Norway is one of the leading tourist destinations with many beautiful sceneries to marvel. Due to locations, some of these beauties can best be observed from the cruise ships that give unlimited views of what Norway offers. When visiting Norway on a cruise ship, be ready to be amazed at its extensive coastline, communities, and natural environment, such as the world’s most famous fjords.
Before visiting the country, you should consider the cruise ship you will use. Therefore, you need guidelines when planning the trip to ensure success and enough time viewing the scenes. You need to know the types of cruise ships to book, the time to book, and other factors to consider when selecting the cruise ship. Here are some guidelines you should follow.
The Types Of Cruise Ships To Select
If you are going to enjoy the best Norway has to offer, you should carefully select the cruise ship you plan to use. The cruise ship selection will determine the features you see, different locations, and ports to visit.
1. Norway Coastal Cruise from Hurtigruten
These cruise ships are one of the country’s most popularly-used cruises and some of the oldest ones to cruise in Norway. Within the cruise, live entertainment is limited since those on board spend more time viewing some of the best sceneries, such as the famous Bergen railway.
They offer cruises between Bergen to Kirkenes and Trondheim for 12 days; you can enjoy the best sightseeing day on board. It also offers winter trips for tourists to have the best view of Norwegian sceneries featured in the movie Frozen.
These ships also dock at the most popular Norwegian cruise ports, such as Bergen and Aalesund, where passengers can visit top-crafted Norwegian breweries and taste some of the best wines and beers.
2. Cruising The Fjords
These cruise ships are the epitome of luxury, complimented with the best views of the Norwegian coast. They dock in ports longer to allow the tourists onboard to spend some time out of the ship to visit different locations. You can select from the fleets of famous cruise ships such as Cruise Scandinavia, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Breakaway.
3. Viking Ocean Cruises
Like the name, these ships are the kings of river cruises around the Norwegian rivers. The Vikings are also known for traversing into regions such as the Arctic for tourists to enjoy the special glacial sceneries and a view of the arctic wildlife. If you want to see the polar bears up close, this is the cruise ship to book.
4. Holland America
This is another cruise ship that will offer you the best views of the Norwegian coastal towns and docks. They also extend their trips to other locations such as Nordic and Baltic counties, the Mediterranean, and the UK. This is the best cruise ship to book if you travel from the UK.
5. Royal Caribbean
The cruise has three giant ships that dock and visit famous cities such as Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger. They also sail to the great Geirangerfjord; this trip extends to areas of RIB safari on the fjord allowing the tourist to have a good view of the waterfalls and farmsteads.
6. Northern Light Cruise
Northern lights are spectacular, and the view is amazing; you can book these cruises to enjoy the night views, especially those of the Northern lights. These ships can offer you the best experience if you love winter tourism.
Why Visit Norway On Cruise Ship?
There are many reasons why you should consider cruise ship tours in Norway.
Cruise ships offer you the best way to travel to some of Norway’s most interior and inaccessible locations. You also can enjoy traditional Norwegian foods and ship tours from the view of your ship’s balcony.
The ships offer you a chance to travel with family and are also accessible for those with a disability to enjoy the best of Norway. You can visit most places in Norway if you are on a cruise ship.
How To Select The Right Cruise Ships To Enjoy The Best Sceneries?
Consider the following factors to help you select the right cruise ship for tours;
1. The Weather
If you want to enjoy the winter sceneries, book your trip during the winter to experience the arctic weather at full effect. You will also have a chance to see the wildlife and other captivating sceneries such as glacial sceneries.
Summers can also be the best time to enjoy the weather and have enough daylight to explore some of the best scenes. This is also the best time to admire the fjords.
For summer trips, book your cruise from June to August. Summer trips are expensive due to high demand, and the ships are crowded. You can also enjoy the spring cruises around September and October; the seasons are good for romantic voyages and visiting famous Norwegian cities and ports.
2. The Cruise Ship Itinerary
Check the cruise itinerary to ensure you spend more time admiring the scenes and beauties. You should also consider a cruise ship that offers flexible schedules such as cultures, coast trips, docking at the ports, and more time to visit the cities.
The itinerary is essential to understand the possible sceneries you will view, select one that offers an equal portion of time for smaller and large sceneries. You should confirm and research various cruises and their packages to ensure you only have the best.
3. Consider The Stops On The Cruise Ships
Where you stop will depend on the type of cruise you select. Select a cruise ship that will give you a trip to some of the best stops and ports in the country. Norway has a lot to offer besides the sea and river views. Visit the towns to enjoy the Norwegian culture, islands, and other famous locations.
A good cruise ship should stop at these famous locations: Nordkapp, Lofoten Islands, Svartisen, Vega and Geirangerfjord, and many more. The ship may not stop at all of these locations, but you should ensure it stops at most of these locations.
Conclusion
When going on a cruise tour in Norway, select the ships with itineraries that offer about 10 to 12 days trip. This is enough time to visit some of the best sceneries in Norway. Also, consider a ship that will enable you to see all the sceneries, including the further arctic regions, to enjoy the glacial sceneries and wildlife.
