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 seven best luxury small ships that will be cruising the Norwegian Fjords over the next year or so:
1. Windstar Cruises
Windstar's lovely Star Pride accommodates a maximum of just 312 guests, and departs Edinburgh for a 12-day sailing to Reykjavik on 15th July 2022 covering some of the highlights of Norway, including Geirangerfjord, Bergen and Ålesund. 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 Ovation, the luxury line's newest 604-guest ship, departs Copenhagen on 16th July 2022 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 flagged cruise line's Le Dumont d'Urville is one of six new Explorer Class ships, and on 16th July 2022 a maximum of 184 lucky guests can depart Bergen on a fascinating 7-night journey to Oslo, with highlights including 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 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 1st March 2022 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. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sailing from Reykjavik on 30th July 2022 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 Oslo and Gothenburg before disembarking in Copenhagen, this is a wonderfully varied holiday.
6. Silversea
On 9th September 2022 Silversea's new 596-guest Silver Moon begins an in-depth 13-night exploration of the Norwegian coast, sailing round-trip from Southampton. This stunning ship features a new culinary concept, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), showcasing authentic local cuisine from each destination with special shore excursions, onboard cookery demonstrations and classes, and the ever-changing menus at the new S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant. Your itinerary includes plenty of time ashore in pretty towns such as Ålesund, Hellesylt and Flåm, and scenic fjords including the Eidfjord and Geirangerfjord.
7. Oceania Cruises
On 30th August 2022 Oceania's lovely 684-guest Sirena sails from Oslo to Portmouth on a remarkable 18-night journey to the North Cape and beyond, visiting the Russian ports of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk before setting course for the south coast of England via Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, the Faroe Islands and the Orkneys.
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.
