Discover Norway by sea

Discover Norway by Sea

Comparing cruise styles and three inspiring sample itineraries

Cruising is one of the most relaxing and spectacular ways to experience Norway. Sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, pretty villages and long summer evenings all unfold from the comfort of your ship. There are several cruise lines that sail to Norway, each with a slightly different style and atmosphere.

Below is a simple guide to the main types of cruise line that visit Norway, followed by three example itineraries to bring the options to life.

1. Which cruise style suits you best?

Family‑friendly and big‑ship choices

P&O Cruises: Great for: British couples and families who like a familiar feel and prefer to sail from the UK. Onboard style: Friendly, relaxed ships with a good choice of bars and restaurants, children’s clubs and evening entertainment. Norway focus: Classic fjords itineraries, often round‑trip from Southampton, ideal if you would like to avoid flying.

Royal Caribbean. Great for: Families and multi‑generational groups who like lots to do. Onboard style: Lively “resort at sea” ships with big‑production shows, activities and plenty of facilities. Norway focus: Combines dramatic fjord scenery with plenty of onboard excitement, perfect if you want wow‑factor by day and vibrant nights.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Great for: Guests who prefer flexible dining and a casual dress code. Onboard style: “Freestyle” concept with multiple restaurants, relaxed dress and varied entertainment. Norway focus: A good option if you want freedom to dine and dress your own way while enjoying fjords and coastal towns.

MSC Cruises & Costa Cruises. Great for: Families and couples looking for good value and an international atmosphere. Onboard style: Lively ships with a European feel, lots of dining choice and a cosmopolitan mix of guests. Norway focus: Often operate fly‑cruise itineraries from European ports, combining Norway’s landscapes with a busy onboard scene.

Premium cruise lines

Princess Cruises. Great for: Couples and friends who want comfort, good food and a destination‑focused experience. Onboard style: Elegant but relaxed, with strong dining, attentive service and talks about the places you visit. Norway focus: Classic scenic fjords, glacier‑carved valleys and charming towns, balanced with sea days to unwind.

Celebrity Cruises. Great for: Style‑conscious couples and friends who like modern design and high‑quality dining. Onboard style: Contemporary, chic ships with a boutique‑hotel feel and plenty of sophisticated spaces to relax. Norway focus: Combines striking landscapes with a cool, modern onboard atmosphere.

Holland America Line. Great for: Mature couples and keen sightseers who value service, food and a quieter environment. Onboard style: More traditional cruise feel, with excellent staff, quality dining, live music and destination‑led activities. Norway focus: Beautiful scenic cruising and well‑chosen ports, with more emphasis on culture and nature than late‑night partying.

Luxury and small‑ship options

Viking (Ocean) Great for: Adults and couples wanting an elegant, calm experience with very few or no children on board. Onboard style: All‑veranda ships with Scandinavian design, included excursions in many ports and strong cultural programming. Norway focus: Feels very “on theme” for Norway, with Scandinavian style on board and itineraries that really highlight fjords and the Arctic.

Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Explora. Great for: Guests who would like a true luxury experience with more inclusions and smaller ships. Onboard style: Refined, high‑service cruising with fine dining, attentive crews and often drinks and gratuities included. Norway focus: Smaller ships can access lesser‑visited spots and offer a quieter, more exclusive way to see the fjords and Arctic coast.

Expedition and coastal voyages

Hurtigruten and other expedition‑style lines. Great for: Adventurous travellers, nature lovers, photographers and those who want a more authentic feel. Onboard style: Smaller, more informal ships, expert guides and lectures, with the focus on scenery and wildlife rather than big‑show entertainment. Norway focus: Feels closer to a coastal or expedition journey. Think remote villages, birdlife, midnight sun and, on some itineraries, the Arctic and Svalbard.

2. Three example Norway itineraries

These sample itineraries are designed to show how a Norwegian cruise could look in practice. Exact dates, ships and ports will vary, but they give you a good sense of what to expect.

Option 1: Classic Fjords from the UK

Ideal for: Couples and families who prefer not to fly and want big‑ship facilities with iconic fjords. Typical duration: 7 nights. Typical cruise styles: P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, MSC

Day 1: Southampton – Sail away. Join your ship in Southampton and settle into your cabin. Spend the afternoon exploring the pools, lounges and open decks before sailing out along the English coast.

Day 2: At Sea – North Sea Crossing. A relaxed day at sea. Enjoy the spa, children’s clubs (if travelling as a family), live music and evening entertainment as you head towards Norway.

Day 3: Stavanger. Your first taste of Norway. Wander the picturesque old town with its white wooden houses or book an optional boat trip along Lysefjord for views of the famous Pulpit Rock.

Day 4: Olden. Wake up to towering mountains and calm waters. Possible options include a visit to Briksdal Glacier, a ride on the Loen Skylift for panoramic views or an easy walk by the lake followed by coffee in the village.

Day 5: Geiranger. Cruise into Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site with steep cliffs and waterfalls. Excursions might include a scenic coach tour to viewpoints, a fjord boat trip or kayaking for a closer look at the landscape.

Day 6: Bergen. Explore colourful Bryggen wharf, ride the funicular up Mount Fløyen for sweeping views and enjoy time in cafés and local shops. Bergen offers a lovely mix of history and laid‑back city life.

Day 7: At Sea – Journey HomeA final day at sea to relax, enjoy the ship’s facilities and soak up the last of the long northern evenings on deck.

Day 8: Southampton – Disembark. Return to Southampton and disembark, with some of Norway’s most famous fjords ticked off.

In a nutshell: 

No flights needed, simple embarkation in Southampton. 

A great balance of sea days and scenic ports. 

Works very well with larger ships that have plenty to do on board.

Option 2: Scenic Fjords & Flam Railway Fly‑Cruise

Ideal for: Couples or friends happy to fly who want classic fjords plus a “bucket list” rail journey. Typical duration: 8–9 nights (7‑night cruise plus optional hotel night before or after) Typical cruise styles: Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line

Day 1: Fly to Amsterdam or Copenhagen – Embarkation. Fly to your chosen European city and transfer to the port to join the ship. Enjoy a relaxed first evening as you sail out past low coastlines and harbours.

Day 2: At Sea – Coastal Cruising. A full day to unwind. Explore the spa, take part in wine tastings or cookery demos, or sit out on deck and watch the sea views as you cruise north.

Day 3: Alesund. Arrive in Alesund, a charming town known for its art nouveau architecture. You can take a guided walk, visit local viewpoints or simply explore at your own pace.

Day 4: Geiranger. Sail into dramatic Geirangerfjord. Excursions may include panoramic coach tours, viewpoint photo stops, farm visits or more active options like hiking or kayaking.

Day 5: Flam. Dock in Flam at the end of Aurlandsfjord. The highlight here is the famous Flam Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train rides, climbing past waterfalls and mountains. There are also opportunities for fjord boat trips or gentle walks.

Day 6: Bergen. Spend a day in Bergen, exploring the historic waterfront, the fish market and the views from Mount Fløyen. It is a beautiful blend of city and nature.

Day 7: At Sea – Return Leg. Relax on your way back towards your home port, perhaps enjoying a treatment in the spa, a book on deck or one of the evening shows.

Day 8: Disembark & Fly Home. Disembark in Amsterdam or Copenhagen and fly home, or extend your holiday with an extra night or two in the city.

(If you choose a 9‑night version, you might add a pre‑cruise hotel night in Amsterdam or Copenhagen to explore the city before you sail.)

In a nutshell: 

Combines the best‑known fjords with the iconic Flam Railway. 

Ideal if you are happy to fly and like a slightly more premium onboard feel. 

Adds the option of a city break at the beginning or end.

Option 3: Arctic Norway & North Cape Adventure

Ideal for: Well‑travelled guests who want something more adventurous, with remote landscapes and the Arctic Circle. Typical duration: 10 nights Typical cruise styles: Viking Ocean, coastal and expedition‑style lines, plus smaller luxury ships such as Seabourn or Silversea.

Day 1: Fly to Bergen – Embarkation. Fly to Bergen and transfer to your ship. Time permitting, you might take a short city stroll or ride the funicular before sail away.

Day 2: Alesund or Molde. Your first port of call on Norway’s west coast. Enjoy coastal views, local walks and optional excursions to nearby fjords or viewpoints.

Day 3: Crossing the Arctic Circle – Scenic Cruising. Spend a day at sea sailing north into the Arctic Circle. The crew may mark the crossing with a small ceremony, and there is plenty of time on deck to enjoy the changing light and scenery.

Day 4: Lofoten Islands. Call at one of the Lofoten Islands, such as Svolvær or Leknes. Expect dramatic peaks, traditional fishing villages and white‑sand beaches. Excursions can include RIB boat safaris, hiking, photography tours or village visits.

Day 5: Tromsø. Explore Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic”. Visit the striking Arctic Cathedral, take the cable car for panoramic views and learn about Arctic exploration in the museums.

Day 6: Honningsvåg & North Cape. Arrive in Honningsvåg, your starting point for the North Cape. Excursions typically include a coach trip to the North Cape plateau with its famous globe monument and breathtaking views over the Barents Sea.

Day 7: Hammerfest or Alta. Continue along the far north. Depending on the itinerary, you might visit Hammerfest or Alta, where you can explore Sami culture, local history and the coastal landscape.

Day 8: Scenic Coastal Sailing SouthA full day at sea sailing back south, passing islands, inlets and fishing villages. Onboard talks, photography workshops and relaxed time on deck help you make the most of the scenery.

Day 9: Trondheim. Stop in Trondheim, a historic city with colourful warehouses and the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Enjoy guided walks or explore independently.

Day 10: Bergen – Disembark & Fly Home. Return to Bergen, disembark and fly home with a real sense of having explored Norway’s Arctic reaches.

In a nutshell: 

Crosses the Arctic Circle and includes Lofoten, Tromsø and the North Cape. 

Strong focus on scenery, nature and culture.   Perfect if you have already cruised in other regions and now want something more adventurous.

3. Next steps

To match you with the right ship and departure date, I would examine:

1.      Whether you would like to sail from the UK or are happy to fly to join the ship. 

2.      How important onboard entertainment and facilities are, compared with a quieter, more scenic‑focused experience. 

3.      Whether you prefer best value, premium comfort or a true luxury or expedition‑style journey. 

4.      How active you would like to be in port: relaxed strolls, gentle sightseeing, or hiking, kayaking and more adventurous excursions.

Once I know your preferences, I can shortlist specific cruises for summer 2027 that follow one of these patterns and fit your budget and dates.

If Norway appeals to you please contact me on the information below.

Andy Flynn

Andy.flynn@travelcounsellors.com

01422 486800