Cruising the Norwegian FjordsFew destinations can rival the phenomenal beauty and exhilarating experiences of Norway. From spectacular waterfalls to magnificent mountains, the stunningly rugged natural scenery is sure to astound anyone who visits. As if the natural landscape isn’t breath-taking enough, the vibrant cities and enchanting villages that make up the ports of Norwegian Fjords Cruises are rich in history, art and culture.
If you’re keen to experience the wonders of a cruise to Norway, we have a few handy tips to ensure your time in Europe’s northernmost country is as perfect as possible!
A great cruising experience is made up of two things – a fantastic destination, and an equally fantastic ship. Here are some of the cruise lines with ships offering cruises to Norway.
See Norway with P&O Cruises, where you can chill in oasis spas, enjoy marvellous shows, or enjoy a tipple at an on-board gin distillery. P&O will take your to some of the most popular Fjord destinations including; Olden, where you can see the aqua blue ice of the Jostedal Glacier cascading down the stunning Oldedalen Valley, as you navigate the spindly fjords of Norway!
Experience the magnificence of Norway with all the comforts of modern cruising. Enjoy elegant wine bars, dazzling European-style piazzas, open-air movie nights under the stars, and lively Vegas-style casinos - all designed to elevate your journey through this breathtaking destination.
For a relaxing visit to Norway, consider a cruise that features amenities like infinity pools and glass-walled saunas for the ultimate in scenic comfort. Many itineraries include breathtaking destinations such as the coastal town of Ålesund, often praised as one of Norway’s most beautiful thanks to its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. With thoughtfully designed onboard experiences and well-planned routes, these sailings offer an unforgettable way to explore the fjords.
Enjoy a Norway cruise with experiences designed for every kind of traveler. Unwind with a refreshing craft beer at a lively social bar, challenge friends to your favorite outdoor games on a real grass lawn, or dance the night away at a fabulous silent disco. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s galley and kitchens to see where the culinary magic happens.
If you're after an action-packed cruise to Norway, Royal Caribbean delivers with its Norwegian Fjords itineraries. On board, guests can enjoy thrilling activities like bumper cars, roller skating, skydiving simulators, laser tag, ice skating, and rock climbing. One standout feature is the unique viewing decks - often compared to the London Eye at sea and offering incredible panoramic views of the breathtaking fjords.
Visitors to Norway can enjoy a leisurely stroll beneath a dazzling sky dome on an indoor promenade or sip a delicious drink crafted by a Robot Bartender - all whilst enjoying the comforts of a modern cruise experience with MSC Cruises.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' smaller vessels are perfectly suited for navigating the narrower fjords of Norway, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape from onboard observation areas. Each ship is also equipped with inflatable RIB boats, allowing guests to explore more secluded corners of the Norwegian Fjords up close.
Follow Viking trading routes with Cunard and explore fine art at sea, play a leisurely game of croquet on a ship with classic Art Deco elegance, or stargaze in the only planetarium at sea - all part of the refined experience aboard a Cunard voyage.
The peak of the Norwegian Cruise season is between June and August, as this is when the weather is most optimum for hiking and for experiencing the midnight sun in the far north.
However, for cruisers desperate to enjoy the spectacle of the world-famous Northern Lights, we advise travelling during arctic winter which takes place from late September to early March. This time of year is also ideal if you’re hoping to experience Norway’s snowier activities like dogsled rides and skiing.
Every port in Norway offers something unique and interesting. Here are some of the most iconic and unmissable spots:
No Norwegian Cruise would be complete without a trip to beautiful Bergen, the Gateway to the Fjords. Nestled among seven hills, with the spectacular Mount Floyen as its backdrop, this exquisite cocktail of old and new architecture is full of things to see and do. Shop at the traditional Norwegian fish market, where flowers and handicrafts can be found alongside the seafood stalls. Or take a stroll through historic Bryggen, the city’s old wharf. This UNESCO world heritage site contains a museum where you can learn the fascinating details of life in medieval Bergen.
Visit the Hanseatic Museum, housed in a 300-year-old cod liver oil warehouse. Or perhaps you’d rather take a trip to the 800-year-old Rosenkrantz tower, one time home of King Eirik Magnusson, or the medieval royal residence of Haakon’s hall.
For more recent history, World War buffs shouldn’t skip the Bergenhus fortress. Music lovers, on the other hand, should see the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most iconic pianist and composer.
Whilst not all Cruises to Norway stop in the Capital, it’s worth finding one that does.
Oslo is a dream city for art fanatics, housing the Edvard Munch museum (the artist best known for The Scream) as well as the Vigeland and Ekeberparken sculpture parks. Plus, with the amount of incredible street art on display, the whole city is like a giant open-air gallery.
The city is also full of amazing museums, including the Nobel Peace centre, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and the Kon-Tiki museum.
Architecture enthusiasts will love the folklore-inspired Art Nouveau style of this vibrant port. Kayak through the Brosundet canal to view the city’s fantastical buildings. Or learn about their construction at the Art Nouveau centre of architecture.
If you want to work up a sweat, you can hike 418 steps to the Mount Aksla viewpoint. Or to gaze over Ålesund’s heavenly landscape in a more relaxed manner you can access the same spot via the Bytoget city train.
Other notable spots include the Sunmøre Open Air museum, the exceptional artwork of the KUBE art museum, or Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquarium- the Atlanterhavsparken.
Named the ‘Town of Roses’ in honour of the delightful rose gardens that cover the port, Molde is one of the prettiest and best-smelling places in Norway. Admire 222 mountain peaks from the town’s Varden viewpoint or pay a visit to the fascinating Romsdal folk museum.
For those taking Norwegian Cruises in July, you may get to experience Moldejazz- Europe’s second oldest jazz festival.
The church above the city is also well worth hiking up to, as it was decorated by Norway’s leading artists. And if that isn’t enough art for you, you can also visit the Møre and Romsdal art centre.
Tromsø is sure to be a favourite port if you like a drink, with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in Norway! However, it’s not just great for bars. Gaze on the magnificent iceberg shaped Cathedral, learn about arctic expeditions at the Polar Museum, or climb the 12,000 step Sherpa staircase up Mount Storsteinen.
Only 21 miles from Europe’s northernmost point, Honningsvåg is one of the best locations for experiencing either the Northern lights or Midnight Sun, depending on the time of year. That isn’t the only draw of this wonderful town though. It also boasts a fabulous pine forest, and you can sip delicious beverages at the Artico ice bar.
Honningsvåg is yet another port that art lovers should not miss, as it is home to the Nordkappmuseet, Once Upon a Dream and West of the Moon art galleries.
The quaint village of Flåm is most well-known for its railway. Trains departing from Flåm offer a glorious ride through the nearby scenery, which includes the breath-taking Kjoffossen waterfall and the Aurlandsdalen (Norway’s Grand Canyon).
Near to Flåm is Njardarheimr, a living Viking village where you can learn Norse history from incredible Viking tour guides.
If you like museums that are on the quirkier side, Stavanger is the port for you. Pay a visit to the Norwegian Canning Museum or the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn the history of two of Norway’s biggest industries.
Stavanger isn’t only known for its unusual museums though. Another claim to fame is the rainbow-hued houses of the old town. No visit to Stavanger would be complete without a stroll down Øvre Holmegate- the Colour Street.
Another key Stavanger location to visit is Pulpit Rock, named one of the nation’s most remarkable sights by Lonely Planet.
This charming port is best known for the nearby majestic Birksdal Glacier. However, the Glacier is not the only attraction. Take the Loen sky lift up to Mount Hoven to bask in stunning panoramic views. Or pay a visit to Olden’s quaint wooden church.
The mountaineering capital of Norway is wonderful for hikers young and old. There are a number of excellent trails to follow, from climbing Mount Neskalska to the easier and more child-friendly Litlefjellet hike.
One major attraction of Åndalsnes is the awe-inspiring Trollsveggen mountain wall (Troll Wall)- Europe’s tallest vertical rock face.
A port packed with activity, Kristiansand has something for everyone. The zoo and theme park are fantastic for families, whilst thrill seekers will love the Aquarama waterpark. If you want to immerse yourself in Norwegian history, you can visit the open-air museum comprised of over thirty historic houses, or instead pay a trip to the Cannon Museum at Møvik fortress.
Art lovers can wander around the SKMU art museum. Those looking to relax can take a calming and scenic train ride along the Setesdalsbanen railway line, on a train that is over a century old. And, on a sunny day, you can chill on the white sands of the Bystranda beach.
On top of the usual items packed for a Cruise (toiletries, formal wear, etc) there are a few important items to bring on Norwegian Fjords cruises in particular.
Once you’ve booked your cruise to Norway, you’ll need to look through the cruise itinerary to plan your dream trip. Book excursions in advance to avoid disappointment and research the ports you will be visiting to plan the sights you want to see.
Now you have an overview of the amazing options of ships and destinations available for Norwegian Cruises, you’ll have a good idea of which vessel you’d like to call ‘home’ and which exciting ports you want to stop at. Thanks to our article, you already know how to pack and prepare.
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