Norway Cruise. MSC Preziosa

Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger are three ports that are very walkable with plenty to do without an excursion.

By Vis, I assume you mean Vik (in the Sogneford)?

Yes, Vik. Spell check must have adjusted. Thanks

Thanks Carol.

All mentioned towns and villages are small enough to self-explore, Oslo and Bergen with a little self-preparation. Some of them are so small that there is no "off the tourist streets".

Hamburg is not Norway and has four (!) cruise terminals. Some are closer to highlights than others. Check out the terminal location.

We want to ensure we see the beauty of this country and the fjords

I miss the real highlight fjords. Of course Vik in Sognefjord is a good one but not far enough into it such as its branches Aurlandfjord or Nærøyfjord. Just compare it with the list of the most famous fjords from VisitNorway.

I guess that the ship is too big to get deeper into the fjords where the highlights are. So, you might spend money to excursions which contains rides in smaller boats which will bring you more into the fjords.

Alesund has a HOHO bus and things that can keep you occupied. Depends on how long in port. I had bad weather in late September so wasn't able to see as much of Alesund as wished, but if timing works, there is an open air museum near(ish)...Sunnmore Museum. Also a Fisheries Museum, Aquarium and KUBE.

I agree with Carol and would add Alesund and Oslo to her list.

Maloy you do really need to do an excursion. If MSC don't do Selje island It may be worth trying to find a private one. It can be done independently, but is a bit tricky.
Vik in my opinion is an excursion port, whether with the ship or a private company.
Not sure if you are docking in Molde. If so it's a nice place to wander round. However I highly recommend a tour along the Atlantic road, preferably including Haholmen island- quite an interesting history as a fishing village with its more recent replica Viking ship.

Hi Mark
Appreciate the info and yes, I understand Hamburg is in Germany, not Norway. It’s just where we embark and disembark Have a great day!

Alesund has a great deal of Art Nouveau architecture as a result of a dreadful fire that wiped out much of the city. There's an historic museum to provide background information if you don't want to just walk around, looking at the pretty buildings. I believe a common excursion goes up to a view point outside town. I didn't take that trip, being more interested in the city architecture.

Thanks ACraven. Sounds like a good option! We'd be interested in the architecture too.

The architecture style came from the order to build new houses of stone only.

Germany's emperor Wilhelm II. sponsored from his private wealth immediate help (ships, money, engineers, material, ...) to Alesund. He also organized help provided by German companies. The ships were needed as interim homes for the people which became homeless by the fire. Still today one major street is named Keiser Wilhelms Gatan which is directly located near the cruise terminal.

Another present from the German emperor is the Statue of Fridtjov which stands at the Sognefjord, not far away from Wik.

He loved to spend his "Sommerfrische" (summer freshness) on his private yacht in Norway.