How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2024

26.12.2023 - 12:24 / forbes.com

The Norwegian fjords region of Norway remains firmly at the top of itinerary wish-lists for Scandinavian travel. It’s no surprise, as the majestic waterways, slender waterfalls, picturesque villages, and diverse birdlife create an experience that appeals to wildlife enthusiasts, keen photographers, and cultural explorers alike.

Both the cultural and natural value of the region have been recognized by UNESCO. The fjord region is one of the relatively few World Heritage Sites to be listed for both aspects.

Road trips through the fjord region are a popular option, but experiencing the fjords themselves from the water is hard to beat. From this vantage point, visitors can truly grasp the immense scale of these natural wonders while visiting small communities, all from the comfort provided by a floating luxury hotel.

Norway’s wish to preserve the unique environment of the fjords means there will be major changes coming to the cruises in the region very soon.

Starting in either 2025 or 2026, only zero-emission vessels will be permitted to enter the fjords that are protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

In light of these developments, 2024 presents a great opportunity to experience these breathtaking fjords before the new regulations fully come into effect. Sustainable options are already appearing, such as the all-electric Flåm to Gudvangen passenger ferry that may be offered as a Nærøyfjord excursion by cruise ships that dock in Flåm.

Although the ban is not yet in place, travelers should be mindful of the shifting sentiment towards cruise travelers in Norway. Recent years have seen increased anti-cruise protests in major cruise destinations, with some displaying signs that some may find offensive, urging tourists to reconsider the impact of their travel.

Given the range of options, selecting the ideal Norwegian fjord cruise is a real challenge. Options can vary significantly in duration, location, concept, and price.

Not all “fjords cruises” are the same. Far from it, in fact. When evaluating different options, consider first and foremost the route plan to determine how many fjords are included and the timing of these visits.

Some cruises focus on visiting coastal cities such as Bergen, Ålesund, Stavanger, or Haugesund, with minimal fjord exploration beyond excursions. Others offer in-depth experiences of numerous fjords calling mainly at small communities.

It can be a bit harder to establish how long cruise ships will be docked, especially at fjord communities. That’s because some cruises might navigate the fjords during early morning or late at night, which allows for more time to explore the ports.

While that’s excellent news for those wanting to explore Norway ashore, it limits the