Norwegian Fjords Cruises 2026/2027
Our Guide To Norwegian Fjords Cruises In 2026/2027
A Norwegian fjords cruise is one of the easiest big trips you can take from the UK. Most sail from Southampton or another UK port for around 7 nights, so there's no flying, and you wake up most mornings in a different fjord. The season runs from May to September, with the longest days in June and July.
We've cruised the fjords twice ourselves, both times for 7 nights from Southampton in June, calling at Stavanger, Haugesund, Olden, Flåm and Hellesylt. Our tips from those trips are throughout this guide.
Our Verdict
Best for first timers: a 7 night cruise from Southampton in June, taking in Geiranger or Hellesylt, Flåm and Olden.
Best on a smaller ship: Fred Olsen from Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle or Rosyth, or Ambassador from London Tilbury and other UK ports.
Our one must do: kayaking on the Nærøyfjord from Flåm. It was amazing.
Cruise Lines Sailing To The Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords Cruise Guide
The Best Fjord Ports Compared
Most 7 night itineraries call at three or four of these. Here's what each one is like, with our own tips from the ports we've visited.
| PORT | DON'T MISS | GOOD TO KNOW |
|---|---|---|
| Flåm | The Flåm Railway and the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord | We kayaked the Nærøyfjord from here and loved it |
| Olden | Briksdal glacier by troll car, the Loen Skylift | Stay on deck for the sail away celebrations on the quay |
| Geiranger | The Seven Sisters waterfall and the viewpoints above the village | Often uses tenders or a floating walkway, and very busy in summer |
| Hellesylt | The waterfall in the village and the ferry through the Geirangerfjord | Ships tie up at a pier, so you walk straight off |
| Stavanger | Old Stavanger's white wooden houses, Pulpit Rock on the Lysefjord | A lovely city to wander around on foot |
| Haugesund | Haraldshaugen, Norway's national monument, and the Smedasundet waterfront | Easy to explore on foot |
| Bergen | The Bryggen wharf and the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen | Easy to explore without an excursion |
| Skjolden | Hiking, kayaking and the Urnes Stave Church nearby | At the far end of the Sognefjord, Norway's largest and deepest fjord |
Which Fjords Cruise Is Right For You?
| CRUISE LINE | SAILS FROM | TYPICAL LENGTH | GOOD TO KNOW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Olsen | Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth and Dover | 5 to 10 nights | Smaller ships; drinks with lunch and dinner and gratuities included |
| Ambassador | London Tilbury, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, Dundee and Portsmouth | 5 to 16 nights | Smaller ships, mostly adults only, sailings from March to September |
| P&O Cruises | Southampton | 7 nights | Larger ships, family friendly, much loved by Brits |
Our own cruises were on big ships, which suit families and anyone who wants lots to do on board. Smaller ships like Fred Olsen's and Ambassador's have a quieter, more traditional feel, which many fjord fans prefer.
Norwegian Fjord Ports
Norwegian Fjords Cruise FAQs
June is our pick, for long days, green mountains and full waterfalls before the busiest weeks. July is usually warmest, and May and September are quieter.
Most are 7 nights from Southampton, usually with two or three days at sea and three to five ports. You'll also find shorter 4 and 5 night trips and longer 10 to 14 night voyages that go further north.
Yes, it's the most popular departure port. Fred Olsen also sails from Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth, and Ambassador from London Tilbury, Dundee, Belfast and more.
For us, Flåm, for kayaking on the Nærøyfjord. Olden is a close second for its glacier trips and sail away send off, and Stavanger is the best for wandering.
Yes, for now. Norway is bringing in zero emission rules for its UNESCO World Heritage fjords, including the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. Smaller passenger ships had to comply from 2026, and ships of 10,000 gross tonnes and over must comply from 2032.
Yes, food and drink ashore cost more than in the UK. Eat your main meals on board, take a refillable bottle and explore the towns on foot to keep costs down.
Book Your Norwegian Fjords Cruise
Fred Olsen sails smaller ships to the fjords from Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth, with drinks at meals and gratuities included.
Ambassador sails from London Tilbury and other UK ports from March to September, on mostly adults only voyages.
