When booking a holiday, often the hardest part of the whole process is choosing where to go. There are
innumerable incredible destinations to visit, and absolutely no chance we will get to see all of them in one
lifetime. Counterintuitively, this tends to inspire us to pick the ‘devil we know’ a lot of the time; with cruises in particular, trips around Spain and the Mediterranean are the most common – on account of their reliably good weather, incredible culture and food.

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

But in gunning for such popular cruises, many are missing out on some of the most arresting sights, sounds and experiences of the northern hemisphere. As well as travelling southwards to sun and sea, P&O cruises also travel northwards from Southampton – touching the coastline of northern Europe and taking in the best of Norway. But what’s so great about Norway?

Exploring Norway from the Sea

Embarking on a Nordic cruise enables you to explore Norway’s coastline, presenting an unparalleled
opportunity to witness the country’s natural wonders up close. For instance, its fjords, formed by ancient
glaciers, carve imposing shapes into the Norwegian landscape; awe-inspiring landscapes of sheer cliffs and serene waters are profound to behold.

Sailing through these fjords aboard a cruise ship provides a remarkable vantage point for these landscapes, allowing you to fully engage with the grandeur of Norway’s scenery. Put simply, seeing Norway from the water is an unparalleled experience, captivating and immersive as well as comfortable.

Captivating Cruise Destinations

A Norwegian fjord cruise gives you the opportunity to take in numerous destinations – but which are the
stand-out destinations worth your time?

Stavanger

Situated on the southwestern coast, Stavanger describes a peninsular city and several coastal islands,
connected by road. Stavanger is a uniquely vibrant city known for its rich history, incredibly cathedral and
charming Old Town. A stop in Stavanger affords you the chance to explore its cobblestone streets, or venture outwards to the nearby Lysefjord – itself famous for towering cliffs and the world-famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike.

Ålesund

Travelling further north, Ålesund can be found; a sliver of civilisation stretched along stunning fjordland.
Ålesund is renowned not just for its location, though; it is also well-known for its distinctive Art Nouveau
architecture, which makes wandering through the city’s streets a simple but impactful delight. Still, it offers views aplenty, via the the Aksla viewpoint that offers some of the most amazing panoramic views.

Olden

Nestled in the scenic Nordfjord region of Western Norway, Olden is one of Norway’s best-kept secrets. The village offers access to the awe-inspiring Briksdalsbreen glacier, with its stunning blue hues, majestic waterfalls and inimitable mountain views.

Haugesund

Finally, on the west coast, we come to Haugesund. Haugesund is known for its rich Viking heritage, as well as its picturesque landscapes – which are, by now, a given for Norway destinations. Haugesund is home to the National Monument of Haraldshaugen and other crucial historic sites, but the most alluring aspect of this region is perhaps Karmøy Island and its unbelievable shores.