P&O Norway Cruise to the Norwegian Fjords: Complete Guide

I’ve always wanted to visit Norway and finally got the chance, though not for a cruise. Instead, I explored the shore excursions, the “P&O Norway Cruise to the Norwegian Fjords”

The Fjords aren’t exactly designed for road trips, just look at how many car ferries, winding mountain roads and bridges you need to cross.

The Fjords are designed for ships. So, sailing on a round trip from Southampton, on a new ship built only to do this route, for me, this is the way to see Norway.

Trust me, it’s an incredible way to see Norway, perfect for the fjords’ unique landscape. Whether you’re young, with family, or seeking adventure, there’s something for everyone.

And then, with activities like these on offer, there’s plenty of choice for the younger generation, couples, families or the adrenaline junkies amongst you. Curious to know more? Here’s a full guide.

P&O Norway Cruise – Introduction

Before going through all the activities you can enjoy on the cruise, here’s the itinerary and some essential information you should know when booking.

P&O Norway Cruise Itinerary

Here is the itinerary for this cruise, which starts in Southampton, UK:

• Day 1: Southampton, UK
• Day 2: Day at Sea
• Day 3: Stavanger, Norway
• Day 4: Olden, Norway + Pass by Innvikfjorden and Nordfjord
• Day 5: Haugesund, Norway
• Day 6: Kristiansand, Norway
• Day 7: Day at Sea
• Day 8: Back in Southampton, UK

Are Norwegian Fjord Cruises Worth it?

Absolutely, Norwegian Fjord cruises are a must-do! Imagine gliding through stunning landscapes with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

These cruises offer a unique vantage point to absorb Norway’s breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll see quaint villages, learn about the rich history, and possibly wildlife sightings. Plus, the convenience of unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations is a huge bonus.

What is the Best Time to Cruise the Norwegian Fjords?

The best time to cruise the Norwegian Fjords is between May and August. This period offers longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and the full bloom of Norway’s natural beauty.

The Midnight Sun in late June is a highlight, with nearly 24 hours of daylight, especially north of the Arctic Circle.

Can You See the Northern Lights on a Fjords Cruise?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights on a Fjords cruise, but timing is key. The best chance is during the winter months, from late September to March.

This is when the nights are darkest and the skies are clearest, ideal for witnessing this magnificent natural light show.

It’s worth noting that while you can see them, no one can guarantee it as it depends on the day and several factors.

Activities on P&O Norway Cruises

Now that you have a little more context and information about this P&O Cruise, let’s go through the activities you can enjoy on the trip.

Kayaking

If there’s one way to get a feel for the magnitude of the Fjords, I think its kayaking. Getting on the water, up close and personal will give you the feeling of just how huge they are.

We picked them up at Geiranger and spend a couple of hours on the Geiranger Fjord. I can only compare this experience to kayaking in New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or at Halong Bay in Vietnam.

It’s just such a great way to see them, and you get a feeling for just how small and insignificant you are, amongst Fjords formed over hundreds of thousands of years.

The first thing you notice is how still the water is, you can feel how calm and quiet it is being on the fjords. Breathtaking.

Herdal Farm

On paper, visiting a Goat Farm isn’t really my kind of thing, and it might not be yours. We all know what we like. But sometimes we are wrong, so rip that piece of paper up and listen!

This isn’t any ordinary farm, we visited a protected national park, with UNESCO World Heritage status. It was a farm that held century-old traditions, the people lived on site in their traditional huts and produced some of the tastiest cheese you’ll ever try.

And with surroundings like these below, what’s not to love?

Exploring Norway by road? Check out the 7 best places to see on a Road Trip.

Downhill Biking

There’s one key word here: downhill! On this trip, the bus takes you uphill, and then you get to enjoy the ride back down on your bike—so that’s the first win.

The second bonus is that the route goes through the Dalsnibba viewpoint, one of those jaw-dropping Norway spots you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. You know, the ones with a moody person in an orange jacket, staring off into the distance.

I opted for blue and struck a pose I like to call “the Viking.” Then comes the cycling—sweeping downhills, hairpin turns, and those unbeatable views. What’s not to love?

And don’t stress about the fitness aspect; it’s a pretty easy ride, making it a fantastic way to soak in the scenery without breaking a sweat.

High Speed RIB Boat

The next few shore excursions take place from Olden, and this one is for the adrenaline junkies. A high-speed RIB boat ride around the Nordfjord.

It’s a pretty exciting way to see the Fjords, and like the kayaking gives you a real perspective on them. You can also whizz passed your P&O Cruise ship and wave at any passengers that didn’t bother to get off!

Our captain stopped us at a couple of crayfish nets too, to see if any had been caught and to our surprise one of them had around 5 crayfish! And they made a tasty snack after too.

Loen Skylift

The newly opened Loen Skylift whisks you 1,011 meters above the Nordfjord in just five minutes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town below. Their slogan, “From Fjord to Sky in 5,” couldn’t be more accurate.

At the top of Mount Hoven, you’ll find the Hoven restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal while soaking in those incredible vistas. Depending on the season, there’s plenty to do—summer offers hiking and mountain biking, while winter is perfect for ski touring or snowshoeing.

If you plan to explore on your own rather than through a P&O Cruises tour, be sure to use a guide or plan your route carefully. The mountains are stunning, but they demand respect and careful preparation.

Briksdal Glacier

If you’ve never seen a glacier, this is the tour for you. There’s something about glaciers that are magical, whether it’s the length of time they’ve been there, or the fact most of the Fjords were created by them in the first place.

Either way, it’s also important to appreciate them, as most glaciers in the world are retreating, it’s the harsh reality of global warming.

When you get to Brikdal, you have the choice to either walk up or take one of the “troll” cars. If it’s a nice day I recommend walking, and maybe taking the troll car back down.

On the way you’ll pass by some stunning waterfalls, and once you make it to the top the views just get better. I recommend taking some time to learn about the glacier and the fragile environment we live in.

Final Thoughts

So that’s the options, you’ll be spoiled for choice of what to do or where to go. Either way seeing Norway on a cruise is a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible scenery.

And the fact that you can sail right from Southampton, local to me on the South Coast, even better.

I visited Norway in partnership with P&O Cruises, however all the views are my own. Please share and comment to support me on more adventures like these.