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Norway has a way of turning first-time cruisers into lifelong ones. Between Fjords carved by ice over thousands of years, harbour towns that feel like nowhere else in Europe and the Northern Lights overhead, it is easy to see why so many of our guests come back and call it…
Read MoreNorway has a way of turning first-time cruisers into lifelong ones. Between Fjords carved by ice over thousands of years, harbour towns that feel like nowhere else in Europe and the Northern Lights overhead, it is easy to see why so many of our guests come back and call it the trip of a lifetime.
If you are weighing up whether a Norway cruise is right for you, this guide covers everything you are likely to be asking. Why is Norway such a must-visit destination? What is the best Norwegian Fjord cruise? When is the best time to visit Norway? No question is too small, and if anything below raises a new one, our Cruise Experts are always on hand to talk it through.
Not every Norway itinerary visits the same places, making it one of the most diverse and repeatable cruise destinations. What better way to showcase what makes Norway the trip of a lifetime than to run through some of its most popular itinerary highlights:
The Northern Lights are a huge draw for Norway cruises, and they can certainly be seen, depending on the itinerary and time of year. Sailings that head further north, particularly those calling at Tromsø, Alta or the North Cape, sit within or close to the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights are visible on clear nights, typically between September and March.
Nothing about the Northern Lights can be guaranteed. They are a natural phenomenon rather than a scheduled show, and cloud cover or moonlight can affect visibility on any given night. What we would say is that sailing gives you a genuine advantage over watching from land: your ship can move away from a destination’s light pollution, and many cruise directors will make an announcement if the lights appear overnight, so you do not need to stay awake watching the sky yourself. Ask your Cruise Expert which itineraries call furthest north if this is the main reason for your trip.
One of the beauties of Norway is that it’s a joy to cruise all throughout the year. Each season has advantages, and the best one for you depends on what you want to see:
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
| Spring | April – May | Snowmelt swells the waterfalls, quieter ports and cooler days. |
| Summer | June – August | The Midnight Sun, the warmest temperatures and the busiest sailing season. |
| Autumn | September – October | Fewer crowds, crisp air and the first Northern Lights sightings of the season. |
| Winter | November – March | Short days, snow-covered scenery and the best chance of the Northern Lights. |
Choosing the best cruise line for your Norway cruise depends on what you want from your holiday. Here is an honest breakdown of where a few of our most popular lines stand out.
Fred. Olsen’s ships are some of the smallest sailing to Norway, which means they can reach narrower Fjords and dock in ports many larger ships cannot enter. On board, expect a traditional, unhurried atmosphere with regional UK departures, including Newcastle and Liverpool, so you may not need to fly at all.
With regular Southampton departures and a wide range of cabin grades, P&O Cruises makes a Norway cruise an easy choice for guests who would rather not add a flight to their holiday. It suits guests travelling as a family or those who want a wider range of onboard entertainment.
Cunard leans into the romance of ocean travel, with more formal evenings, a strong focus on service and longer itineraries that give you more time in each fjord. It suits guests marking a special occasion or who simply want a slower, more considered pace.
At Bolsover Cruise Club, we offer a variety of Norway itineraries, each with its own way of exploring the Fjords. Explore our itineraries and sailings today to find the Norway cruise that is right for you.
Neither direction is better outright; it depends on your itinerary’s ports of call rather than the direction you sail. Northbound itineraries often finish further into the Arctic Circle, closer to the North Cape, while southbound sailings tend to spend more time among the southern Fjords, such as Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord.
Yes. Even for cruises departing the UK that call briefly in Norway, cruise lines require passengers to travel with a valid passport.
Layers are essential, even in summer, since temperatures can shift quickly between a sunny fjord and a cooler evening on deck. A waterproof coat, comfortable walking shoes for port days and something smart-casual for the evening will cover most of what you need. Your Cruise Expert can also advise on anything specific to your chosen ship or itinerary.
Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines sailing to Norway here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.
