Norway Fjord Cruise Tips
Complete Planning Guide 2025

A fjord cruise is often the highlight of any Norway trip—gliding through deep blue waters beneath towering cliffs, watching waterfalls cascade from impossible heights, and experiencing landscapes that seem almost too dramatic to be real. But to get the most from your fjord cruise, some planning goes a long way. With over 5.9 million cruise passengers visiting Norway in 2024 and projections reaching 6.4 million for 2025, these waterways are more popular than ever. From choosing the right route to knowing what to pack, these expert tips—gathered from 25 years of exploring Norwegian fjords—will help you maximize your unforgettable experience.

Choosing Your Fjord Cruise

Types of Cruises Explained

Type	Duration	Price Range (NOK)	Best For
Sightseeing cruise	1.5-3 hours	400-800	Quick fjord taste, limited time
Day cruise	4-8 hours	800-1,500	Multiple fjords/stops
Norway in a Nutshell	1-2 days	2,000-3,500	Train + fjord combination
Hurtigruten/Havila	6-12 days	From 29,540/From 1,850/night	Coastal voyage experience
RIB safari	1-3 hours	900-1,800	Adventure, wildlife, adrenaline
Electric vessel	2+ hours	500-700	Eco-conscious, photography
Kayak alternative	3-6 hours	700-1,500	Active travelers, intimate

Best Cruises by Interest

Photography enthusiasts:

• Naeroyfjord (narrow, dramatic walls, 250m at narrowest)
• Geirangerfjord (Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls)
• Sunrise/sunset cruises (golden hour lighting)
• Electric vessels (silent operation for wildlife)

First-time visitors:

• Norway in a Nutshell (comprehensive, combines Flam Railway)
• Flam-Gudvangen cruise (classic UNESCO route)
• Hurtigruten (ultimate multi-day Norwegian experience)
• Mostraumen from Bergen (quick half-day option)

Adventure seekers:

• RIB boat tours (high-speed, waterfall spray)
• Kayak + cruise combinations
• Winter aurora cruises
• Trollfjord on Hurtigruten (dramatic ship maneuver)

Budget travelers:

• Public ferries (same views, lower prices)
• Half-day cruises (Mostraumen at 700-900 NOK)
• Self-arranged combinations
• Shoulder season bookings (20-30% savings)

Families with children:

• Shorter cruises (2-3 hours maximum)
• Vessels with indoor facilities
• Cruises with wildlife commentary
• Norway in a Nutshell (variety keeps children engaged)

Browse Fjord Cruises

What to Pack: The Complete List

Essential Clothing Layers

Base layer (moisture-wicking):

• Thermal top (merino wool or synthetic)
• Thermal bottoms for winter/shoulder seasons
• Moisture-wicking underwear

Insulating layer:

• Fleece jacket or wool sweater
• Down vest (optional, excellent warmth-to-weight)
• Warm trousers (not jeans—they’re cold when damp)

Outer layer (protection from elements):

• Windproof jacket (essential, even sunny days)
• Waterproof shell (rain jacket)
• Rain pants (for serious weather)

Accessories:

• Warm hat (covers ears)
• Gloves or mittens (yes, even in July)
• Scarf or neck gaiter (wind protection)
• Extra pair of warm socks

Footwear

Type	When to Use	Why
Comfortable walking shoes	Summer day cruises	Non-slip soles for wet decks
Waterproof hiking boots	Shore excursions	Wet conditions, uneven terrain
Warm waterproof boots	Winter cruises	Essential for cold, wet decks
Sandals	Never on deck	Dangerous on wet surfaces

Photography Gear

Item	Purpose	Notes
Camera with zoom lens	Distant waterfalls, wildlife	70-200mm ideal
Wide-angle lens	Cliff walls, panoramas	16-35mm essential
Extra batteries	Cold drains faster	Carry 2-3 spares
Extra memory cards	You’ll take more than expected	64GB+ recommended
Lens cloth	Salt spray, mist	Clean constantly
Waterproof bag/case	Protection from spray	Essential for RIB boats
Tripod (compact)	Waterfall silky effect	Optional but useful
Polarizing filter	Reduce reflections	Enhance colors

Personal Items Checklist

• Motion sickness medication (if prone—take 30-60 minutes before)
• Snacks and drinks (onboard prices high)
• Reusable water bottle
• Phone charger/power bank
• Small backpack (leave hands free for photography)
• Binoculars (wildlife, distant waterfalls)
• Sunglasses (essential—water glare intense)
• Sunscreen (UV reflects off water and cliffs)
• Lip balm with SPF (wind chaps quickly)
• Hand warmers (winter cruises)
• Wet wipes

Best Time to Cruise

Seasonal Comparison

Season	Months	Temperature	Daylight	Crowds	Price Level
Peak Summer	July-August	15-22°C	18-24 hrs	Very High	$$$$$
Early Summer	June	10-18°C	20-24 hrs	High	$$$$
Late Spring	May	8-15°C	18-22 hrs	Moderate	$$$
Autumn	Sept-Oct	5-14°C	10-16 hrs	Low-Moderate	$$-$$$
Winter	Nov-March	-5 to 5°C	0-10 hrs	Low	$$

Summer (June-August)

Pros:

• Warmest weather (15-22 degrees Celsius on shore)
• Longest daylight (up to 24 hours in northern fjords)
• All routes operating at full schedule
• Midnight sun above Arctic Circle
• Best hiking conditions for shore excursions
• All attractions open and operational

Cons:

• Most crowded (5.9+ million passengers in 2024)
• Highest prices (20-30% premium)
• Must book weeks in advance
• Popular viewpoints crowded
• Multiple cruise ships at major ports daily

Shoulder Season (May, September-October)

Pros:

• Fewer crowds (significantly less than peak)
• Lower prices (often 20-30% savings)
• Dramatic lighting for photography
• May: Waterfalls at peak from snowmelt
• September: Fall colors beginning
• Better wildlife viewing (less boat traffic)

Cons:

• Cooler temperatures (8-15 degrees Celsius)
• Shorter days
• Some routes reduced frequency
• Some mountain roads may be closed (especially early May)

Winter (November-April)

Pros:

• Magical snowy scenery
• Almost no crowds
• Lowest prices of the year
• Northern Lights (northern fjords, September-March)
• Unique atmospheric “soft Arctic light”
• Hurtigruten aurora promise program

Cons:

• Cold temperatures (-5 to 5 degrees Celsius)
• Very limited daylight (6-8 hours in south, polar night in far north)
• Some routes closed or reduced
• Many shore attractions closed
• Icy conditions possible

Avoiding Seasickness

Understanding Fjord Conditions

Good news: Fjord waters are generally very calm. Unlike open ocean cruising, fjords are protected from large waves by surrounding mountains. The steep walls create sheltered waters with minimal wave action. Most passengers don’t experience seasickness, even those prone to it on ocean voyages.

Potential issues:

• Faster vessels (RIB boats, catamarans) create more motion
• Entrance/exit of fjords may have some chop
• Windy days can create small waves
• Psychological factors affect some travelers

Prevention Tips

Strategy	Why It Works	When to Apply
Middle of boat	Least motion	Entire cruise
Fresh air on deck	Reduces nausea	When feeling unwell
Focus on horizon	Calibrates inner ear	During movement
Medication	Blocks nausea signals	30-60 min before boarding
Light eating	Easier on stomach	2 hours before cruise
Stay hydrated	General wellness	Throughout day
Avoid alcohol	Increases sensitivity	Before and during
Ginger	Natural remedy	Tea, tablets, or candy

If You Start Feeling Unwell

1. Go to the outdoor deck immediately
2. Stand in the middle of the vessel
3. Fix your gaze on the horizon
4. Breathe slowly and deeply
5. Eat something dry (crackers, bread)
6. Consider moving to a lower deck (less motion)

Photography Tips

Camera Settings by Condition

Condition	ISO	Aperture	Shutter	Notes
Bright sunny day	100-400	f/8-11	1/250+	Maximize depth of field
Overcast sky	400-800	f/5.6-8	1/125+	Boost ISO as needed
Waterfalls (frozen action)	100	f/11	1/500+	Fast shutter captures droplets
Waterfalls (silky)	100	f/16+	1/4-2 sec	Tripod required
Wildlife	400-1600	f/5.6-8	1/500+	Continuous autofocus, burst mode
Reflections	100-400	f/11	1/125+	Polarizer helps, calm water essential
Low light/evening	800-3200	f/4-5.6	Variable	Test and adjust

Composition Techniques

Rule of thirds: Position cliffs, waterfalls, and horizons off-center for dynamic compositions

Include foreground: Use the boat railing, deck, or other passengers to add depth

Capture scale: Include other boats, kayaks, or people to show the immense scale of cliffs

Reflections: Calm morning waters offer mirror-like reflections—wake early

Vertical shots: Towering cliffs suit vertical framing better than horizontal

Leading lines: Use fjord walls to draw viewers’ eyes into the image

Best Photo Locations by Fjord

Naeroyfjord:

• Narrowest section (250m wide)—shoot both sides
• Historic farm buildings on cliffsides
• Multiple waterfalls throughout
• Electric vessel creates no wake for reflections

Geirangerfjord:

• Seven Sisters waterfall (port/left side)
• Suitor waterfall (starboard/right side)
• Abandoned cliff farms (Skagefla)
• Eagle’s Bend viewpoint approach

Lysefjord:

• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) from below
• Hengjanefossen waterfall
• Granite cliff faces
• Florli stairs visible from water

Sognefjord:

• Stegastein viewpoint above (if time for excursion)
• Village approaches
• Deep blue water color (1,308m depth)

Find Photography Tours

Onboard Experience

What to Expect

Seating options:

• Indoor seating (heated, large windows, protected)
• Outdoor decks (best views, cold and windy)
• Premium seating on some boats (reserve ahead, extra cost)
• Accessible areas (most larger vessels)

Facilities by vessel type:

Vessel Type	Toilets	Cafe	WiFi	Commentary
Standard ferry	Yes	Yes	Sometimes	Audio guide
Electric vessel	Yes	Yes	Yes	Live + audio
RIB boat	No	No	No	Live guide
Hurtigruten	Yes	Restaurant	Yes	Lectures
Express boat	Yes	Limited	Sometimes	Announcements

Commentary:

• Audio guides in multiple languages (typically English, German, Norwegian)
• Information about passing landmarks
• Waterfall and village identification
• Historical context and legends
• Wildlife spotting announcements

Deck Etiquette

1. Don’t block views for others—move regularly
2. Be aware of camera angles—don’t walk in front of photographers
3. Mind the railings—don’t lean over or climb
4. Keep belongings secure—wind can blow items overboard
5. Respect quiet moments—not everyone wants conversation
6. Share prime viewing spots—don’t monopolize
7. Mind children near railings at all times
8. Follow crew instructions for safety

Food and Drink

Onboard options:

• Coffee: 40-60 NOK
• Sandwiches: 80-150 NOK
• Hot meals (larger vessels): 150-250 NOK
• Beer/wine: 70-100 NOK
• Soft drinks: 35-50 NOK

Money-saving strategies:

• Bring your own snacks and water
• Eat a substantial meal before boarding
• Pack a picnic lunch for full-day cruises
• Bring a thermos with hot drinks

Cruise Routes Comparison

UNESCO Fjords

Route	Duration	Price (NOK)	Highlights	Best For
Flam-Gudvangen	2 hours	500-700	Naeroyfjord, 250m width	Classic experience
Geirangerfjord cruise	1.5 hours	450-650	Seven Sisters, cliff farms	Waterfall lovers
Hellesylt-Geiranger	65 min	215	Through UNESCO waters	Connecting route

Other Popular Routes

Route	Duration	Price (NOK)	Highlights	Departure
Mostraumen	3.5 hours	700-900	Narrow strait, quick fix	Bergen
Lysefjord	3 hours	500-700	Preikestolen from below	Stavanger
Hardangerfjord	2-6 hours	800-1,800	Orchards, waterfalls	Bergen
Sognefjord express	5-6 hours	750-1,200	Deep fjord, villages	Bergen

Multi-Day Options

Cruise	Duration	Price	Experience
Norway in a Nutshell	1-2 days	2,000-3,500 NOK	Train + fjord combination
Hurtigruten	6-12 days	From 2,954 USD	34 ports, Trollfjord
Havila Voyages	6-12 days	From 185 USD/night	Modern hybrid ships

Booking Strategies

When to Book

Season	Lead Time	Availability	Price Level
Peak (July-August)	2-4 weeks minimum	Often limited	Highest
Summer (June)	1-2 weeks	Good	High
Shoulder (May, Sept)	Several days to 1 week	Very good	Moderate
Winter	Day before often works	Excellent	Lowest

Where to Book

Official operators (recommended):

• fjordtours.com (Norway in a Nutshell, packages)
• visitflam.com (Flam-based cruises and railway)
• rodne.no (Mostraumen and local cruises)
• hurtigruten.com (coastal voyage)
• havilavoyages.com (modern coastal alternative)
• norled.no (express boats, ferries)

Comparison sites:

• GetYourGuide (multiple operators, reviews)
• Viator (various options, flexibility)

Benefits of direct booking:

• Often better cancellation policies
• Easier to modify bookings
• Sometimes lower prices
• Direct communication with operator

Saving Money

1. Book early: Early bird discounts often 10-20%
2. Combo packages: Train + cruise deals save vs. separate
3. Off-season travel: May and September 20-30% cheaper
4. Public ferries: Same views as tourist cruises, lower price
5. Bring own food: Avoid 150-300 NOK per person onboard
6. Hurtigruten discounts: Frequently 50% off regular prices
7. Student/senior discounts: Check when booking
8. Multi-day passes: Regional transport passes sometimes apply

Weather Considerations

Checking Conditions

Best resources:

• Yr.no (Norway’s official weather service—most accurate)
• Norwegian Meteorological Institute
• Local tourist offices
• Hotel reception desks

Impact of Different Weather

Weather	Impact on Cruise	Photography	Recommendation
Sunny	Perfect deck time	Best colors	Ideal conditions
Partly cloudy	Excellent	Dramatic lighting	Often best photos
Overcast	Comfortable deck	Good, moody	Still excellent
Light rain	Limited deck	Atmospheric	Go anyway, dress well
Heavy rain	Mostly indoor	Challenging	Still beautiful
Fog	Reduced visibility	Mysterious	Unique experience
Wind	Uncomfortable deck	Difficult	Dress warmly
Snow (winter)	Magical scenery	Stunning	Once-in-lifetime

Special Considerations

Traveling with Children

Age-appropriate recommendations:

Age	Cruise Length	Considerations
0-3	1-2 hours max	Indoor facilities essential
4-7	2-3 hours	Bring entertainment, snacks
8-12	3-4 hours	Wildlife spotting engages
13+	Any length	Similar to adults

Tips for families:

• Dress children extra warmly (they cool faster)
• Bring plenty of snacks and activities
• Choose vessels with indoor play areas
• Point out wildlife to maintain interest
• Tell stories about trolls and Vikings
• Plan bathroom breaks before boarding
• Consider motion sickness prevention

Accessibility

Accessibility by vessel type:

Vessel Type	Wheelchair	Accessible WC	Assistance
Hurtigruten	Excellent	Yes	Available
Havila	Excellent	Yes	Available
Standard ferries	Good	Most	Limited
Express boats	Moderate	Most	On request
RIB boats	Not accessible	No	Not suitable
Small boats	Limited	Varies	On request

Recommendations:

• Contact operator 48+ hours in advance
• Request boarding assistance if needed
• Inquire about accessible viewing areas
• Consider weather affecting deck access
• Book accessible accommodation at destinations

Dietary Requirements

Onboard limitations:

• Limited vegetarian/vegan options on most vessels
• Gluten-free options rare on smaller boats
• Notify ahead for multi-day cruises
• Pack allergy-friendly snacks always
• Larger vessels (Hurtigruten) can accommodate most diets

Maximizing Your Experience

Before Boarding

1. Arrive 20-30 minutes early for good deck position
2. Use facilities before boarding (limited queuing time)
3. Grab a good deck position before departure
4. Have camera ready with correct settings
5. Put on warm layers before going on deck
6. Check weather forecast one final time
7. Turn off phone notifications for uninterrupted experience
8. Apply sunscreen (UV reflects off water)

During the Cruise

1. Move around the deck for different angles
2. Listen to commentary for context and history
3. Look for wildlife (seals, eagles, porpoises)
4. Enjoy quiet moments without the camera
5. Try both indoor and outdoor areas
6. Talk to crew for local insights
7. Check both sides of the vessel regularly
8. Note landmarks for return trip if applicable

After Disembarking

1. Check for lost items immediately
2. Explore the destination village (Gudvangen, Flam, Geiranger)
3. Combine with other activities (hiking, museums, viewpoints)
4. Compare photos with fellow travelers
5. Leave a review for future travelers
6. Plan your next fjord experience while memories are fresh

Combining with Other Activities

Perfect Pairings

Cruise	Add-On Activity	Combined Experience
Naeroyfjord	Flam Railway	Norway in a Nutshell
Geirangerfjord	Eagle Road drive	Scenic mountain route
Lysefjord	Preikestolen hike	See cliff from below and above
Hardangerfjord	Trolltunga hike	Challenging combination
Sognefjord	Stegastein viewpoint	650m above fjord
Trollfjord	Hurtigruten voyage	Arctic coast exploration

Sample Itineraries

One-Day Combo (Norway in a Nutshell):

• 08:00: Train Bergen to Myrdal
• 10:30: Flam Railway descent to Flam
• 12:00: Lunch in Flam village
• 13:00: Naeroyfjord cruise to Gudvangen
• 15:30: Bus to Voss
• 17:00: Train to Bergen
• 20:00: Arrive Bergen

Multi-Day Fjord Adventure:

Day	Activity	Accommodation
1	Bergen arrival, Bryggen exploration	Bergen
2	Sognefjord express to Flam	Flam
3	Naeroyfjord cruise + Stegastein	Flam/Aurland
4	Continue to Geiranger	Geiranger
5	Geirangerfjord cruise + viewpoints	Geiranger
6	Return via Trollstigen	Alesund

Explore Multi-Day Voyages

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Top 10 Mistakes

1. Underdressing: The biggest mistake—deck temperatures feel 10 degrees Celsius colder than shore
2. Staying inside: You’ll miss the best views and the full sensory experience
3. Last-minute booking: Summer cruises sell out weeks ahead; 2024 saw 5.9+ million passengers
4. Forgetting batteries: Cold drains them 2-3x faster than normal
5. Skipping commentary: Missing interesting facts and waterfall names
6. Rushing to disembark: Often the best photos are at dock with stable platform
7. Ignoring seasickness prevention: Take medication before symptoms start
8. Overpacking: A small backpack is enough; lockers available at most terminals
9. Not moving around: Both sides offer different perspectives
10. Traveling on empty stomach: Eat before boarding for energy and to prevent nausea

Weather-Related Mistakes

• Canceling for rain (fjords are beautiful in all weather)
• Not bringing rain gear on sunny days
• Forgetting sunglasses (water glare is intense)
• Leaving warm layers in cabin/car

Photography Mistakes

• Not protecting camera from spray
• Shooting only at midday (harsh shadows)
• Forgetting to adjust white balance
• Missing the best shots while reviewing others
• Battery dying during best photo opportunities

Final Checklist

24 Hours Before Your Cruise

• Weather forecast checked (yr.no)
• Warm layers packed and ready
• Waterproof outer layer accessible
• Camera battery charged
• Extra batteries packed
• Memory cards cleared/ready
• Motion sickness prevention acquired
• Snacks and water prepared
• Binoculars packed (optional)
• Tickets/booking confirmed
• Meeting point located
• Travel time to departure calculated

Morning of Departure

• Substantial breakfast eaten
• Motion sickness medication taken (if needed, 30-60 min before)
• Phone fully charged
• Power bank charged
• All layers worn or in backpack
• Camera settings checked
• Sunglasses on
• Sunscreen applied

At the Departure Point

• Arrived 20-30 minutes early
• Used restroom facilities
• Positioned for good deck spot
• Camera ready with correct settings
• Phone on silent/airplane mode
• Excited and ready for an unforgettable experience

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For official cruise information, visit Fjord Tours, Hurtigruten, and Visit Norway. Cruise statistics from 2024 Cruise Norway data.