This means you can take advantage of Nordic Visitor’s insider knowledge while exploring at your leisure. Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip. Fjords are typically found in Norway as well as Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Greenland and Alaska.
More about Norway
However, there are tons of tours that go through here which can make it hard to choose one worth your time and money. Finally, consider a reusable water bottle for hydration and eco-friendly travel. By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to fully enjoy the awe-inspiring experience of a Norwegian Fjord Cruise. This unique aspect ensures a more immersive experience in the fjords, providing opportunities to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems of Norway.
Pick your itinerary with care
Because of the extreme differences in climate from region to region within Norway, it is essential that you research the weather forecast for your specific destinations before you make plans. If you want to see the Northern Lights, 24-hours of darkness is ideal. Although the northernmost part of the nation falls within the Arctic Circle, Norway isn’t as cold as you’d expect. If you love photo opportunities or waking to a glorious sunrise over a fjord or sunset over a harbor, a scenic hotel is for you. A great example is the modern Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø that overlooks Tromsø Sound and the Arctic Cathedral. Don’t plan to spend every night of a two-week vacation in Oslo, because you’ll miss out on many natural attractions.
MSC Cruises
Bergen is the main city on most fjord itineraries, though some may include Oslo as well. Ships on these routes will head inland from Bergen, sailing between towering cliffs and mountains that plummet steeply into the sea. Cruises to Norwegian fjords generally include smaller, scenic ports like Stavanger, Geirangerfjord, Eidfjord and Flam. This line is a natural choice for a fjords itinerary just as it was in 1848 when the Olsen family started sailing commercial ships in their homeland. The Olsen Art Studio has been introduced on the latest ships in the fleet, Borealis and Bolette, and they’re used for classes such as painting the northern lights. All the coastal ferries (often called coastal cruise ships these days) make numerous but brief port calls to transport local passengers and cargo.
DAY SIX: BERGEN
Beyond the onboard experience, Saga Cruises offers diverse excursions that take you deep into the fjords. You’ll have the chance to visit charming seaside towns and immerse yourself in Nordic history and culture. As you sail through Norway’s peaceful waters, enjoy the stunning fjords from the luxury of your spacious cabin or the ship’s various lounges and viewing decks. Saga Cruises delivers an experience of luxury and tranquility, perfect for travelers who value comfort and a touch of sophistication. This cruise line is tailored for the over-50s, offering a calm and classy environment that’s ideal for a leisurely exploration of the fjords.
Every year, tourists flock to Norway to visit its unique cultural and natural attractions, which means there is a wide range of hotels and other places to stay. The Bergen Railway is especially popular with tourists, running between Bergen and Oslo across Europe’s highest mountain plateau. Trains are slower than airplanes, but you will see much more, and they are generally more affordable than other means of transport. Before 10 pm, it is a quiet cocktail bar, but after that, it turns into an infamous local hotspot with frequent themed events and guest DJs. Because Oslo is the capital, the most populous city, hosts the main university, and is the location of many of the main tourist attractions, most of the nightclubs are found there. It is made from potato, eggs, butter, and sugar, and it’s served with cinnamon or jam.
12 best northern lights cruises for a spectacular adventure - The Times
12 best northern lights cruises for a spectacular adventure.
Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The Norwegian fjords region of Norway remains firmly at the top of itinerary wish-lists for Scandinavian travel. 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. Exploring the ports of call on this Norwegian fjords cruise was a piece of cake. For each stop on the itinerary, the ship docked in the centre of town and the main sights were easily walkable. To help you plan your cruise, here are my essential tips for cruising Norway’s fjords, what to expect at the ports of call and a review of my cruise as a solo traveller. Windstar Cruises offers a distinctly intimate and luxurious sailing experience through the Norwegian fjords, perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure and refinement.
Cruising the fjords
Still not widely known among regular cruisers, Norway’s government have introduced a ban on many cruise ships visiting the UNESCO World Heritage listed fjords. I cruised to Norway from Southampton with P&O Cruises on HMV Britannia. Sailing with P&O is neither a splurge nor a budget cruise, but is a touch of affordable luxury travel. The itinerary included four ports of call – Stavanger, Flam, Alesund and Bergen – and a few scenic sails over one week.
Fred Olsen offers five-night to eight-night cruises from Southampton and Newcastle in the spring, summer and early fall. During the winter, the line’s focus switches to northern lights cruises to the north of Norway. Some major cruise lines advertise a fjords cruise that visits major cities and just one fjord, whereas others spend far more time cruising different waterways. Cruises are very social environments but there are also plenty of opportunities to be alone if that’s your preference.
The fjords present a blend of chilly breezes, unpredictable rain, and awe-inspiring vistas. For instance, NCL and Viking feature fjords in their larger Northern European tours, giving travellers a more expansive experience. 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. 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.
Reindeer is a popular meat in Norway, and you’ll find it on the menu in many restaurants. If you’ve eaten venison, you’ll probably expect it to have a gamey, beef-like taste, but it doesn’t. Research the route and the specific conditions of the road at the time of year when you visit. When you book your hotel room, ask about airport shuttle services. If you prefer to drive yourself from the airport, 5 major car rental companies have desks in the Arrivals Hall near the railway station. You can also take trains directly from the airport station to other parts of the country.
The distinctive red, black and white Hurtigruten ships are a true icon of Norwegian travel, so much so that there's even a museum at Stokmarknes! For more than 100 years, the fleet of ships have worked the coastline providing a valuable cargo delivery and passenger ferry service. 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.
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