Having already fallen in love with Norway on a previous sailing on Celebrity Eclipse, I could not wait to return to the fjords, this time on the stunning Celebrity Apex for a cheeky girls’ week away.  To make it even more special, we were staying in an incredible Edge Villa, complete with our own butler: the ultimate treat and a brilliant showcase of what Celebrity does so well in terms of style, service and space. With an 11am embarkation in Southampton, we had plenty of time to settle into our new home at sea.  After a quick explore of our beautiful split-level suite, we made a beeline for The Retreat sundeck, the exclusive sanctuary reserved for suite guests.  Comfy loungers, a private pool, attentive bar service and chilled drinks in hand: within minutes we were in full holiday mode and already reminded why Celebrity is such a great choice for a relaxing, premium cruise. 

After a blissful first sea day, our Norwegian adventure began in charming Haugesund. Often described as the birthplace of Viking kings, this friendly town offers a wonderful blend of history, culture and coastal scenery.  We used the hop-on hop-off service to explore at our own pace, wandering along the picturesque waterfront and dipping in and out of independent shops and cafés.  A highlight was visiting the Viking Farm at Avaldsnes, where Norway’s Viking heritage is brought to life in an engaging and atmospheric way.  Haugesund is very easy to explore on foot, with colourful streets, pretty harbours and genuinely welcoming locals, making it a perfect introduction to Norway.  We also discovered the small but fascinating Dokken Museum on the waterfront.  Dedicated to the town’s maritime past, it showcases traditional fishing boats, shipbuilding and Haugesund’s deep connection to the sea.  It was a lovely, low-key way to gain a deeper insight into the area’s history. 

Next came one of Norway’s true icons: Flåm.  Nestled at the end of the spectacular Aurlandsfjord, this tiny village is framed by sheer mountains, tumbling waterfalls and some of the most dramatic landscapes I have ever seen.  Flåm is home to the famous Flåm Railway, regularly named one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, and it is easy to see why.  We could not resist experiencing it for ourselves. The train winds its way up through spectacular mountain scenery, passing cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and traditional Norwegian villages.  Around every bend another breathtaking view appears, and the slow pace gives you time to simply sit back and soak it all in.  At Myrdal, the end of the line, we had a couple of hours to explore before heading back down to Flåm. One of my favourite moments of the whole trip was a gentle riverside walk, listening to the rush of the water and breathing in the crisp mountain air.  It felt wonderfully peaceful and gave us time to really appreciate just how special this part of Norway is.

Our third Norwegian stop was Geiranger: nature’s masterpiece.  Sailing into Geirangerfjord on Celebrity Apex, surrounded by steep mountain walls and famous waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters, felt almost otherworldly.  The fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most photographed locations in Norway, and from the very first glimpse you can understand the hype.  There is a great choice of ways to explore here: viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet, kayaking on the fjord, hiking trails or visiting traditional mountain farms clinging to the hillsides.  We opted for a 1.5 hour scenic tour with several photo stops.  The hairpin bends were not for the faint-hearted, but the views were absolutely worth every twist and turn.  No photograph can fully capture the scale, drama and pure beauty of Geiranger: it is somewhere you simply have to experience in person. 

After a final relaxing day at sea, our last port of call was Zeebrugge, where we hopped in a taxi to spend the day in Bruges.  I have visited Bruges many times, but it had been years since my last trip, so it felt wonderful to rediscover it.  This time we chose a canal boat tour, which gave us a duck’s-eye view of the city.  Gliding beneath low stone bridges and past gabled, centuries-old buildings offered a completely different perspective from exploring on foot and really brought the history of the city to life.  Of course, you cannot visit Belgium without indulging in some local treats. We tucked into traditional Belgian frites at The Potato Bar, perfectly crisp and moreish, washed down with an ice-cold cherry beer (or two!).  Bruges is also heaven for chocolate lovers, and exploring the artisan chocolate shops quickly became a key part of our day. My long-standing favourite is The Chocolate Line, which I discovered on my very first visit and always return to.  The creativity, quality and sheer variety of flavours are exceptional: a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you are drawn to history, shopping, food or simply wandering postcard-perfect streets, Bruges offers something for everyone and makes a lovely contrast to the wild landscapes of Norway.

Looking back, this itinerary was a brilliant combination of scenic cruising, immersive port days and indulgent shipboard living. Celebrity Apex, especially with the added luxury of The Retreat and our Edge Villa, was the perfect base: stylish, comfortable and wonderfully relaxing. Norway’s fjords provide some of the most spectacular cruising scenery in the world, and pairing that with the sophistication and service of Celebrity creates a truly memorable holiday. For anyone considering a cruise that blends dramatic landscapes, rich culture and a touch of modern luxury, a Norwegian fjords sailing with Celebrity is hard to beat.

What makes this itinerary so special is the perfect balance between spectacular scenery, fascinating destinations and complete relaxation. With departures from Southampton, there’s no need for flights or airport queues—simply step onboard and let your holiday begin.  Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or, like me, enjoying quality time with friends, this cruise offers something for everyone. If you’d like to experience Celebrity Apex for yourself or are considering a Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton, I’d love to help you find the perfect sailing.  Whether you’re looking for an inside or outside stateroom,or want to indulge in the incredible Edge Villa experience, I can help you choose the right option for your budget and travel style. Get in touch today, and let’s start planning your next unforgettable cruise adventure!