When to go
First things first! Before booking anything we spent a lot of time talking to other people who had previously completed this voyage, and they all advised us to cruise in the spring time when there would still be snow on the top of the fjords but it would be slowly melting meaning the waterfalls would be spectacular – and they were right! What we were not aware of was that the cruising season typically starts in May and, as we were travelling in the last week in April, a lot of the museums and some excursions bookable locally were not running yet (more on that later). With the promise of snow, we had braced ourselves for winter weather but I can tell you that each day we were pleasantly surprised. Most days we needed a coat in the morning but by lunch time we were usually carrying them or popping back to the ship to change to a lightweight jacket. I suggest you plan for the worst and hope for the best! After all, if you are making your own way to the cruise ship there are no luggage restrictions!
How to travel
In my opinion, you should always travel in as much style as you can comfortably afford as you usually get what you pay for! For this itinerary however, I strongly recommend a balcony cabin if you can stretch your budget to make it happen. The thrill of opening the curtains to reveal a stunning view of the fjords every morning made the cruise that much more memorable, and to have a cup of tea in bed watching the world go by really was one of the highlights for me! What we also found is that the balcony provided a lovely warm sun trap away from the icy blast you get up on the promenade deck, so if you want to soak up some rays this is the best way to do it!
What to do
Without focusing on specific ports individually (we will delve in to the detail on a separate series of posts), there is a lot to do in the Fjords and it is up to you if you decide to do it or not. Some people enjoy staying on board during the port days to soak up the ship’s atmosphere and enjoy the special offers for those who need a ‘day off’. Then there are those people (like us) who want to do everything, however I am sorry to say it is impossible! We opted for sea kayaking, glacier sightseeing by mini-cruise, coach touring inland and a bit of self-guided touring. Each port has so much to offer, but I suggest you do your research before you travel. Some ports are in cities with a lot you can do on your own, however some of the more scenic and remote ports are more like villages and it really does require an excursion with transport and a local guide in order to make the most of your day. If you do decide not to plan ahead, the cruise company will put a port guide in your cabin with basic points of interest, local delicacies and a vague map to help you get your bearings. It is entirely up to you how much or how little you do, how much you pre-book and how much you want to explore on your own, but there is one thing for sure – each trip is unique, thrilling and truly memorable. If you’ve ever wanted to cruise the fjords or see what cruising is like, a 7-night itinerary is ideal for you, so book it NOW!
What are you waiting for?
Remember, you only regret the things you didn’t do!
Our Whimsical World 
Thank you for your comment. We loved this cruise so much, we will be going again in September this year (2022) but visiting a couple of different ports! We will be sure to add more Norway content very soon. Bon voyage!
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I’m going on the same cruise by the sounds but can’t find any of the port guides on your blog yet. Looking forward to reading about your experience.
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