There’s something incredibly special about sailing away from Southampton, watching the coastline disappear into the distance and knowing that the adventure has only just begun.On the 4th July, I had the pleasure of sailing aboard Celebrity Apex on a spectacular 7-night Norway  cruise with a wonderful group of friends. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the luxurious Edge Villas, and from the moment we stepped onboard until our return to Southampton, every day delivered something memorable.If you’re considering a Norwegian Fjords cruise but aren’t quite sure if it’s for you, let me take you on our journey and show you why this itinerary deserves a place at the very top of your travel wish list. Luxury begins with the Edge Villa, I’ll admit it—I was so excited before boarding, but nothing prepared me for the Edge Villa,spread over two levels, the villa offers contemporary luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious lounge, an elegant bedroom upstairs and downstairs  a balcony with chairs and sunbeds with  an outdoor hot tub and a private terrace with direct access to The Retreat’s exclusive sundeck. It genuinely feels like having your own luxury apartment at sea.The added benefits of staying in an Edge Villa made the experience even more special. Butler service, exclusive access to Luminae Restaurant, The Retreat Lounge and a private sun deck created the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation.Let’s just say that after a week of having someone make sure everything was perfect, returning to making my own morning coffee felt rather disappointing!!! Celebrity Apex is more than just a cruise ship—it’s a floating luxury hotel.The ship’s contemporary design, exceptional service and incredible dining options create an atmosphere that’s stylish without ever feeling formal. Whether enjoying breakfast with ocean views, relaxing by the pool, watching world-class entertainment or sipping cocktails as the sun set over the fjords, there was never a shortage of ways to enjoy every moment onboard. Even on sea days, there was always something happening, although simply finding a quiet spot to admire the endless ocean was equally rewarding.

Our first port of call was the charming coastal town of Haugesund, often referred to as the birthplace of Viking kings.This friendly town offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and stunning scenery. We strolled along the picturesque waterfront, browsed independent shops and cafés, take a  visit  to the nearby Viking Farm at Avaldsnes, where Norway’s Viking heritage comes to life.For those who enjoy walking, Haugesund is wonderfully easy to explore on foot, with colourful streets, beautiful harbours and welcoming locals making it a fantastic introduction to Norway.During our visit, I also spent some time exploring the Dokken Museum, a small but fascinating museum located on the waterfront. The museum celebrates Haugesund’s rich maritime history, with exhibits showcasing traditional fishing boats, shipbuilding and the town’s long-standing connection to the sea. It was a lovely way to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage .

Next came one of Norway’s most iconic destinations—Flåm nestled at the end of the breathtaking Aurlandsfjord, Flåm is surrounded by towering mountains, crystal-clear waterfalls and some of the most dramatic scenery I have ever seen.One of the biggest attractions is the world-famous Flåm Railway, regularly voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. I chose to experience the railway for myself, and it was every bit as spectacular as I’d hoped. The journey climbs through dramatic mountain landscapes, passing cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and traditional Norwegian villages. Every twist and turn revealed another incredible view, and there were plenty of opportunities to simply sit back and admire Norway’s breathtaking scenery. My camera went into overload !!! After arriving at the top, we spent a couple of hours exploring the area before taking the return journey to Flåm. One of my favourite moments was enjoying a leisurely walk alongside the beautiful rivers, listening to the rushing water and taking in the peaceful surroundings. It was the perfect opportunity to slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air and truly appreciate the natural beauty that makes this part of Norway so special.

 Our third stop was Geiranger – Nature’s Masterpiece , If I had to choose a favourite destination, Geiranger would certainly be a strong contender.As the ship slowly sailed into Geirangerfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and famous waterfalls like the Seven Sisters, it felt as though we’d entered another world.This UNESCO World Heritage destination is one of Norway’s most photographed locations, and it’s easy to see why.Popular excursions include scenic viewpoints such as Flydalsjuvet, kayaking on the fjord, hiking trails and visits to traditional mountain farms. Whatever you choose, every direction offers postcard-perfect scenery. We chose a scenic 1.5 hour , No photograph truly captures the scale or beauty of Geiranger you simply have to experience it for yourself. 

Our final stop was Zeebrugge, the perfect gateway to one of Europe’s most enchanting cities—Bruges. Rather than taking an organised excursion, we opted for a taxi into Bruges, which took around 20 minutes and was a quick and convenient way to reach the city. One tip I would strongly recommend is to arrange a return journey with the same taxi driver before you leave Bruges. Taxis can be extremely difficult to find in Bruges when it’s time to head back to the ship, especially on busy cruise days, so having your return transport organised takes away any unnecessary stress.Once in Bruges, it was easy to see why it’s often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its medieval architecture, charming canals and cobbled streets make it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. One of the highlights of our visit was taking a canal boat tour, which offered a completely different perspective of the city. Gliding beneath historic bridges and past centuries-old buildings was a wonderful way to appreciate Bruges’ unique character and learn a little more about its fascinating history. Of course, no visit to Belgium would be complete without sampling some local food and drink. We couldn’t resist enjoying a delicious portion of traditional Belgian frites with a nice cold beer., which definitely lived up to their reputation! Bruges is also famous for its incredible chocolate, and exploring the city’s artisan chocolate shops quickly became one of our favourite activities. While there are plenty of wonderful chocolatiers to discover, my personal favourite was The Chocolate Line. The quality, creativity and flavours were absolutely exceptional, and it’s a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, food or simply wandering picturesque streets, Bruges offers something for everyone and provides the perfect finale to an unforgettable Norwegian cruise itinerary.

Why I Recommend This Cruise- 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, 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!