Cruise ships provide a unique way to see the best of Norway. You can see small coastal communities, the stunning coastline, some of the country’s largest cities, and world-renowned fjords without worrying about lodging, food, or transportation.
Some of the world’s largest cruise ships visit Norwegian ports on occasion. When large ship docks, the locals usually come out to greet it. The Adventure of the Seas recently docked in Trondheim, and guests were greeted with cannon fire and a local band.
This article explores the Norway cruise guide 2023 and details what Norway offers.
The Most Popular Norway Cruise Itineraries
Norway cruises depart from various cities, mostly beginning in Bergen or Oslo. Discover Norway’s attractions on a cruise tour offered by Cruise Panorama and other popular departure cities in Northern Europe, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Hamburg, and several ports in the United discover Norway’s attractions on the cruise Kingdom. Svalbard is also the starting point for Norwegian Arctic cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line has the youngest fleet among major North American cruise lines, with some of the industry’s newest ships. You’re guaranteed a vacation unlike any other, thanks to many revolutionary features and several new spaces and interactive experiences designed to excite and inspire.
Outlined is a list of some of the most well-liked Norway cruise itineraries.
1. Cruising Norway’s Coastline
Ships are well-known for sailing Norway’s coastline year-round, roundtrip from Bergen, stopping at numerous big and small ports, and traveling as far north as Kirkenes and the Arctic Circle. These routes will take you to cities like Alesund and Oslo, but you won’t typically play in the inland fjords’ shallow waters.
Daytrippers utilize the same ships as ferries between ports, and crew members unload freight and mail at most stops.
2. Arctic Norway
A voyage from Norway to the Arctic may be the best choice for the more courageous. The Arctic locations of Norway, such as Tromso, Honningsvag and the North Cape, Svalbard, and the Lofoten Islands, can be visited without an expedition ship. The cruises, run for two to three weeks on average and may also include stops in southern Norway.
3. Norway Fjords Cruise
Norwegian Fjords cruises typically last seven to fourteen nights. Most fjord itineraries include Bergen as the main city, though some may include Oslo. What can you expect from a fjords cruise in Norway? Scenery and towns fit for a postcard. Ships will sail inland from Bergen, between towering cliffs and mountains that plunge steeply into the sea. Smaller, scenic ports of call on Norwegian fjord cruises include Stavanger, Geirangerfjord, Eidfjord, and Flam.
4. Cruises to Norway and Iceland
While the emerald green and rocky vistas of Norway’s fjords and coastline are gorgeous, adding a cruise to Iceland to your itinerary is a study in contrast. The nation of the volcanic island is included on trips that last as long as two weeks.
Best Time for a Norway Cruise
Although cruises start in May and go through September, the ideal months to visit Norway are June through August. The best weather generally occurs in Norway during the summer, when temperatures are warm.
In Norway, average daytime temperatures reach the 60s and 70s, and rain is less common than during the wet winter months. Crossing into the Arctic Circle during the summer, you can see the midnight sun in Norway’s far north.
Notably, the greatest time to view the Northern Lights in Norway is on off-season cruises. Most people may see the phenomenon between September and April.
Norway Cruise Port Highlights
1. Oslo
Culture buffs will discover that one day in port is insufficient time to see Oslo’s attractions. It would be best to choose between the Nobel Peace Center, which honors the various laureates’ achievements, the Vigeland sculpture park, and various museums focusing on historical ships and nautical themes.
2. Geiranger and Geirangerfjord
The teeny village of Geiranger can be traversed in about ten minutes, but the end-of-the-fjord port is an excellent starting point for explorations elsewhere. Take a boat or kayak out on the water to see the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord and its majestic waterfalls, or take a bus up to some dramatic scenic viewpoints. Hikers, too, have numerous options.
3. Eidfjord
The tiny community of Eidfjord tucked away in the Hardangerfjord, is a great place to start if you want to discover the inland rivers and waterfalls that have been carving through Norway’s terrain for ages. One of the country’s most iconic waterfalls, Voringfossen, can be found here, as can Hardangervidda National Park and numerous hiking and kayaking opportunities.
4. Bergen
Bergen is reasonably reachable on foot or by public transportation and serves as a homeport and a port of call. Among the primary attractions are the historic wharf district with its museums, shops, and restaurants, the Bergen Fish Market, several art museums, and a funicular that ascends Mt. Floyen to provide magnificent vistas and hiking paths.
5. Stavanger
Stavanger is the starting point for boat trips into the Lysefjord, featuring dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. It also has interesting museums like the Norwegian Canning Museum and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Don’t miss a stroll through Old Stavanger’s wooden houses or the harbor area with its seaside restaurants and local shops.
6. Flam
Flam is a small town nestled between the Aurlandsfjord and the snow-capped mountains of Norway. It would be best to cruise along the Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord or ride the steep Flam Railway. It’s a great place to bike, hike, or kayak on sunny days.
7. Svalbard
Svalbard, one of Norway’s Arctic islands, has many incredible sights, including rugged mountains and glaciers. The island is home to Arctic foxes, polar bears, and other birds and mammals, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
How to Find a Bargain on Norway Cruise Deals?
Websites, forums and books are devoted to finding the best cruise deals. As a result, we won’t go into great detail here, but we will share the most common pieces of advice.
1. Travel off-season
Norway is extremely popular during the high season, and the prices reflect this. The peak season lasts from mid-June to mid-August. If you can travel in April-May or September-October, you’ll have a better chance of finding a good deal. You’ll also notice a more varied landscape at these times of the year.
2. Last-minute deals
If you’re willing to risk missing out, waiting for a last-minute deal can benefit you. Because cruise lines do not want to sail with empty rooms, large discounts are available in the weeks and days before departure. Just remember that the cost of flights may be higher this close to departure.
Bottomline
That’s all we have for now, and we hope that this guide has been useful in planning your dream trip to Norway. Outdoor sports like kayaking, riding, and hiking are fantastic in Norway. Nonetheless, rain is a common but inevitable condition even in the country’s drier summer months.
Take advantage of the sunshine when it’s there, and don’t be afraid to postpone an activity if it’s raining because it often gets sunny later in the day after a rainy morning (or vice versa). Best wishes.