princess cruises norwegian fjords 2023

New Norwegian Fjords Cruise Review with Princess

A cruise to the Norwegian Fjords is guaranteed to offer breathtaking scenery with the chance to visit picturesque ports of call. In this post I share my Norwegian Fjords cruise review , including things to do in port and advice to help you make the most of a Norway cruise.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Review on Sky Princess

We took a 7-night cruise on Sky Princess from Southampton in April. It wasn’t our first cruise on this ship, having taken a 4-night ‘seacation’ the previous year. It was good to sail on her again and spend more time enjoying the ship’s restaurants, venues and public areas.

Many major cruise lines offer ocean cruises to Norway so it’s worth checking the cruise itineraries and onboard facilities:

• P&O Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Viking Cruises

Which type of cabin should you book for a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

We opted for a balcony stateroom for this cruise trip because we wanted to ensure that we could take in the Fjords of Norway in the mornings as we sailed into the destinations. This was a really good decision as on most port days, the ship travelled up the Fjords early in the morning. As the Fjords were the main reason we booked this cruise it made sense to choose a balcony cabin.

We used our balcony in the mornings and evenings to make the most of the scenic cruising along the coast of Norway.

It was a bit chilly at times but Princess Cruises offered guests warm blankets we could use on the balcony and the top deck.

It’s definitely worth spending a little more for a balcony. In an inside cabin you must go to the outside decks to check the weather and to see the incredible views. As we cruised in April, outside of peak season, the price difference between an inside and balcony was minimal. For the best deals, I’d recommend looking at Norwegian Fjord cruises at the start or end of the peak season (April or September).

For unobstructed views, the ultimate room option would be a Sky Suite on Sky Princess . We were fortunate to stay in one on our previous cruise and enjoy the biggest balcony at sea. I’d recommend taking a look at my video tour and review to see if it’s for you.

What’s the best month to take a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

The main season for Norwegian Fjords cruises from the U.K. is April to September when the weather is the warmest. During this time of year you can expect more daylight hours and spectacular waterfalls as the snow and ice melts.

During the summer months of June, July and August you can expect to experience long days and a midnight sun.

You can cruise to Norway during the winter months with cruise lines such as Hurtigruten, which have smaller ships. During the colder months from October to February, you have a chance to see the Northern Lights . The best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis is in September and March. The sun sets much earlier in the winter, so there are less daylight hours, especially if your cruise takes you to the Arctic Circle.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Review – Itinerary

Our 7-night cruise itinerary included two sea days and four port days. This was a good balance and gave us time to relax and enjoy the ship as well as visit the ports of call.

Day 1: Embarkation in Southampton

Day 2: Sea day

Day 3: Bergen

Day 4: Skjolden

Day 5: Olden

Day 6: Stavanger

Day 7: Sea day

We were a bit nervous about the conditions in the North Sea but it was surprisingly calm. Before the cruise I’d heard it can be quite rough seas but we were very lucky. I always take Dramamine with me in case I feel seasick.

Our first port of call was Bergen. It’s a good idea to head up to the outside decks during the approach for the best views. We were woken in the morning by the ship’s fog horn but as we neared Bergen the skies cleared and we enjoyed good weather for the rest of the day.

Bergen is known as the capital of the Fjords and has a population of approximately 286,000. Despite this, it still has a small town feel and is easily walkable. It is said to rain in Bergen 300 days a year so we were particularly blessed with clear skies and sunshine.

In Bergen, we chose to take the Fløibanen funicular railway to the summit of Mount Fløyen so we could admire the view of the city. We booked our tickets in advance before the cruise via the Fløibanen website. This allowed us to skip the queue for tickets and get straight on the funicular.

Tickets were around £12 per person return and there was no need to arrive for a particular time slot. The funicular is a short walk of around 15 minutes from Bergen cruise port and is well signposted.

If you’re comfortable in booking trips and excursions independently, this is definitely the best way to do it. It’s easy to find and you’ll save so much money. Our friends booked a cruise excursion to the funicular that included a short coach tour, which came to $100 per person!

The funicular in Bergen can get quite busy, especially because it’s a popular thing to do with cruise passengers. I’d recommend going there first to avoid large queues.

On a clear day, the views of Bergen from Mount Fløyen are pretty special and you can easily spend an hour or two at the summit, admiring the scenery. There are a couple of cafes and a gift shop as well as a resident herd of goats. If you want to walk down the mountain on foot there is a path that takes you through the woods.

In the afternoon, we decided to take a walk through Bryggen , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 3 minutes from the funicular railway.

Bryggen (the dock) is an area of wooden buildings originally built for Hanseatic League commercial purposes. It’s now used for shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Sadly, Bryggen has suffered many fires over the years and so the buildings are not original but some still date back to the 1700s. You can wander the warren of tiny streets and imagine what life was like when Bergen was a major trading port.

On the dock front, there are plenty of places to stop for lunch and a drink and that’s exactly what we decided to do. The sunshine allowed us to dine outside at Madamfelle, also a live music venue, and it was a pleasant place to do a spot of people watching.

I ordered a Bergen fish soup for 119kr (approximately £10) as I wanted to try the local food but the restaurant also offered a wide range of other dishes including burgers, tacos, chicken wings and steaks. A word of warning, food and drink in Norway can be expensive and the beer in particular is very pricey. A small beer was £10 and a pint was £12.30!

After some time in Bryggen, we took a leisurely stroll back to the cruise ship.

Overall, I thought Bergen was a great port of call and I’d happily return to spend more time there. It was a very friendly city and so easy to explore independently.

Songnefjord and Skjolden

The next morning I decided to get up early to witness the journey through Sognefjord , the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. 5.00am seemed very early but it was the best time to view the sunrise over the fjord and I joined a small number of fellow passengers who had the same idea.

I decided the best place to see this scenic fjord was at the aft of the ship as I could see both port and starboard views on our approach. It was a magical time of day and definitely a bucket list moment.

I saw waterfalls, snow capped mountains and tiny wooden houses on the hillsides on our way to Skjolden. It was very cold at this time of day so I would definitely recommend grabbing a hot drink on your way to the top decks and wearing warm clothing.

If you don’t feel like getting up so early on your cruise, the good news is that you will do the same journey out of the fjord at the end of the day. The majority of passengers chose to do this as we left Skjolden.

Skjolden is a tiny village at the end of Songnefjord with a population of around 200 people. Most cruise passengers had shore excursions booked at this port and headed off on coach trips to see the mountains, glacier or take a walk with llamas. There were rib rides and standup paddle boards available to hire and we spotted these on our short walk to the village.

We had no plans in Skjolden as we’d attempted to pre-book some bikes in advance of the cruise but found most tourism businesses were closed until May. It’s worth knowing this if you are planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise in April.

We decided to take a short walk, which quickly turned into a long walk as we spotted a signpost to the Asafossen Waterfall . The walk was flat and took us past the Eidsvatnet Lake and through a footpath still thick with snow. The 180 metre waterfall is situated opposite a small campsite and ‘The Hand’.

The Hand is a wooden sculpture created in honour of a famous Austrian philosopher called Ludwig Wittgenstein , who chose to spend time in Skjolden for its peacefully environment whilst he took time to think and philosophise. He came from a rich family but decided to give away his inheritance and live a simple life to focus on philosophy.

He designed and built a small wooden cottage on a remote rock overlooking the Eidsvatnet Lake . After a wrong turn, we found ourselves at the foot of the path to his cottage so decided to go for a closer look. This walk is not for the faint-hearted and I was very glad of the ropes that were located toward the top of the climb. It was very steep and it took a few minutes to catch my breath when I reached the top.

I could definitely see why he’d chosen to build his cottage in this spot as the view over the lake was beautiful and the climb up ensured he was not bothered by visitors!

After that little adventure, we decided to head back towards the ship and grab a late lunch on the Lido Deck. Many cruisers were already back onboard enjoying the sunshine in the swimming pools and hot tubs. Some were even in their swimming costumes sunbathing!

For the sailaway we took position towards the aft and admired Songnefjord as we waved goodbye to the little village of Skjolden.

If we were to visit Skjolden again, I’d be inclined to book a shore excursion or hire a bike. Although it’s a nice place to explore on foot, there’s limited things to see and do beyond the walk we took.

Our third port of call was Olden , a small village with breathtaking scenery, even from the cruise port.

We had booked a morning excursion to the Briksdal Glacier , which involved a short coach journey to the starting point in the Jostedal Glacier National Park. We passed some stunningly glass-like lakes on the way and so I’d highly recommend sitting on the right side of the coach if you want to get the best views of them.

The Briksdal Glacier is the largest in mainland Europe and on this trip we were able to see one of the glacier arms.

I’d bought some walking boots in advance of this excursion but after listening to the onboard port talk, decided to wear my comfortable trainers as the walk seemed quite gentle. The steepest section of the walk was at the beginning but there were waterfalls we could stop and admire on the way.

Troll cars are available to hire for an extra charge for anyone who doesn’t want to walk. They didn’t seem to stop when going past the waterfalls. A ride in a troll car costs 250kr (£21.10) return or 150kr (12.66) one way and can be booked in advance or when you arrive depending on availability.

Along the trail to the glacier, there were information boards to show how environmental impacts have caused the glacier to retreat over time. Sadly, I fear that in years to come the glacier will continue to shrink. I’m just glad I was able to experience it now before it disappears out of sight.

I enjoyed this excursion as we were given free time. There was no guide we had to follow and we could simply go at our own pace without being herded. We had enough time at the glacier and once we’d returned to the starting point, coffee and cake had been arranged. We enjoyed a well-deserved rest before making our way back by coach to the cruise port.

Around the small cruise port in Olden there is little in the way of shops and cafes but it was a pleasant day to take a stroll. The natural scenery is Olden’s best asset and there is really no need for much more here.

Our sailaway from Olden was particularly memorable as the bar on the quay treated us to a musical send off with a playlist that included ‘Sailing’ by Rod Stewart, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman and ‘Rocking All Over the World’ by Status Quo. Local people stood outside in their gardens and on their balconies waving goodbye. At this point we were treated to Princess Cruises’ iconic Love Boat horn , which made it even more special.

Our final port of call was Stavanger , a small city located in Southern Norway. It’s well-known for its Canning Factory Museum and Petroleum Museum but as none of these appealed to us we chose to explore the local area on foot. I’d stood on our balcony when we’d arrived and thought today was the day I didn’t need to wear a coat but unfortunately, after 15 minutes of being on land it started to rain!

We headed to Øvre Holmegate , a colourful street filled with bars and cafes, to get a hot drink and some shelter. This whole neighbourhood is very cheerful with its brightly decorated buildings and when the rain had passed it was a nice place to while away some time.

Unless you have booked an excursion in Stavanger or want to visit the museums, it’s difficult to spend a full day in port.

One thing that is interesting to look out for is the street art that is dotted around the city. You can also spend some time in the Old Town ( Gamle Stavanger ) that is right next to the cruise port. It’s an area of white wooden houses and cobbled streets dating back to the 18th Century that have been perfectly preserved.

What currency do you need for a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

Norway doesn’t accept Euros and so you should consider taking Norwegian Krone (plural Kroner) and a credit card that is suitable to use abroad. We use a Halifax Clarity credit card because it allows us to pay in foreign currency with no exchange fee and use ATMs with no additional fees.

Everywhere we visited accepted card payments so it’s one of the easiest ways to pay when in Norway.

Because Princess Cruises operates in U.S. Dollars we also took a small amount to tip staff.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Review – Onboard Experience

Having cruised on Sky Princess previously, we were looking forward to spending more time onboard. We decided to pay for Princess Plus , which includes the drinks package, Wi-Fi and crew incentives (gratuities) so there was little else to worry about once we were onboard.

Medallion app

The introduction of the OceanMedallion and MedallionNet had the promise of being able to order food and drink via an app from anywhere on the ship and the ‘best Wi-Fi at sea’ but this seemed to become almost non-existent from our first sea day onwards.

On the first sea day, the weather meant that most cruise passengers were attempting to find places inside to sit and order drinks but this compounded the issue as the reduced crew tried to cope with the huge number of orders coming in.

After a 25-minute queue at the International Cafe and several failed attempts to order via the app we resided ourselves to the fact that we wouldn’t be making much use of the drinks package that day. Even ordering from the stateroom TV didn’t help matters.

It’s also important to point out in this Norwegian Fjords cruise review that this was the first cruise with Princess where we’d experienced people queuing for everything.

The Medallion app continued to be unresponsive for the remainder of the cruise until the last day, when a crew member on Guest Services changed some of the settings on my iPhone. It was a disappointment as the technology worked so well the last time we were onboard.

After enquiring at the Internet Cafe and Guest Services it appeared to be an issue that Princess Cruises was fully aware of. We were told it was in communication with the software company to try to rectify the problems.

One loophole that we noticed during our cruise was when ordering drinks with the crew. The Medallion was not used at all and we were just asked for our cabin number. This meant that you could give any cabin number you liked when ordering a drink and there was no failsafe. On one occasion, we accidentally gave the wrong room number and were told it didn’t matter because that room had the drinks package too!

Regardless of the Medallion app issues you are unlikely to get good use of the MedallionNet Wi-Fi due to the geographical location of a Norwegian Fjords cruise. Coverage is lower in this region but if you know in advance not to expect much, anything you do get is a bonus.

The Wi-Fi on land is excellent so as soon as your ship docks you can access 4G if your phone contract allows. Three Mobile seems to provide the best coverage in its roaming package and therefore there are no additional charges.

Princess Crew

I couldn’t write this Norwegian Fjords cruise review without mentioning the staff onboard our ship. The Princess Cruises’ staff members were, as always, so friendly and helpful despite greater work pressures during our cruise. They all worked so hard with the additional restrictions of KN95 face masks that they wore at all times, even in port in their own time.

It’s understandable that Princess Cruises is doing everything possible to minimise the spread of infections and we felt completely safe at all times throughout the cruise.

Our cabin stewards were so helpful and it was a shame that we didn’t get to see our first steward at the end of the cruise after he was sent on ‘training’. We did wonder if this was a code word for something else…

Food and Restaurants on Sky Princess

The food onboard was good quality and my new favourite place to grab lunch is the Salty Dog Grill on the Lido Deck. It offers, burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries and tacos all freshly cooked to order.

For breakfast, we ate in the buffet, the Main Dining Room and ordered room service. The breakfast in the Dining Room was particularly pleasant and such a nice way to start the day. You definitely had to pick your times in the buffet in the mornings as quite a few people headed there. Especially if they couldn’t get into the dining room.

Room service on Princess cruise ships is complimentary and it arrived during the time we’d requested, which was fantastic. You may wish to consider ordering breakfast to your cabin on mornings when you want to save time or enjoy the views from your balcony.

Dinner in the Main Dining Room was good and our favourite meal was enjoyed on the second formal night. We particularly enjoyed the lobster tails and one of Princess Cruises’ classics – creme brûlée.

Having eaten in all three specialty restaurants on our previous cruise we decided to go back to our favourite – Sabatini’s . This is the Italian restaurant onboard with a $25 cover charge. We managed to get a table next to a window to enjoy the sea views and couldn’t fault the food and service. It was the quietest specialty restaurant on our cruise, which surprised me as the meal was exceptional.

I’d recommend reading my blog posts about the other specialty restaurants ( Crown Grill and Bistro Sur La Mer ). I’d definitely recommend booking these in advance to avoid disappointment.

Take a look at my useful guide to specialty dining on Sky Princess .

You should not miss a meal in Alfredo’s , the complimentary pizza restaurant that also offers salads, soup and pasta. It’s a popular choice for lunch but quieter during the evenings when most people eat in the Main Dining Rooms. The pizza is made to order in an open kitchen complete with pizza oven and the food was excellent.

On this cruise we finally decided to make the effort to go to Afternoon Tea in the Estrella Dining Room. This is complimentary and includes small sandwiches, cake, scones and tea. In all honesty is was OK and we’d probably not rush back but at least we gave it a try.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Review – Entertainment

On our cruise, there was plenty of entertainment in the main venues of Sky Princess throughout the day and evening. We particularly enjoyed a violin duo who played in various places including the Piazza .

Generally, we prefer a bit of background music so we can sit and chat but we did enjoy a couple of different bands that played in the Piazza and Vista Lounge .

A new venue we spent some time in was Take Five , which is a jazz-themed lounge that replaced Crooners. Crooners was a favourite venue amongst Princess cruisers but to honest we much preferred this venue. Seating was limited so it was rare that we found a spot but it was a nice place to spend some time when we could.

Being a colder cruise, Movies Under the Stars still screened films but we didn’t brave the evening temperatures. The Bridge Cam was shown on the big screen so people could sit on their sunbeds and watch the sailaway (although we much preferred to see it ourselves on Deck 17 and 18).

Although we never spent any time in Princess Live! we noticed that there was always something going on there and seemed to be a vary versatile venue. There was ballroom dancing, quizzes, games, beauty demonstrations and art auctions. We preferred the Crown Grill bar that had comfy seats and a nice drinks menu.

The Princess Theater hosted nightly shows and I can highly recommend Rock Opera , which is my favourite show on Princess Cruises. There was a comedian who we’d enjoyed on our previous cruise and he certainly made the audience laugh. 5 Skies is the other big show currently on Sky Princess.

What to wear on a Norwegian Fjords cruise

Choosing what to wear for this type of cruise can be tricky as you need to pack for all weathers. During the day we wore jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and coats. In the evenings, we wore smart casual outfits and two formal outfits.

The level of formal wear was quite diverse on this cruise. People wore dinner jackets and sequinned long dresses to colourful dresses, smart trousers and a shirt. You can find the formal dress code for Princess Cruises here .

Some people chose not to dress up on formal night, which is totally fine to dine in the casual restaurants. It’s your cruise holiday and you can dress up as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Review – Final Thoughts

This was our first cruise to Norway and after hearing so much about the Norwegian Fjords, the destinations still surpassed my expectations.

Getting up early to experience the Fjords at sunrise was very special and I’d urge you to do it if you can.

I’ve tried to be as honest as possible in this Norwegian Fjords cruise review in order to share a true reflection of our cruise. The cruise was by no means perfect but we still enjoyed our time away and the stunning scenery we were treated to.

Having taken a river cruise a few years ago, this fjords cruise does have some similarities. If you enjoy the scenic cruising and smaller destinations a Norwegian Fjords cruise offers, I’d suggest considering river cruises.

Our favourite things from this cruise were:

• Being able to walk off the ship into the villages, towns and cities (another similarity to river cruises)
• Waking up to see the fjords from our balcony
• The warm welcome from local people in Norway
• The stunning scenery in the cruise ports
• The weather in April was surprisingly good
• The variety of entertainment venues on the cruise ship
• The friendly and helpful crew on Sky Princess
• Our meal at Sabatini’s specialty restaurant
• Breakfast in the Main Dining Room
• The Princess Cruises cocktail menu offered so much choice
• The Salty Dog Grill for quick lunches

I hope you’ve found my Norwegian Fjords cruise review useful. If you have any questions about the cruise, destinations or ship, feel free to pop them in the comments section.

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

Find me on: Twitter

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Thank you for your review, we are due to go this weekend and this was my first chance to do some research and I found your blog and that pretty much answered all my questions. I just hope we get a smooth sailing, fingers crossed 😉

Yes, hope so, we were very fortunate for a calm North Sea. I have just written some tips in another post for the fjords if that may be useful too https://cruiselifestyle.co.uk/2022/05/31/tips-for-a-norwegian-fjords-cruise/

Thank you for the in-depth review. I have been looking into cruises recently and your blog has so many helpful information!

thank you for reading!

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Princess Cruises, Iceland and Norway from Southampton, June 3, 2023

Cruising from: Southampton, England ;

Departure Date: 3 June, 2023 ;

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises ;

Cruise Ship: Sky Princess ;

Duration: 14-day cruise ;

Ports of Call: Southampton, Bergen, Flam, Olden, Alesund, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur, Reykjavik, Southampton ;

14-day cruise to Southampton, Bergen, Flam, Olden, Alesund, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur, Reykjavik, Southampton on board Sky Princess.

Day 0 southampton, england.

Known as the cruise capital of Europe, the Port of Southampton is a passenger and cargo port located in the central part of the south coast of England. There are four dedicated cruise terminals at Southampton which play host to a wide variety of cruise lines. Southampton is one of the most lively and dynamic cities in the south of England. From bustling shops and marinas to seaside resorts and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the city and region have lots to offer.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 Bergen, Norway

Bergen, situated between the longest fjord Sognefjord and the beautiful Hardangerfjord is a popular cruise destination and the leading cruise port in Norway. This stunning destination is home to some of the country's top museums and galleries, so it's a fantastic place to learn more about the colourful characters that helped shape Norway's history and culture.

Day 3 Flam, Norway

Flam is situated at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord. Centrally located in the fjord region, Flam offers some of the most popular attractions in Norway. Flam and Aurland are two of four harbours that welcome cruise ships to Aurland Harbour Authority. Flamsbana or the Flam Railway, is widely recognized as one of the steepest and most beautiful railways in the world.

Day 4 Olden, Norway

Olden is located at the mouth of the Oldeelva river at the northern end of the Oldedalen valley on the southern shore of the Nordfjorden. Olden is the gateway to the Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen), which has made it a popular cruise ship destination. Olden also has easy access to several other arms of this glacier, including Kjenndal and the Boyabreen.

Day 5 Alesund, Norway

Alesund is adventure capital of the Fjords, named Norway's most beautiful city. Some of the most spectacular buildings are located around the area Brosundet, in Kongens Gate, Brunholmen and Kirkegata. After devastating fire a new town rose phoenix-like from the ashes - in the distinctive Art Nouveau style.

Day 6 At Sea, At Sea

Day 7 akureyri, iceland.

Akureyri is a lively and energetic town and important port and fishing centre is nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland. Akureyri is great base for exploring the north's green pastures, fishing villages, mudpots, waterfalls, ski fields and whale-filled bays. The Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular shows on earth and can frequently be seen in Akureyri and surroundings from September through April on clear and crisp nights.

Day 8 Isafjordur, Iceland

The port of Isafjordur is the largest of all harbours located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. Isafjordur has a range of accommodation, restaurants and recreation for all budgets and tastes. A golf course, hiking- and biking trails, horse riding, bird watching, skiing and kayaking are all within an easy reach.

Day 9 Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Grundarfjordur is a small town, situated in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. It is situated between a mountain range and the sea. The town's main industries lie in fishing and fish processing. During summer, local Viking Association are building up a Viking "village" in the centre of town and Viking-age re-enactments are often the highlight of the day for cruise ship passengers.

Day 10 Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is the country's capital and largest city. It is the centre of culture and life of the Icelandic people as well as being one of the focal points of tourism in Iceland. For passengers spending time in the city there is a wide choice of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Shooping is a must too and the ultimate relaxation experience is a trip to one of the city's thermal baths and pools.

Day 11 At Sea, At Sea

Day 12 at sea, at sea, day 13 at sea, at sea, day 14 southampton, england.

Sail with Princess Cruises from Southampton to Norwegian Fjords on board Sky Princess cruise ship. Discover the best of England, Norway, Iceland on this Norwegian Fjords cruise and discover amazing Southampton, Bergen, Flam, Olden, Alesund, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur, Reykjavik, Southampton. Sky Princess leaving Southampton, England for 14 days from June 3, 2023.

Norwegian Fjords cruise June 2023

Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton June 2023

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Princess Cruises website.

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Bergen, Norway

Description.

Bergen has played a crucial role in Norwegian history and culture since Olav the Good founded the city in 1070. Perched between the sea and seven hills, Bergen has witnessed Vikings setting sail on voyages of exploration, trade and war. In the Middle Ages, its old port was a major trading hub for the Hanseatic League, the band of Germanic merchants whose trading empire encircled the Baltic and North Seas. In the 19th century, Bergen was home to such cultural luminaries as the virtuoso violinist Ole Bull and the composer Edvard Grieg. The city retains much of its 18th- and 19th-century charm. Visitors to Bergen will encounter a city that offers a heady blend of natural beauty, history and culture.

Points of Interest

• Fish Market
• Schøtstuene Museum
• Hardangerfjord
• Mt. Floien & Funicular
• Old Bergen Museum
• Troldhaugen
• Fantoft Stave Church

More about Bergen, Norway Points of Interest

Norway's second largest city boasts a magnificent setting surrounded by mountains and a sparkling fjord. Its old city and the World Heritage Site of Bryggen on the waterfront offer enticing adventures.

The Waterfront Fish Market at Torget is a feast for the senses with its wide variety of seafood stalls selling tasty treats.

The hall is a recreation of a medieval assembly room from the days of the Hanseatic League. Here, League merchants from around the Baltic would meet, conduct business, and dine. Your visit includes a fascinating look at the hall's kitchens.

The third largest fjord in the world and the second largest in Norway, Hardangerfjord, can be experienced from Bergen on scenic day tours that spotlight magnificent scenery.

The most visited of Bergen's Seven Mountains Mt. Floien is easily experienced via a funicular that leads to mountaintop trails and offers panoramic views.

Old Bergen is a reconstructed town with around 50 wooden houses from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Countless rooms and objects bring the city's history over the generations to life.

The Swiss-style home and lush gardens of Troldhaugen are joined by a museum and Concert Hall, all of which keep the memory of Norway's favorite son alive, the famous composer, Edvard Grieg.

The Fantoft Stave Church burned down in 1992, but it has since been painstakingly reconstructed to reflect a style of construction that is unique to Norway.

8 Excursions

The best of hardangerfjord.

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $ 249.95

Fjords and Waterfall

Moderate Activity

From $ 109.95

Highlights of Bergen

Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity

From $ 99.95

Troldhaugen, Fantoft Stave Church & City Drive

From AUD$ 149.95

Easy Mt. Fløien Funicular & City Drive

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $ 119.95

Easy Bryggen & Scenic Cruise

A walk through bergen and ice bar.

From $ 74.95

Mt. Fløien Funicular & Hike

Strenuous Activity

From $ 89.95

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Norwegian Fjords

• No flying – Sail from the UK 
• Enjoy full board meals at a variety of restaurants and eateries 
• Up to 50% off Princess Plus all-inclusive package 
• with 2024 cruises from only £25pp per day

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Taking sea travel to new heights.

Sky Princess®, the newest addition to our fleet, elevates the distinctive, contemporary design and luxurious attractions of our renowned Royal-class ships to even loftier heights. You can look forward to our most exciting entertainment venues yet, our newest dining choices and award-winning chef partnerships, as well as more staterooms than ever to relax in. And that’s just the start!

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more.

Speciality Dining

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our speciality restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavours from around the world. You'll find our speciality restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise holiday.

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all.

Revitalise and refresh body, mind, and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centres, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

From family-friendly stateroom options to enriching youth and family programmes, quality time is time well spent. Onboard activities spark curiosity and fuel creativity while excursions ashore engage and inspire!

Norwegian Fjords Cruises in 2023

Browse through all available sailing dates and cruise ships for cruise holidays in 2023 for the Norwegian Fjords . Call us today or book online today for the cheapest prices and offers. ABTA/ATOL protected.

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7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts

Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see glaciers, national parks and wildlife!

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While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. " Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords, " said Cicero.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service ," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

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What It's Really Like to Sail the Icon of the Seas

Summer 2024 cruises for any budget

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Explore summer 2024’s bestselling sailings for any budget. Katie McGonagle reports

Cruise travellers are renowned for planning ahead, stacking up one sailing after another, sometimes years in advance, so they can have first pick of their favourite ships and preferred staterooms – and can disembark knowing they have another adventure to look forward to. But for every client who’s ready to book the moment itineraries go on sale, there’s another looking for a last-minute escape.

They might be cruise devotees keen to squeeze in an extra departure, or new-to-cruisers willing to swap their usual resort holiday for a floating hotel, tempted by the great-value fares and onboard facilities.

That’s certainly the case this year, with several lines reporting record sales during the latest wave period for departures this year and further ahead. If you’re looking for last-minute inspiration, we speak to a handful of lines that have seen bookings soar to find out which destinations, itineraries and ships are sure to keep your cruise sales sizzling this summer.

Save: Norwegian Fjords

Sailing from the UK keeps costs lower, eliminating the need for flights, airport hotels or transfers. It’s also a budget-friendly way to explore destinations such as Norway – renowned for its relatively high prices ashore – by combining coastal scenery and pretty port cities with good-value dining, drinks, entertainment and kids’ clubs back on board.

While winter is popular for the northern lights, summertime in the fjords means biking and kayaking, hiking to the top of Pulpit Rock and riding the famous Flåm Railway.

It’s already a summer bestseller for MSC Cruises, which reported its “strongest week ever” for sales in January, led by bookings of short ex-UK cruises departing in May and June.

Steve Williams, UK and Ireland sales director, says: “For 2024, itineraries to the Norwegian fjords and the Mediterranean from Southampton on board MSC Virtuosa are proving extremely popular. Sales in MSC Yacht Club are also going very well as customers enjoy the exclusivity of a first-class cabin, 24-hour butler service and private dining options.

“Wave was very strong for us and 2024 has been selling well – we are seeing sales exceeding those of 2023, and 2025 is looking like it will be even stronger. We’ve just launched 2026 sales from Southampton and our phones have been ringing non-stop.”

Book it: A seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on MSC Virtuosa, round-trip from Southampton, calling at Haugesund, Måløy, Flåm and Kristiansand, departing on August 24, starts from £899 per person. msccruises.co.uk

Spend: The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean remains the top choice for summer sun, but with resort prices rising as quickly as the temperatures during last year’s heatwave, the winning combination of an ocean breeze, guaranteed sea views and affordable dining and drinks makes cruising an increasingly attractive way to explore the region.

Clients can sample the sights in classic hotspots such as Barcelona, Cannes, Rome or Dubrovnik, while incorporating smaller ports of call such as Valencia (the Green Capital of Europe for 2024) or the Sicilian city of Messina along the way. Ruth Venn, director of sales for P&O Cruises, says: “This summer we are seeing huge demand for our ex-Southampton and fly-cruise Mediterranean itineraries, as well as the Norwegian fjords.

There is also huge interest in our newest ship Arvia, which is sailing longer 14-night Mediterranean itineraries for the entire summer season, giving guests plenty of time to experience everything the ship has to offer. “These itineraries were our biggest sellers during the 2024 wave period and we are delighted with how well they have continued to sell.”

The line has also added more capacity for kids on Arvia during school-holiday sailings from Southampton, with four-berth fares for price-conscious families; alongside fly-cruise itineraries on Azura, which is operating seven-night and 14-night departures from Valletta until October.

Venn says value for money was the key sales driver during the wave period, and it’s not too late to advertise offers for this summer. Guests can get additional onboard credit on ‘Select Price’ sailings booked by June 4, plus 10% off Classic drinks packages.

Book it: A 14-night Mediterranean sailing on Arvia starts from £1,029 for an inside cabin or £1,599 for a balcony, based on a June 9 departure from Southampton, with the option of a 10% discount on Classic drinks packages (when purchased at the time of booking) and additional onboard spending. pocruises.com

Splurge: Alaska

Summer bookings are buoyant at the upper end of the market too, with luxury cruisers still looking for the value and ease of a holiday at sea, but with the high-end dining, larger suites and butler service expected of smaller ships. For Silversea Cruises, which saw its best-ever week for sales in the UK in February, the top-selling spots this year have been the Med, Alaska and (for winter departures) the Caribbean.

Peter Shanks, managing director for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, says: “These three destinations have always been popular for British guests. Silversea tends to focus on the smaller, unique ports where we are benefitting from people wanting to stay away from mainstream ports.

“Alaska is set to be a popular choice this summer and we have Silver Nova there on her inaugural Alaska season. There is no better ship to see that magical destination.” Alaska cruises run from May until September, with the shoulder months offering fewer crowds on shore, while peak June and July sailings provide more daylight hours and the best chance of bear sightings.

Whatever the departure date, cruising is the ideal way to explore Alaska’s Inside Passage, spot humpback whales or capture the Hubbard Glacier on camera. Excursions available with Silversea include helicopter flightseeing over glacier peaks, dog-sledding on the icefields and a chance to board an Alaskan crab fishing boat for the day.

For those who prefer to soak up the scenery and explore the area’s port towns and gold rush history under their own steam, the line has introduced ‘Essential Fares’ for departures within the next four to five months, which provide cruise-only prices without airfares or shore excursions.

Book it: Silversea Cruises offers a seven-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Seward departing June 6, with prices from £3,950 (Essential, not including flights or shore excursions) or from £6,800 (Door-to-door, including flights, transfers and shore excursions). silversea.com

New cruise ships for summer 2024

Sun Princess: Princess Cruises’ first Sphere-class ship is spending its maiden summer season in the western Mediterranean and Greek isles. It will even make a call at Southampton in September, as the line operates its biggest-ever season of ex-UK cruises, featuring Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess.

Queen Anne: Cunard’s newest addition will be sailing from Southampton to northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords and the western Mediterranean this summer, after a naming ceremony in Liverpool on June 3.

Celebrity Apex: Celebrity Cruises is homeporting its Edge-class ship in Southampton in 2024 and 2025, with four-night to 13-night sailings to Scandinavia and the Med between May and October. EMEA managing director and vice-president Giles Hawke said the ship was in the line’s top two best-sold this year, proving even more popular than its previous UK flagship, Celebrity Silhouette.

PICTURE: MSC

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