Photo by Marius Beck Dahle | Havila
Norway by cruise
Norwegian cruises divide into two distinct types: coastal voyages that function as both transportation and sightseeing, and fjord cruises that explore specific waterways. Understanding the difference helps you choose what matches your interests and schedule.
This article attempts to answer any question you might have about going on a cruise in Norway.
Summer cruises
Winter cruises
Coastal cruises: Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages
What they are
Coastal cruises run daily along Norway's entire coastline from Bergen to Kirkenes, covering 2,500 kilometers over 11-12 days northbound or southbound. These ships serve as working transport — they deliver cargo, carry mail, and transport locals between coastal communities that lack road connections.
Tourists occupy the same ships as commuters. You might share the breakfast buffet with someone traveling two stops to visit family. This dual function creates a different experience than cruise ships designed purely for tourism.
The route
Ships stop at 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes. Some stops last 15 minutes for cargo loading. Others give you several hours to explore towns. The schedule prioritizes transport efficiency, not tourist convenience — which means you'll pass spectacular coastal scenery at 2 AM or arrive at photogenic fjords during brief winter daylight.
Northbound voyages spend more daytime hours along the dramatic northern coast. Southbound routes reverse this, giving you daylight for southern sections. Choosing direction affects what you see during optimal viewing hours.
The route crosses the Arctic Circle at 66°34'N. Ships sound the horn and sometimes perform a ceremony. North of this line, you enter midnight sun territory in summer (continuous daylight late May through July) and polar night in winter (limited daylight November through January).
Photo by Havila
Hurtigruten vs Havila Voyages
Hurtigruten operated the coastal route as a monopoly for decades. In 2021, Havila Voyages began competing on the same route with newer, more environmentally focused ships.
Hurtigruten runs a mixed fleet of ships built from 1990s to 2020s. Older vessels feel functional — comfortable but not luxurious. Newer ships add amenities like better cabins and upgraded restaurants. The company markets heavily to international tourists while maintaining the working transport function.
Havila Voyages operates four new ships (launched 2021-2023) with lower emissions, larger windows, and more modern design. They're trying to differentiate through sustainability and comfort. The ships are newer but follow the same route and schedule as Hurtigruten.
Both companies offer the same basic service: transport along the coast with meals included. Price differences fluctuate by season and cabin type. Neither is definitively "better" — newer ships don't automatically mean better experiences if you value the working-ship atmosphere over polished tourism.
Hurtigruten. Photo by Espen Mills, Hurtigruten
What to expect onboard
These aren't entertainment cruise ships. There's no casino, no Broadway shows, no rock-climbing walls. Activities center on landscape observation, talks about coastal culture and wildlife, and occasional excursions at port stops.
Meals are included in your fare. Breakfast and lunch buffets, dinner served at set times. The food is good Norwegian fare — seafood features prominently, quality exceeds expectations for ship dining, but it's not fine dining. Some ships have specialty restaurants with additional charges.
Dress codes don't exist. People wear practical outdoor clothing for deck viewing. Formal nights don't happen. This isn't that kind of cruise.
Excursions and port stops
At certain ports, ships pause long enough for organized excursions: dog sledding in Tromsø, visits to North Cape, king crab safaris in Kirkenes, bird cliff tours in the north. These cost extra and book quickly. Some are seasonal.
You can walk off the ship freely at longer stops. Smaller ports might give you just enough time to walk the dock. Larger cities (Tromsø, Bodø, Trondheim) offer several hours to explore independently.
The schedule doesn't flex for weather or tourist interests. If fog blocks views of Lofoten or rough seas make deck viewing uncomfortable, the ship continues on schedule. This is transport infrastructure, not a sightseeing tour that adjusts to conditions.
Trollfjorden in Lofoten. Photo by XXLofoten
Seasonal considerations
Summer (June-August): Midnight sun above Arctic Circle, all hiking trails accessible, warmest weather, maximum prices, most tourists, everything operates.
Winter (November-February): Northern lights visible, snow-covered landscapes, limited daylight (especially in January), some excursions unavailable, fewer tourists, rough seas more common, specific aurora-focused departures.
Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October): Moderate weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, some seasonal closures, variable northern lights visibility, potential for both snow-covered and green landscapes.
Weather remains unpredictable. Summer can bring fog, rain, and wind. Winter can surprise with clear skies and calm seas. Flexibility in expectations matters.
Havila in the winter. Photo by Bob Engelsen
Fjord cruises: day trips and short voyages
Types of fjord cruises
Fjord cruises operate on specific waterways for hours or single days rather than multi-day coastal voyages. These focus entirely on sightseeing with no cargo or commuter function.
UNESCO fjord cruises explore Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, and other protected waterways. Classic sightseeing cruises with commentary, photo stops, and time to appreciate waterfalls and mountain walls. Duration: 2-5 hours typically.
Sognefjord cruises navigate Norway's longest and deepest fjord between Bergen, Flåm, Balestrand, and other communities. Some function as transport (express boats that also carry tourists), others are pure sightseeing. Duration: 2-6 hours depending on route.
Private fjord cruises offer smaller boats (RIB boats, small yachts, sailing vessels) for exclusive experiences. Higher cost, more flexibility, ability to access narrower waters that larger ships can't reach.
Geirangerfjorden. Photo by Hurtigruten
Electric and hybrid boats
Many fjord cruise operators have switched to electric or hybrid-electric boats, particularly in UNESCO-protected fjords where environmental standards apply. These boats run quieter than traditional diesel vessels — you hear waterfalls and wind rather than engine noise.
The silence changes the experience significantly. Wildlife behaves differently when boats approach quietly. Conversations happen at normal volume rather than shouting over engines. Environmental regulations drove this change, but it improved the actual cruise experience.
Practical considerations
Weather and sea conditions
The Norwegian coast faces the North Atlantic. Weather changes rapidly. Seas can be rough, particularly in autumn and winter. Coastal cruises continue through most conditions, though they may alter routes in extreme weather.
Fjord cruises operate in more protected waters. Cancellations happen less frequently, but fog, rain, or wind can reduce visibility and photo opportunities. Summer brings the most reliable conditions, but Norwegian weather never guarantees anything.
Motion sickness affects different people differently. Coastal cruises on open ocean create more movement than fjord cruises. Cabins lower in the ship experience less motion. Medication helps if you're prone to seasickness.
What to bring
For coastal cruises:
- Warm layers (even in summer, deck viewing gets cold)
- Waterproof jacket (essential, not optional)
- Binoculars for wildlife and distant scenery
- Comfortable walking shoes for port stops
- Seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness
For fjord cruises:
- Weather-appropriate outerwear
- Sun protection (reflection off water intensifies sun)
- Camera equipment
- Layers (temperature varies between sunny decks and shaded fjord walls)
Booking timing
Coastal cruises book months ahead for summer departures, especially for better cabins. Winter has more availability. Book early if you want specific cabin types or travel during peak season.
Fjord cruises have more daily departures with larger capacity. Last-minute booking works in shoulder seasons. Summer weekends fill quickly, particularly for UNESCO fjord cruises.
Who cruises suit
Coastal cruises work well for:
- Travelers who enjoy slow-paced journey over destination focus
- People interested in Norwegian coastal culture and communities
- Those wanting to see northern Norway without flying
- Travelers comfortable with functional rather than luxury experiences
- Anyone who finds multi-day cruising relaxing rather than confining
Coastal cruises don't work for:
- People who need constant activity and entertainment
- Travelers expecting luxury cruise amenities
- Those on tight schedules (you're committed to the ship's timetable)
- People who prefer active exploration over passive observation
Fjord cruises work well for:
- Day-trip length adventures fitting into larger itineraries
- Travelers wanting specific fjord scenery without multi-day commitment
- Those combining multiple transport modes (trains, buses, boats)
- Anyone prioritizing UNESCO fjord access
Lysefjorden. Photo by Bob Engelsen
Comparing cruise options to alternatives
Cruise vs driving
Driving the coastal route takes similar time but gives you control over stops and schedules. You miss the offshore perspective that shows how Norway's coast actually looks from the sea. Tunnels and inland routing mean you don't see continuous coastline. Driving works better for flexibility, cruising for continuous coastal views.
Cruise vs flying
Flying covers distances faster but shows you nothing between airports. Coastal cruises reveal how vast and complex Norway's coastline is — something you completely miss when flying. If time is limited, fly and use the saved days elsewhere. If understanding Norway's geography matters, cruise.
Full voyage vs segments
You don't need to cruise the entire Bergen-Kirkenes route. Shorter segments (Bergen-Trondheim, Trondheim-Tromsø, Tromsø-Kirkenes) take 2-4 days and show specific coastal sections. This works if you want the cruise experience without committing 12 days.
Combine a cruise segment with other transport. Take the coastal cruise northbound to Tromsø, then fly back south. This maximizes new scenery without retracing the same route.
FAQS
Here you´ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.
Please note that on certain parts of the voyage, the Wi-Fi signal may be limited due to the remote locations in which the ships sail.
Yes, if the ship is in port for 30 minutes or more, we would recommend you to disembark.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade the cabin at this time. This option will be available in the future.
We usually book an outside cabin with 2 separate beds/ double bed, private facilities, towel, soap and hairdryer.
Yes, as long as it can be folded. We recommend sending the stroller with suitable protection on the plane.
You can bring 1 piece of checked baggage (23 kg), 1 carry-on bag (8 kg), maximum size: 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, and a bag to fit under the airplane seat, maximum size: (30x20x38cm).
You will receive access to all tour information and travel documents in My Page, once full payment is made. The Tickets section in My Page includes the suppliers' reference numbers, and additional PDF tickets (where applicable). Segments that include a separate PDF ticket are marked with 3 vertical dots, click to download. It is not necessary to print anything, you can show the tickets via your smartphone. We also recommend to check My Page for any updates and changes to your itinerary.
Questions about our tours?