25 tips on how make the most of your Norwegian Fjords cruise

With such spectacular coastal scenery, it’s no surprise that the Norwegian Fjords are a popular destination for a cruise holiday.

With towering mountains, charming villages and deep fjords, this region is a must-see for any traveller. 

While a cruise is a perfect way to explore this part of Norway, it is important to be prepared if you would like to make the most of your cruise.

Following my cruise around the fjords, there were a few things I wished I had known in advance. So I’ve put together some Norwegian Fjords cruise tips covering everything from choosing the right itinerary, exploring ports and some packing essentials.

Before you book your cruise

With so many fabulous cruise destinations, you might think choosing where to go is the most difficult decision you may have to make when planning your holiday. 

Well, yes and no. 

Once you’ve decided on your destination, there are a few things that are worth doing before you book so you can make sure you find the perfect cruise for you. 

Do your research and choose your itinerary carefully

There are a large number of cruise ports in Norway, even just within the Norwegian Fjords themselves. This means there are many different itineraries offered by cruise lines. 

So, it can be a bit hard to decide what to book. 

Most cruises to the Norwegian Fjords are a week in duration and stop at four ports. So, you should comfortably see a couple of fjords within that time. 

Some cruises have a slightly longer duration and include a few more ports. However, it is unlikely you will find a cruise that covers all ports in one trip. 

Before looking into what cruise to book, it is a good idea to do a bit of research on what fjords you would like to see. 

Of course, the cruise lines devise their itineraries so that you do see some of the best scenery the Norwegian Fjords has to offer. If that is all you want and are not too worried about what fjords you see, it’s unlikely you will be disappointed.

However, it is still worth having a quick look at where you can visit in the region as you may spot somewhere you’d like to go.

When you look at the different itineraries that are available, it will make it easier to decide which one best suits what you are looking for. 

Read more: What is a cruise-by on a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

Have a think about the best time to go

Of course, the best time to go on a cruise is whenever you can! That said, cruise lines can only visit some regions during a particular time frame.

The Norwegian Fjords cruise season runs roughly between April and September. This is when most of the main cruise companies visit the area

Although you are restricted to the summer months, you do have some flexibility on when to go. 

When deciding your departure date, check back on your research on the ports you would like to visit and what natural landmarks you’d like to see. Some ports are less accessible at the beginning and end of the season. 

You don’t want to be booking a cruise at the beginning of the season only to find out it doesn’t stop at that port until a few weeks later. 

The exception to this is Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages who sail the coastal route between Bergan and Kirkenes all year round. They offer a different experience to traditional cruise lines in that they are also working ships carrying cargo as well as passengers. So, don’t expect lots of entertainment options onboard. However, you don’t need them as the coastline is the star of the show here.

Compare cruise lines and ships

Many of the main cruise lines visit the Norwegian Fjords so whatever your taste, style or budget you should be able to find the perfect itinerary and ship for you. 

Have a look at the different cruise companies, their ships and the itineraries they offer. 

Once you have all this information you can do a comparison to work out which cruise line and ship is best for you. 

Booking Tips

Once you have settled on the itinerary, cruise line and travel dates, you are almost there. However, there are a few more things to think about as you book your cruise. 

Consider booking a balcony cabin

The Norwegian Fjords are probably one of the most scenic destinations you can cruise around. The views are simply breathtaking everywhere you look.

So, if you are ever going to book a balcony cabin on a cruise, this is the place to do it. 

Of course, there are plenty of spots on cruise ships where you can get a good view while sailing along the fjords. 

But there is nothing quite like waking up in the morning and having a cuppa on your balcony enjoying the scenery as you sail into port. Or having a pre-dinner drink as you sail out of the fjords. 

I’m often a solo cruiser so tend to go for inside cabins as they are usually cheaper. Plus I like to be out and about exploring the ship more often than sitting in my cabin. However, for the Norwegians Fjords, I splashed out on a balcony and don’t regret it one bit. 

Read more: What is like to cruise the Norwegian fjords in a deck five balcony cabin on P&O Cruises Iona?

Book a mid-ship cabin if you suffer from seasickness

Sailing around the Norwegian Fjords is usually a flat, calm and pleasant experience. 

However, depending on where you depart from, there may be a risk of it being a bit choppy on your way to Norway.

On today’s cruise ships, particularly the bigger ones, you don’t feel too much movement thanks to stabilizers that help to reduce the rolling motion. 

If you are sensitive to movement or fear you may suffer from seasickness then it is best to go for a cabin mid-ship and low down. These areas usually have the least movement on board. 

Don’t forget to get some travel insurance

Before you cruise, make sure you have the right travel insurance.

I know, insurance. It’s really boring, right?  Well yes, but it is also a necessity. 

It is easy to think you won’t need to use it or it is a waste of money. However, you never know what might happen. And if something does happen you will be very glad you had it. 

Some cruise lines will not let you travel without the right insurance so make sure you have the right cover for your trip before you travel.

Check your mobile contract and data roaming options

You’ll probably want to use your mobile phone at some point while on your cruise. Whether that is to keep in touch with friends and families back home or if you want to look something up while travelling.

Before you leave, check the roaming options on your phone. Do you have any included in your contract? If so, what country or regions does it cover? If not, can you add any options or bolt ons for the duration of your cruise? 

When on the ship, keep your phone in airplane mode to avoid any unexpected charges. 

If you do need to keep in touch while at sea, look into the wifi packages offered by your cruise line. These can be quite expensive, particularly for a whole cruise so it is worth thinking about how much you will really use wifi 

• Are you going to be on the ship the whole time or do you have lots of ports on the itinerary where you will be off the ship for large parts of the day?  
• Do you want to be able to send and receive messages at all times? 
• Do you check social media regularly?  
• Or do you fancy being not contactable for a while?

On my last couple of cruises, I used the local networks when in port as my mobile provider includes the region I was in. For sea days, I either had a break from the phone or bought a 24 hour wifi package. This worked out much better value than buying a package for the whole cruise.

Packing Tips

Packing for a Norwegian Fjords cruise can be a bit of a challenge. I know, you are probably thinking what, you are on a cruise ship, it can’t be that difficult?

Yes, it can!  

Here are a few tips to make it a little easier. Or at least some things to consider and suggestions on items to pack. 

Pack for all weather eventualities

Most fjord cruises are at least a week long and you never quite know what weather you might get.

By their nature fjords can be quite wet so you can probably expect some rain at some point. If you are lucky, you may get a sunny week but this is by no means guaranteed. 

I was very fortunate the week I visited and had two days of very hot temperatures and sunny skies. Yet the weeks on either side of my cruise were both damp and rainy. So it is potluck really.  

By packing for all eventualities – rain or hot weather, you should be covered!

Pack layers

As mentioned above, you could see different weather throughout the day. If you pack items you can layer up or down that should give you the option of wrapping up or stripping off depending on the weather and temperature. 

For example, if you plan to get up early for the sail in you will probably need to wrap up as even in the height of summer if it can be quite chilly and breezy first thing in the morning. However, by the afternoon you could be in the middle of a hot sunny day. Completely the opposite of first thing in the morning.

Read more: Not sure what to take on your cruise? Find out in my Norwegian Fjords packing list.

Bring some comfortable shoes

Whether you do lots of shore excursions or spend most of your time on the ship, you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking.

So comfy shoes are a must!

Even the mid-sized cruise ships are pretty big and you can end up having to do a lot of walking to reach the facilities and amenities. 

Many shore excursions at ports in the fjords will often involve a bit of walking (or even hiking) too.  

From exploring the countryside, mountain landscapes and glaciers, you can expect to be on your feet for a large part of the day.

Don’t forget your sunglasses

Whether your eyes are sensitive to the light or not, it is worth popping a pair of sunglasses into your luggage. 

The sun can reflect off the water and snow making it very bright at times. Having your sunglasses with you will help take the edge of the glare.

Or your waterproofs

Chances are you may see some rain or at least some damp weather in the fjords. 

Pack a light rain jacket so that if the weather is not great, you can still get out and about on deck and in port without worrying too much about getting soaked. 

Or your hat, gloves and scarf

I know, you are probably thinking, what are you talking about, why would I need a hat and gloves in the summer?

Trust me on this. If you plan to get up early for the sail into the fjords, you might be surprised at how cold and windy it can be. I know I was.

I visited Olden on what was one of the hottest days of the year so far back in 2022. Being on deck from 4.30am gave no indication of the day to come. It was freezing! 

After three or four hours on deck enjoying the scenery as we made our way into Olden, I looked like I had spent a few hours in the arctic. That was with a hat and gloves. Next time I’d take a scarf too!

What to do on a Norwegian Fjords cruise

Get up early for the sail into the fjords

If there is one thing you do on your cruise around the Norwegian Fjords, it should definitely be this. Even if it is the only thing you do! 

I know getting up in the early hours is not very appealing, especially if you have had a late night or can’t sleep thanks to the long light evenings but trust me, it will be worth it.

It really is a magical experience sailing along the fjords as the day breaks.

Most of your fellow passengers probably won’t get up or will just have a peek from their balcony so you may find you have a lot of the deck space to yourself…and maybe a few other hardy souls.

Find the best viewing spot on the ship

Once you’ve got yourself settled in your cabin, go out and explore the ship. While wandering around make a note of any areas you like on deck or inside that might make a good viewing spot when sailing through the fjords.

Then when you are actually there you won’t have to run round trying to find somewhere. You’ll already know the good locations.

If embarkation day is a bit chaotic and you don’t get a chance to wander, you still have some time. Depending on where you sail from, it is likely you’ll have a sea day before you get to Norway. This will give you plenty of time to explore the ship and check out potential viewing spots. 

Head to an aft bar for the sail out

Most cruise ships will have an outside bar (or two) at the aft of the ship. I’ve always found this a nice spot to watch the sail out from a port, especially if the weather is great. There is nothing quite like watching the mesmerizing wake view and land disappearing into the distance. Especially with a cocktail, soft drink or cuppa in hand!

While sailing in and out of the fjords, you have a good few hours of breathtaking scenery on either side of you. So aft bars are a great spot to get an a full view.

But don’t miss the sail away from Olden

With gleaming glaciers, sparkling lakes and awe-inspiring mountain viewpoints on its doorstep Olden is one of the highlights of a Norwegian Fjords Cruise. 

If that wasn’t enough, the locals give each cruise ship a memorable send-off. I won’t spoil it too much but if you do visit Olden on your cruise, make sure you head somewhere on the ship where you overlook the dock when it’s time to leave.

Try to get a window table for dinner 

You’ll most likely be sailing out of the fjords during the evening. 

So, for fjord views as you dine ask for a table by the window in the restaurants if you can.

Everyone will probably be asking the same thing but you never know. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. It might just be your lucky night. 

Alternatively, try the buffet. Many cruise ship buffets have floor-to-ceiling windows and you can sit where you like. So if you time it right you should be able to get a good view while you eat. 

Ask for a blanket if you want to sit on your balcony

Even as you sail slowly through the fjords, it can be surprisingly chilly and breezy.

If you plan to sit out on your balcony, ask your cabin steward for a blanket. You can then wrap this around you, keeping nice and warm as you take in the scenery. 

I think my cabin steward was a bit surprised when I asked as it was something like 24 degrees outside. However, early the next morning as I sat on the balcony nice and toasty I was very grateful for the huge blanket they had found me!

Tips for exploring ports

One of the best things about cruising is exploring the destinations. The Norwegian Fjords are no exception with some amazing things to do and see in almost all ports. 

Don’t stay on the ship

This probably sounds obvious but do get off the ship if you can. You don’t necessarily have to book shore excursions or go and do something adventurous like kayaking around the fjords. 

Most ports are incredibly scenic and you can stroll around taking in the views without venturing too far from the ship. 

Research what there is to do in each port before you go

When you have confirmed your itinerary, have a quick look at what you can see and do in each port. This will then help you decide if you would like to do some shore excursions or not.

Book your shore excursions as soon as you can

If you do decide to do some shore excursions, book early to avoid disappointment. 

While cruise lines put on a wide range of excursions, there are limited places. Popular excursions can sell out quickly. 

So, if there is anything you really really want to do, book early. 

You can usually book in advance of departure via you cruise lines website or app (if they have one). Once onboard, there will also be a shore excursions desk you can visit.  

Read more: Can you visit the Briksdal Glacier and the Loen Skylift in one day?

Consider using local tour operators 

In many ports, local tour operators will offer similar excursions. These can often be cheaper and in some cases, you will also be helping to put money back into the local economy. 

If you do decide to take an excursion with one of these operators, remember it is your responsibility to get back to the ship in time. Don’t expect the ship to wait for you if you are late.  

Build in some time to wander around the port

Whether you take an organised excursion or not, try to build in some time to wander around the port and the surrounding area. 

If you are in port on sunday, be aware things may be closed

If you dock on a Sunday, you may find many local shops and amenities are closed. It might be worth considering an excursion if this is the case. 

The last word

The Norwegian Fjords make for a fantastic cruise holiday. The scenery is just so beautiful and the hospitality from Norway is heartwarming.

Following these tips will help you make the most of your cruise and have an unforgettable time in the Norwegain Fjords.

Remember to choose your itinerary carefully, pack some waterproof clothes and perhaps most importantly, make sure you enjoy the the magic of the fjords.

You may also like…

• Cruising the Norwegian Fjords on P&O Cruises Iona
• Packing for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise