There’s no better way to experience Norway’s dramatic landscapes than by gliding through smooth, glassy fjords on board a Cunard Queen. From cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks to the magic of the Northern Lights and midnight sun, you’ll enjoy sweeping views directly from your deck.
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With such calm, serene waters throughout the journey, a Norwegian fjords cruise is also the perfect choice if you're setting sail for the very first time. To help you plan your dream holiday, we’ve put together an essential guide covering top regional highlights, featured itineraries and unbeatable cruise offers.
Top Ports of Call
Cruising Norway gives you the perfect chance to immerse yourself in quaint coastal villages and vibrant cities bursting with culture. Here are some of the top ports to look forward to.
Bergen - gateway to the fjords
As Norway's second-largest city, Bergen effortlessly combines rich maritime history with vibrant Scandinavian culture. You can stroll past the iconic timber buildings of Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage Hanseatic wharf dating back to the 14th century, or browse the bustling open-air fish market for fresh local seafood. For breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and its surrounding seven mountains, ride the famous Fløibanen Funicular straight to the top of Mount Fløyen.
Olden - glacial lakes and soaring mountain peaks
Nestled at the inner end of the magnificent Nordfjord, the charming village of Olden is a gateway to some of Norway's most dramatic natural wonders. From here, you can journey through lush valleys to witness the icy blue grandeur of the famous Briksdal Glacier (part of the vast Jostedalsbreen ice cap) or admire the emerald-green waters of Oldevatnet Lake. For unmatched panoramic views, ride the nearby Loen Skylift, one of the steepest cable cars in the world, straight to the summit of Mount Hoven, 1,011 metres above the fjord.
Oslo - culture, modern architecture and urban nature
Norway’s lively capital sits at the head of the Oslofjord, seamlessly blending world-class art and cutting-edge architecture with sprawling green spaces. Art enthusiasts can explore the striking Munch Museum or wander among more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures in Vigeland Park. For a true taste of local culture, visit the historical open-air Norsk Folkemuseum on the Bygdøy peninsula, or unwind like a local in one of the fjord's trendy floating urban saunas in Bjørvika.
Tromsø - the Arctic capital and Northern Lights hub
Located nearly 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is an enchanting frontier city surrounded by peak-lined fjords. Renowned as one of the world's best locations for spotting the Northern Lights, late-season Cunard sailings often include late-evening or overnight stays here. Key highlights include the striking, geometric Arctic Cathedral, the historic Polar Museum, dog-sledging adventures across snowy terrain, and a ride on the Fjellheisen Cable Car up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic night views of the aurora.
Wildlife
A cruise through the Norwegian Fjords gives you the chance to spot unforgettable wildlife, thanks to the rich marine ecosystems and untouched forest landscapes. Keep your binoculars handy to spot:
Marine life
Harbour and ringed seals along the coast, plus majestic sperm whales and orcas in the deeper waters.
On land
Incredible species like the Arctic fox, moose and reindeer.
In the sky
White-tailed sea eagles and other impressive birds of prey soar above the dramatic cliffs.
Top Cunard Fjord Cruise Deals
Cunard offers regular round trip departures from Southampton, making these some of the most sought-after no-fly itineraries for UK travellers.
1. The classic 7-night Norwegian fjords escape
- Ship: Queen Anne
- Departure date: 8 August 2027
- Itinerary: Southampton | Hardangerfjord (scenic cruising) | Bergen | Ålesund | Stavanger | Southampton
2. 12-night Norway and North Cape culinary voyage (featuring Chef Michel Roux)
- Ship: Queen Anne
- Departure date: 13 November 2026
- Itinerary: Southampton | Ålesund | Tromsø (overnight stay) | Narvik (overnight stay) | Stavanger | Southampton
3. 12-night Norway and Northern Lights hunt
- Ship: Queen Mary 2
- Departure date: 5 November 2028
- Itinerary: Southampton | Bergen | Tromsø (overnight stay) | Trondheim | Stavanger | Southampton
4. 14-night summer fjords and fjordland grand voyage
- Ship: Queen Mary 2
- Departure date: 30 July 2027
- Itinerary: Southampton | Olden | Innvikfjorden (scenic cruising) | Nordfjord (scenic cruising) | Alesund | Trondheim | Tromsø | Honningsvåg (scenic cruising) | Andalsnes | Kristiansand | Southampton
5. 16-night Iceland and Norwegian fjords explorer
- Ship: Queen Victoria
- Departure date: 20 August 2027
- Itinerary: Southampton | Olden | Molde | Akureyri | Ísafjörður | Grundarfjörður | Reykjavík (overnight stay) | Kirkwall | Southampton
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What ports can we depart from for the Norwegian Fjords?
Cunard offers departures from Hamburg (Germany), New York (USA), and Southampton (England). The regular round trip sailings from Southampton make this an incredibly popular no-fly holiday for UK travellers.
What ships cruise the Norwegian Fjords?
Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, and its newest ship, Queen Anne, sail the fjords frequently. Queen Victoria also makes occasional visits to the region.
How long are the Norwegian Fjord itineraries?
Norway cruises vary greatly in length! You’ll find week-long journeys visiting the favourite fjords of the southwest, longer 12 to 16-night trips deep into the Arctic Circle, and epic 21-night voyages that include a Transatlantic Crossing to or from New York. If you’re a new cruiser, the standard 7-night itinerary is the perfect introduction.
What are the top spots to see?
For classic fjordland beauty, Geirangerfjord and the inland waters around Flåm and Olden are unbeatable. For vibrant city culture and history, Bergen and Oslo are top choices. If you're hunting the Northern Lights, Tromsø in the Arctic Circle is the ultimate destination.
When is the best time to visit the Norwegian Fjords?
Cunard Queens visit Norway as early as April and as late as November, covering the ideal cruise season perfectly.
- Summer (June to August): The warmest months with average highs of 15–18°C. This is the most popular time to explore the fjords in the sunshine.
- Winter (November to January): The coldest and wettest months with average highs of 3–5°C, but ideal for spotting the Northern Lights and enjoying snow-dusted landscapes.
Top travel tip: The Nordic climate is changeable year-round, so we always recommend bringing layers and waterproof outerwear when you visit!
Book your next exciting getaway with Iglu Cruise today
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords with Cunard is an unforgettable experience, and we have a fantastic range of Norwegian Fjord cruise deals to help you get there. But the adventure doesn't stop in Scandinavia, from the sunny Caribbean and Mediterranean to Asia, we offer incredible sailings across the globe. Whether you're searching for last-minute offers, convenient no-fly cruises from Southampton, or a cruise and stay option, we're here to help you find your ideal holiday.
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