The Best Cruise Lines To See The Land Of The Midnight Sun

Which cruise line should you sail with to see the best of Norway?

If you’re looking to escape from it all to a picture postcard, a serene remote location with epic landscapes and wonders to admire, Norway with its majestic fjords is perfect. It’s a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty, where snow-capped peaks give way to emerald green-covered rocky crags intersected by quiet, deep blue waters.

A cruise is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore this magnificent landscape while enjoying the luxuries of the ship, and with daylight extending into the small hours in the summer, you’ll have plenty of time to make the most of it.

Most cruise ship itineraries will travel to popular ports in Norway, such as Oslo, Olden, Flam, Geiranger and Alesund, usually departing from Southampton, Newcastle, Portsmouth, and Amsterdam, among other destinations. 

To help you decide which cruise may be best for you to see the infamous land of the midnight sun, below is our guide to the best cruise lines offering holidays to Norway:

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has an extensive Norwegian heritage and smaller ships designed to navigate the narrow waterways of the fjords, meaning you can get closer and see more of this breathtaking scenery. Their cruises take you to National Geographic’s top Natural Heritage Sites – Nærøyfjord, dubbed one of the most dramatic fjords in Europe, and Geirangerfjord, a fantastic fjord if you’re a keen hiker or enjoy outdoor activities!

You’ll also get a chance to ride the beautiful Flamsbana Railway in Flåm and take in the incredible waterfalls of the Seven Sisters, the tallest in Norway! 

Ambassador Cruise Line

With its two ships, Ambition and Ambience, more moderate in size, the premium-value-focused Ambassador Cruise Line can also offer access to unique ports of call in Norway including the remote, yet beautiful, Narvik and rugged shores of Tromøy.

On an Ambassador Cruise Line voyage to Norway, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a number of exciting excursions that get you right into the heart of the action, as well as enjoy the pleasant, comfortable and sophisticated onboard surroundings. 

Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s ship Rotterdam operates a number of Norwegian itineraries, from seven-day cruises focused on ports related to Norse Legends and Vikings to 14-day voyages taking guests to see that infamous midnight sun. 

On board this music-centred ship, you can enjoy some of the best live entertainment at sea thanks to its trio of Music Walk venues, alongside world-class dining, while navigating Norway’s enchanting coastline and fjords. 

With stops in Oslo and Bergen, there’s a chance to soak up the culture as well as discover the region’s natural splendour, such as Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau, and the dramatic 182-metre-tall Vøringfossen waterfall.

Cunard

Taking a more cultural approach to cruising the Norwegian fjords, Cunard provides opportunities to discover the folklore and legend of this enticing land as well as its majestic wilderness. Excursions include taking in Haugesund’s Viking heritage and Kristiansund’s art nouveau Opera House. 

Its ships, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, sail from Southampton, Hamburg and New York, offering round-trip itineraries to Norway and its fjords. 

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises aims to offer ‘More Ashore’ with late-night departures and overnight stays at your destinations. This means you can attend a summer concert at Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral to welcome the return of the Midnight Sun, learn more about the region’s Viking history in the city of Bergen or get immersed in the annual summer Sildajazz Festival in Haugesund. 

Its cruise ships, Sky Princess and Island Princess Cruises, also sail from Southampton, offering round-trip cruises. 

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Step onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class ship, Norwegian Prima as it sails to the sensational land of Norway. The mega ship, which can accommodate more than 3,000 passengers, cruises on a huge variety of Northern Europe itineraries, which includes port calls in Norway, Iceland and Belgium.

With a focus on elevating its open-air space, its expansive outdoor deck and Infinity Beach, which includes an infinity-style pool and glass bridge, make for perfect viewing stations to admire the beauty of the fjords. 

Celebrity Cruises 

Taking in the wonder of the fjords, from the towering mountains of Bergen to the remarkable wildlife, including eagles, whales and seals, Celebrity Cruises also offers time to soak up the culture and history in Norway’s cities and villages. 

Discover the colourful fishermen’s houses in Alesund, Oslo’s infamous Viking Ship Museum and the microbreweries in Bergen. Stepping aboard the recently refurbished Celebrity Silhouette on a cruise to Norway, you can now enjoy The Retreat, an all-inclusive area for suite guests and Craft Social, its latest dining venue, alongside other extensive updates throughout the ship.

There’s an awful lot of choice when it comes to cruising to Norway and its fjords. If you would like to discuss what options may be best for you in detail, you can also get in touch with one of our expert Cruise.co.uk specialists.