Is a Norwegian fjords cruise worth it?

Norwegian fjords cruises are on the bucket list of many globetrotters, with sailing this stunning area of Norway the best way to explore the world-famous destination.

First-time cruisers might be tempted by the heat of the Caribbean or the ancient history of the Mediterranean but there are countless reasons by cruising the Norwegian fjords should be in the running for your next holiday.

P&O Cruises’ Norwegian fjords cruises run throughout the spring and summer, with voyages taking place during the school holidays in August so your kids are guaranteed shedloads of entertainment and the whole family can enjoy a fun-packed getaway.

Holidaymakers of all ages can enjoy activities onboard and adventures ashore on P&O Cruises’ summer sailings from Southampton (available to book via travel agent Bolsover Cruise Club) – no worrying about airport chaos required.

To inspire you to start planning your trip north, we’ve taken a look at all the amazing benefits of a Norwegian fjords cruise to prove, yes, it is indeed worth it.

– READ MORE: What’s included on a P&O Cruises sailing? –

P&O Cruises ship Iona [above right] will carry you through the magical landscape of the Norwegian fjords, leaving you breathless as you admire the dramatic scenery of ancient peaks and rushing waterfalls and listen…to the pure silence.

Some of the best views of “Mother Nature’s wonderland,” as the fjords here have been nicknamed, can be afforded from on deck (or from your balcony). Ogling nature’s majesty in comfort with a drink in our hand? Fine with us!

Ports around here may be sleepy but there’s high-octane adventure to be sought on Norwegian fjords cruises if you wish it. Think guided kayaking, hiking tours, driving up to panoramic viewpoints and checking out the famous Briksdal and Kjenndal glaciers.

We’ve taken a deep-dive into some of the fantastic spots you’ll be visiting.

 – READ MORE: Inside the amazing spa on P&O Cruises’ Iona –

What to do in Stavanger

The city of Stavanger, (a former European Capital of Culture and a gateway to the scenic fjordland) dates back to the Viking Age. It’s is known for its medieval wooden houses and numerous museums – ideal for culture vultures on P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords. The Stavanger Maritime Museum sheds light on the region’s seafaring history, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum explores Norway’s oil industry, and the Stavanger Art Museum showcases an impressive collection of Norwegian art.

What to do in Olden

Olden is a mountain-encircled village on the shores of Nordfjord, one of Norway’s largest fjords. From here you can head to the Jostedalsbreen National Park and the largest glacier in mainland Europe, the Briksdal Glacier. An arm of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap, it is accessible by a picturesque hike or a convenient shuttle ride. Hop aboard Loen Skylift, a cable car that takes you to the top of Mount Hoven in just five minutes and offering incredible views from 400m above sea level.

What to do in Alesund

Alesund, characterised by unique Art Nouveau architecture (think intricate ornamentation, turrets and pastel-coloured buildings), was rebuilt in the early 1900s after a fire destroyed most of the original buildings. Today, the city of Alesund is a popular tourist destination and features museums and galleries to potter around and restaurants to fuel up in. Visitors on P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords can also climb the Aksla viewpoint for a superb panorama of Alesund, the islands and the Sunnmøre Alps.

What to do in Haugesund

Haugesund – considered the birthplace of Norway – is a historic city noted for the oldest stone church in Norway, its Viking heritage and the site of Harald Fairhair’s coronation as the first King of Norway. In the 19th century, Haugesund enjoyed a thriving herring fishing industry and the preserved, picturesque wooden houses in the city centre still evoke a sense of this maritime past. Fun fact: Haugesund is also the birthplace of Norwegian cinema, with the Norwegian International Film Festival held annually here since 1973. It also features Norway’s longest pedestrian street.

What to do in Hellesylt

Hellesylt is a picturesque village at the head of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. One of the prominent attractions here is the Geirangerfjord Trollveggen Skywalk, which offers gorgeous views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. During P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords calls here you can also head off on one of the hiking trails or join a boat tour or kayaking adventure to explore Geirangerfjord and take in such famous waterfalls as the Seven Sisters and the Suitor.

What to do in Geiranger

Geiranger is another village in Geirangerfjord – considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world – and serves as an excellent gateway for exploring all the fjord has to offer. The Skageflå Viewing Platform offers excellent vistas of the village and the fjord, the Norwegian Fjord Centre provides insights into the region’s geological history, marine life and the significance of the fjords, and there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy too. A perk here is the total absence of wind due to the way the fjord basin curves between soaring mountain peaks (1,700m-tall!) providing ideal conditions for kayaking if you want to get out on the water. No paddling on foot here, though – the water drops to a whopping depth of 260m! Fun fact for children, the scenery inspired Disney’s hit animated film Frozen!

What to do in Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord is a branch of Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway famous for its impressive scenery, from steep mountains and verdant valleys to cascading waterfalls and lush forests – which can be admired both from your cruise ship (cocktail anyone?) or on a smaller boat tour on which you can learn about local history, culture and geology. This is also where you’ll find the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – a must-do on your first P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords voyage.

What to do in Sognefjord

Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, stretching 128km inland and 4,265ft below sea level in certain areas! Hiking, kayaking, fishing or scenic boat cruises are great ways to fully appreciate the fjord’s grandeur if you want to head ashore.

What to do in Innvikfjorden

Innvikfjorden is a beautiful 4.5km-long arm of Nordfjord, the sixth-longest fjord in Norway’s stunning network of fjords, and the third-largest fjord in the country. Innvikfjorden is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts (calm waters make kayaking and boating easy for beginners!) and is known for its splendid scenery. You can admire villages and farmsteads along the coastline and enjoy the calm waters of this gorgeous place.

What to do in Nordfjord

Nordfjord is the fourth largest fjord in the country, stretching over 100km. The region has ties to Norway’s Viking past, and sites like the Nordfjord Folk Museum are super for swotting up on local history and Norse mythology.

What to do in Sunnylvsfjorden

Sunnylvsfjorden, also known as Sunnylven Fjord, is a cruise-by destination and a pretty fjord that has been carved by glacial activity over millennia. It stretches inland from the Sunnmøre region and boasts steep mountains that plunge into the deep, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers and photographers. Here Iona will wend its way through 26km of towering waterfalls, craggy cliffs and serene waters. The fjord is over a mile at its widest and 600m at its narrowest while reaching 452m below sea level in depth.

Look out for Me-kernes, a historically important deserted fjord farm en route. Dating back to the 17th century (or perhaps as far back as Medieval times), it sits uniquely 100m above the water protected by overhanging rock. Fun fact for the adults, the farm’s inhospitable setting inspired famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen for his 1865 tragic play Brand!

What to do in Storfjorden

Storfjorden, translating to “Great Fjord,” is similarly majestic and also found in the Sunnmøre region. The expansive fjord stretches along the coastline, bordered by imposing mountains and studded with picturesque village on the shore. At 110km long, it’s the fifth-longest fjord in Norway. Glide past snow-dusted peaks, tumbling waterfalls and verdant slopes as small settlements crop up along the waterfront and deserted farms sporadically appear high up the rock faces. An excellent time to play eye-spy if you ask us. The wildlife-viewing opportunities are ample here, too – look above for sea eagles and below for dolphins and whales! – and anyone with an interest in photography will have myriad breathtaking material to snap away at as the splendid vistas continue to unfurl.

Foodies will be sated over and over again in Norway – but you should prepare to be adventurous with your palate!

Seafood dominates the menu, with fresh salmon, Arctic cod (skrei) and King crab all Norwegian fishing specialities. Herring (sild) is also omnipresent and comes in a wealth of tasty marinades and flavours.

Meanwhile smoked salmon (røkelaks) is available as a whole fish or in delicate slivers of vacuum-packed slices (top tip: eat it with mustard sauce) and dried cod (tørrfisk) makes for a healthy seafood snack which can be bought in small portion bags. Let’s hope the children like a culinary challenge!

Meat-eaters won’t go hungry on Norwegian fjords cruises. Game here is world-class, with moose, reindeer, grouse and deer all served in restaurants and Norwegian homes.

As for more veggie-friendly options, sweet brown cheese (brunost) is a Norwegian speciality, as is crispbread (flatbrød) – a super thin dried crisp flatbread topped with cured meats and sour cream or served with soups and stew – and Lefse, a traditional thin flatbread made of flour, potatoes, milk and butter generally served folded with a thin layer of butter, sugar and cinnamon inside. Locals also love waffles if you want more sweet treats while cruising the Norwegian fjords!

 – READ MORE: Which P&O Cruises drinks package is best for you? –

What is the best time of year to cruise the Norwegian fjords?

Summer – from late May to early September – is generally the best time for cruising the Norwegian fjords thanks to better weather and longer daylight hours (it’s not called the Land of the Midnight Sun for nothing!).

What is the best month to go on a Norwegian cruise?

It depends on what you’re looking for from your holiday. In the peak summer months (July and August) you’re more likely to have warmer weather and to coincide your trip with any cultural events, festivals and local celebrations taking place…but you’ll no doubt encounter more crowds and will face higher cruise fares.

Luckily P&O Cruises have Norwegian fjords cruises across the ‘shoulder’ seasons too – May to early June and September to early October – depending on how tied you are by school holidays.

Which side of a cruise ship is best for Norwegian fjords?

There isn’t really a “best” side as you’re always surrounded by exquisite landscapes in this neck of the woods and most of the time you’re slowly going in one way and back out the same route so you’ll see both sides anyway.

Admiring the vistas up on deck might suit anyone with FOMO about top views but no matter which side your cabin is, you’ll get good views realistically (provided you have a window or balcony).

Do you need a balcony on a Norway cruise?

A Norwegian fjords cruise is one of those itineraries where, yes, if you can afford it, it’s worth staying in a balcony cabin. The luxury of sitting out on the balcony with a hot drink (or something stronger) to soak up the incredible scenery while enjoying the privacy of your own space is terrific – take it from us.

Can you see the northern lights on a Norwegian fjords cruise?

If you cruise Norway between November to March, yes, you’re more likely to spot the Northern Lights (although they’re never guaranteed).

However, winter cruising is very different to summer cruising (the P&O Cruises itineraries mentioned above are specifically for the warmer months), with much less daylight and a different focus when it comes to destinations and activities, so make sure you know what you’re after when you’re booking.

Is the sea rough in the Norwegian fjords?

Norwegian fjords cruises usually encounter calmer waters compared to open ocean voyages thanks to the sheltered nature of the waterways, complete with narrow passages and protective cliffs.

Weather conditions can still influence the sea within the fjords so choppy waters can never be ruled out though, especially in the more exposed sections or when sailing between fjords.

Can you get seasick on a fjord cruise?

Seasickness is much less likely on a Norwegian fjords cruise due to the tranquil nature of the waters here, with minimal waves and less rocking motion.

Nevertheless, if you are particularly sensitive to motion sickness be sure to stay hydrated, consider taking over-the-counter motion sickness medications or using other remedies such as ginger or pressure bands, and spend time on deck in the fresh air and focus on the horizon.

Does Iona stop at Olden?

Yes, all of P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords summer itineraries call at Olden.

Back onboard Iona your tastebuds (and everything else besides) will be satisfied during your Norwegian fjords cruise from Southampton 2023.

The ship is home to 33 eateries and bars with a range of included and speciality restaurants, from Indian cuisine at Sindhu and fancy burgers at The Keel & Cow to Mediterranean fare at The Olive Grove and fish and chips in The Quays.

There’s oodles of entertainment onboard too – the ship boasts six theatres and lounges. Expect aerial shows, theatre productions to rival the West End, live music, party nights, comedy, the latest films, guest presenters, interactive game shows and more.

If you want to work off all those Norwegian waffles and salmon snacks, then head to the gym or try a new sport. You can choose from archery, football, basketball, tennis and cricket in the Sports Arena.

Fancy some time-out? Simply relax in the spa and treat yourself to an indulgent treatment. Alternatively, enjoy a different type of therapy – retail! – over in Iona’s shops.

Should guests fancy a dip there are five pools to choose from while kids clubs will make sure children are kept well-entertained; Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep can even be found onboard!

Persuaded that a Norwegian fjords cruise is worth it yet? Should we remind you that it’s Elsa’s fictional homeland? That fresh fish can be eaten daily? That you’re getting history, views and wildlife packed into the one amazing holiday?

Nah, no need, we know you’re keen. Move over Caribbean.