Stavanger – Arriving on Norway's Biggest Celebration

Our first stop was Stavanger, and we couldn't have picked a better day to arrive.

It was Norway's National Day and the city was alive.

Everywhere we looked there were Norwegian flags, marching bands, families celebrating and people dressed in traditional costumes. The atmosphere was incredible. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate.

As visitors, it was a privilege to witness. There was such a genuine sense of pride and community, and it immediately gave us a glimpse into Norwegian culture that we probably wouldn't have experienced on any other day.

Of course, we didn't spend the whole day standing around watching the festivities.

One of the highlights was taking a RIB ride along the coastline.

If you've never done one, imagine a speedboat with an attitude problem.

We bounced across the water, blasted through the fresh sea air and saw the coastline from a completely different perspective. It was exhilarating, slightly chaotic at times, and enormous fun.

The contrast between the elegance of Queen Mary 2 and tearing around the Norwegian coastline at speed made me laugh. That's one of the things I loved most about this trip. One moment you're enjoying Cunard's traditional afternoon tea and the next you're wrapped up in waterproof gear hurtling across the sea.

Sailing Through the Fjords

Between ports, simply being onboard became part of the experience.

I've cruised before, but there's something different about sailing through the fjords.

People naturally gravitate towards the open decks, cameras permanently in hand, because every turn seems to reveal another spectacular view.

Waterfalls appear from nowhere.

Tiny red houses cling to mountainsides.

Snow-capped peaks emerge in the distance.

Even those who claimed they weren't "scenery people" seemed unable to leave the railings.

The fjords have a way of making you stop and look.

Skjolden – The Day I Jumped Into a Fjord

Our second stop was Skjolden, a tiny village sitting at the end of the world's longest navigable fjord.

The sail into Skjolden was worth getting up early for.

As Queen Mary 2 glided through the narrowing fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and mirror-like water, it felt almost surreal.

This is Norway at its most dramatic.

The highlight of the day, though, wasn't from the ship.

We rented a private sauna overlooking the fjord.

Now, sitting in a sauna surrounded by mountains is already pretty special, but the real challenge came afterwards.

The fjord dip.

The water was absolutely freezing.

Not "a bit chilly."

Not "refreshing."

Freezing.

The sort of cold that makes every nerve ending in your body immediately wake up.

There was definitely a moment when I questioned my life choices.

But once the initial shock passed, it was incredible.

The combination of the hot sauna and the icy water left us feeling completely invigorated, and the setting couldn't have been more spectacular if it tried.

Of all the experiences from the trip, it's probably the one I'll remember most vividly.

Olden – Winter in May

Our final stop was Olden.

If Skjolden was peaceful and serene, Olden was dramatic.

Mountains rise almost vertically from the water and waterfalls tumble down the cliffs around you.

The highlight here was the Loen Skylift.

The cable car climbs steeply above the fjord, revealing increasingly breathtaking views as you rise higher and higher.

What I hadn't expected was what was waiting at the top.

Snow.

Quite a lot of it.

Standing there looking across snow-covered mountains while knowing people back home were enjoying warm sunshine felt slightly surreal.

A week later I'm back in Portishead wondering whether it actually happened.

The views from the summit were extraordinary. Fjords, mountains, glaciers and snow all stretching as far as the eye could see.

It's one of those places where you stop taking photographs for a moment because you realise you simply want to enjoy being there.

Queen Mary 2 – The Perfect Way to Experience Norway

The fjords themselves are obviously the stars of the show, but travelling aboard Queen Mary 2 added another dimension entirely.

There is something wonderfully civilised about watching spectacular scenery drift past while enjoying a coffee, a glass of wine or simply finding a comfortable spot to sit and take it all in.

The ship somehow manages to feel grand without feeling formal and elegant without feeling intimidating.

And despite all the indulgence, I probably walked more on this holiday than I do at home.

The promenade deck became a favourite spot, especially when sailing through the fjords. Three laps equals roughly a mile, and with scenery like that, the miles disappear surprisingly quickly.

Looking Ahead

One interesting thing I learned during the voyage is that Queen Mary 2 is scheduled for a significant refurbishment in 2027, ensuring this iconic ocean liner continues to evolve while retaining everything that makes her special.

For a ship that already turns heads wherever she goes, it's exciting to see Cunard continuing to invest in her future.

Final Thoughts

What surprised me most about Norway wasn't the scenery.

I'd expected the scenery to be spectacular.

What surprised me was how varied the experience was.

One day we were celebrating Norway's National Day in Stavanger. The next we were jumping into a freezing fjord from a private sauna in Skjolden. Then we were standing in snow above Olden wondering how it could possibly still be winter up there.

Every day felt different.

Every day felt memorable.

And that's what great travel should do.

The Norwegian Fjords had been on my bucket list for years. Having finally experienced them properly, I can honestly say they exceeded every expectation.

Now I completely understand why so many people go back.