Norway Cruise Holiday Highlights
Dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, towering mountain peaks – lose yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors on a Norway cruise holiday from Southampton.
Think of Norway, and the first thing that comes to mind will likely be the region’s dramatic natural beauty. And while that beauty is undeniable, the fjords are so much more than a pretty face. The region is a haven for sporty, fun and adventurous activities that will get you out and breathing in the fresh fjordic air – all with spectacular scenery as your backdrop, of course.
Norway Cruises
Explore Norway on a Cruise Holiday
Imagine the wind in your hair as you glide peacefully through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls; or the serene beauty of a colourful village covered in a light dusting of powdery snow. For some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, head north: whether you explore by water, land or sky, a cruise to Norway & Iceland has all the elements.
Few sights on this earth are more breathtaking than the Northern Lights. The natural phenomenon is typically visible from September to April, illuminating the night sky with vibrant, dancing colour. We offer a number of cruises that travel to ports such as Tromsø, Alta, Åndalsnes and Stavanger in search of the aurora borealis, this awe-inspiring show.
The calm, clear waters of Norway’s fjords are surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, and the experience of sailing through them reminds you of the beauty and power of the natural world. Many Norwegian Fjords cruises sail through Sognefjord, the world’s longest and deepest fjord, and the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, to name but two.
Nestled between rolling green hills and tranquil fjords, the Norwegian capital of Oslo is a compact city that’s perfect for exploring on foot or on two wheels. Marvel at the city’s modern architecture in the shape of the sculptural glass Opera House and the striking Barcode, 12 individually designed buildings of different heights and widths.
Reasons to visit Norway on a cruise holiday
Experience Norway
On a cruise to Norway, you can experience the country’s breathtaking scenery, seemingly endless fjords and vast mountain ranges, too. Take in the magnificent landscapes in Åndalsnes for example, a town that is situated on the Romsdalsfjord and surrounded by some of Norway’s most famous mountains. A trip to see the famous Trollveggen (Troll Wall), Europe’s tallest vertical, overhanging rock face, is a must, as is a ride on the dramatic and picturesque Rauma Railway.
Norwegian Fjords
The Norwegian Fjords are a wild wonderland of breath taking scenery, cultural gems and action-packed adventure. This dramatic destination is on many travellers’ must-visit lists, and for good reason – once you’ve visited the fjords, you’ll never forget them. From taking in the scenic wonders on ship to discovering the awe-inspiring attractions on shore, a cruise holiday is the perfect choice for exploring the fjords like never before. If you're keen to explore a different view of the fjords, Ålesund, at the entrance of Geirangerfjord, with its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and unique position in between land and sea, the charming town offers fjords, mountains, culture and outdoor activities galore.
Nordic Cuisine
On a holiday to Norway, you’ll get to taste some of the freshest seafood and cleanest cuisine your taste buds could wish for! Sourced locally from the ocean and Norway’s rivers and 150,000 lakes, Nordic seafood and fish such as Arctic char and Atlantic cod provide fresh daily dishes. Succulent tiger prawns and tasty Nordic shrimp are also very popular and cooked countless ways to order.
Sheep, elk, reindeer and woodland fowl graze on the greenest of grasses here in their natural habitat making mouth-watering meat dishes. From the wild tundra, there are mushrooms and herbs and a natural bounty of edible flowers and wild berries to complement sweet-toothed treats with bright colours and zingy flavours. The rolled krumkake with whipped cream filling and Nordic waffles are among Norway’s few guilty pleasures in an otherwise healthy national diet. Norway is famed for its clean, outdoor lifestyle and Norwegian food in the fjords reflects this; everything is pickled fresh and taken with sips of Aquavit, the national spirit made from potatoes that dates all the way back to the 1300s.
Popular Norwegian drinks include gløgg (mulled wine), mead and vodka such as Vikingfjord, made on the Jostedal Glacier. Beer is big business too, dating back 3,000 years. Just as most farms had a brewhouse, most pubs now have a variety of their own microbrewery beers.
