Norway Cruises and Cruises to Norway Fjords
Set sail for an unforgettable adventure through Norway’s spectacular landscapes onboard a Norway cruise. Offering a chance to witness dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque coastal towns, all from the comfort of a well-appointed ship, cruises to Norway offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you won’t forget. Whether you’re planning a fjords cruise for 2025, or looking for the charm of small luxury cruises in Norway, there’s an option to suit every traveller.
For those departing from the UK, small ship cruises to Norway provide a more intimate way to experience these iconic waterways. With carefully curated itineraries and breathtaking views around every bend, Norway’s fjords promise a journey you’ll treasure. Start planning your cruise to Norway today with our team at Cruising Holidays, and discover why these voyages are considered to be some of the most stunning in the world.
Norway Cruises 2025/2026
Special OfferSave up to 15%!
UK - Bergen (Norway), Alesund, Trondheim, Arctic Circle - Lofoten Islands, Tromso, Hammerfest - Honningsvag, Kirkenes, Hammerfest and Tromso, Lofoten - Vesteralen Islan
Special OfferSave up to 20%!
UK - Bergen (Norway) , Florø - Molde , Kristiansund - Rørvik , Brønnøysund - Svolvær , Stokmarknes - Skjervøy , Øksfjord - Berlevåg , Båtsfjord - Kirkenes - Berlevåg ,
Special OfferSave up to 15% on Winter 2025/26 departures!
Bergen (Norway) , Molde and Kristiansund , Rørvik , Lødingen , Alta , Honningsvåg , Tromsø , Stokmarknes and Svolvær , Brønnøysund , Ålesund , Hardangerfjord & Haugesun
Special OfferSave up to 15% on Summer 2025!
UK - Bergen (Norway) , Åndalsnes , Træna , Stokmarknes , Tromsø , Honningsvåg , Bjørnøya , Longyearbyen , Ny-Ålesund , At Sea , Tromsø - Senja , Svolvær , Brønnøysund ,
UK - Bergen (Norway) , Geiranger , At Sea , Lofoten , Tromso , Honningsvag , Lofoten, At Sea , Lerwick (Shetland Islands, Scotland) , Kirkwall (Orkney Islands) , Edinbu
Bergen, Florø - Måløy - Torvik - Ålesund - Geiranger or Hjørundfjorden/Urke, Kristiansund - Trondheim - Rørvik, Brønnøysund - Sandnessjøen - Nesna - Ørnes - Bodø - Stam
Bergen (Norway), Olden, Geiranger - Hellesyt, Alesund, Stavanger - Lysefjorden, Arendal, Gothenburg (Sweden), Oslo (Norway)
Tilbury (UK) , Ålesund (Norway) , Trondheim, Tromsø, Alta, Bodø, Bergen, Tilbury (UK) , At Sea
Tilbury (UK) , Eidfjord (Norway) , Bergen, Flåm, Tilbury (UK) , At Sea
Special OfferSpecial Solo Fares on Selected Cruises!
Oslo, Kristiansand, IJmuiden, Dover, Plymouth, Cobh, Dun Laoghaire, Liverpool
Special OfferSpecial Solo Fares on Selected Cruises!
Reykjavík, Isafjørdur, Akureyri, Longyearbyen, Honningsvåg, Leknes, Bergen, Oslo
UK - Longyearbyen (Norway, Spitsbergen) , Hornsund , Bellsund , At Sea , Makeoyane - Monaco Glacier , Raudfjorden - Smeerenburg , Ny-Alesund - Kongsfjorden , Longyearby
Why Choose a Cruise to Norway
Embarking on cruises to Norway is one of the most captivating ways to experience the country, combining the thrill of exploration with the comfort of seamless travel. From its dramatic fjords to its charming towns, Norway offers a journey that is as diverse as it is breathtaking.
Cruising through Norway’s iconic fjords provides an unrivaled vantage point to witness the country’s natural wonders. Marvel at the serene beauty of Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord, or the dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls of UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. These awe-inspiring landscapes, accessible only by sea, create an immersive connection to Norway’s untouched beauty.
Each season brings its own allure to a Norway cruise. Winter voyages promise the enchanting Northern Lights, casting vivid green and pink hues across the Arctic sky. In summer, the Midnight Sun paints the coastline in golden rays, offering endless daylight to soak in the grandeur of the fjords. Spring awakens Norway’s landscapes with cascading waterfalls and vibrant greenery, while autumn blankets the region in fiery reds and golds.
Norwegian cruises also offer enriching cultural encounters in picturesque towns and villages. Explore Bergen, the historic “Gateway to the Fjords,” with its colorful Hanseatic Wharf and lively markets. Discover Ålesund’s elegant Art Nouveau architecture, or wander through Olden, a quaint village surrounded by natural wonders like the Briksdal Glacier. For Arctic adventures, Tromsø blends urban charm with wilderness, offering highlights such as the iconic Arctic Cathedral and kayaking amidst breathtaking fjords.
Our cruises depart from a variety of UK ports, including London Tilbury, Harwich, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Hull. Alternatively, you can fly to Norway and embark on your journey from cities like Bergen or Kirkenes, near the Russian border.
Enhance cruises to Norway with optional excursions tailored to your interests and the season. Experience the thrill of a husky ride in Kirkenes, take a scenic journey on the world-famous Flåm Railway, or paddle through the Arctic waters of Tromsø.
Popular Cruise Regions in Norway
A Norway cruise not only showcases the country's breathtaking fjords but also offers the chance to explore its enchanting towns and villages, each with its own unique character and attractions:
Alesund
Alesund is built across three islands and uniquely for Norway, is an Art Nouveau town, rebuilt in this style after a devastating fire in 1904. The KUBE Art Museum is housed in the former premises of the Norwegian Bank, and upmarket shops line Apotekergata. For good views of the islands, hills and coast, take the steps from Alesund's park up to Mount Aksla. Worthy of a visit is the magnificent 12th-century Borgund Stave Church in Laerdal.
Bergen
The old Hanseatic port of Bergen is within walking distance of the city centre and the famous Bryggen, the World Heritage listed waterfront area of gabled traditional buildings which dates back 900 years. The outdoor fish market is one of Bergen's popular tourist attractions, along with the Floibanen, the funicular which travels up Mount Floyen close to Skomadkerdiket Lake for views of the city and the sea.
Bodø
Like many towns in northern Norway, Bodo was completely rebuilt after the war. It is a very modern town with a buzzing commercial centre. The Norwegian Aviation Museum is one of the most popular museums and off the coast is Saltstraumen, the world's strongest maelstrom or 'whirling stream'.
Finnsnes
This small town in Troms County is a gateway to the so-called 'Fairytale island' of Senja, with a variety of landscapes covering every type of Norwegian scenery from fjords and mountains to small traditional villages. Finnsnes has a large park which has a natural lake, and pretty white clapboard houses along its shore.
Flam
The approach to Flam on Norway small ship cruises, through Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord, is spectacular. Flam itself is positioned between high cliffs streaked with waterfalls, and is the terminus of the Flamsbanen, the scenic railway which travels to Myrdal 2800 feet above sea level, twisting through the mountains. Flam has shops, banks and restaurants and a summer shuttle bus service to nearby villages.
Geiranger Fjord
The village of Geiranger sits at the head of the 9-mile long Geirangerfjord, a World Heritage Site of great beauty enclosed by sheer cliffs and mountains. En route you will pass the famous waterfalls of the Seven Sisters and the Suitor. Athough small, Gerainger is a busy cruise ship port, with up to three vessel visits a day, and is also situated on the scenic Norwegian National Road. The Union Hotel has a collection of classic cars from Geiranger's early days as a tourist destination.
Hammerfest
Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town, is at the same latitude as northern Siberia, but largely ice-free thanks to the Gulf Stream. The fur trade and international trade with neighbouring Russia brought prosperity, as did the growing fish processing industry. Its strategic position made it the ideal base for Germany's fleet during World War II. Visit the amusingly named Polar Bear Club for a taste of Arctic natural history.
Hardangerfjord
Over a hundred miles long, Hardangerfjord extends from the Atlantic Ocean near Bergen to Ulvik and Eidfjord. The region of Hardanger is a major fruit and berry producer, and blossom trees add to its beauty in late spring. Among the many sights are the 182-meter Voringsfossen waterfall, the Folgefonna Glacier and the Barony in Rosendal, which has a famous Renaissance garden. The open-air Hardanger Folk Museum is a popular visitor attraction.
Harstad
Harstad is an important port with a natural, sheltered harbour surrounded by an archipelago of small islands. Apart from its fjords and mountains, Harstad's attractions include the underground Grottebadet, a cave complex of Jacuzzi, pools, caf' and sauna, and on the Trondenes Peninsula, the Adolf Gun from World War II and 13th-century Trondenes Church. Harstad is also the base for the 1868 schooner, Anna Rogde.
Hellesylt
The old Viking village of Hellesylt is situated at the head of Sunnylvsfjord. It is a stepping-off point for cruises along Geirangerfjord, and is surrounded by mountains and valleys. Places of interest include the Peer Gynt Gallery, and a small bridge in the town over the tumbling waters of Hellesylt waterfall. On the mountainside there are restored old farmsteads, including Skagefla which was built on a ledge 250 meters above the fjord.
Honnigsvag
Honningsvag is the gateway to the North Cape and is Norway's most northerly municipality, set in a landscape of waterfalls and forest. A small fishing town, along the waterfront are brightly-coloured wooden buildings, and shops sell traditional goods including furs, textiles, pottery, silver and enamel ' some of them are tax free to tourists. Worthy of a visit are the North Cape Museum and Visitor Centre.
Kirkenes
The isolated town of Kirkenes is close to the Sami communities of North Finland, and just 10 kilometers from Norway's border with Russia, situated on the extreme north-eastern coast on Bokfjorden. Accessible onboard Norway cruises, it is in the Land of the Midnight Sun and popular with visitors in search of the Northern Lights. The Grenselandmuseet is a museum exhibiting woodcuts and historic regional artefacts, but Kirkenes is best-known for the Snow Hotel.
Kristiansand
The pleasant port town of Kristiansand is easy to explore by train, visiting the Fish Quay, the fountain sculpture in Nupen Park, the pretty harbour and the town's beach. The old town area of Posebyen is worth a visit for its elegant and well-preserved white wooden houses. Boat trips are available to the island of Odderoya which has scenic walking trails and military remains, and nearby is the open-air museum of Vest-Agder where there are historic buildings and reconstructed streets.
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the capital of the remote and beautiful Svalbard Archipelago, situated on its largest island, Spitsbergen and the gateway to the High Arctic. The town nestles between two glacier tongues on Advent Fjord and has a modern feel to it, with brightly-painted buildings, good facilities and the interesting Svalbard Museum. Longyearbyen has several research stations and the Global Seed Vault, which was dug into the permafrost and preserves seeds to ensure the future of plant diversity and food crops.
Lysefjord
Lysefjord is the most southerly of Norway's large fjords and offers dramatic scenery, stretching for over 20 miles through a narrow channel bounded by high cliffs. Hengjanefossen Waterfall is 400 meters high, and the famous plateau of Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen, overlooks the fjord from a height of 600 meters.
Molde
Facing south along the Romdalsfjord, in the northern part of Norway's Fjordland, the colourful and modern city of Molde is known as the 'Town of Roses', surrounded by over 200 mountain peaks. The market place has an impressive city hall and Molde Church has been richly decorated by Norwegian artists. Shoppers buy local crafts including knitwear, silver, reindeer skins and glass. The area of Molde is known for its scenic roads, including the Trollstigen and the island-hopping Atlantic Road.
Ny Alesund
Ny Alesund has a population of less than one hundred, and is a former coal-mining town situated on the west coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago. It was from here that Raold Amundsen's successful airship flight over the North Pole began, and today it is home to the most northerly, permanently-inhabited Arctic Research Station.
Olden
The village of Olden has a spectacular position at the head of Nordfjord, with steep mountains on either side. Norway cruise ships dock at the quay a ten-minute walk away from the town, mainly for visits to the Briksdal Glacier. Two-wheeled horse-drawn carts known as 'Troll Cars' take visitors through the scenic Olden Valley and nearby is the impressive 984-foot Volefossen waterfall. In Loen just outside Olden are some of the many Viking burial mounds found in Nordfjord.
Oslo
The port of Norway's capital, Oslo, is located in the heart of the city below the medieval Akershus Fortress. Oslo is a small city located at the end of Oslofjord, surrounded by mountains and offering interesting shopping opportunities in the Old Bazaar Halls, the Kon-Tiki, Fram and Viking ship museums, the modernist building of the new Opera House at Bjorvika, and restaurants serving traditional dishes of moose, fish and reindeer.
Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the remote Svalbard archipelago and the only one with a permanent population. For travellers continuing north, it is the gateway to the High Arctic and the last stop before the North Pole. This harsh habitat supports polar bears, reindeer and hardy flora, and is home to international research stations and the Global Seed Vault. Its dramatic scenery includes Advent Fjord, the Monaco Glacier and jagged granite mountains.
Stavanger
Stavanger cruise port is situated beside the old wooden seahouses of Gamle Stavanger which now house restaurants, bars and shops. The city is built across several islands, linked by bridges and has a well-preserved 12th-century cathedral. The former sardine canning factory provides an insight into the region's historic fishing industry, and nearby Pulpit Rock is a famous viewpoint overlooking Lysefjord.
Svolvaer
Svolvaer is the main port and capital of the Lofoten Islands, and its harbour is idyllically set below a ring of mountains. It's renowned for the special qualities of its natural light which attracts painters and sculptors to the town, built across small islets connected by bridges. For such a small town, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and good public transport links to smaller towns nearby.
The Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands
These beautiful, mountainous island chains, rising to 1,000 metres in places, are some of the oldest in the world, fjorded during the Ice Age. Many of the fishermen's cabins are built on stilts along the waterfront in the small settlements here. Tiny islands like Rost are home to nesting seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, eider ducks, cormorants and sea eagles. See the Legends of the Lofoten Islands Tour, which spends more time here.
Tromso
Tromso is the capital of the Arctic, and has been the starting point for many Polar expeditions. In the waterfront Polar Museum there are exhibits related to these and the history of hunting and trapping in the Polar region. There are shops, cafes, the stunning stained glass Arctic Cathedral and the world's most northerly botanic garden in the town, which benefits from the Gulf Stream.
Trondheim
Trondheim is an attractive city partly encircled by the River Nid and was once the capital of Norway. Its waterfront is bordered by brightly-painted wharves and the old town bridge leads to the lively Bakklandet neighbourhood where there are numerous wooden houses, shops and cafes. The town's chief sight is the ancient cathedral of Nidaros which was built in the 11th century over the burial site of St Olav.
Vadsø
This small town in Norway is well known for King Crab fishing and for the airship mast which was the departure point for Amundsen's North Pole crossing aboard the airship Norge. The landscape around its archipelago is dramatic, with mountains, lakes, and Arctic habitats of flora and fauna including cliff-side bird colonies and sea eagles, and is a popular destination for hikers.
Vardø
Norwegian Vardo is a small fishing village close to the Russian border, and the gateway to the North-east passage and the Barents Sea. Attractions include the 18th-century Vardohus Festning fortress and colonies of razorbill and Brunnich's Guillemot at Hornøya and Reinøya. Brightly-painted buildings line the harbour, and there is a memorial to the victims of witch hunts conducted here in the 17th-century. On the day when daylight returns after the darkness of winter, a two-round salute is fired from the fortress guns to announce a day's holiday.
Best Time to Take a Cruise in Norway
Endless day, endless night, each season casts its own spell on the Norwegian coastline. As the ship changes latitude on your Norway cruise, it may feel as if you are travelling through all the seasons in a single journey. Between the extremes of the Midnight Sun and polar night, and between the temperate south and the Arctic north, natural light always plays an important role, dramatising the scenery and enhancing your cruise experience. Whenever you choose to go, your Norway cruise voyage will be unique.
Spring
Rising higher and higher each day, the sun works overtime to thaw the land in Norway in spring. Each week there is a marked difference in daylight hours and blossom through the fjords. Green leaves bud on bare trees, and colour flows back into the landscape. The sea begins to sparkle once more and long shadows enliven the views.
At higher latitudes, the winter struggles to maintain its grip on the Arctic regions and eventually recedes under duress. Snow is still often seen as the voyage skirts the Finnmark plateau and takes us along the coast which has been kept largely ice-free, due to the warmth of the Gulf Stream.
Summer
This is when the Land of the Midnight Sun lives up to its name. With 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle, and every fjord, fell, and bay glistening in the powerful sunshine, you have to force yourself to fix a time for ‘night’ and go to bed. The most popular time of the year for exploring the Norwegian coast, it is also when Norway cruise ships can get very busy - this is the European holiday period, so you will need to book early.
The Midnight Sun
An invisible line at 66º 33’ north is known as the Arctic Circle. This is the southernmost point at which the sun shines uninterruptedly for 24 hours at least one day of the year. This takes place at the Arctic Circle around 21 June, when the polar day reaches its climax and the sun never dips below the horizon.
The equinoxes on 21/22 March and 22/23 September are the two occasions each year when the day and the night are of equal duration and of course, as you head north between these two dates, you get more polar days and longer summers.
Similarly, if you plan to take a voyage onboard cruises to Norway after the autumnal equinox, you will sail towards the polar night as you pass the Arctic Circle. Most people say they do not experience insomnia so much as inspiration when they spend time in these extreme regions.
Autumn
With vivid shades of russet, ochre and rouge the autumnal colours creep through the leaves of the deciduous forests, and we witness nature prepare for the long cool winter ahead. At this time temperatures remain pleasant and the landscape glows with an unearthly light.
With fewer passengers on board Norway small ship cruises this season, this is an incredibly tranquil time to travel, and as the planet draws down its blinds in the far north it is almost possible to feel the change in the air as we pass over the Arctic Circle.
Winter
As we sail through the Arctic twilight, we become one with the peaceful atmosphere that descends around us. Clusters of houses glow like embers along the coast, small towns become cosy refuges as we pull into harbour to welcome new passengers on board. The backdrop of snow-clad mountains reflects the polar light to bathe us in eerie shades. A magical time to travel, winter is also the best time to see the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged solar particles passing into the Earth’s atmosphere. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, which means ‘dawn of the north’, the aurora can appear abruptly, filling the sky with incredible speed with great arcs as ghostly wisps in green, yellow, red and violet dancing above the horizon, before disappearing again.
Inspiration to artists and poets, myths and legends, there is no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters, on board a Norway cruise ship from the Hurtigruten fleet with the Aurora Borealis set against a dark sky, free from artificial light.
A celestial show that truly needs to be seen to be believed, no one has seen the Northern Lights and not been caught in awe by this magical display.
What to Expect on a Norwegian Coast Cruise
Onboard cruises to Norway, you’ll not only be taken on an adventure through the country’s spectacular fjords and breathtaking landscapes, but you’ll get to experience some of the very best cruise amenities on luxurious Norway small ship cruises.
These cruise vessels have honed their service and built state-of-the-art facilities that allow your onboard experiences to be just as memorable as on-land. For one, the leisure and entertainment opportunities cater to all tastes on any Norway cruise, whether with enticing lectures about the country’s landscapes and culture, or workshops sharing deep-rooted Norwegian traditions.
Especially as you’ll be connecting with the landscapes of Norway at every opportunity, why not savour exceptional views of its fjords and mountain regions from the comforts of relaxing facilities, like spas, pools, and saunas? If not to relax, they work wonders to soothe aches and pains from all the exciting on-shore excursions you’ll no doubt be taking part in. These adventures include touring historic cities like Oslo and Bergen, or embracing exhilarating activities like dog sledding and sighting the mesmerising northern lights.
And of course, to fuel you during your Norway cruise adventure, culinary delights await onboard with exceptional dining. Savour authentic Nordic cuisine, with specialities including reindeer and smoked salmon, to further connect with the landscapes and culture you’re exploring.
Norway Cruise FAQs
A lot of Norway cruises last 7-14 days, and this is usually ample time to see the highlights of the dramatic Norwegian coast. Most cruises of this length will visit Bergen in the south and cruise north towards Tromso, exploring Norwegian towns and visiting fjords on the way. Some Norway cruises depart from the UK, so you can cruise directly to Norway, usually stopping at ports of call in Scotland on the way. Other cruises start with a flight to Norway so you spend your whole cruise in Norway.
Depending on the time of year, it is possible to experience all sorts of shore activities in Norway. In summer it is the perfect weather to go hiking, kayaking and more active pursuits. In winter, most Norway cruises offer the opportunity to go dog sledging or snowmobiling, making the most of the Norway winter scenery. You can do as much or as little as you like on your cruise to Norway.
As part of the Schengen area, many travellers don’t need a visa to travel to Norway for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, you’ll need to double-check what your home country’s rules and requirements are to visit Norway in plenty of advance of when you plan to travel so that if you need a visa you have ample time to apply for one.