A cruise around Norway is a brilliant way to take in the vistas and culture that you’ll find here, complete with incredible scenery, quaint towns and fascinating heritage. If it’s a memorable trip you’re looking for, then the Norwegian fjords are where you need to be. The deep, narrow waters surrounded by rugged landscapes are simply stunning, but how do you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world?
Here at Cruise Nation we not only have the best deals on the market, but we also have extensive destination knowledge to make sure you have the best time.
What is a fjord?
If you’ve never ventured to parts of the world that are home to fjords, you might be wondering what on earth one is. A fjord is characterised by a long, deep and narrow body of water that goes far inland. They are often shouldered by steep walls of rock, creating a striking antithesis between the calm waters and the rugged land.
Fjords are typically found in Norway as well as Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Greenland and Alaska. Formed by glaciers, these fjords are usually deepest inland and can even be home to coral reefs.
Where are the Norwegian fjords located?
There are a whopping 1,190 fjords around Norway, located all around the coast. However, some of the most well-known fjords are typically found along the western coast and in the northern region. Some are even recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to the alpine-style mountains, waterfalls and lush greenery.
Booking tips for Norwegian fjords cruises
Have we convinced you yet? A Norwegian fjords cruise is honestly one of the most breath-taking experiences, but it’s so important that you plan your trip carefully so that you can take in as much of the natural beauty and sights as possible. After all, you don’t want to turn up only to realise the weather isn’t what you expected and you missed out on that incredible tour.
So, without further ado, let us guide you through some of the must-know tips to book everything on your Norwegian fjords cruise, from your cabin onboard to any excursions you want to take advantage of.
Plan your Norwegian fjords cruise at the best time for you
Norway can be a year-round destination, despite the fjords conjuring up images of icy mountain tops and snowy villages. The weather can vary a lot by region, so it’s definitely something worth thinking about – not to mention the famous midnight sun.
If you’re thinking of a Norwegian fjords cruise in spring, you can enjoy days that get little warmer and lighter. The coastal areas typically have the warmest temperatures in early spring, but be aware that if you travel up in the mountains, the change in altitude means you could quickly experience wintry conditions! Spring time is the perfect season to watch nature burst, and with Norway’s national day falling on 17th May, there’s plenty to see and do.
If you do travel to Norway between spring and summer, you will likely experience the phenomenon known as the midnight sun. It occurs at different times across the country, but you’ll typically find it between May and July across Northern Norway. During this time, you will literally experience 24 hours of sun!
On the other hand, a winter cruise around the Norwegian fjords is truly magical. Transforming into a snowy paradise, it’s the perfect opportunity to wrap up warm and experience Norway in the cold, with the tantalising chance of spotting the Northern Lights. From November to January, the sun barely rises, but it can all depend on which part of Norway you’re visiting – the southern part of the region still gets a good 6 hours of daylight, with temperatures hovering around freezing.
Plan your Norwegian fjords cruise itinerary ahead of time
Embarking on a Norwegian fjords cruise is a great way to travel around the region and really see what it has to offer. The available itineraries can vary, with some cruises sticking to 7 nights exploring the Norwegian fjords while others include trips to the likes of Copenhagen, Reykjavik and other parts of Norway. Think carefully about your dream itinerary and what you want to include in your trip, as this could make or break your experience once onboard!
What’s more, many of our Norwegian fjords cruises are no-fly, which means you can start your adventure by boarding at Southampton.
You’ll also get the chance to book some incredible excursions and tours – but you might want to think about these before you travel, so you can snap up your place before it gets booked up. Whether you want to see the region’s most famous fjords like the Geirangerfjord or you’d prefer to spend your afternoon revelling in the northernmost point of Europe at North Cape, it’s key that you try to book these in advance!
Norway can be expensive – plan your budget accordingly
Prices in Norway are renowned for being more expensive than the UK, so think carefully about this and make sure you have a budget in mind for when you’re in port. A great way to save your budget for things like excursions and sight-seeing is to take advantage of the drinks packages and included restaurants on board your cruise!
Your Norwegian fjords cruise will be home to a great choice of restaurants, cafes, lounges and more, so you can sit back and relax while admiring the stunning scenery outside.
Choose your cabin wisely
When choosing your cabin or stateroom, there are a few things you might want to consider. What amenities are most important to you when travelling? While all cabins come with basic toiletries and other such features, more luxurious rooms will come with additional perks like access to exclusive restaurants and advance bookings, or your own personal concierge. In particular, when travelling the Norwegian fjords, it’s highly likely that you’ll want a decent window or even a private balcony to enjoy the sights as you sail.
The location of your cabin on the ship could also make a difference to your trip. Would you prefer to be closer to the lounges and cafes, or do you need to stay close to the children’s areas? In many cases you can view deck plans of your ship to understand where different cabin classes are located.
Tips for your Norwegian fjords cruise
So, whether you’re ready to book your Norwegian fjords cruise or it’s already booked and you’re counting down the days – here are the top travel tips you need to make sure you have the most enjoyable time.
Pack for all weather
The weather can be incredibly changeable across Norway, with different regions experiencing warmer or cooler temperatures. The best advice we can give you is to pack layers! Depending on the time of year you visit, you might want to pack thermals, jumpers, t-shirts and even a waterproof jacket. Be sure to bring comfortable and practical walking shoes too, as well as suncream – you just never know in Norway!
Take some local currency
It’s always handy to have some local currency to hand, mostly for small purchases such as grabbing a drink or buying a souvenir. You might also want to have some local currency to tip waiters if you do eat out. Norway uses the krone (NOK), although debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere – Visa and MasterCard are the most common.
If in doubt about whether your card will be accepted, be sure to ask before you shop.
Be aware of shops shutting on Sundays
With the exception of some grocery stores and souvenir shops, most shops will be closed on Sundays across Norway. In larger cities and towns, most retail shops are open Monday to Saturday, from around 10am until 5pm, but you should always check.
Get up early to watch your arrival in port
Watching your arrival into the next port is the best way to see the landscape unfold before your very eyes, especially if you’re travelling around the Norwegian fjords. Wake up early and revel in the lush mountains, waterfalls and serene water. Not only is it a stunning way to start the day, but you’ll have the chance for some beautiful photos and memories.
Wi-Fi & phone signal could be limited
The Norwegian fjords are in a remote part of the world, and sometimes connectivity may be limited. While we would typically encourage you to enjoy this lack of coverage and take the time to drink in the scenery and culture, we understand that sometimes you do need to get online. Try to plan this for when you’re in port, as Wi-Fi and phone signal will typically be better.
Taste the local delicacies
It’s the perfect opportunity to try new foods and immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Norway. Some of the must-try Norwegian foods include røkelak (smoked salmon), tørrfisk (dried cod) and brunost, which is a sweet brown cheese made from goat’s milk. You might also want to try some of Norway’s best meat, including moose and deer.
However you choose to plan your Norwegian fjords cruise, there’s no doubt that you’ll see some incredible sights and witness a truly unique and welcoming culture. Check out our great choice of fjords cruise deals today and discover your next adventure with Cruise Nation!