The reasons for travelling Norway's coastline by cruise ship are obvious. For those who are put off by the larger, brasher ships, here's a round-up of the eight best luxury small ships that will be cruising the Norwegian Fjords over the next couple of years:
1. Windstar Cruises
Windstar's lovely Star Legend accommodates a maximum of just 312 guests, and departs Edinburgh for an 8-day sailing to Copenhagen on 22nd July 2021 covering the highlights of southern Norway, including Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord. Formerly operated by Seabourn, this popular little ship will undergo an exciting refurbishment in 2021, further enhancing the friendly and casual ambience that so delights those guests who prefer a smaller ship.
2. Seabourn
Seabourn Sojourn, one of the luxury line's smaller 458-guest sister ships, departs Copenhagen on 17th July 2021 on a 14-day North Cape and Majestic Fjords itinerary. Scenic cruising of Sognefjord, Trollfjord and Nordfjord, combined with time in numerous towns and villages along the entire Norwegian coast, makes this a particularly lovely voyage on which you'll enjoy Seabourn's outstanding comfort and service.
3. Ponant
The French flag cruise line's Le Dumont d'Urville is one of six new Explorer Class ships, and on 30th June 2021 up to 184 lucky guests can depart Bergen on a fascinating 7-night journey to Oslo, which includes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord, the 'fjord of light', flanked by granite cliffs that are several hundred metres high.
4. Viking Ocean Cruises
The Norwegian heritage on board the Viking Venus is clear, from the soft reindeer skins in the Explorers Lounge to the snow grotto in the spa. This is a beautiful vessel, accommodating a maximum of 930 guests. Viking's winter Northern Lights sailing from Tilbury on 26th February 2021 takes you to the far north of Norway, including overnight stays in Tromsø and Alta, before heading back down the coast to the charming port of Bergen.
5. Crystal Cruises
Firmly in our 'best of the best' category, Crystal Serenity offers the ultimate level of luxury to a maximum of 980 guests. Outstanding dining is enhanced further on her 14-night Dover to Copenhagen cruise departing 13th June 2021, as this appealing Fjords and North Cape itinerary is also a Wine and Food Festival cruise, where you'll be joined on board by some of the world's top chefs, wine experts and mixologists.
6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sailing from Reykjavik on 16th July 2021 on a 12-night journey, Seven Seas Voyager combines time to discover Iceland's spectacular volcanic landscapes with the Norwegian highlights of Bergen, Stavanger and Kristiansand. With calls in Copenhagen and Gothenburg before disembarking in Oslo, this is a superbly varied holiday.
7. Silversea
On 23rd August 2021 Silver Spirit begins an in-depth 11-night exploration of southern Norway sailing from Copenhagen to Southampton. The ship underwent a complete makeover in 2018 and now offers more space than ever before, so there are plenty of spots on board where you can marvel at the views of Geirangerfjord. The itinerary also includes plenty of time ashore in pretty towns such as Ålesund, Hellesylt, Flåm and more.
8. Oceania Cruises
On 6th August 2021 Oceania's lovely 684-guest Sirena sails from Stockholm to Southampton on a remarkable 20-night journey to the North Cape and beyond, visiting the Russian ports of Murmansk, Arkhangelsk and the Solovetsky Islands, before returning down the coast of Norway via cities including Honningsvåg, Molde and the former Viking stronghold of Haugesund.
This is just a selection of what's on offer, and many of the ships mentioned have alternative voyages in the region. So if the Norwegian Fjords are on your 'must see' list then give us a call, and we will find the right small ship cruise for you.
