Norway cruise trips are an exciting way of exploring this Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe. It has the vast Arctic Ocean on one side and magnificent, towering mountains on the other. With several port cities like Stavanger, Geiranger, Bergen, Trondheim, Alesund, Eidfjord, Flam, and Molde located across the central, southern and northern belts, a few days of living on a cruise offers a promising experience.
For tourists willing to invest in this experience, there are several options to choose from. While most cruise trips are categorised as per regional preferences, there are some themed based as well.
So whether you are looking for a cruise trip up the northern belt or down south, or are interested in special themed ones; such as those curated around witnessing the Aurora lights or migrating salmon spotting, be well assured to find something of your interest.
Several deep glacial fjords that cut into the ocean are spread all over the country and a cruise in Norway will take you to these jaw-dropping destinations. A cruise trip across Norway is a gateway to the immersive experience of witnessing these sacred landscapes.
1. The Norwegian fjord cruise tour: Typically, a cruise trip to the Norwegian fjords spans over one week covering scenic destinations like Stavanger, Geiranger, Bergen, Trondheim, Alesund, Eidfjord, Flam, and Molde. These are all port cities located in the central and southern part of Norway. If you choose to explore regions that are further north near the Arctic Circle, you can opt for a Norway cruise tour dedicated to traversing that region.
2. An evening cruise to the Oslo fjord: Enjoy the beauty of the Oslo fjord on an evening cruise in Norway. A wooden sailboat departs from the port of Oslo and takes you into the glacial waters of the Oslo fjord. This three hour journey will give you a glimpse of the immense beauty of Norwegian fjords and islands.
3. An immersive fjord cruise with an experience of the Northern Lights: Various cruise liners also offer an immersive cruise in Norway that is anywhere between two to three weeks long. This trip will take all over the country- to the fjords, the islands, and even the coast. Even though the natural beauty of Norway is captivating and picturesque, what tourists eagerly await to witness are the Northern Lights dance brightly over the skies.
4. Cruise trips discovering Arctic Norway: The northern region of Norway has a rather adverse climate as compared to the southern destinations as it is close to the Arctic Circle. A Norway cruise to the extreme north of this country will take you to places like Bodo, Tromso, Alta, the Lofoten Islands, Honningsvag and the North Cape, Narvik, and Spitsbergen/Svalbard. These cruise trips are two to three weeks long and sometimes even spend a few nights cruising the Norwegian Sea.
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1. Bergen: This homely city is often called the “fjord capital” and the “the heart of the fjords”. It is a quaint town where the houses are built on hillsides and narrow alleyways with cobblestones are common. It has been named as the UNESCO City of Gastronomy due to the scrumptious seafood dishes prepared here. Many of the Norway Cruise tours include Bergen as one of the port cities to visit and explore fjords.
2. Alta: This is where you can witness the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. It is also one of the very few places that experiences 24 hours of daylight also known as “midnight sun” between May and August. The ice/igloo hotels are an interesting attraction for tourists.
3. The Lofoten Islands: Lofoten is a certified sustainable destination that is known for its small fishing villages, kayaking experiences and a great climate. These islands have large mountains, deep fjords, and enchanting beaches. Adventure water sports are common here and the surf is revered as one of the best in Norway.
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During the summer season, a week long cruise trip costs approximately $1500 on an average while the longer two-week trip usually costs more than $5000. The cost of a Norway cruise trip varies depending on multiple factors like the duration of the trip, the time of the year, the cruise liner company, etc. among others. Summer cruises are much more popular and thus equally more expensive as the weather is optimal and thousands of tourists make their way to Norway.
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Most cruise liners offer tours exploring the fjords that span anywhere between seven to fourteen days. The ideal duration for coastal voyages in Norway is usually the same as that of the fjord tours. There are a few Arctic cruise trips organised by companies that are two or even three weeks long. The experience of going on a cruise in Norway is surreal and sometimes travelers even opt to extend their tour, if possible.
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The best time to plan a cruise in Norway in terms of the weather is the summer season between June and August as the sun shines bright and the temperatures are bearable. If you wish to witness the Northern Lights, then anytime between October and March will suit you perfectly.
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Sweater
Fleece jacket
Thermal liners/woollen inners
Long sleeved t-shirts or shirts
Good quality sunscreen lotion (SPF 50 or higher)
Sunglasses
Sports/Alpine Shoes
Formal attire
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Yes, a Norway cruise tour is safe for travelers. Cruise liners must adhere to certain guidelines and norms to conduct their operations. These companies aim to maintain high sanitization standards and create a healthy environment for their guests on board. Nowadays, cruise liners follow enhanced safety and health protocols to ensure that their guests have a great time without any worries. The crew and staff are experienced personnel who are familiar with handling any and all situations.
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The months of May and September are the cheapest to plan a Norway Cruise as the season changes and not many tourists visit during these months.
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