Sailing the Norwegian Fjords with Princess Cruises – My Week Aboard the Sky Princess
After years of helping clients plan dream cruises, I finally set sail on one of the most breathtaking itineraries in the world — the Norwegian Fjords — aboard the beautiful Sky Princess.
Spoiler: it was everything I hoped for and more.
First Impressions – Stepping Aboard the Sky Princess From the moment I stepped into the gleaming atrium, I knew I was in for something special. The Sky Princess is a floating boutique hotel — elegant yet welcoming, with a layout that makes it easy to find your way around.
Our stateroom was a Mini Suite, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for my family of four.
Our Mini Suite – The Perfect Fit for a Family of Four The extra space made all the difference — a separate seating area meant we weren’t on top of each other, even during those cosy sea days. The sofa converted into a comfortable bed for the kids, plus there was a drop-down bed from the ceiling so no sharing was required, while we still had our own queen-size bed and plenty of storage for everyone’s things.
The bathroom was larger than a standard stateroom, with a full-size bathtub (a lifesaver for younger children or anyone who appreciates a proper soak after a busy day exploring). And, of course, our private balcony was the highlight — the kids loved spotting waterfalls and tiny villages as we sailed, and it gave us all a quiet retreat to enjoy the scenery without the crowds.
For families, a Mini Suite strikes the perfect balance between space, comfort, and value. It allowed us to enjoy all the fun and activities of the Sky Princess while still having a private, relaxing space to come back to at the end of the day.
The Itinerary – A New View Every Morning Cruising the Norwegian Fjords is unlike any other holiday. Instead of airports and transfers, you simply wake up somewhere new:
Haugesund (1st stop) – A charming port with beautiful coastal views and a strong Viking heritage. Perfect for a gentle introduction to Norway’s relaxed pace of life.
Skjolden (2nd stop) – Nestled at the end of the world’s longest fjord, this quiet village is surrounded by dramatic mountains and cascading waterfalls. We explored at our own pace, soaking up the scenery and enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Olden (3rd stop) – Sadly missed due to weather, but replaced with a leisurely scenic cruise through the fjords — proving that even changes can be magical. Sailing past towering cliffs and countless waterfalls felt like a bonus excursion in itself.
Stavanger (4th stop) – A colourful harbour town with cobbled streets, Viking history, and bustling markets selling everything from fresh cinnamon buns to local crafts. We took the hop-on hop-off bus, which was perfect for covering the highlights — from the historic old town to the striking Three Swords Monument, commemorating a legendary Viking battle.
Life On Board – Food, Entertainment, and Relaxation One of the biggest myths about cruising is that it’s “all about the buffet.” On the Sky Princess, dining is an experience in itself. From fine dining at Crown Grill (the ribeye steak is a must-try) to casual bites at the International Café, there’s something for every mood.
Entertainment ranged from West End-style productions to live music in cosy lounges, plus quizzes, enrichment talks, and a cinema under the stars. And for quieter moments, I’d find a tucked-away deck chair, order a coffee, and watch the scenery drift by.
What Made This Cruise Special The Service – The crew were outstanding — genuinely warm and attentive, remembering names and preferences after just one day.
The Scenery – You haven’t really experienced the fjords until you’ve sailed through them. Photographs don’t do it justice.
The Ease – Unpack once, see multiple destinations, and still have all the comforts of a luxury hotel at sea.
Would I Recommend It? Absolutely. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the Norwegian Fjords is a destination that will take your breath away. And Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess delivers an experience that’s both luxurious and approachable.
If you’ve ever thought about booking a cruise — whether to the fjords, the Med, the Caribbean, or somewhere further afield — I can help you find the ship, itinerary, and package that fits your style perfectly.
?? Get in touch and let’s start planning your dream voyage.
