-led lectures about Norwegian history and culture, as well as enriching shore excursions that delve deep into the heart of each destination.

Whether it’s exploring historic Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, or visiting remote, picturesque villages, Viking ensures a journey that is as informative as it is breathtaking.

For travelers seeking a luxurious and educational journey through the fjords, Viking Cruises offers an experience that is both indulgent and enlightening.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line stands as a beacon of classic cruising elegance, offering a refined experience on its Norwegian Fjord cruises.

This cruise line is known for its graceful, mid-sized ships that provide a perfect balance between the grandeur of large ships and the personalized feel of smaller vessels.

On a Holland America cruise through the Norwegian fjords, passengers can expect a journey filled with breathtaking scenery complemented by top-notch service and amenities.

The ships boast beautifully designed staterooms, world-class dining options, and a wide range of entertainment and enrichment activities.

Holland America Line is particularly praised for its extensive excursion program, which allows passengers to deeply explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Norway.

Excursions range from scenic hikes and kayaking adventures to cultural tours of historic Norwegian towns and cities.

With its commitment to creating memorable and enriching cruise experiences, Holland America Line offers an exquisite way to discover the majestic beauty of the Norwegian fjords.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers a distinctly intimate and luxurious sailing experience through the Norwegian fjords, perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure and refinement.

Known for its small, sleek yachts and sailing ships, Windstar provides an up-close and personal view of Norway’s stunning landscapes, making it feel like a private fjord exploration.

With Windstar, guests can enjoy a yacht-like experience, where the smaller size of the ships allows access to narrower passages and more secluded harbors that larger cruise ships can’t reach.

This unique aspect ensures a more immersive experience in the fjords, providing opportunities to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems of Norway.

The onboard experience on Windstar is characterized by luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and gourmet dining, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Moreover, Windstar’s commitment to delivering personalized experiences means guests can enjoy tailored excursions and activities, enhancing their journey through the fjords.

For travelers seeking an exclusive and adventurous exploration of the Norwegian fjords, Windstar Cruises is an unparalleled choice.

What to pack for your Norweigan cruise

Packing for a Norwegian Cruise requires thoughtful preparation to ensure comfort and enjoyment.

Firstly, layering is key in Norway’s variable climate, so pack lightweight, warm layers like fleece jackets, thermal wear, and waterproof outerwear.

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for shore excursions and deck walks. Don’t forget binoculars for wildlife spotting and a camera to capture the fjords’ beauty.

For long summer days, bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

Finally, consider a reusable water bottle for hydration and eco-friendly travel. By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to fully enjoy the awe-inspiring experience of a Norwegian Fjord Cruise.

A Norwegian Fjord Cruise is an unforgettable journey into some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes. Each cruise option offers a unique experience, from intimate yacht-like adventures to luxurious voyages.

There are many ways you can save money on cruises but the Norwegian Fjords are a more expensive destination to explore, so book in advance for the best prices.

With the right preparation and an adventurous spirit, you’re set for an extraordinary journey through Norway’s breathtaking fjords.

Stay Creative!

Thank you for your support and love for Creative Travel Guide. If you are looking for more video tips, make sure to head over to your YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for daily tips and chats.

Share any questions or comments below and happy creative travels!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Tips & Reviews

Posted on Last updated: November 9, 2021

Norway is a must-see destination for nature lovers. I was lucky enough to visit it in summer, when the fjords are green and the days are long.

I went on a cruise in the fjords with Hurtigruten , a fantastic experience that I highly recommend.

We cruised from Bergen all the way up to Cape North and were fascinated by the beauty of the fjords and the midnight sun.

Exploring the Norwegian fjords by cruise is already a magical experience, but especially more so when done with Hurtigruten, an expert local cruise company.

If you want to do a Norwegian fjords cruise and are looking for advice and reviews, you’ve come to the right place.

• 1 What is Hurtigruten?
• 2.1 Currency
• 2.2 Cuisine
• 2.3.1 Norwegian climate in summer
• 2.3.2 Norwegian climate in winter
• 3.2 Geirangerfjord
• 3.3 Cape North
• 3.4 Kirkenes
• 4 Norwegian fjords cruise tips: what to pack

The Geirangerfjord

What is Hurtigruten?

Hurtigruten is a Norwegian cruise, ferry and cargo operator. It was established in 1893 an attempt to improve communications in Norway.

Back in the day in winter when the mainland was covered in snow, travelling via sea and the fjords was the only reliable mode of transport and communication.

In the 1980s with the improvement of roads and the construction of a local airport network the emphasis of Hurtigruten on communication and deliveries became less important, and they started expanding the tourism aspect of their business.

Over time the Hurtigruten ships became bigger and more luxurious, till they became the cruise boats we see today.

One of the Hurtigruten cruise and cargo boats

Things to know about Norway

Before I jump straight into reviewing our Norwegian fjords cruise, I want to give you some background about Norway and the main things to know about the country.

Despite being in the European Union Norway does not use the EUR. The local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

You should check the current exchange when you visit; at the time of my trip the exchange was approximately 1 EUR to 10 NOK.

Travelling in Norway can be quite pricey, check out this guide to see how much you can expect to spend travelling in Scandinavia .

| READ MORE: HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS |

Cute coloured houses in the Norwegian fjords – Photo by Silvia Ribeiro on Scopio

What is the most stereotypically Norwegian thing you can think of? Smoked salmon? Sounds about right.

Obviously there are other elements to Norwegian cuisine, but fish really does play a big part in it. As you have probably already heard everything is expensive in Norway, meals included.

I was pretty traumatised when at the Bergen fish market I paid the equivalent of 8 EUR for a half-litre bottle of water.

However if you do a cruise with Hurtigruten all the meals are included on board, so you could go the whole holiday without spending extra money on food and drink.

The food on board is excellent as well, I have never eaten so much yummy salmon and fish as during the week I spent in Norway!

Watching the midnight sun from the deck of the Midnatsol, our Hurtigruten cruise boat

Norwegian climate in summer

The weather in Norway can vary massively depending on the time of year when you visit.

I was there from the end of July to early August and found a pleasant mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C and long days.

The days get longer the further north you go, we went all the way to Cape North so were lucky enough to see the Midnight Sun and spend a couple days without ever seeing night.

Even in the most Southern parts of Norway you can get up to 19 hours a day of light in summer. We were lucky enough to find all sunny days, however it is not uncommon to find rain and cloudy days even in summer.

One of the beautiful waterfalls in the Norwegian fjords – Photo by Sumona Banerji on Scopio

Norwegian climate in winter

In winter instead the weather is very cold and the days are much shorter. Average temperatures in winter are below 0°C and there can be as little as 1 hour a day of sunshine.

While the weather sounds far from ideal, it is actually perfect for seeing the Northern Lights if this is something you are interested in (definitely an experience I want to do at some point)!

Views over Bergen, Norway

Our Norwegian fjords cruise reviewed

We did the Classic Voyage North that went from Bergen to Kirkenes on board the Midnatsol. The cruise lasts 7 days with prices varying depending on the type of cabin and time of year you book.

Since the Midnatsol is also a mailing delivery boat the cruise actually does a lot of stops, some only for a brief couple hours and some even in the middle of the night, just for the purpose of dropping off mail.

The most beautiful stops in my opinion were the following.

Enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Norwegian fjords – Photo by Dani James on Scopio

Bergen is the starting point of the cruise, a lovely city known as the cultural gateaway to the fjords. At one point Bergen was even the capital of Norway before Oslo.

The Bryggen district along the harbour, with its colourful wooden houses, is one of the most photographed and recognizable spots of Bergen. Another famous spot of Bergen that you can’t miss is the famous fish market.

While it can be a bit pricey (as is most of Norway compared to other European destinations!) the fish is of extremely good quality and well worth the price.

We stocked up on different types of smoked salmon that we then took home. Here you can also taste smoked whale if you’re feeling intrepid.

We were only in Bergen for half a day, which meant we were only able to explore the city centre, if you’re looking for more advice and ideas of things to do in Bergen, make sure to check out this article written by From Here To Sunday  or this 5-day Bergen itinerary by Travel Weekly .

The colourful houses of the Bryggen district in Bergen, Norway

Geirangerfjord

The highlight of the trip for me was cruising in the fjords, especially the Geirangerfjord and the areas surrounding it.

Sitting in the sun on the top deck while cruising in the fjords, surrounded by green mountains and waterfalls is a truly magical experience.

The Geirangerfjord a 15 km branch of the Sunnylvsfjorden and at the end of it there is a small village called Geiranger.

The cruise boats are too big to dock at the small town harbour, so you have to leave the Midnatsol via the smaller launch boats. From Geiranger we got a bus that drove us to a viewing platform at the top of the Geirangerfjord.

The view from up there was truly stunning.

Cruising into the Geirangerfjord

We ended the cruise up at Cape North, the northernmost point in Europe. There is a big metal globe that marks the exact point, just on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.

The landscape there is truly impressive and it makes you feel small in front of the power of nature.

There are also deers that roam free in the fields next to the Cape North globe, we tried approaching some but without much luck.

The beauty of coming so far in northern Norway is that the days are even longer and if you’re lucky you will be able to see the Midnight Sun.

Being able to sit on the deck of the Midnatsol (which funnily enough means Midnight Sun!) at 11:30pm and watch the sun sink lower towards the sea with a bring orange sky was another highlight of the trip for me.

The metal globe of Cape North

Kirkenes was the final stop of our cruise. The town is quite small and uneventful, we were there on a Sunday and most of the shops were closed too so there was little to do.

One of the cool things about Kirkenes (in the nerdy eyes of a Geography graduate like me) is that it’s very close to both the Russian and Finnish borders.

If you wanted to you could jump in a car and after a short couple hour drive reach the point where the three borders meet.

Open landscapes in Norway

Norwegian fjords cruise tips: what to pack

One of the big questions I had before going on my Norwegian fjords cruise was what I should be packing.

I looked at the weather forecast but I found it hard to believe it could really get to 20°C or more, after all I was about to go the furthest North I’d ever been in my life.

Some essentials I recommend you pack for your cruise include; a light waterproof jacket , comfortable trainers and a warm hoodie.

For more packing information check out my Iceland summer packing list (different country I know, but similar weather conditions).

The harbour of Bergen, Norway – Photo by Sumona Banerji on Scopio

Final thoughts on doing a Norway fjords summer cruise

Have you been to Norway? Did you love it as much as me? Let me know in the comments below!

Norway is a beautiful destination; with its stunning nature and landscapes it will leave you breathless. If cruises aren’t your thing, check out these awesome Norway road trip routes !

Especially in summer when the fjords are green and you will have a chance to see the Midnight Sun, it truly is a must-see location.

Cruising the fjords with Hurtigruten will give you the opportunity to see and experience many different parts of Norway in a short period of time.

Enjoyed reading my Norwegian fjords cruise tips & review? Pin it!

Norway Fjords Cruises & Arctic Adventures

10 norway fjord cruises for 2024-2025, ocean voyage: reykjavík - tromso, polar lights: from north cape to the lofoten islands, norwegian fjords, from the northern lights to the polar night, classic voyage north, ancient traditions & norwegian fjords, high arctic of svalbard, norway's fjords and arctic svalbard, norway, between the scandinavian peninsula and the high arctic, norway fjords travel guide, enjoy a norway cruise, island discovery on a jan mayen cruise, cruise the arctic svalbard islands, the best time to take a cruise in norway.

• Ponant  - the   French-flagged cruise line offers adventure to remote parts of the Norwegian Fjords on a luxury ship. One of them is  Le Dumont-d'Urville , a new generation explorer ship that features cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly design, and unique multi-sensory lounges. 
• Lindblad Expeditions  - a carbon-neutral company responsible travel and sustainability leader for more than 50 years. National Geographic Resolution , its next-generation expedition ship, features the revolutionary X-Bow®. This game-changing design promises the smoothest, most comfortable ride in Norway's beautiful fjords and a quieter ride.
• Silversea Cruises   - embodies the elegant lifestyle of all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising across 900 worldwide destinations. After extensive refurbishment,  Silver Cloud  is now the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Its four eating options, 20 Zodiacs, and ten kayaks open up a world of almost limitless possibilities.
• Hurtigruten  -   have been a hallmark of the Norwegian coast & beyond since 1893. MS Maud  is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for  expedition cruises in Norway  and the  British Isles.
• ScenicUSA -  Lose yourself in the ultimate all-inclusive, 6-star lifestyle provided by the World's First Discovery Yacht. Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht, Scenic Eclipse  has set the benchmark in ultra-luxury ocean cruising.
• Oceanwide Expeditions  -  Pioneers of ship-based expeditions with a fleet of ice-strengthened vessels.   The three-mast schooner,  Rembrandt van Rijn , is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Norway.
• Polar Quest - is Sweden's arctic expert, organizing small excursion ships since 1999. Their adventures are built on close encounters with wild creatures and stunning landscapes in places like the Norwegian Fjords.  M/S Quest  is a compact, comfortable exploration ship built in Denmark. The passenger compartment was upgraded in 2018 to take 53 passengers in 26 staterooms, all with sea views.
• Viking River Cruises   - based in Basel, Switzerland, offers destination-focused itineraries for seasoned travelers interested in geography, culture, and history. 

Top Norway Fjords Travel Destinations

Norway fjords trips by departure date.

• 2024 Norway Fjords trips (21)
• 2025 Norway Fjords trips (11)
• May 2024 (8)
• June 2024 (8)
• July 2024 (6)
• October 2024 (6)

Top Experiences in Norway Fjords

• Norway Fjords Cruises (25)
• Norway Fjords Cultural (7)
• Norway Fjords Wildlife & Safari Exploration (6)
• Norway Fjords Luxury (3)

Norway Fjords Trips by Duration

• 11 day trips (4)
• 12 day trips (4)
• 16 day trips (3)

Norway Fjords Trips by Activity

• Norway Fjords small ship cruises (20)
• Norway Fjords wildlife viewing (14)
• Norway Fjords hiking (12)
• Norway Fjords village visits (11)
• Norway Fjords kayaking (6)
• Norway Fjords whale watching (5)
• Norway Fjords local market visits (3)
• Norway Fjords northern lights (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

CRUISING , DESTINATIONS , EUROPE , FLASHPACKING , NORWAY

Norwegian fjords cruise: tips, review & port guides.

A pound for a pee? They must be bloody joking!

The restaurant at the summit of Alesund’s Aksla Hill echoed with the woman’s estuary tones. She removed her sunglasses and took another look at the offending sign, to check if that would make a difference to the price. It didn’t.

And here’s the thing. Norway can be an achingly expensive country to visit. That said, Norway is an astonishingly beautiful country that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

Taking a Norwegian Fjords cruise insulates you from these prices and is a more affordable way of seeing the country. Moreover, a cruise allows you to visit diverse towns and cities in a short space of time, and to cruise along some of Norway’s most scenic fjords.

My cruise to Norway on P&O Britannia ranks amongst one of my most memorable travel experiences.

But how should you plan a cruise in Norway? And what can you expect from a cruise to Norway on P&O Britannia?

To help you plan your cruise, here are my essential tips for cruising Norway’s fjords, what to expect at the ports of call and a review of my cruise as a solo traveller.

IN THIS ARTICLE

My Top Norwegian Fjords Cruise Tips

1. don’t let the weather dictate the time of year you cruise the norwegian fjords.

The main Norway cruise season runs from  May to September .   In the  winter months , Hurtigruten offers cruises along Norway’s fjords. Other operators offer a handful of cruises to Norway in the winter to catch the elusive  Northern Lights . But the days are short in Northern Europe at this time of the year and the coastal waters can be rough.   As it is impossible to predict the  weather  in Norway, this should not determine which month you travel. Norway can be very wet and I have friends who have done a fjords cruise and it poured with rain every day.   My experience was very different. When I visited Norway, the country was three weeks into a heatwave with the mercury nudging 30 degrees. The weather is so unpredictable!   The peak time for cruising in Norway tends to coincide with school holidays in July and August when it will be more expensive, and ships will be busier with vacationing families. Therefore, if you are not confined to the school holidays, I suggest that the best time to go to the Norwegian fjords is either May or September. I went at the end of May which was just about perfect.

2. do a little homework to pick the cruise that is right for yoU

There is considerable variety in itinerary lengths, ports of call and types of ship.   The  duration  of Norwegian fjords cruises generally ranges from seven to 14 days. Those heading further north into Arctic Norway can last for up to three weeks.   Like any cruise, you need to think about the  ports of call . Many itineraries include other Northern European cities or Baltic states. Whilst it is a great opportunity to check out places like  Rotterdam  and  Warnemunde , the flip side is that there are fewer Norwegian ports on the itinerary.   Unlike other cruises, the  scenery  as you sail from one port of call to the next is an important consideration. To identify these scenic sails along the fjords, examine the itinerary closely and take a look at a map.

There is a spectrum of  ships  that sail in Norway, accommodating all  budgets , from mainstream behemoths to smaller ships offering a boutique experience (and that can slip into the smaller fjords). Just pick the one that is the right fit for you.

I cruised to Norway from Southampton with  P&O Cruises  on HMV  Britannia. Sailing with P&O is neither a splurge nor a budget cruise, but is a touch of  affordable luxury travel . The itinerary included four ports of call –  Stavanger, Flam, Alesund and Bergen  – and a few scenic sails over one week.  

3. PACK APPROPRIATELY

Given the unpredictability of the weather, pack for all seasons by bringing layers. Pack for the worst weather but hope for the best.

For exploring the ports of call, wear T-shirts, jeans, jumpers, and a waterproof jacket. And ditch the stilettos for sensible walking shoes or trainers. But based on my experience, in the spirit of optimism, also pack a few summer dresses and a pair of shorts.

And don’t forget your glad rags for the formal evenings on board!

Do pack the best camera that you have. Norway’s fjords and the ports of call scream out for the finest camera lens that money will buy. 

A small pair of binoculars will also come in handy. The views as you sail along the Norwegian fjords are sensational, and a set of bins will allow you to pick out details from afar.  

4. BOOK A BALCONY CABIN

My top tip for cruising the Norwegian fjords is to book a balcony cabin . It is worth every last penny.   Unlike some cruises, a large part of the appeal of a cruise along the fjords of Norway is the scenery as you sail by. And where better to take in the view than on your private balcony, perhaps with a G&T in hand?

However, if you like a 100% dark room to sleep in, you may wish to reconsider.

One of the advantages of cruising in Norway in summer is the long days. But the flip side is that the sun may be streaming through your window in the wee small hours.

Having said that, early morning light does wake me up but this was not a problem in my balcony cabin on this cruise. I guess that the cabins on P&O Britannia have excellent blackout blinds.

A final cautionary note: not all cruise cabins are equal. Therefore if you don’t want to end up under the promenade deck or next to the laundry,  research your cruise cabin  before you book.

5. CONSIDER HOW YOU WILL ExplorE the ports of call

Exploring the ports of call on this Norwegian fjords cruise was a piece of cake. For each stop on the itinerary, the ship docked in the centre of town and the main sights were easily walkable.

However, if you want to explore further afield and you feel that may not be able to do this under your own steam, take a look at the shore excursions on offer. If you have your heart set on a particular day trip, book this early to avoid disappointment.

Another option is to book a shore excursion with an independent operator.

But before you book an excursion, check the weather forecast for your desired destination. Norway can be very wet. If there is a risk that the longed-for fabulous view is cloaked in mist and rain, will it be really with the effort and expense?  

6. Cut costs by eating onboard the ship

Make no mistake. Scandinavia can be ludicrously expensive. For this reason alone, visiting Norway on a cruise makes perfect sense as this insulates you from these high costs.

Therefore fill your face with the food on board, which you have already paid for. Set yourself up for the day with a big breakfast and bring a few snacks to keep you going.  

Norway Fjords Cruise Itinerary & Ports of Call

Day one: leaving southampton.

At 8 pm on a balmy Sunday night,  Britannia let go of her mooring lines and we were underway.

Passing Fawley oil refinery, silhouetted against the setting sun, the ship continued along the Solent following the eastern coastline of the Isle of Wight. It then took a sharp turn at Portsmouth to enter the Dover Strait.

Gin & tonic on the balcony, moonlight on the water.  

DAY TWO: AT SEA

The rig-dodging day.

P&O Britannia continued along the North Sea, edging towards Norway. Hardy Brits on board settled themselves by the pool, slathering suncream to the accompaniment of blasts of the ship’s foghorn. The maximum temperature on deck was a damp 13 degrees.

DAY THREE: STAVANGER

Lovely  Stavanger  was the first port of call.

The fortunes of this pretty harbour town on Norway’s southwest coast have centred on fish canning and, more recently, the discovery of oil off its shores. With its exquisite wooden buildings, cobbled lanes and rich maritime heritage there is plenty to occupy even the most restless soul.

P&O Britannia parked up right in the centre of town, alongside Gamle (Old) Stavanger. As the main sights are close to each other, Stavanger is very walkable.

• Visit the Norwegian Canning Museum for some fishy tales
• For all things nautical, visit the Stavanger Maritime Museum
• Wander around Gamle (Old) Stavanger
• Hunt for Antony Gormley statues
• Visit the cathedral (Domkirke)
• Visit Skagen’s cafes housed in psychedelic buildings
• Check out Stavanger’s street art
• Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum)
• The funicular station is at Vetrlidsalmenning 23 A, right in the centre of town.

DAY FOUR: FLAM

The approach to Flam was sensational, sailing along the  Sognefjorden,  one of Norway’s most stunning fjords. You will have to be up and about shortly after 5 am to capture this view!

Tucked between two mountains at the head of Aurlandsfjorden, Flam (Flåm to be correct) is a community of around 400 souls, less than 10% of the total occupancy of the ship.  Although the hamlet is a good base for hiking and has a visit-worthy 17th-century church, its main tourist draw is the Flam Railway.

The cruise ship berthed slap bang in the middle of Flam. It made the hamlet look like a model village. The railway station is around a 5-minute walk from the ship.

• Board the  Flam railway  for the ride of your life
• Take a hike on one of the many walking trails around Flam
• Increase your adrenaline levels by riding a RIB
• Rent a talking car (yes … really)

DAY FIVE: ALESUND

Alesund , a fishing town and port on Norway’s west coast, is architectural heaven.

A devastating town fire in 1904 resulted in a hectic reconstruction project, replacing the charred wooden buildings with those built in an  Art Nouveau  style with a local folkloric twist. The result is a collection of stone and brick buildings with a myriad of turrets, spires and medieval ornamentation, including intertwined animal and human faces, dragons and elaborate flowers.

Once again, the Britannia berthed right in the thick of things.

The main sights are close to each other. Although Alesund is very walkable, there are lots of steep cobbled streets. Leave the stilettos in your suitcase.  

• Take a walking tour to admire Alesund’s Art Nouveau masterpieces
• Climb the 418 steps to the top of Aksla Hill for a panoramic view
• Wonder at the wooden buildings of Molovegen

DAY SIX: BERGEN

The final stop on this Norwegian fjords cruise was beautiful  Bergen .

Formerly the capital of Norway, Bergen is beautifully situated on a promontory, surrounded by seven hills. The self-proclaimed Gateway to the Western Fjords is also an attractive and enjoyable city in its own right.

Yet again, the ship parked up close to the city’s main sights at the entrance to the harbour. Bergen is also very walkable. 

• For panoramic views and nature trails, ride the Floibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Floyen
• Explore picture-perfect historic Bryggen
• Grab a seafood snack at the fish market
• Check out the street art along Kong Oscars Gate
• Learn more about Norway’s fight against leprosy at the Leprosy Museum
• Discover the story behind the resistance in Bergen during World War II at the Bergenhus Festning Museum
• For a spot of medieval splendour, visit Bergen City Museum at the Rosenkrantz Tower

DAY SEVEN: AT SEA

Waving goodbye to Norway, the Britannia retraced her journey through the gas and oil fields of the North Sea into the busy Dover Strait, reaching the Solent waters in the early hours of Sunday morning. During the cruise, Britannia travelled a total distance of 2323 nautical miles.

My Experience Onboard P&O Britannia: Ship Review

Barely three years old when I sailed on her, HMV Britannia had a fresh-out-of-the-box feel. P&O’s only British registered vessel, it has 1,376 staff for its  3,600 guests .

She is enormous. Spread over 15 passenger decks, it is 232 feet high, 330 meters long and weighs a whopping 144,000 tonnes. To put it into perspective, it is twice the size of the largest hotel in the world.

The central space is the starburst atrium, decked in gleaming Turkish porcelain, covering three floors. But as gorgeous as this space is, I found that it had a peculiar lack of atmosphere.

There were a few design aspects that I found puzzling.

There are no publicly accessible stairs at mid-ship, creating pressure on lifts. Also, customer services and shore excursions are buried down on deck 5.  

P&O BRITANNIA CABIN

I had a balcony cabin, which was decorated in tasteful moss-green, beige and brown tones. The large, comfortable bed had good-quality linen.

A large wall-mounted TV had a limited choice of channels but a decent, mostly free movie library.

There was a small fridge, a kettle and tea and coffee supplies, which were replenished each day. Three-pin (British) sockets were plentiful.

The small  bathroom  was well-designed, using the available space wisely. White Company toiletries were provided; shampoo, conditioner and body lotion in portable 100ml bottles, and shower gel in a fixed dispenser.

A major plus point is that there was a proper shower cubicle, not just a shower tray with a nasty nylon curtain. However, at busy times, water pressure was poor.

A hairdryer was available. The towels were pleasingly white and fluffy.

The  balcony  on P&O Britannia is compact, accommodating two reclining chairs placed at jaunty angles, and a small table.  

FOOD AND DRINK ON P&O BRITANNIA

There are  bars -a-plenty on P&O Britannia with 13 to choose from, each with its selling point.

The Glass House, matching food to wine; Brodies, modelled on a British boozer; The Blue Bar with its extensive martini list. Or my favourite, The Crow’s Nest, the ship’s signature gin bar offering 21 different varieties. Drink prices were reasonable.

The food in the main  restaurants  – Peninsular, Meridian, Oriental – was of good quality but could be on the tepid side. The food from the buffet service for lunch and dinner at the Horizon Restaurant was OK but unexceptional.

Breakfasts were very good, with an extensive choice from freshly made omelettes, the great British cooked breakfast, fruit, cereals, pastries, cold meats and cheeses and yoghurt. Afternoon tea at The Horizon was also very good. 

Speciality dining  was available on P&O Britannia for a supplement (e.g. Sindhu, Epicurean).

The  Grab-and-Go  fridge on the Lido deck is a welcome innovation.

RELAXING ON DECK

There is a busy main  pool  on the Lido deck (16) but quieter pools are also available. Pool towels were provided in the cabin. There were plenty of sunbeds dotted throughout the ship.

Disappointingly, as the Britannia does not have a promenade deck, you cannot walk or run a circuit of the ship. However, there is a well-equipped  gym.  There are  golf  nets on the Sports Deck (17).  

ENTERTAINMENT ON P&O BRITANNIA

There was a full programme to suit all tastes. From live shows and recent films in the well-equipped main theatre to line dancing and magic workshops.  

P&O CUSTOMER SERVICE

This is where I feel Britannia fails. Although many of the staff were friendly and welcoming – my cabin steward was exceptional –  too many others were disinterested, bordering on surly. Don’t expect banter.

fellow passengers

Gone are the days when cruising was the preserve of older people, squandering their children’s inheritance. On P&O Britannia, there was a much younger crowd with a significant number of multigenerational families.

The vast majority of those I spoke with were British and not what I call ‘serial cruisers’. For many, this was their first cruise.  

What Is it Like To Be a Solo Traveller on a Norway Fjords Cruise With P&O?

A cruise can be an excellent solo travel experience , especially if you are a  first-time solo traveller .

Cruises are very social environments but there are also plenty of opportunities to be alone if that’s your preference.   P&O Britannia had lots of organised activities during the day – the cruise line’s sail-away parties are famous – and entertainment laid on at night. It’s entirely up to you if you want to participate.   Keeping safe whilst away is at the forefront of most travellers’ minds, especially solo travellers. All of the Norwegian ports of call felt safe, and the main sights were within easy walking distance of the ship.   A downside is that cruises for solo travellers can be expensive. The lack of  single cruise cabins  and single supplements approaching 100 per cent have penalised those travelling alone.

That said, this Norway Fjords cruise was good value.

My Norwegian Fjords Cruise on P&O Britannia: The Good & the Bad

In 2018, I paid just over £1300 for sole occupation of a balcony cabin for this Norway’s fjords cruise on P&O Britannia. At around £180 per day, I consider this to be good value for a trip to Norway.

It was a fantastic itinerary. Each stop had something different to offer and sailing along the fjords was sensational. I should add that we were blessed with balmy weather which showed off Norway at its best.

A Norwegian Fjords cruise is also very easy.  As the ship berths in the centre of each of these towns and cities, there is no need for a transfer. Unless you wish to venture further afield, there is also no need to take an expensive shore excursion.

P&O Britannia was beautiful and felt fresh, although a few design aspects were occasionally frustrating. The cabin was well-designed and comfortable, although its balcony was compact.

Food was generally of good quality. Variability in the levels of customer service was disappointing.

Ready to cruise the fjords of Norway?

This was one of my favourite solo cruises and a cost-effective way of experiencing a notoriously expensive country.

If you have found this article helpful, take a deeper dive into the stops on this Norway Fjords cruise.

• 10 Awesome Things to Do in Stavanger in A Day 
• Alesund, Norway: An Art Nouveau Walk in a Fairytale Town 
• A Perfect Day in Bergen, Norway: Best Things to Do on a Cruise Stop
• Visiting Flam on a Cruise: The Flam Scenic Railway and More!

Happy sailing!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

6 thoughts on “ Norwegian Fjords Cruise: Tips, Review & Port Guides ”

I would LOVE to visit Norway, how beautiful! And the ship is amazing.

Hi Kacie! It was one off those trips that far exceeded my expectations. I hope you manage to get there too. Have a good weekend!

Thanks for this post! I’ve been thinking about doing a Norway cruise with my family but the Disney Cruise Line is so expensive. This might be a good option for us.

Hi Kristin. So glad it was of use. What really struck me was the number of multi-generational families on board. I got talking to a lady who worked in the kid’s club who told me that they had 600 young people to entertain overt the 7 days!

Thanks for dropping by 🙂

I have not had a chance to visit Norway yet, and it is definitely on the top of my list. I have never been on a cruise, so I am nervous about wanting to explore more, but having to rush back to the ship. Did you find this was the case on your trip?

Hello Julie.

I want to go back now! Perhaps in the winter (if I can cope with the lack of daylight!)

Comments are closed.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise: 32 Tips You NEED to Know

In June 2018 I took a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords with my lovely Mum. In this post, I’ll share with you the things I wish I knew before my first cruise to Norway. Including:

When to cruise to Norway What to pack on a Norwegian Fjords cruise What to do onboard What to do in: Bergen, Olden, Stavanger and Aldalsnes.

When is the best time to cruise the Norwegian Fjords?

The Norwegian Fjords cruising season runs from May until September. The only cruise line that offers Norwegian Fjords cruises all year round is Hurtigruten. Peak time tends to be in July and August with this itinerary being particularly popular with families.

In the UK children are off school from mid-July until early September so if you can avoid travelling at this time I would, not only will it be busier but it’ll be significantly more expensive!

When is The Best Time to Cruise to Norway? – Season Price Guide

Norwegian Fjords tip #1

• I would recommend cruising at the beginning or end of the summer season. You’ll get the best deals at this time and the ships won’t be too busy. May-June or September would be be my recommendation. You still have a good chance of some sunshine but more on that later in the post…

Norwegian Fjords tip #2

Be aware that if you travel in the summer, it will be light a lot of the time. Sleeping is never a problem for me, but it is a bit confusing when you have been out for dinner, watched the show, come out and it is still daylight! – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

It’s true! In some parts of Norway they even have a ‘midnight sun’. Cruise ship cabins usually have pretty thick curtains so I don’t have any trouble sleeping but if you are somebody who cannot tolerate even the smallest amount of light in the room when you sleep then you might want to consider an inside cabin.

What is the weather like on a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

The weather in Norway is unpredictable and very often wet. The weather in Summer SHOULD be dry and can even be pretty warm. We cruised in June and it rained every single day… However, I have a few friends who cruised two weeks earlier had glorious sunshine every day and temperatures reached 30c! (90f). I would not base your decision on when to go around the weather. It’s extremely unpredictable!

The weather means that you need to remember to bring the following things…

What to bring

Norwegian fjords tip #3.

• Take sensible shoes, a waterproof jacket, jeans, jumpers (sweaters). As I mentioned above we had rain every single day. Annoyingly the UK was experiencing a heat wave at the time! A waterproof jacket/a coat is without a doubt the most important thing you should pack. I wore my red coat every single day.

Norwegian Fjords tip #4

• Make sure you pack some dresses/shorts! This one might seem a bit silly given what I said above but the weather can reach 30c (90f). It can also vary a lot between ports so just because you have one rainy day doesn’t mean it will rain for the entire cruise.

Norwegian Fjords tip #5

Pack some small binoculars – I forgot mine. Obviously didn’t pay enough attention to the holiday packing spreadsheet in my excitement! – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

The views are INCREDIBLE as you sail around the Norwegian Fjords. I don’t really use binoculars but mum likes to so if you’d like to spy on people as you go by it can be worth packing binoculars. A good camera with a zoom can also work the same way.

Norwegian Fjords tip #6

• Bring the best camera you have! (Or at least your phone). All of my photos were taken on my iPhone because quite frankly I have no idea how to use a decent DSLR camera. You’ll want to take SO many photos. Look at this!! It’s INCREDIBLE.

Norwegian Fjords tip #7

• Bring your phone and use it. I usually say you should keep your phone in airplane mode when you are at sea. However, when cruising around the Norwegian Fjords you’re often close enough to land to be able to pick up 4G from land. If you are in doubt about how your phone will work at sea I have another post about that here: How do mobile phones work at sea? (If you’re American a mobile phone = a cell phone). I know we don’t go on cruises to spend all of our time on our phone but being able to send messages/emails/photos to friends and family back home is always a bonus.Mum mostly used it to send photos of me to my dad…

 What to do onboard

These tips are general to the whole of Norway. There are more specific tips about the ports that we visited at the end of this post.

Norwegian Fjords tip #8

Book a balcony cabin!

Norwegian Fjords tip #9

• Make sure you book whatever tours you’d like to do as early as possible. We booked ours onboard and a lot of them were already sold out which limited our options. Ideally, you should book the tours before you travel. It’s usually possible to do this on the website of most cruise lines. If not try and book the tours on the first day to avoid disappointment!I am below looking very pleased with myself at the Briksdal glacier in Olden.

Norwegian Fjords tip #10

• Be aware that a lot of things are closed on Sundays! If you are docking on a Sunday don’t assume that shops will be open. It’s always best to do your research and check before you cruise.

Norwegian Fjords tip #11

• Look out for weird things in the souvenir shops… I managed to find a whale sausage!

Norwegian Fjords tip #12

Always get up early to see the sail in to port, the views are incredible. (Even if you have to wear the aforementioned jeans, jacket, jumper, hat etc. – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

Norwegian Fjords tip #13

• Bring your quilt onto the balcony! (Duvet). I’m not kidding. If you can also make yourself a cup of tea that’ll make it even better! I mostly had to do this because I hadn’t planned for such cold weather so didn’t bring the right clothes. Hopefully by reading this post you won’t make the same mistake that I did! (I thought June would be okay!)

Norwegian Fjords tip #14

Unless there is somewhere you particularly wish to visit, look at at the weather forecast before booking excursions..

It is rather a waste of money to book an expensive trip up a mountain or to see the Troll Wall when everything is shrouded in fog, and you can’t see anything anyway! When we got to the top of the funicular railway in Bergen this is the view that we were greeted with…

This is what it was meant to look like!

In the next section of this post, we talk about the ports of Bergen, Olden, Stavanger and Andalsnes.

Bergen cruise port tips

Norwegian fjords tip #15.

• Take the funicular railway! The number one attraction in Bergen appears to be the funicular railway. It is a gentle stroll to the bottom of the railway, and easy to pay by credit card – no kroner needed. Approx £9.75 for two adults one way. Once at the top it is a lovely walk back down the hill on a tarmacked road, through the wooded hillside. No need to pay for an excursion!. We found out from a fellow passenger later that there is actually a lake ten minutes from top of the hill, may be worth a look if its a sunny day.

Norwegian Fjords tip #16

• If you do take the funicular railway go later in the day. We went in the morning and couldn’t see a thing because of the fog! We could have been anywhere. If you are physically able to, make sure you walk back down. The path is a winding road and you’ll see some amazing sights along the way! It was really cool for us to be able to get below the clouds and see the ships.

Norwegian Fjords tip #17

• Look out for the trees that have their own jumpers! I’m not kidding.

Norwegian Fjords tip #18

• Be aware that you may sail away from Bergen quite early. I’m not too sure why they do this but a sail away of 3 pm can be quite standard. It’s probably just because this is the last port on the itinerary for cruise lines like P&O and Princess. The cruise line will let you know what time the ship is set to sail.

Stavanger Cruise Tips

Norwegian fjords tip #19.

• Visit the old town. It is easy to wander around is and genuinely just a lovely place! There will be a lot of tourists here. I wonder what it would be like to live in one of these houses with thousands of tourists wandering up and down your street. No wonder they all have net curtains.

Norwegian Fjords tip #20

• Visit the petroleum museum. Okay, this one is a little weird. I had no idea that there was a petroleum museum in Stavanger but SO many people have asked me if I went. They all seem to love it! It has a 4.5/5 star rating on trip advisor so must be something special…

Norwegian Fjords tip #21

• Be careful when walking around the roads. Even in the newer part of town, the roads can be a little difficult. If you are in a wheelchair it may be a good idea to stick to the main streets and not venture up and down all of the little cobbled streets that I found myself wandering around.

Norwegian Fjords tip #22

• Check out the other ships. There are usually multiple cruise ships docked in Stavanger at the same time. Make sure you get out and have a peek at the other ships! This is always one of my favourite things to do in a port. We were docked beside the MSC Orchestra and the Viking Sun. (Bit ironic since it rained every day on this cruise).

Norwegian Fjords tip #23

• Wander around the lake at Stravanger park. There is a lovely little park not too far from the cruise port. It is easy to walk there and wandering around the lake is very pleasant. Even in the rain, it was lovely. The park is right beside a cathedral.

Olden Cruise Tips

Norwegian fjords tip #24.

• Have your photo taken with a troll. Go on, you know you want too!

Norwegian Fjords tip #25

• Visit the Briksdal glacier. I would 100% recommend doing this. The glacier is SO COOL (mind the pun) and there are lots of lovely paths to walk around near it. There is even a couple of toilets here which I really appreciated. It takes around 45 minutes to get here from the cruise ship but you’ll get to see some amazing views on the way.

Norwegian Fjords tip #26

• Skip the Loen Skylift. We took the Loen Skylift and I honestly wouldn’t recommend it. The price of this is around £50 per person! (I know Norway is expensive but that is mad). The skylift only goes up and down every 30 minutes and 35 people fit in one skylift meaning you can’t really see anything on the way up or down. I really hate to be negative and tell people not to do things but I honestly just thought this was a waste of money. The views are really good but I don’t think £50 worth of good. Maybe it would have been better if it wasn’t so blooming cold!!

Norwegian Fjords tip #27

• Take as many photos of the ship as you can! There is NO better backdrop than that of the Norwegian Fjords. Even in bad weather, the ships look amazing. I honestly think the clouds and fog add a little something which makes it seem mysterious?!

Norwegian Fjords tip #28

• Do NOT miss the sail away! As we departed Olden a small cafe on the ship blasted out ‘I am sailing’ by Rod Stewart followed by ‘Time tooo…. say… goooddbyyyyyeee’ by Katherine Jenkins.  Don’t pretend you didn’t just sing that in your head. I did!

Andalsnes Cruise Tips:

Norwegian fjords tip #29.

• Take a gamble on the troll wall? I’m not TOO sure if this really counts as a tip but I would say think twice about booking a trip to the bottom of troll wall. If the weather is bad you won’t see a thing. I hadn’t ever looked up the troll wall before so I had no idea what I was meant to be seeing.

Norwegian Fjords tip #30

• Head UP the troll wall. I made some friends on this cruise and they told me that they had been UP the troll wall and had amazing views from up there. If I went again I would pick a tour that took you to the top of the wall whereas ours just took us to the bottom where we stared up at the clouds.

Other bonus tips!

Norwegian fjords tip #31.

Put a currency converter on your phone for Norwegian Kroner. Its pretty expensive, and you don’t want to get a nasty shock when you open your credit card bill! Do you really need a wooden troll or reindeer sausages? I think not… – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

Norwegian Fjords tip #32

• Eat as much food as you can on the ship so that you don’t have to eat in port… Norway is really expensive and I have no interest in paying for food when I have an unlimited supply on the ship! Make sure you eat a big breakfast and you’ll be fine for a while. If you have kids though it may be worth bringing some snacks.

My cruise onboard Britannia

This was my first P&O cruise and I was REALLY impressed with the food and service onboard. If you are cruising onboard Britannia make sure you check out this post. P&O Britannia: 8 free ‘must do’ activities.   Britannia is an amazing ship but she is HUGE and it can be difficult to make the most of your time onboard.

I also filmed a tour video when I was onboard and will be posting daily vlogs in each port.

Are you taking a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords? (Or would you like to?)

If you have any questions please leave a comment or join our Facebook group ( Cruising Isn’t Just For Old People ). We have 1600+ members all of whom would love to answer your questions and see your photos/hear your stories!

– – –

FURTHER READING:

A CRUISE ADDICTS GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS. – CRUISE ADDICTS BLOG

CRUISING THE FJORDS OF NORWAY – THE CRUISE BLOGGER

Monday 3rd of September 2018

Really interesting, thank you. I have booked to go on Iona maiden voyage

Enter your email address below:

Page not found

What next? Head back to the home page , where you can find our deals or start a search .

Why book with us?

• Our amazing best price guarantee
• Exclusive offers you won't find elsewhere
• Get free stays and massive savings
• Officially the UK's #1 Cruise Holiday Retailer
• Pay monthly and spread the cost

We are proud to be a multi-award-winning cruise specialist

7 of the best small ship cruises to the Norwegian Fjords for 2024 & 2025

Published 24th January 2024 in Cruise Advice By Alex Loizou /cruise-news/cruise-advice/best-small-ship-cruises-norwegian-fjords

Related links

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

The staggering beauty of the Norwegian Fjords needs little explaining. This stunning landscape has been shaped over millennia by powerful glaciers leaving rugged rock walls, overhanging cliffs and spectacular waterfalls plunging into the sea. Discover our pick of the best small ship Norwegian Fjords cruises below.

The Norwegian Fjords one of the few areas in the world where ships schedule cruising hours simply to give passengers the time to watch the scenery - and the tranquil experience of gliding through the glassy waters and coming to terms with the sheer scale of the region is unforgettable.

If it is the Norwegian Fjords you want to see, check carefully to see how many days are actually spent in fjordland. For variety, pick a cruise which includes the North Cape or even Spitsbergen, or alternatively combine with a Baltic exploration. For us, this is a region where small ships come into their own, so here's a round-up of the seven best luxury small ships that will be cruising the Norwegian Fjords in 2024 and 2025:

Best small ship cruises to the Norwegian Fjords

1. windstar cruises.

Windstar's lovely Star Legend accommodates a maximum of just 312 guests, and departs Edinburgh for a 10-night sailing to Copenhagen on 12th July 2024 , with the reverse route on 12 August 2024 , repeating the same in July and August 2025 , visiting some of the highlights of Norway's fjordland, including Bergen, Geirangerfjord, Olden and Flam.

Formerly operated by Seabourn, this popular little ship emerges from an exciting refurbishment in 2022, further enhancing the friendly and casual ambience that so delights those guests who prefer a smaller ship.

2. Seabourn

Seabourn Sojourn, the luxury line's elegant 458-guest ship, departs Dover on 10th August 2024 on a 14-day North Cape and Majestic Fjords itinerary, with the same itinerary on 14 June and 12 July 2025 .

Scenic cruising of Sognefjord, Trollfjord and Nordfjord, combined with time in numerous towns and villages along the entire Norwegian coast as far as the North Cape, makes this a particularly lovely voyage on which you'll enjoy Seabourn's outstanding comfort and service in the land of the Midnight Sun.

The French flagged cruise line's Explorer Yachts offer lovely seven- and 10-night Norwegian Fjords cruises in early and late July 2024 and June 2025. Visiting at this time means long days, better weather and beautiful fields of wildflowers. Starting or finishing in Bergen, we recommend and additional night or two to explore this beautiful historic city.

Ponant also offers an unusual autumn departure in November 2024 on icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot to see the fjords in a whole new light, which also mixes in stops at the stunning Lofoten Islands.

4. Viking Ocean Cruises

The Norwegian heritage on board Viking ships is clear, from the soft reindeer skins in the Explorers Lounge to the snow grotto in the spa. Light and airy, you will enjoy the stunning scenery from the spacious lounges and deck areas.

These beautiful vessels, accommodating a maximum of 930 guests, offer a choice of lovely summer cruises to combine a taste of the Norwegian Fjords with the Baltic from Stockholm, or with the North Cape and back to the UK. For a Scandinavian style and lots of variety at an inclusive price, Viking is a great choice.

5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Sailing from Amsterdam on 15th June 2024 aboard the stunning 496-guest Seven Seas Navigator, this 17-night cruise includes four days exploring the fjords and the great northern capitals such as Helsinki and Oslo, as well as lesser-explored gems such as Gdansk and Tallin, before arriving in Copenhagen - a perfectly designed northern itinerary.

Similar options depart in June, July and August 2025 , and whichever you choose you'll enjoy Regent's inclusive pricing, from flights to shore excursions, drinks and gratuities, with not a penny more to pay.

6. Silversea

Through June, July, August and September 2024 , Silversea's 596-guest Silver Dawn - launched in 2022 - operates a series of magical cruises, all including the Norwegian Fjords, returning in the same period in 2025. We love this stunning ship which features S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), showcasing authentic local cuisine from each destination with special shore excursions, onboard cookery demonstrations and classes, and the ever-changing menus at the new S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant.

Choose from itineraries which include plenty of time ashore in pretty towns such as Ålesund, Hellesylt and Flåm, and scenic fjords including the Eidfjord and Geirangerfjord.

Join the elegant expedition ship Scenic Eclipse on 15th June 2024 for an exciting Scenic expedition cruise sailing from Edinburgh to Tromso. Along the way you will enjoy a close-up view of the fjords, exploring by zodiac with an experienced expedition team, before heading further north to the Lofoten Islands. In 2025, the 4 August sailing also mixes in exciting Svalbard exploration including Tromsø, well within the Arctic Circle.

Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding will be part of your experience, and a programme of lectures and seminars will enhance your all inclusive voyage, as you adventure in style.

This is just a selection of what's on offer, and many of the ships mentioned have alternative voyages in the region. So if the Norwegian Fjords are on your 'must see' list then give us a call, and we will find the right small ship cruise for you.

Alex is Director of Sales & Marketing at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for 10 years and in travel for over 18 years. Most recently he's cruised on Regent Seven Seas and has also sailed with Seabourn, Crystal, SeaDream, Tauck and Ponant. His favourite destination is South America however he's also enjoyed cruises in the Western Mediterranean, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, India, Myanmar, South East Asia and Antarctica. When he’s not travelling he loves walking holidays; a favourite included a trek to Everest Base Camp.

Get your free subscription to Cruise News

The UK's most authoritative magazine about the world of luxury cruising. New ships, new destinations, new experiences and new offers. Be more informed, every two months, with Cruise News.

Find a cruise

Explore the Norwegian Fjords on a small ship cruise...

Viking Homelands

Viking Ocean Cruises

3 May - 17 May 2024 (14 Nights)

Scandinavia & the British Isles

6 May - 3 Jun 2024 (28 Nights)

From the Scottish archipelago to the Arctic Circle

11 May - 20 May 2024 (9 Nights)

From £12,330 pp

28-Day Lands Of The Celts, Scotland & Norwegian Fjords

12 May - 9 Jun 2024 (28 Nights)

From £18,099 pp

Southampton to Copenhagen

14 May - 5 Jun 2024 (22 Nights)

From £9,500 pp

17 May - 31 May 2024 (14 Nights)

Baltic Jewels & the Midnight Sun

17 May - 14 Jun 2024 (28 Nights)

The Sirba Octet on the North Sea

18 May - 25 May 2024 (7 Nights)

From £4,770 pp

20 May - 3 Jun 2024 (14 Nights)

Norway, between the Scandinavian peninsula and the High Arctic

20 May - 28 May 2024 (8 Nights)

From £6,170 pp

24 May - 5 Jun 2024 (12 Nights)

From £10,100 pp

Europe South To North

Oceania Cruises

25 May - 25 Jun 2024 (31 Nights)

From £8,579 pp

Related articles

You may also like

8 of the best small ship cruises to the Greek Islands

8 of the best small ship cruises to Alaska

12 of the best small ship cruises to the Mediterranean

The best Crystal Cruises sailings for 2024 & 2025 to book now

020 7399 7670

Hurtigruten Expeditions is now HX!

• Inspiration

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

37 itineraries showing.

Visit Tromsø and the Arctic Circle: Southbound | 2024-2025

TROMSØ – OSLO (Southbound)

Departure Dates

December - April - 9 days

Price from $2,230

MS Trollfjord

Visit Tromsø and the Arctic Circle: Northbound | 2024-2025

OSLO – TROMSØ (Northbound)

December - May - 9 days

Price from $2,285

The North Cape Express: Half Voyage | Tromsø to Bergen | 2024-2025

TROMSØ – HONNINGSVÅG – BERGEN (Southbound)

Price from $2,270

The North Cape Express: Half Voyage | Bergen to Tromsø | 2024-2025

BERGEN – HONNINGSVÅG – TROMSØ (Northbound)

Price from $2,190

The North Cape Express: Full Voyage | Oslo Roundtrip | 2025-2026

Oslo - North Cape - Oslo (Roundtrip)

September - April - 15 days

Price from $3,706

The Svalbard Express: Full Voyage | 2024

Bergen - Longyearbyen - Bergen (Roundtrip)

May - September - 16 days

Price from $6,000

The North Cape Express: Full Voyage | Bergen to Oslo | 2024-2025

Bergen – Honningsvåg – Oslo (Roundtrip)

December - April - 14 days

Price from $3,283

The North Cape Express: Full Voyage | Oslo to Bergen | 2024-2025

Oslo – Honningsvåg – Bergen (Roundtrip)

December - May - 14 days

Price from $3,389

11-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen - Kirkenes - Trondheim

Bergen - Kirkenes - Trondheim (Roundtrip)

Regular departures - 11 days

Astronomy Voyage | Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen (Roundtrip)

September - March - 12 days

The Svalbard Express: Northbound | Bergen to Longyearbyen | 2024

Bergen – Longyearbyen (Northbound)

May - September - 11 days

Price from $3,487

The Svalbard Express: Southbound | Longyearbyen to Bergen | 2024

Longyearbyen – Bergen (Southbound)

May - September - 10 days

Visit Tromsø and the Arctic Circle | 2024

Oslo – Tromsø (Northbound)

Departure date

April - 9 days

The Svalbard Express: Full Voyage | 2025

Bergen - Svalbard - Bergen (Roundtrip)

May - September - 15 days

Price from $4,942

The North Cape Express: Full Voyage | Bergen to Oslo | 2024

April - 13 days

Roundtrip Voyage from Bergen | Explore Norway’s Coastline

Regular departures - 12 days

Price from $3,197

4-Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound | Svolvær to Kirkenes

Norway | Lofoten, North Cape and Beyond (Northbound)

Regular departures - 4 days

7-Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound | Bergen to Kirkenes

Bergen - Kirkenes (Northbound)

Regular departures - 7 days

Price from $2,174

6-Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound | Kirkenes to Bergen

Kirkenes - Bergen (Southbound)

Regular departures - 6 days

Price from $1,736

2-Day Norway Voyage: Southbound | Trondheim to Bergen

Norway | Historic Cities and Land of Fjords (Southbound)

Regular departures - 2 days

2-Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound | Kirkenes to Tromsø

Norway | A Taste of the Arctic (Southbound)

3-Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound | Trondheim to Tromsø

Norway | The Arctic, Lofoten and Beyond (Northbound)

Regular departures - 3 days

3-Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound | Kirkenes to Svolvær

Norway | Arctic Wilderness, North Cape and Lofoten (Southbound)

3-Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound | Tromsø to Kirkenes

Norway | Polar History, North Cape and Arctic Wilderness (Northbound)

3-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen to Trondheim

Norway | Fjords and Historic Cities (Northbound)

3-Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound | Tromsø to Trondheim

Norway | Lofoten, Helgeland and History (Southbound)

4-Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound | Tromsø to Bergen

Norway | Lofoten, Mountains and Fjords (Southbound)

4-Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound | Bergen to Svolvær

Norway | Lofoten, Fjords, Architecture, and History (Northbound)

4-Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound | Svolvær to Bergen

Norway | Lofoten, Fishing Villages, Farmlands and Fjord Landscapes (Southbound)

5-Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound | Bergen to Tromsø

Norway | Fjords, Cities and the Arctic (Northbound)

Regular departures - 5 days

The Spitsbergen Adventurer | Sundays to Fridays

Longyearbyen - Moffen - Longyearbyen (Roundtrip)

May - August - 6 days

MS Nordstjernen

The Spitsbergen Adventurer | Wednesdays to Mondays

Longyearbyen - Liefdefjord - Longyearbyen (Roundtrip)

The North Cape Express: Half Voyage from Tromsø to Bergen | 2024

Tromsø – Honningsvåg – Bergen (Southbound)

April - 7 days

Follow the Midnight Sun | Norway, Sweden and Finland | 2024-2025

Small group escorted tour (Roundtrip)

June - July - 15 days

Arctic Circle and Norway’s Capital: Tromsø to Oslo Voyage | 2024

Tromsø – Oslo (Southbound)

The North Cape Express: Half Voyage from Bergen to Tromsø | 2024

Bergen – Honningsvåg – Tromsø (Northbound)

The North Cape Express: Full Voyage | Oslo to Bergen | 2024

10 Reasons Why Cruising Is The Best Way To See The Norwegian Fjords

V isiting the Norwegian fjords is the penultimate thing for any traveler to have on their bucket list. The stunning vistas and rolling green grass hills dotted with small Norwegian fishing towns are sites that are unique to the coastal inlets of this part of Scandinavia. However, reaching these small towns to see breathtaking cliffs and snowcapped peaks is not an easy feat; though scenic, it takes hours of driving through small winding roads from the "gateway" of the fjords (aka the city of Bergen), to reach even some of the most southernmost mountains. And to see the most breathtaking of these glacial valleys, travelers would have to drive further and further into remote Norway.

Want an easier, more comfortable way to see these amazing sites? Try cruising! And more specifically expedition cruising. Expedition cruising and river cruising—both kinds of cruises use smaller, often more luxurious boats than larger, more commercial cruise lines—offer a hassle-free way to visit the fjords and see them up close and personal all from comfortable quarters on the ship.

Cruise companies like Swan Hellenic and Hurtigruten Group Norway , are crafting a whole new industry of expedition cruising with sights on Norway. And even though many travelers are not "cruise people," cruising the Norwegian fjords is truly the best way to see these sites—here's why!

Related: 10 Stunning Fjords Tucked Away In New Zealand's Largest National Park

Small Ships Can Access Towns That Bigger Cruises And Cars Can't

Dotted along the inlets where the fjords give way to grassy, agricultural oasis, lie dozens of cozy, under-explored towns eager to welcome visitors to share their handicrafts and town culture.

Sometimes though, it's difficult to access these towns by bigger cruise ships due to the lack of deeper water ports or by driving given the cliffy roads and weather conditions. Often, expedition cruising is the only way visitors can come ashore to these scintillating small towns.

• Best Towns To Visit: Mandal, Ulvik, Tromsø, and Trollfjorden
• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Swan Hellenic and Seabourn

Curated Experiences Onshore Takes The Hassle Out Of Planning

Cruising is a comfortable way of seeing any locale (especially if travelers abide by expert cruiser tips and tricks ) and one of the most convenient things about cruising in general are the curated expeditions that voyagers can choose from once at port.

Expeditions take the guesswork out of visiting a new location since everything is already planned—just show up and the guide will take it away!

• Best Expeditions To Take: Glacier Walks, Zodiac Boat Tours, and History/Cultural Walking Tours
• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: National Geographic and Waterproof Cruises & Expeditions

No Need To Pack And Unpack Between Towns

When road-tripping, travelers often move from town to town and hotel to hotel from day to day. This means lots of packing and unpacking of suitcases. Nothing is less appealing than driving a winding mountain road for hours and then having to unpack and get sorted.

Being on a cruise ship to the fjords means travelers get to enjoy the majestic mountains all from a space that travelers can call their own for the week or two they are on board. Some cruise lines have better storage than others, so be sure to book a room that makes sense!

• Best Cruise Lines Accomodation: Swan Hellenic's SH Diana

The Perspective From The Water Is Unreal

There really is something surreal about being right in the middle of two mountains rising vertically above everyone's heads. It's a feeling of being enveloped that really can't be appreciated unless completely in the middle of it all.

And, getting to see the glittering water stretched out in front of the boat is a completely unique experience while in the fjords. Ships like the SH Diana, SH Minerva, and SH Vega of Swan Hellenic's fleet feature mostly balcony rooms which come in handy when seeking out these stunning views.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Swan Hellenic and Viking Cruises

Cruise Food Steps It Up On Expedition Cruises

Smaller format cruising means there is space and time for culinary staff to really cater to the tastes of its clientele. No mass buffets with ready-made pizzas or stale cookies; rather, think of an elegant menu featuring local Scandinavian tastes and ingredients all carefully crafted by world-renowned chefs.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Hurtigruten Expeditions , Seabourn, and Swan Hellenic

Related: 10 Scenic Towns in Norway To Spark Wanderlust

Use Travel Time For Fun, Not Wasting Away Behind The Wheel

Rather than spending hours and hours driving to reach a destination, cruising allows for travel time to become exploration time or fun time! Want to dance the night away while in-between ports? How about sipping a mimosa while mountain-watching? Or getting a luxurious array of spa treatments from Balinese massages to a fab mani/pedi?

On a cruise, all of that is possible in the time it gets to travel from town to town.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Seabourn and Swan Hellenic

All-Inclusive Pricing Allows Travelers To Plan

A hallmark of many cruises, the all-inclusive price model allows travelers to plan their finances for a trip and takes the sometimes nerve-wracking variable out of the holiday.

When cruising, travelers don't have to worry about keeping money on hand for necessities like food, beverage, and housing; no matter how much a traveler eats or drinks, the price is all the same. So instead, voyagers can set a more sure budget for other things!

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Viking Cruises and Seabourn

Lecturers Onboard Give Cultural Experiences Between Ports

Norway's fjords cruises, especially expedition cruises, often feature scientists, historians, and lecturers on staff that provide cultural classes on board for guests to enjoy between ports.

These cruises really want their travelers to be immersed in the nature and culture of their destinations and providing these educational outlets really elevates the learning experience.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Swan Hellenic, Waterproof Cruises & Expeditions, Hurtigruten, and National Geographic

Fjord Spot From The Hot Tub

How else can an avid traveler roll through the vistas of the Norwegian Fjords from the warmth and luxury of a hot top or swimming pool? This unique experience is singular to cruising through the fjords; some ships (like the SH Diana from Swan Hellenic) have outdoor hot tubs and panorama saunas to experience this extremely special way of viewing the landscape.

Expedition Cruises Are Sustainable For Conscious Travelers

The cruise industry is notorious for being wasteful in their mass production of things, but expedition cruising-- especially itineraries through the fjords and parts of the Arctic and Antarctic, aims to make their ships as sustainable and undetectable as possible.

CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, Hedda Felin , has led the charge in her company to reduce waste by 80% on ships; the company's first zero-emission vessel is set to sale by 2030. Rest assured, expedition cruising through the fjords means minimal environmental impact.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Hurtigruten, National Geographic , and Swan Hellenic

Norway Cruise Itinerary- Ports of Call on a 7 Day Norway Fjords Cruise

Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Norway had long been a dream destination of mine and for years I yearned to experience the wild, dramatic landscape of the fjords and discover the lifestyle of small Nordic cities and villages.

As a coastal nation with over 1,100 fjords, Norway is well-suited to exploration by boat. I easily pictured myself sailing down Norway’s long, deep fjords, gazing up at the towering walls of rock while daydreaming about living in a tiny waterfront village. 

As an independent traveller, cruises usually aren’t my first choice when it comes to seeing a country, but there was no denying that a Norway cruise would have plenty to offer, especially when it came to scenery and ease of travel.

With that in mind, I didn’t hesitate to say yes when Holland America Line invited me and my mom on a 7 day Norway fjords cruise on board Rotterdam. 

Before I share our Norway cruise itinerary with a description of the cruise ports in Norway we visited, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect during a cruise of Norway’s fjords.

Cruising Norway- What to Expect on a Norway Fjords Cruise

There’s plenty to enjoy on a Norway cruise from the spectacular fjords, delightful ports of call, and a variety of shore excursions for all types of travellers.

The best part of cruising in Norway is definitely the scenery whether it be the mountain-framed fjords, sparkling bays, verdant forests, lofty waterfalls, or colourful coastal towns. Cruise ships sail along the coastline, so there are interesting views to look at almost the entire journey, instead of a horizon of endless water.

Since Norway has a rather small population for a country its size, and the fjords are quite isolated, the ports of call on a Norwegian fjord cruise are small cities, towns, and villages. Days in port can be spent walking around town or venturing into the surrounding area on a guided excursion. 

As is typical for cruises, only one day is spent in each port of call. In our experience cruising Norway with Holland America Line, the time in port ranged from 7-12 hours, with two days of 8.5 hours. 

The time in port is enough for most people, especially in the fjord villages if you don’t go on an excursion. My mom and I did a guided excursion in every port of call and still had time to walk around the towns on our own for a few hours. While the time in port and excursions didn’t feel rushed (for the most part), I still would have liked to spend another day in some places. 

As for shore excursions on a Norway cruise, you can expect options that appeal to a range of interests and activity levels. Our Holland America Norway cruise offered leisurely sightseeing tours by bus, boat, train, and seaplane, but for more active travellers there were walking tours, bike tours, easy hikes, kayaking, river rafting, and ziplining. In each port there were multiple excursions that interested me, hence why I wanted two days in some places! 

The final thing you can expect on a Norway cruise is that there are people of all ages, from senior citizens to kids and everything in between. While sailing with Holland America Line, my mom and I discovered that cruising was a great choice for multigenerational travel because there were plenty of things we could enjoy together, but we could also do different activities onboard and ashore relating to our interests, easily meeting up afterwards.

Norway Cruise Itinerary- Ports of Call on our Norway Cruise

The ship departed from Amsterdam for our 7 day Norway cruise with Holland America Line. We had one day at sea, then visited four ports of call in Norway, and had another sea day to return to Amsterdam.

To give you an idea of some places you can visit on a Norwegian fjord cruise, here’s a look at our Norway cruise itinerary. Since the highlight of cruising Norway was the scenic destinations we visited, I’m mainly going to share some information about the cruise ports in Norway and the shore excursions we did there. I’ve also included some comments about life on board the ship during days at sea.

Day 1: Amsterdam

We boarded the ship around 11:30 am on the departure day of our cruise to Norway. The ship didn’t set sail until 5:00 pm, so there was some time to disembark and briefly explore the beautiful city of Amsterdam (the port was close to Central Station).

I decided to visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, but you could also do one of the canal cruises that start in front of Central Station or just walk around and admire the architecture. I wouldn’t venture too far though in case the trams are delayed and you have to walk back (happened to me). Remember, you must be on the ship 30 minutes before the departure time.

Once back on board, we headed out to an observation deck to watch the scenery as we sailed out of Amsterdam. The mood was celebratory out on deck and at the poolside sail away party as everyone was excited to cruise to Norway!

Day 2:  At Sea- Cruising to Norway

Day two of our Norway cruise itinerary was a full day at sea. Since we were cruising out in the North Sea, there wasn’t any scenery to look at so there was plenty of time to explore the ship, participate in activities, indulge at the restaurants, and watch some shows.

Onboard Activities, Entertainment, and Restaurants

The Rotterdam had plenty of things to do while at sea so we were never bored. There was a fitness centre, outdoor sports courts, a spa, two pools (an indoor one with a retractable roof and an outdoor one for adults only), a casino, a library, trivia events, multimedia shows and presentations at the World Stage, poolside evening movies complete with popcorn, three venues along the Music Walk for live music and dancing, and much more.

We attended several shows at the World Stage while on board Rotterdam . There were informative talks and videos about Scandinavian culture, the history of Holland America Line, and a behind the scenes look at what it takes to operate a cruise ship (my mom highly recommends this “City on the Sea” presentation). In the evenings the theatre hosted music and dance shows. We really enjoyed the dance productions and how the choreography was enhanced by imagery on the panoramic, two-story screen. 

There also was a lot of delicious food on Rotterdam , especially at the specialty restaurants (extra charge) and main dining room (included). We ate at all the restaurants and never had a bad meal. Our favourites were the Italian cuisine at Canaletto and the French dishes at Rudi’s Sel De Mer. My mom and I both also enjoyed Afternoon Tea in the main dining room on sea days and eating gelato by the Lido Pool.

Day 3: Oslo and Oslofjord

The first port of call on our Norway fjord cruise was Oslo, the dynamic, easy-going capital city of Norway. 

I’ll start by saying that one day is not enough to experience all that Oslo has to offer, even though it’s a relatively small city. There are so many museums, public artworks, interesting pieces of modern and historic architecture, and nearby forests to enjoy. 

In the morning we walked from the port through the lovely Aker Brygge neighbourhood to Akershus Fortress, enjoying views of Oslofjord along the way. After our self-guided tour of the fortress and its grounds, we went on a bike tour of the city.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval fortified castle that strategically overlooks Oslo’s harbour. Its primary function was to defend Oslo from attacks, which it did several times, but it also served as a prison and royal residence. The complex is still used for military and government functions while being open as a museum.

During our walk around the fortress grounds, we saw defensive walls and gates, cannons, courtyards, and views of the sea.

I really enjoyed touring the inside of the castle and seeing the dungeon, royal mausoleum, church, chambers, and halls. The tapestries and wooden furniture decorating the rooms were gorgeous!

Oslo Bike Tour

A bike tour of Oslo was a great introduction to the city and allowed us to see many of its highlights in about three hours.

Cycling from the bike shop, our guide led our small group to some of Oslo’s most notable monuments, buildings, parks, and neighbourhoods. At each stop, our guide shared some interesting history, stories, and facts then gave us time to walk around and take pictures. 

Our favourite stop on the bike tour was Frogner Park where there is an impressive installation of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. With over 200 sculptures, we of course couldn’t see them all, but we did have time to admire two of the most famous ones- the Monolith and The Angry Boy. This park is definitely worth a second visit one day.

Book this same tour: Oslo Highlights Bike Tour

Oslofjord Scenic Cruising

In the evening our ship sailed down Oslofjord towards the next day’s destination. Oslofjord didn’t have steep sides like the other Norwegian fjords we cruised down, but it was still nice to sit on our balcony, sheltered from the rain, and watch the scenery go by. Keep watch for Oscarsborg Fortress on one of the islands.

Day 4: Kristiansand

The second destination on our Norway cruise was Kristiansand, an attractive seaside city on Norway’s southern coast.

The fifth-largest city in Norway, Kristiansand has a walkable Old Town (Posebyn), seafront promenade, urban beaches, colourful fish market (Fiskebrygga), and nature parks just minutes from the city centre. I felt an interesting vibe here- laid-back, yet lively with people enjoying life’s simple pleasures. 

Kristiansand’s Old Town and harbour area were nice to stroll around after our morning excursion to ride the Setesdal Vintage Railway.

Setesdal Vintage Railway

The Setesdal Vintage Railway (Setesdalsbanen) is a historic narrow-gauge railway that opened in the late 19th century for travel through the Setesdal Valley. It closed down in 1962, but 8 km of tracks were preserved for use as a railway museum. 

During our short ride from Grovane to Røyknes, the restored steam engine chugged along the Otra River, pulling the vintage train cars over bridges, through a tunnel, and beside a mountain. The countryside we passed through was beautiful with lakes, forests, and a waterfall. I especially liked seeing the old log chute-turned-hiking trail along the river.

Exploring Kristiansand

Kristiansand’s Old Town and many of its tourist attractions are very close to the cruise terminal so the area is easy to explore on foot.

The Old Town is known for its large collection of white wooden houses, some of which have been turned into small shops. The bustling central square is a popular place for people to gather at restaurants, by the fountain, and in the park. The square has some statues, art installations, and pretty architecture including City Hall and the neo-Gothic Kristiansand Cathedral. The cathedral is worth a quick visit to see the wooden ceiling and organ loft.

Next up we went to the harbour and walked along the seafront to Christiansholm Fortress. It was small and not really what I picture when I think of a fortress, but it was a nice place to sit and enjoy views of the harbour.

On our way back to the ship we walked along the quay by the fish market. It was such an attractive and vibrant area with restaurants, ice cream shops, and a canal. A beautiful spot to enjoy a sunny day!

Day 5: Eidfjord and Hardangerfjord

Note: Eidfjord wasn’t originally on our Norway cruise itinerary and was added more than two months before departure to replace Stavanger, for an unknown reason. While I was initially very disappointed I wouldn’t get to visit Stavanger and do the Pulpit Rock hike, Eidfjord turned out to be a wonderful replacement. 

Eidfjord was our favourite of the cruise ports in Norway we visited. This tiny village at the end of Eid Fjord, an inner arm of the Hardangerfjord, is backed by mountains and a short drive away from three of Norway’s impressive natural wonders- Vøringsfossen (Vøring Falls), the Måbødalen Valley, and Hardangervidda (Hardanger Plateau). 

The natural scenery around Eidfjord and along Hardangerfjord is gorgeous and just what I expected Norway to look like. We saw a lot of the landscape during our morning bus tour that took us to Vøringsfossen in the Måbødalen Valley, the Sysen Dam, and Hardangervidda.

After our tour, we walked around the village and visited the Old Eidfjord Church and its graveyard, some shops, and the bakery for some delicious treats. On a future visit, I’d love to hike the Haereid mountain plateau to see the Iron and Viking Age burial mounds.

Eidfjord Bus Tour- Vøringsfossen, Sysen Dam, Hardangervidda

A bus tour is a hassle-free way to see and learn about the landscape and attractions in the greater Eidfjord area. During the scenic drive from Eidfjord to Hardangervidda our guide shared plenty of interesting information about the local culture, geology, flora, and fauna.

The first stop on our tour was Vøringsfossen, a tiered waterfall that cascades 182 m/597 ft into the Måbødalen Valley, 145 m/475 ft of which is a direct plunge. The waterfall itself is stunning, but the valley below really makes it a spectacular setting that should not be missed.

There are several viewpoints along a rocky, uneven trail, plus a step bridge from which you can admire the falls from different angles. The tour only gave us 35 minutes at the waterfall, which was nowhere near enough time to walk the trails and visit all the viewpoints. 

Next up we visited the Sysen Dam. It was more interesting and scenic than I expected because it was an embankment dam made with only gravel and stones (no concrete) and offered views of the surrounding hills and Hardangerjøkulen, mainland Norway’s sixth largest glacier. We spent 30 minutes here, which was plenty of time to walk along the top of the dam.

From the dam, we drove along National Road 7 across the Hardanger Plateau, the largest eroded plain in Europe. Reaching an elevation of about 1140 m/3740 ft, we got to see Hardangervidda’s characteristic rocky, treeless landscape.

Hardangervidda experiences an alpine climate year-round so there are several species of arctic plants and animals here that are usually found further north. I was hoping to see some wild reindeer, since the plateau is home to a herd of about 8,000, but had no such luck.

I also would have liked to make some photo stops on the plateau, but the only place the bus stopped was at Halne Mountain Lodge where we were served heart-shaped Norwegian waffles. 

Eidfjord Old Church

The Eidfjord Old Church was built out of stone around 1309 with seating for only 100 people. It is now only used for special occasions, but visitors can peek inside to see how it looked in the 18th century. 

The small, pretty graveyard outside has some simple headstones from the 1800s.

Hardangerfjord Scenic Cruising

The so-called “Queen of Fjords”, Hardangerfjord is the second longest fjord in Norway, measuring 179 km from the Atlantic Ocean. 

As our ship glided down Hardangerfjord, we were in awe of the gorgeous scenery framing us. We saw countless waterfalls tumbling down the mountains, orchards nestled along the fertile shoreline, colourful small villages, and scenic arms branching off from the main fjord. We even passed by some fish farms.

Perhaps the most interesting moment was when our ship sailed under the Hardanger Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Norway. The bridge has a maximum deck height of 55 m/180 ft, so there wasn’t much clearance when our ship went under it!

Day 6: Flåm and Sognefjord

The last port of call on our Norway fjords cruise was Flåm, located at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord branch of Sognefjord. Flåm is a tiny village of only a couple hundred residents, but because it welcomes around 450,000 visitors per year, it felt a little “touristy” compared to the other cruise ports in Norway we visited.

Flåm and the surrounding area are known for its steep fjords and valleys, abundance of waterfalls, and green meadows dotting the countryside. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, sightseeing fjord cruises, and visits to scenic viewpoints, but the most popular excursion in Flåm is a ride on the Flåm Railway.

The Flåm Railway excursion sells out quickly, so my mom and I chose two other enjoyable activities- I went kayaking in Nærøyfjord while she went on a bus and boat tour of Nærøydalen (Naeroy Valley) and Nærøyfjord. After my kayaking trip I wandered around the Fretheim Cultural Park.

Kayaking Nærøyfjord

Flåm was the place on our Norway cruise itinerary I was most looking forward to visiting because I wanted to kayak in Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

As the narrowest arm of the Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord is only 250 m/820 ft wide in places. Its towering rock walls, tall waterfalls, and hanging valleys are exceptionally beautiful, making Nærøyfjord an outstanding landscape for kayaking.

Our tour group paddled about 12 km round trip, going from the village of Gudvangen to a little beach across the fjord from Tuftefossen waterfall. After a provided lunch on shore, we paddled back to Gudvangen.

I loved kayaking Nærøyfjord so much, even though the rudder on my kayak wasn’t set up properly and the local guides were a bit disorganized and didn’t add much to the experience. Regardless of some downsides, this was a thoroughly enjoyable excursion and I’m thankful for the perfect weather!

Bus and Boat Tour of Nærøyfjord and the Naeroy Valley

While I was kayaking down Nærøyfjord my mom went on a sightseeing cruise of Nærøyfjord then a bus tour of the Naeroy Valley.  

Departing from Flåm on the Vision of the Fjords, she sailed through Aurlandsfjord then down the entire 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) of Nærøyfjord. Over the course of two hours, the boat passed by fjord villages and steep mountains, even getting up close to a waterfall.

After arriving at Gudvangen, the group transferred to a bus and then drove up Norway’s steepest road, the winding Stalheimskleiva, to the historic Stalheim hotel for tea and pastries. The hotel had a stunning view of the Naeroy Valley and after seeing her pictures, I was sad I missed it!

Fretheim Cultural Park

On the hill behind the Fretheim Hotel, directly in front of where the cruise ships dock, is the Fretheim Cultural Park. The park has 1.6 kilometres/1 mile of trails that lead to viewpoints and artworks. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to walk the entire trail because of heavy rain, but I did enjoy the misty views of the harbour.

Sognefjord Scenic Cruising

Our 12 hour day in Flåm ended with an evening cruise along Sognefjord. Nicknamed the “King of the Fjords”, Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, stretching 205 km/127 mi from the ocean and reaching a depth of 1308 m/4291 ft below sea level.

As we’d now come to expect from previous days cruising the Norwegian fjords, we saw tall cliffs and mountains, waterfalls, small towns, and several smaller fjords branching off from Sognefjord. The scenery, even under a gloomy sky, was a wonderful send-off from Norway.

Day 7: At Sea- Cruising to Amsterdam

Our Holland America Norway cruise itinerary ended with a day at sea sailing back to Amsterdam. This last sea day gave us one final opportunity to enjoy the ship’s amenities, take part in some more activities, and try another specialty restaurant.

Norway Cruise Review- Final Thoughts About Our Norway Fjords Cruise

We really enjoyed our cruise to Norway and thought it was not only a great introduction to the country, but a relaxing and budget-friendly way to visit Norway for the first time.

While cruising Norway we got to float down some of the most beautiful Norwegian fjords and their smaller arms. I loved the steep walls of rock framing the fjords and the towering waterfalls tumbling down. I’ve always been amazed at how glaciers can dramatically shape a landscape and the Norwegian fjords were a great reminder of the power of nature.

Just as delightful as the natural scenery were the ports of call on our Norway fjord cruise. I especially liked visiting the small fjord villages, but was also pleasantly surprised by Oslo. 

One thing I noticed about the cruise ports in Norway we visited was that the port areas were not at all (or significantly less) touristy than the Caribbean cruise I went on. We just stepped off the ship and into a community that wasn’t putting on a show for tourists or trying hard to get their money. So refreshing!

The time we had in port was pretty good, as far as cruises go, and I think most people would be satisfied with it. However, as someone who wants to do all the things in all the places, I wish we had 10-12 hours at each stop.

As for our Norway cruise itinerary, it included a mix of well-known/popular destinations and some places I was unfamiliar with and wouldn’t have thought to go if I was travelling independently. We liked everywhere we visited and would even go back to a few places. I would have loved to go further north and visit more destinations in Norway, so maybe next time we’ll choose a longer cruise.

On this Norway cruise with Holland America Line, there was a nice balance between the destination and ship amenities. On some cruises, the ship takes centre stage and the destinations feel like an afterthought. Not in this case- the focus was definitely on Norway, but the ship experience wasn’t overlooked. Rotterdam was an attractive, comfortable mid-sized ship that kept us entertained, but Holland America also made sure to include some presentations, live narration, movies, and menu items that highlight Norway and Scandinavian culture.

For me, the only thing that this specific cruise lacked was a proper hiking excursion. I would have loved to venture out on a day hike with a local guide to be more immersed in nature. At least there were several other active, outdoor adventure-type excursions to do in each port of call. 

Overall, I’m very happy that I was able to enjoy a Norway cruise as someone who prefers independent travel. It was nice for once not to have to worry about how to get around, where to eat, where to stay etc. My mom has always loved cruising and this experience was no different. We definitely recommend a cruise if you want an easy, stress-free, and affordable way to see the Norwegian fjords.

Tips for Going on a Norway Cruise

Here are a few tips for making the most of a Norway fjords cruise:

Staterooms: We recommend getting a balcony room if your budget allows. I loved stepping out onto our balcony first thing in the morning to check out the scenery and have my room service breakfast. If I saw a nice view while we were getting ready in the morning or for dinner, I could quickly get outside to take pictures. A balcony room also gives you a place to relax outdoors away from the crowds. 

Port Services: Most destinations had visitor centres at or near the port area where you could pick up a map and get some information about things to see and do.

• Some of the port areas also had places where you could rent a car.

Shore Excursions: If you’re interested in doing some of the cruise company’s shore excursions, we recommend booking them as soon as possible because they do sell out. In our experience, some excursions were sold out two months before sailing (the Flåm Railway being one). 

• You don’t have to book a shore excursion from the ship (they can be pricey). As an alternative, you can reserve tours and activities with local guides and companies online here . 
• If you prefer, you can also walk around the ports of call on your own or rent a car to explore further afield.

I was hosted by Holland America Line in order to bring you this story. As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles.

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | X | Pinterest

Join the Facebook Group

7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts

Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see glaciers, national parks and wildlife!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

EXPLORE NOW

Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. " Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords, " said Cicero.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service ," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

Best All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Universal's Epic Universe Will Live Up to Its Name

25 Fun Girls' Weekend Getaway Destinations

Inside Vrbo's Vacation Rentals of the Year 2024

20 Best Places to Visit in April

20 Surprising Disneyland Freebies

The Best Family Vacation Ideas

The Best Bachelorette Party Destinations

Romantic Weekend Getaways

The Best Destinations to Visit This March

What It's Really Like to Sail the Icon of the Seas

• Need help? 1800 003 002 1800 003 002
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antartic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• All Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Speciality Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Sunset Sky Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• All Included
• Up to 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 2024 Australia & New Zealand Cruises
• View All Offers
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Get up to 75% off your travel partner’s fare + up to an additional $300 savings per stateroom when you book before 7th April. > 

NORWAY CRUISE

Norwegian fjords and Europe’s largest glacier await you on a Norway cruise.

Tabs View Cruises

• View Cruises

Discover Awe-Inspiring Fjords on a Norway Cruise

Natural wonders and once-in-a-lifetime thrills await on a Norway cruise. From the towering mountains of Bergen to the dramatic waterfalls of Alesund, Norway is full of breathtaking surprises. Embark on one our Norwegian fjords cruises and marvel at the spectacular landscapes, verdant mountains, and gushing waterfalls that surround you. Watch as eagles soar in the blue skies above and whales and seals play in the deep waters.

Beyond the majestic fjords, Norway’s cities and villages provide bucket-list opportunities for history buffs, foodies, and adventure seekers. Soak up the magic of picturesque cities like Oslo. Photograph the colorful fishermen’s houses dotting the coast of Alesund. Sip local craft beer in Bergen. Climb the soaring heights of Pulpit Rock for one of the best views in the country.

With Celebrity, sail beyond the beaten path in Norway on a seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise, or embark on one of our European cruises that stops in Oslo. On board, experience total relaxation in your stylish suite or stateroom. Enjoy world-class dining and entertainment as you discover Norway in all its glory

Norway Cruise Highlights

Norwegian fjords.

Nature buffs and adventure seekers can’t miss seeing the stunning Norwegian fjords during their cruise. Bergen is a great jumping-off point to see fjords like Hardangerfjord, the country’s second-largest fjord. UNESCO World Heritage Site Geirangerfjord is known as the “crown jewel” of the country’s fjords, contrasting steep waterfalls with snow-peaked mountain caps. Go slightly off-the-beaten path to neighboring Hjørundfjord, where activities like fjord fishing and kayaking will captivate you.

Art & History

Explore Oslo’s famous Viking Ship Museum and see three expertly preserved vessels. Spend a while at the Munch Museum, dedicated to the painter Edvard Munch, known best for his painting “The Scream.” In Bergen, Bryggens Museum is a mighty testament to life in the town before a devastating fire in 1955, where excavations uncovered beautiful reminders of everyday Norwegian life. Bergen is also home to its own art museum that uniquely preserves the homes of famous composers throughout history. Time travel at Sunnmøre Museum in Alesund, an open-air exhibit featuring preserved homes and boats dating back to medieval times.

Craft Breweries

Norway’s distilleries and craft microbrewing scene is rapidly growing in cities like Bergen and Alesund. After decades of mostly serving lagers, microbrewers around the country wanted to offer more variety for beer drinkers, so they started to brew their own IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. Ever since, Norway’s cities have brewed hundreds of their own unique drafts. Unwind after a day’s hike and try something new on the menu.

Featured Ports

Bergen, norway.

Rows of deep red, burnt orange, and white houses near Bryggen Wharf is one of the top sights in the city. Enjoy a romantic wharfside meal or a cozy coffee there before you visit Bryggens Museum or St. Mary’s Church. Ride a funicular rail to the summit of Mt. Fløyen for incredible panoramic views of the city below. Explore the surrounding fjords on an unforgettable kayaking or hiking adventure.

Alesund, Norway

On a Norway cruise, you’ll visit the picturesque town of Alesund, frequently cited as one of the country’s most beautiful places to visit. Spend a leisurely day exploring the Art Nouveau District. Hike up nearly 500 steps to Aksla Viewpoint and admire the stunning vistas of the archipelago and breathtaking fjords beyond. The town is also the gateway to Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most famous natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled between imposing cliffs on all sides.

Oslo, Norway

Let Oslo’s metropolitan atmosphere energize you as you explore its opulent palaces and incredible museums. The capital of Norway is teeming with Viking history, from ships dating back to the 9th century at the Viking Museum to 17th-century art at the National Museum. Art lovers won’t want to miss seeing Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” in person. When you move on from historic wonders, grab a craft beer or sample local salmon at any of Oslo’s trendy eateries.

Norway Cruise Itineraries

Embark on an unforgettable cruise to Norway aboard Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Reflection. Sailing from May to August, our Norwegian fjord cruises last anywhere from seven nights to nine nights. Longer itineraries give you the chance to see towns like the mountainous Flam or the remote Geiranger. On a Northern Europe cruise, you’ll overnight in Oslo on the way to cities like Copenhagen, Bruges, and Paris, or visit the capital before venturing to Sweden and Finland.

Itineraries

View all cruises to norway, why sail on a norway cruise with celebrity.

On a Norway cruise with Celebrity Cruises, you’ll discover the best of Norway while enjoying the comforts of our luxury cruise ship. Celebrity’s impeccable service and world-class dining will elevate your vacation to new heights. Spend your days at sea exploring innovative onboard venues, splashing in the pool, or indulging in a relaxing spa treatment.

Stylish staterooms provide the ultimate place to unwind. When you book The Retreat, our luxury vacation experience, you’ll stay in unparalleled suites and enjoy exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge, and more. Shore excursions are crafted to showcase the best of Norway, from private boat tours that take you deep into the fjords to guided hikes to see spectacular waterfalls.

You Might Also Like

Northern Europe Cruises

Scandinavian Cruises

Cruises to Norway and Iceland

Insider’s Guide to Haugesund, Norway

Last Minute Cruises from Southampton

Baltic Cruises

Summer Cruises

Extraordinary Castles in Norway

Serene Lakes in Norway to Visit

What Is Norway Known For?

Best Baltic Cruise Excursions

The Ultimate Norwegian Food Guide

Most Underrated Cities in Europe

Norway Cruises from UK

Best Things to Do in Norway