NORWAY CRUISES
Photo by James Armes on Unsplash
Norway is one of the most varied cruise destinations in Europe, from dramatic fjords and colourful coastal towns to Arctic landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
But a Norway cruise can mean very different things depending on the itinerary. A classic Norwegian Fjords cruise focuses on spectacular scenery and small fjord ports, while Coastal Norway travels further north and Arctic itineraries bring opportunities for the Midnight Sun, Northern Lights and North Cape.
This guide explains the different types of Norway cruise, where they go, when to travel and what to expect from the main ports and experiences.
Complete Guide to Cruising in Norway
Read this first!
Popular Cruising Regions in Norway
Norwegian Fjords
Dramatic scenery, spectacular waterways and some of Norway’s most recognisable cruise ports such as:
Bergen
Flåm
Geiranger
Olden
Ålesund
Stavanger
Eidfjord
Coastal Norway
A longer journey along Norway’s coastline, combining ports, scenery and a greater sense of travelling through the country. These itineraries include some alternative ports of call such as:
Ålesund
Trondheim
Bodø
Tromsø
Arctic Norway
Northern landscapes, Arctic ports and seasonal opportunities to experience the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights. Opportunities to visit remote places by regular cruise or on an expedition ship.
Norway Cruise Comparison
Choosing the right Norway cruise starts with deciding what you most want to see. The table below gives a quick comparison of the three main types of Norway cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Destination Comparison Table
| Cruise region | Scenery | Typical ports | Best season | Standout experiences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Fjords | Dramatic fjords, mountains, waterfalls and glaciers | Bergen, Flåm, Geiranger, Olden, Ålesund | May to September | Scenic cruising, fjord viewpoints, rail journeys and waterfalls |
| Coastal Norway | Rugged coastline, islands, mountains and fishing communities | Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø | May to September | Longer coastal journeys, local culture and scenic sailing |
| Arctic Norway | Arctic landscapes, mountains, islands and winter scenery | Tromsø, Alta, Bodø, Honningsvåg | September to April for Northern Lights; June to July for Midnight Sun | Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, Arctic wildlife and North Cape |