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Fjord Cruise Questions

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I've never been in Norway before, and we're thinking about doing a fjord cruise. I'm interested in a smaller, more eco-friendly ship, and Havila seems to fit that bill. So I have some questions -- some about fjord cruises in general, and some about that particular line. Hope someone can help.

1) What is the best month to go? I can go any time between April and September. What do you recommend? And how many days are adequate?

2) Havila offers a number of trips that are one way instead of round trip. How does one get back, once you arrive at the last port? Are there flights? And how costly are they?

3) I'm really interested in seeing the fjords, but Havila offers a number of different voyages. Which ones are the most scenic?

4) Is there some other cruise line I should be considering? Again, I'm not looking for a huge ship.

Appreciate the help.

Posted by
2829 posts

1) The sailing plans for spring, summer and autumn differ in details. Only the summer plan northbound will bring you into World Nature Heritage Geirangerfjord - although Hjørundfjord is a beauty as well. If you want to experience midnight sun traveling 4 weeks before or after June 21 will bring you the most joy for this experience.

The cruises on coastal route (Hurtigruten or Havila) are always 7 (one direction) or 13 days (both directions). The offered excursions differ northbound and southbound. Check which fit best to your interests.

2) Normally flights will bring you to the ports. From Bergen or Trondheim you can add scenic train journeys from / to Oslo. Flights are most included in the whole journey price offered. Otherwise check Norwegian, SAS and Wideroe for connections and prices.

3) Two fjords mentioned already. Also other fjords such as Lysefjord, Aurlandfjord, Naeroyfjord (no cruise ships) and many others are scenic. Normally on the coastal route the ships are entering the very small Trollfjord (only with low winds).

Besides fjords also sounds (straits) can be beautiful, e. g. Raft Sound. Sounds are open at both ends to the sea; fjords are "born" in the land and lead into the sea.

4) Hurtigruten - the original single provider on coastal route. Together with Havila they operate the coastal route - one ship per day (either, not parallel).

Other small cuise ships you can identify by checking the port lists of Flåm and Geiranger. Small ships have a LOA below 150 metres.

Hint: From 2026 on Norway increased the requirements for ships significantly for sailing into fjords. Most cruise ships will stay out of the fjords because they might not be able to fulfill requirements.

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