Norwegian Fjords Cruises

A cruise to Norway is great all year round, but the best time to visit is often seen as being between late spring and early autumn. May and June offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Nature is also at its peak, with fresh greenery, full waterfalls thanks to recent snowmelt, and - in the northern regions - the midnight sun. July and August are particularly popular months for Norway holidays, as the weather is at its warmest and ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking. The number of visitors can also decrease in September, so this is an excellent time for a Norwegian fjords cruise. Plus, the weather is still good and you'll witness the landscape transforming into its marvellous autumnal colours.

Norway's weather varies depending on the region and the season, so make sure to check exactly where you're going to be during your holidays in Norway. In general winters are cold and - in many places - snowy. In spring, the snow starts to melt and make its way into the waterfalls, while temperatures start to climb and the flora and fauna begin to emerge. This makes it an ideal time for a cruise to Norway - as is summer, when there's little rainfall, the daylight hours are long and average temperatures are typically between 15°C and 25°C in the south.

Stopping at a range of ports, our Norwegian fjord cruises showcase the country's natural beauty and heritage. Oslo, the capital, is the only embarkation port and an excellent place to start acquainting yourself with the local traditions. As you cruise, you'll also encounter scenic destinations such as Flaam, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Bergen, Eidfjord, Molde Fjord, Alesund, Nordfjordeid, Leknes, Maloy, Vik i Sogn, Olden, Stavanger, Tromsø and Trondheim, each providing access to Norway's iconic fjords. Discover Haugesund's rich Viking history, visit Honningsvåg near the North Cape - the northernmost accessible point in mainland Europe - and explore Hammerfest, the world's northernmost town. For an Arctic adventure, Longyearbyen in Svalbard brings you closer to Norway's wild northern islands, while Kristiansand sits on the southernmost coast of the country. All the ports hold their own unique appeal and attractions on our Norway holidays.

Here's some great news for anyone conscious of sticking to a budget with their holidays: MSC Cruises has an itinerary to suit all price ranges, opening up Norway's bucket list landscapes to everyone. Check our Norwegian fjords cruise deals to find the perfect itinerary for you, whatever you're looking to spend.

When choosing what to bring on a Norwegian fjords cruise, prepare for adventure. You'll likely be spending lots of time outside and perhaps even at different altitudes if you're planning on doing some hiking, so pack accordingly. Choose light layers, starting with a moisture-wicking base, a second top for warmth if needed, and a waterproof jacket to protect against any rainfall or spray from waterfalls. Comfortable and waterproof walking shoes are also essential, as are sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Swimwear is also handy in case you go for a dip or try a traditional Norwegian sauna. Finally, make sure to pack some more formal or smarter clothes and shoes, so that you'll feel right at home if attending some of the more extravagant onboard dinners and events, including our famous Gala Nights.

Norway's official currency is the Norwegian krone, abbreviated as kr. One krone is made up of 100 øre.

Norway uses Central European Time (CET), but observes daylight-saving time during the summer. This means when you go on your holidays to Norway you'll always be one hour ahead of the UK.

Our Norway cruises may include stops in a variety of other European countries, giving you the chance to explore other hotspot destinations before or after your Norwegian adventure. Soak up Scandinavian living in Denmark's vibrant capital, Copenhagen, where cafe culture and canals await, or explore Hamburg's urban charms and maritime history. Further fantastic landscapes can be found and roamed in Sweden, and Iceland's otherworldly landscapes (including black-sand beaches) are also within reach. Other countries that can be visited on a Norwegian cruise include Belgium, United Kingdom, Svalbard Islands, Poland, Finland and Lithuania, offering up yet more of Europe's finest sights.

You can start your Norway holidays from several different places in Europe. Our Norway cruises depart from Southampton in the UK, Kiel, Warnemünde and Hamburg in Germany, and Copenhagen in Denmark. Make your life easier by choosing one of our Fly & Cruise packages, which transport guests from Belfast and Newcastle to Southampton's cruise terminal.

Norway's northern and southern regions are renowned for many different things. The far north is known for its indigenous Sami heritage, from reindeer herding to traditional joik singing. Northern regions such as Tromsø, Svalbard and the Lofoten Islands are fantastic places to witness the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis, as well as the summertime phenomenon of midnight sun. The west is home to the country's most famous fjords, found in the Fjord Norway region. It's known for hiking and fishing, waterside villages and - of course - the sheer beauty of fjords such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. Further south, you'll find cities such as Bergen - famous for its historic harbour district, Bryggen - and the capital city of Oslo. Here you can discover modern Nordic cuisine, learn about the country's Viking heritage at the Historical Museum and The Viking Planet, and marvel at architectural gems such as the Oslo Opera House and the floating Oslo Fjord Sauna. Experience it all on a Norway cruise with MSC Cruises.