P&O Cruises
Britain's biggest cruise line, departing from Southampton — classic and family ships in the fleet.
Cruise destinations
Northern Europe & Norwegian Fjords Cruises
Steep fjords, waterfalls and Baltic capitals, with many sailings leaving straight from UK ports so you can skip the airport.
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Northern Europe & Norwegian Fjords Cruises with Travelisto
Northern Europe offers some of the most dramatic scenery you can see from a ship. In Norway you sail deep into narrow fjords lined with waterfalls and mountain villages, while Baltic and Scandinavian routes take in elegant capitals such as Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. It suits travellers who prefer cool fresh air to beach weather, keen walkers and photographers, and anyone who would rather start their holiday at a UK port than an airport.
The main season runs from May to September. Late spring brings fresh snowmelt and full waterfalls, while June and July give you very long days and, in the far north, the midnight sun. Autumn and winter sailings along the Norwegian coast head north of the Arctic Circle in search of the Northern Lights, which are most often seen between late September and March on clear, dark nights.
Fjord cruises typically last 7 to 12 nights, calling at ports such as Bergen, Geiranger, Flåm, Stavanger and Ålesund. Baltic and Scandinavian itineraries usually run 10 to 14 nights, and longer voyages may add Iceland, the Faroe Islands or the Scottish isles. Norway's coastal voyages are another option, with working ships calling at many small ports between Bergen and Kirkenes throughout the year.
Southampton is the busiest departure point for these cruises, with further sailings from London Tilbury, Newcastle and other UK ports depending on the season. Fly-cruise options start in Copenhagen, Bergen or Amsterdam. From large family ships to smaller British lines and coastal voyages, our Travel Designers can help you find the right pace and style for your trip north.
Our Cruise Experts Love
Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
P&O Cruises
Fred Olsen
Smaller ships, Norwegian heritage and UK-departing itineraries off the beaten path.
Ambassador
British-owned no-fly cruising for adults from UK ports — traditional ship style, gentler pace.
Cunard
Classic luxury ocean voyages and iconic transatlantic crossings on Queen Mary 2 and fleet.
Hurtigruten
Norwegian Coastal Express — daily ports along the Norwegian coast, year-round, working ships.
Havila Voyages
Norwegian Coastal Express alternative — green-fuel ships sailing Bergen to Kirkenes year-round.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| P&O Cruises | British families and couples who want a big-ship choice from Southampton. |
| Fred Olsen | Travellers who prefer smaller ships that can sail further into the narrower fjords. |
| Ambassador | A relaxed, traditional style of cruising from UK ports. |
| Cunard | Anyone who enjoys a classic ocean-liner atmosphere and dressing for dinner. |
| Hurtigruten | Travellers who want Norway’s coastal voyage, with many small ports and an expedition flavour. |
| Havila Voyages | Coastal-voyage fans who want newer ships on the same Bergen to Kirkenes route. |
Fjord highlights at a glance
Most Norwegian fjord cruises mix scenic sailing days with calls at small towns and cities. These are the names you will see most often.
- Geirangerfjord
- Steep cliffs and waterfalls, and one of the most famous scenic sailings in Norway.
- Flåm
- A tiny village at the end of a long fjord, known for its mountain railway.
- Bergen
- Norway’s second city, with its colourful wooden wharf, fish market and funicular.
- Stavanger
- A lively old town and the base for trips towards Pulpit Rock.
- Ålesund
- A harbour town known for its Art Nouveau architecture and viewpoint over the islands.
- Olden and Hellesylt
- Smaller stops that give access to glaciers, lakes and mountain scenery.
Fjords, Baltic or the coastal voyage?
A fjord cruise from the UK is the simplest option: you board in Southampton or another British port and spend a week or so in Norway’s fjords. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants scenery without flying.
A Baltic or Scandinavian cruise is more about cities, with calls such as Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. These are usually longer sailings and suit travellers who enjoy museums, architecture and city walks.
Norway’s coastal voyage is different again. Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages sail between Bergen and Kirkenes, calling at many small ports along the way, and run all year. In winter it is one of the most popular ways to look for the Northern Lights from the comfort of a ship.
Whichever you choose, pack layers and waterproofs. Even in summer, the weather in the fjords can change quickly, and the best views are often from the open deck.
Choosing a ship for the fjords
Ship size matters in Norway. Some of the narrowest fjords and smallest harbours suit smaller ships best, while larger ships bring more facilities but may anchor and use tenders in busy ports.
A balcony cabin is especially worthwhile here, because so much of the scenery is enjoyed while the ship is sailing rather than in port. If a balcony is not in the budget, look for ships with plenty of open deck space and indoor viewing lounges.
Think about the timing, too. Early summer brings full waterfalls and long evenings, and later in the season the ports are often a little quieter. Our Travel Designers can match the ship and dates to the experience you want.
FAQ
Northern Europe & Norwegian Fjords Cruises: your questions answered
When is the best time to cruise the Norwegian fjords?
May to September is the main season. May and June bring full waterfalls and snow on the peaks, while June and July offer the longest daylight hours. August is usually the warmest month. If you want to look for the Northern Lights, choose a coastal or northern Norway sailing between late September and March.
Can I cruise to Norway from the UK without flying?
Yes. Many fjord and Northern Europe cruises sail round trip from Southampton, and some depart from London Tilbury, Newcastle or other UK ports. The crossing to Norway usually takes one or two days, so a 7 night cruise typically includes several fjord ports. It is one of the simplest no-fly cruise holidays available.
What is the weather like on a Northern Europe cruise?
Expect mild to cool conditions even in summer, with daytime temperatures often similar to or a little cooler than the UK. Rain is common in the fjords, and the weather can change quickly, so layers and a waterproof jacket are worth packing. Baltic capitals can feel pleasantly warm on sunny summer days.
How is a Norwegian coastal voyage different from a fjord cruise?
A coastal voyage follows the Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes on smaller working ships, calling at many towns and villages, sometimes for less than an hour. It runs year-round and suits travellers who want scenery and local life over entertainment. A fjord cruise is a holiday cruise with fewer, longer port stops and a full onboard programme.
Which ports are the highlights of a fjord cruise?
Geiranger is famous for its steep fjord and waterfalls, Flåm for its mountain railway, and Bergen for its colourful wooden harbour front. Stavanger is the base for trips to Pulpit Rock, and Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Most itineraries include at least three of these.
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