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Dedicated northern lights sailings visit at peak time and shore tours seek out viewing spots that provide the best chance of seeing them. 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.
Delightful Shore Excursions OnNorwegian Fjords Cruises
Another example of what's possible is from NCL on their new ship Norwegian Prima. An 11-day itinerary from Southampton includes stops at Zeebrugge and Amsterdam on the way to Norway's Geirangerfjord, before the ship makes its way to three ports of call in Iceland. A 15-day ‘Viking Homelands' itinerary from Viking Ocean Cruises starts in Stockholm. It calls in to historic ports including the Åland Islands, Gdansk, Bornholm, Copenhagen and Aalborg on its way to Norway and the fjords. This itinerary includes just one fjord–the Hardangerfjord on the way to and from Eidfjord–but it might suit those looking for a wider introduction to the region.
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Experience Norway’s spectacular fjords with Norwegian Cruise Line. UK, Germany, Australia and US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Norway for holiday purposes. The word 'fjord' comes from the Old Norse fjǫrthr and refers to a long stretch of sea between high cliffs. They are formed when glaciers cut into the earth by gradually wearing away the rock, leaving a deep, U-shaped valley that is then flooded by the ocean. Found well within the Arctic Circle, these Norwegian islands are home to soaring mountain peaks, charming fishing villages and exciting Viking history. Discover the unique sights and experiences you can expect to savor on a cruise to Norway, and how to get the most from your voyage to this fairy-tale destination.
Norwegian Fjords tip #8
Excursions range from scenic hikes and kayaking adventures to cultural tours of historic Norwegian towns and cities. The ships boast beautifully designed staterooms, world-class dining options, and a wide range of entertainment and enrichment activities. The Saga fleet features ships that are elegantly furnished, boasting roomy cabins, exquisite dining experiences, and top-notch amenities. 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. Cruise to Alesund, one of Norway's most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style.
Norwegian fjords cruise tips: what to pack
Hardy Brits on board settled themselves by the pool, slathering suncream to the accompaniment of blasts of the ship’s foghorn. 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.
Norwegian Fjords Cruise Tips & Reviews
They’re incredibly friendly, and once you board, will tell you what to expect on the tour and answer any questions you may have. There are a huge range of fjord tours available in Norway, from a simple 2-hour cruise visiting the local landmarks to elaborate packages including a 3-course meal and an onboard sauna. Here are the best cruise options from Fred Olsen and Imagine Cruising, as well as the best Norway tours from our trusted partners.
When you’re short on time - Fjord cruise to Mostraumen
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. 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. 40,000 people receive my best cruise tips, insights and guides every week. I create cruise content across YouTube, this website and my social accounts, all with the aim of helping you to find, and take your perfect cruise. I took my first cruise when I was 11 and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Top Norway cruise ports
While you'll still experience scenic coastline, it may not be the fjords experience you're imagining. Some ships spend all day in tiny ports, only cruising the fjords very early in the morning or late into the evening. Though Norway's prolonged summer daylight provides ample viewing opportunity, it might not be the immersive experience some seek.
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. 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. 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.
For travelers seeking a luxurious and educational journey through the fjords, Viking Cruises offers an experience that is both indulgent and enlightening. 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. 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. 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 days are also longer, allowing for more time to enjoy the natural beauty of the fjord. 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. 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.
Travelling in Norway can be quite pricey, check out this guide to see how much you can expect to spend travelling in Scandinavia. There are more specific tips about the ports that we visited at the end of this post. 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.
On a clear day, you can even spot the mountain chain linking Norway to Sweden. Relish in the beauty of stunning fjords of Bergen and its mountain scenery, soaring over snow-capped mountains and the wild landscapes of western Norway. Experience one of the most spectacular railroad journeys in Norway and enjoy the stunning natural beauty the Aurlandsfjord region has to offer.
Today, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages continue this tradition on the Norwegian coastal route. With that in mind, let's look at some of the most popular types of cruise itinerary. The Norwegian government has set forth restrictions, allowing only zero-emission vessels to cruise certain UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords, set to begin in 2026.
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