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During the winter, the line’s focus switches to northern lights cruises to the north of Norway. Many other cruise lines provide regular trips to the fjords, with departures from various U.K. Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) are among the options. Some of the cruise ships most often spotted in the Norwegian fjords are lines sailing from the U.K. The most beautiful and fastest way to travel from Bergen to Hardanger! A day trip to charming Rosendal - or the perfect starting point for the trip on to Trolltunga.
The Svalbard Express Full Voyage (
Norway's 10 Most Popular Cruise Ports - Life in Norway
Norway's 10 Most Popular Cruise Ports.
Posted: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Another example of what's possible is from NCL on their new ship Norwegian Prima. An 11-day itinerary from Southampton includes stops at Zeebrugge and Amsterdam on the way to Norway's Geirangerfjord, before the ship makes its way to three ports of call in Iceland. While they lack the entertainment extravagance of mainstream cruise liners, the coastal cruise ferries compensate with the charm of an authentic Norwegian experience and ever-changing scenery. Dating back to 1893, dual-purpose vessels have traversed the Norwegian coastline, offering both cargo and passenger services. Today, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages continue this tradition on the Norwegian coastal route. Although the villages all have pretty settings, there isn't a lot to do in the ports themselves.
Wonderful Rosendal from Bergen
Why not get to know the city’s history at Vest Adger, one of Norway’s largest open-air museums? Or take a stroll through Poesbyen, the destination’s oldest area? If art’s your thing, then be sure to visit Gallery Bi-Z, the region’s largest private art gallery. Or for some up-close animal attractions, head to Kristiansand Dyreparken and Zoo, where the likes of wolves, lynxes and moose can all be seen. There’s even an open area where monkeys swing across ropes situated above you. Our cruises from Southampton let you skip the flight entirely, keeping stress levels low and your spirits high from the second you step onboard.
Explore the Norwegian Fjords and See the Northern Lights With Hurtigruten - TravelPulse
Explore the Norwegian Fjords and See the Northern Lights With Hurtigruten.
Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:00:00 GMT [source]
DISCOVERING INNOVATIVE WAYS OF SCALING THE FJORDLAND
Named as one of the top places to visit in Northern Europe this year, the best way to discover the fjords really depends on how you like to travel. Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space. Around May and June, the mountains bloom with white, pink and red flowers from top to bottom, and believe us, it’s something that’s well worth seeing for yourself!
If you want the maximum amount of daylight and sun, the summer months (June-August) are best, but if you seek the Northern Lights then book your holiday between October and March. The fjords aren't the only treasure awaiting discovery in this magical region. Let us introduce you to the beautiful Lofoten Islands, the mysteries of the aurora borealis, and how our on board spa services take inspiration from the ocean itself. There’s no light show on earth that outshines the Northern Lights.
If you travel from Flåm, you will first sail through the idyllic Aurlandsfjord, which is also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Then, the boat continues through the narrow Nærøyfjord before arriving Gudvangen, innermost in the Nærøyfjord. Cunard currently visits Sognefjord, Ofotfjord, Romsdalsfjord, Lustrafjorden, Innvikfjorden, Nordfjord and Aurlandsfjord, to name a few, and you can visit even more on some of our port excursions. View our cruise itineraries to find more magical places you can explore. While Norway's coastline and fjords are idyllic emerald green and rock landscapes, pairing a cruise to Iceland with your Norway itinerary is a study in contrasts. The nearly vegetation-free, volcanic island nation is included on itineraries as short as 11 days, though some last two weeks or more.
Bergen, Sognefjord, Geilo & Oslo
So be ready to wrap up warm as these months bring wintry conditions such as snowfall and chilly temperatures. When you travel on a self-guided tour, you travel without a guide or a group. You’re certainly not alone though, as you’re provided with all of your itineraries, tickets, bookings and recommendations. We have a 24-hour emergency helpline as well, so should anything unexpected arise, we’re only a phone call away.
Mighty Waterfalls & Norwegian Fjords
While you’ll see spectacular scenery throughout the voyage, the number of fjords visited by the ship is actually very small. Sailing into Northern Norway’s narrow Trollfjord is a wonderful experience and during the summer the ships also sail along the Geirangerfjord, but otherwise these are not fjord-focused voyages. On board our new coastal cruise ships, the emphasis is on providing passengers with spacious cabins. Our cabins are intended to be pleasant places to relax during the day and sleep well at night.
Before embarking on your fjords cruise, experience all Copenhagen has to offer. With 250 miles of bike lanes, the city is ideal for touring and riding alongside its peaceful canals. Stroll along one of Europe's longest pedestrian-only shopping avenues, Strøget. Then visit some of Copenhagen’s historic sites including the 17th century Rosenborg Castle. Each fjord cruise and train package features iconic rail journeys such as Norway in a Nutshell®, as well as Norwegian cruises on Havila or Hurtigruten ships. Each one is a natural phenomenon that brings travellers from across the world to view its clean waters, steep cliffs and natural wildlife.
Cruising the Norwegian fjords is more than just ticking off a bucket list adventure; it's about selecting the right experience. First and foremost, it's important to understand that there is no such thing as a “typical” cruise. This initiative, aiming at environmental preservation, essentially excludes the vast majority of traditional cruise ships from accessing some of Norway's iconic fjords. Fly-cruises aren’t available, but you can take a leisurely sailing from Southampton with us. Sailing from Southampton affords you the luxury of holiday relaxation as soon as you board your ship.
From July to October, meanwhile, the region’s fruit is harvested. And with many a cider festival to be found in its small villages, it’s all put to very good use. Many other cruise lines include a Norwegian fjord on a longer itinerary, which also features one or more of the British Isles, the north of Norway, Iceland or southern Scandinavia and the Baltic region. The ban, which will mean only zero-emission vessels can use the fjords, will essentially ban most cruise ships from some of Norway’s most popular fjords from as early as 2025.
When it comes to cruising Northern Europe, a Norway cruise should not be overlooked. From major cities like Oslo and Bergen to small cities and villages with unique museums and great local food, Norway has plenty of beautiful scenery and cultural appeal to make it a great cruise destination. Get in touch with our friendly team if you want to learn more about our packages, book an optional cruise or arrange additional days. An umbrella can also come in handy, and cruise passengers may wish to bring binoculars to see the fjords and the local wildlife better.
While a road trip gives you access to fantastic viewpoints, nothing beats seeing the fjords from the water. Only then can you truly appreciate the sheer size and scale of these natural waterways. In conclusion, Norway's fjords offer something for every traveller, be it a comprehensive cruise experience or a DIY exploration. The key is to choose the experience that aligns best with your own preferred travel style. For those averse to long cruise journeys or seeking a more personal experience, several smaller vessels provide short sightseeing cruises. This option is perfect for integrating into a more extensive Norwegian road trip.
Norway cruise itineraries depart from a variety of cities, though most begin in Bergen or Oslo. Other popular departure cities are found across northern Europe, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Hamburg and a variety of U.K. The star of any Norway cruise are the Norwegian fjords, along the nation's west coast. Expect dramatic waterfalls tumbling down verdant cliffs and mountain sides as well as amazing hiking and kayaking trips when closer to shore. If you're after something more adrenaline pumping, you can spot polar bears and the midnight sun on cruises into Norway's arctic reaches. And if you want to see the Northern Lights in Norway, that's on the cruise menu too.
Sip on Norway's unique speciality drinks, including aquavit - a distilled spirit flavoured with herbs and spices, and locally brewed beers. Head to the historic port of Alesund to capture the colourful fishermen's houses on the coastline. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line visits the Geirangerfjord or Nordfjord on many of its itineraries billed as ‘Iceland & Norway’ or ‘Northern Europe’. MSC offers cruises to at least one fjord in many of its Northern Europe itineraries from Kiel, Germany. Some of the most commonly seen ships in the Norwegian fjords are British-focused lines sailing from Southampton or Newcastle.
