Our guide to finding the perfect Norwegian fjords cruise
With their rugged coastline, postcard villages and stunning landscapes, Norway’s fjords are a bucket-list destination – and one best seen on a cruise. From choosing the right ship and itinerary to deciding when to go and what to pack, we tell you how to plan the perfect Norwegian fjords escape.
What this guide covers
- Why cruise the Norwegian fjords
- Selecting a Norwegian fjords cruise itinerary
- Where are Norwegian fjords cruises departing from
- What type of Norwegian fjords cruises are there?
- The best cruise lines for the Norwegian fjords
- How to pick the right Norwegian fjords cruise
- Other factors to consider for a Norwegian fjords cruise
Why cruise the Norwegian fjords
Fjords are long and narrow inlets of water surrounded by towering cliffs. While other parts of the world have fjords (among them Chile, New Zealand and Alaska in the USA), those of Norway are the most famous – and a wonder of nature.
In many ways, the stunning fjords define Norway. This small country (only the 69th biggest country in the world) has the second-longest coastline, behind only Canada. Since the Viking times, the sea has been Norway's preferred mode of transport - a cruise continues that tradition.
Plus, cruising the fjords is the best way to take in the sensational scenery. Ships slowly sail through the landscapes, stopping at beautiful villages and towns. A cruise is a much more efficient, relaxing and scenic way to travel through the fjords than car or train travel.
Did you know?
Norway is home to over 1,000 fjords, carved by glaciers over millions of years, creating dramatic landscapes of cliffs and deep blue waters.
Selecting a Norwegian fjords cruise itinerary
Every Norwegian fjords cruise includes a mix of port stops and scenic cruising through the fjords.
Seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise itineraries
These cruises cover southern Norway. Expect stops at some of the following ports:
- Ålesund: An Art Nouveau town spread across islands known for its harbour, surrounding fjords and panoramic views from Mount Aksla.
- Åndalsnes: This small fjord town, framed by steep mountains, is popular for hiking routes like Romsdalseggen and the Rauma Railway.
- Bergen: How to Bryggen Wharf (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this historic city - framed by seven mountains - is the gateway to the western fjords.
- Flåm: A tiny village at the end of Aurlandsfjord, famed for the scenic Flåm Railway and dramatic fjord views.
- Geiranger: At the end of Geirangerfjord, this village - surrounded by waterfalls and cliffs - is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Haugesund: This coastal town has a Viking history, maritime heritage and access to scenic islands and a rugged coastline.
- Kristiansand: A southern port city with sandy beaches, a compact old town, family attractions and a popular summer vibe.
- Måløy: The highlights of this coastal town include scenic drives and proximity to rugged beaches and lighthouses.
- Stavanger: This lively city has a preserved old town, an oil museum and access to Lysefjord and the iconic Preikestolen cliff.
Did you know?
Some fjords, such as Nærøyfjord, are so narrow that cruise ships barely fit, offering a close-up view of sheer cliffs and remote hamlets.
Norwegian cruise itineraries of 14 and longer
Longer itineraries will usually cover the same portion of the fjords as the shorter sailings with an additional portion to the sailing. These extra portions can include:
- Northern Norway: These are usually called Midnight Sun (in summer) and Northern Lights (in winter) sailings. They tend to include stops in ports such as Honningsvåg and Tromsø.
- The Baltic: These sailings include stops in Denmark (Copenhagen, Skagen or Aarhus) and Norway’s capital, Oslo. Less frequently, these sailings can also cover Poland (Gdansk), Germany (Hamburg) and even Latvia (Riga)
- Iceland: This less common version of the trip sees ships sailing from Norway to Iceland, with stops including Reykjavik and, sometimes, other places like Akureyri and Isafjordur.
Where are Norwegian fjords cruises departing from?
Cruises from the UK
For UK cruisers, the most common type of sailing to Norway will be departing from Southampton. But you can sail from other UK departure ports, including Dover, London Tilbury, Liverpool, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow.
Browse Norwegian fjords cruises from the UK
Cruise sailing from Norway
A handful of cruise lines, including Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages, operate sailings from Norway. For these voyages, Bergen is the most common departure point. However, you can find cruises from other Norwegian ports, including Kirkenes, Tromsø and Trondheim.
Browse Hurtigruten Norwegian fjords cruises
Cruises from other countries
A few Norwegian cruises depart outside the UK and Norway. This year, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises sail from the Netherlands, Oceania Cruises from Stockholm and MSC from Copenhagen (MSC also operates sailings from Southampton)
Did you know?
Fjords are not only scenic but also vital transport routes, with ferries and express boats connecting isolated communities along the rugged coastline.
What type of Norwegian fjords cruises are there?
As Norway is one of the most in-demand cruise destinations, you can choose from a solid selection of lines and prices.
Those interested in large ships with plenty of things to do onboard should consider P&O Cruises, MSC and Royal Caribbean.
In the luxury category, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Oceania and Princess Cruises are options. Ultra-luxury lines, including Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas, also sail to the Norwegian fjords.
The best cruise lines for the Norwegian fjords
With so many options, it’s easy to feel a bit confused. Here are some of our top picks according to your needs:
Best for UK departures: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
The line has Norwegian fjords sailings, departing from Liverpool, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Southampton and Rosyth.
Browse Fred. Olsen Norwegian fjords cruises
Best for flexibility: P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises has Norwegian fjords sailings from Southampton throughout most of the year, with many durations available.
Browse P&O Norwegian fjords cruises
Best for authenticity: Hurtigruten
Norway’s Hurtigruten immerses guests in the country’s traditions with local cuisine and stops in coastal communities.
Browse Hurtigruten Norwegian fjords cruises
Best for families: Norwegian Cruise Line
With its large resort ship, perfect for kids and grown-ups, and solid range of itineraries, NCL is the ideal option for families.
Browse NCL Norwegian fjords cruises
Best for luxury: Princess Cruises
Among the luxury lines, Princess has the most varied sailings, from seven to 28 nights, including Midnight Sun voyages.
Browse Princess Norwegian fjords cruises
Best for ultra-luxury: Seabourn
Seabourn operates a cracking itinerary, covering the fjords, northern Norway, Iceland and sometimes the British Isles, too.
Browse Seabourn Norwegian fjords cruises
Did you know?
The fjords’ nutrient-rich waters support a thriving marine ecosystem, including seals, porpoises and large fish stocks that feed local and migratory birds.
How to pick the right Norwegian fjords cruise
It depends on what you expect from your voyage. To maximise the number of places you see in Norway, a cruise from the UK might not be best, as you’ll spend time at sea on the way there and back. On the other hand, a Hurtigruten voyage will take you to coastal towns and villages.
For a ship with restaurants, facilities and amenities, then you might be better served sailing with the likes of P&O Cruises, Princess, Celebrity or MSC.
Longer voyages kill two birds with one stone, allowing you to see the fjords and other parts of Norway, the Baltic or even Iceland.
We also recommend looking at the details of the itinerary, both the stops and scenic cruising. For example, to experience the Geirangerfjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site widely recognised among the most beautiful in Norway – you’ll need your cruise to call in Geiranger.
Did you know?
Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, stretching over 200 kilometres inland and plunging to depths of more than 1,300 metres in places.
Other factors to consider for a Norwegian fjords cruise
When to visit
- Best for price: Travel during the early in the season (April to May) or late (September to October) when you can find prices from around £650 per person (and sometimes as low as £450 per person).
- Best for weather: The summer months are the most expensive for a reason – you’ll benefit from warmer weather and longer days.
- Best for Midnight Sun: The longest day of the year is 21 June, so aim for late spring and early summer (make sure the sailing you book is promoted as Midnight Sun)
- Best for the Northern Lights: Book the longer winter sailings that will cover both the fjords and the northern parts of Norway above the Arctic Circle
What to pack
There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
The weather in Norway can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly. Pack layers, including fleece or wool jumpers and waterproofs. In winter, pack warm socks, a big coat, gloves and a woolly hat.
If you plan to go on excursions or walks, comfortable shoes (hiking boots or good trainers, depending on the level of walking you intend to do) will be vital.
Budget
If you can wait until the last minute to book, you can score excellent deals on low-season seven-night sailings, sometimes as low as £450 per person. Such prices are rare, and you’re more likely to spend around £640 for a sailing with a mid-market line.
For high-season sailings, a seven-night cruise with a mid-market line can cost around £850-£1050 per person.
For a luxury line like Cunard or Celebrity, expect to pay about £250-£300 more per person.
Norway fact-box
Capital: Oslo
Language: Norwegian
Currency: Norwegian krone
Time zone: UTC+1 in winter; UTC+2 in summer
Flight time from London: 1h50 to Oslo and 1h55 to Bergen
