Five of the best:
Norway cruises
Northern Europe is the second most popular cruise destination behind the Mediterranean. And with ports like Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn and St Petersburg to visit, it’s hardly surprising. Norway is another huge draw for passengers.
From the far north of the country and the domain of the polar bear to the beautiful Norwegian fjords which are best appreciated by sea. The country really does have a huge amount to offer potential cruise passengers.
We’ve highlighted some of the itineraries available – from ex-UK sailings to real expedition-class voyages.
Enjoy and let us know about your favourite Norwegian experiences.
Fred. Olsen Cruises
In search of the Northern Lights
You can’t have a Norwegian cruises round up without featuring a sailing that hints at the possibility of seeing the magnificent aurora borealis – otherwise known as the Northern Lights.
The optical phenomenon is one of the region’s biggest selling points, and one that your customers will undoubtedly want the opportunity to see. A little hint though: word your proposition carefully and never promise guests they will definitely see the Northern Lights. There’s no guarantee they will.
The amazing cruise by Fred. Olsen leaves Tilbury on 20 December, heading to Haugesund, Alesund, Tromso and Alta before turning round with calls at Bergen and Stavanger on its return journey.
New year in Norway anyone?
Prices from £1,799 for the 16-night voyage
Silversea
Copenhagen roundtrip
Ultra luxury line Silversea’s Silver Whisper sets sail for a seven-day roundtrip from Copenhagen, Denmark on 26 May 2015.
During the voyage the ship will call at Flaam, Gudvangen, Kristiansund, Hellesylt, Geiranger and Bergen before pulling into Skagen on its way back to Copenhagen.
The voyage is a magnificent opportunity to explore the stunning scenery of Norway, from crystal-clear streams to towering mountains and remote settlements.
All in the absolute lap of modern luxury of course!
Prices from £1,950 for the 7-day voyage
Hurtigruten
Dover to Norway
Hurtigruten’s explorer Ship, MS Fram will be heading to UK waters in 2015, with a new cruise sailing from Dover to the Norwegian Fjords.
The one-off ‘Fjords Highlights’ itinerary will set sail from Dover on 1 May and embark on a 10-day voyage visiting some of the most beautiful fjords including Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, before returning to Dover.
The company has more than 120 years experience of sailing Norway’s coastal waters and has handpicked some of the most stunning fjords for this voyage through its home territory.
There are a number of planned landings and excursions, ranging from dog sledging on a glacier, to kayaking, hiking and exploring some of the small and picturesque villages along the route.
Prices start from £1,949 per person for the 10-day voyage
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Fjordland Splendour
From beautiful Bergen to fairytale Fjaerland, Cruise & Maritime sails to Norway more than any other destination, proving the popularity of the country among British guests.
With a range of sailings available we opted for a July cruise, which departs London Tilbury and heads north with a first call at Eidfjord, lying at the end of a Hardangerfjord tributary, and surrounded by mountains that are up to 1,900metres high.
This is a spectacular itinerary and an opportunity to see the fjords with real specialists.
Prices start from £979 buy one get one free for the eight-night voyage
SeaDream Yacht Club
Bergen to Copenhagen
Under a strapline of ‘yachting – not cruising’ an itinerary with SeaDream is defined by its flexibility. If the passengers want to stay in port for a little longer, it can usually happen.
This 11-day itinerary takes guests through some of the most iconic ports of Norway including Bergen, Olden, Geiranger, Aalesund, Faam and Gudvangen. At any point the ship could drop its water platform too, letting passengers swim in Norwegian waters or use some of the impressive toys onboard.
There will be as much al fresco dining as weather permits as well as the opportunity to sleep on deck too.
Just don’t call it cruising.