The Norwegian Fjords: Cruise To Adventure

A kingdom of axe-wielding Vikings, dramatic Ice Age landscapes, and iconic mediaeval villages, Norway is a no-holds-barred bucket-list destination! Plan the family holiday of a lifetime with insider tips on the best things to do on your Norwegian fjords cruise from Southampton – from scenic sights and tasty bites to can’t-miss adventure onboard the cruise line voted Best Overall 20 years running by Travel Weekly Readers.

With more than 1,000 fjords – stunning, steep-sided inlets created by retreating glaciers at the end of the Ice Age – Norway’s coastline is magnificently chiselled in rock. Brimming with other-worldly beauty, glittering glacier-capped peaks tower over emerald-hued woodlands as drifting wisps of mist envelop the landscape. While everybody has their favourite fjord, we’ve rounded up three top candidates, natural jewels to dive into on your fjords cruise.

The Grand Geirangerfjord

Nature at Its Grandest

In Western Norway, the fjord at Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s longest and deepest – a breathtaking landscape of glaciers and glacial lakes, majestic waterfalls, swift-flowing rivers and sheer mountains.

There is much to experience at Geirangerfjord, but one of the best starting places is taking in the lay of the land from Ørnevegen, or Eagle Road. So called because at its highest point the road enters an area where the birds of prey nest, Ørnevegen offers spectacular views of the fjord as well as the village of Geiranger.

From Ørnevegen you’ll also be able to size up the Seven Sisters – gorgeous ribbon-like waterfalls cascading into the fjord. According to legend, a waterfall facing the Sisters, appropriately named the Suitor, has been courting the maidens since time immemorial, with little success. If, on your Norwegian fjords cruise, you want to get up close and personal with the Sisters and their jilted Romeo, consider a guided kayaking tour!

Visit a Mountain Farm From the Middle Ages

Perched 250 metres above the fjord, picturesque, moss-covered Skageflå was a working goat farm from the Middle Ages until it was abandoned in 1916. You can hike to the farm – it’s a two to three hour trek through beautiful but steep terrain – or hop a ferry from Geiranger, which shortens the hike to about 45 minutes. Either way, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, pack sunscreen and a water bottle.

With Skageflå’s many picture-perfect spots inviting you to settle in, packing a picnic lunch is also a good idea! As your family falls under Skageflå’s magic spell, you’re sure to start wondering how a cruise from Southampton landed you in the middle of an enchanted fairytale!

Dig Into Delectable Chocolate

No self-respecting chocoholic should step foot in Geiranger without visiting the village chocolate shop and factory! Geiranger Sjokolade, “the first chocolate factory in the world that operates from a boat house”, is also a delicious playground for your palate, a haven of life’s most heavenly treats!

Inspired by the surrounding mountains and fjords, the chocolates come in an astonishing array of flavours – from raspberry and blueberry to aquavit and even blue cheese! Discover secrets of chocolate-making or take a seat in the charming waterfront cafe and dig into the goodies! Do try the famous Norwegian brown cheese, which has a hint of a butterscotch taste and pairs wonderfully with chocolate. And don’t forget to take some sweet souvenirs to family and friends back home – they may feel sadly unloved if you return empty-handed from your epic fjords cruise!

Eat Like a Local

Geiranger is full of tempting eateries, but Brasserie Posten is a local favourite offering authentic tastes of Norway. Like the Seafood Soup, an aromatic blend of shrimp, mussels, and sea trout in a scrumptious creamy base. Or the wonderfully fresh Seafood Platter, featuring succulent crab claws and shrimp, accompanied by several dipping sauces and homemade bread.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Smoked Salmon and Chef Specials of the day, but if in doubt, the helpful servers will gladly steer you in the right direction.Young family members have their own menu with kid-pleasers like cheesy pizza and juicy burgers. And it doesn’t hurt that Brasserie Posten enjoys an enviable location, so you can feast your eyes on the fjord while you dine like a local!

For a quick refuelling stop between adventures, Cafe Ole is a quaint and delightful choice. Sip on a fortifying cup of coffee while biting into a decadent cinnamon roll – or try the Sveler, traditional Norwegian pancakes served with butter and sweet brown cheese. Very yummy!

Amazing Aurlandsfjord

Immerse Yourself In Natural Beauty

For a bird’s-eye-view of Aurlandsfjord – the world’s deepest fjord – head directly to the feat of engineering known as the Stegastein Platform. Jutting out 30 metres from the side of a mountain and 650 metres above sea level, the structure offers incredible panoramas of Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountains, as well as the quaint village of Aurland below. If your cruise from Southampton docks at Flåm, the ride to Stegastein takes approximately half an hour and you can go by taxi or bus.

Another unforgettable way to immerse your crew in the stunning scenery of Western Norway, is to hop on the Flåm Railway – hands down one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. From high peaks to the placid Flåm Valley, and past bucolic farms to the Kjosfossen waterfall, you’ll catch some of the area’s most beautiful sites – all from the cosy comfort of your vintage compartment!

If it’s not cosy comfort you’re after but adrenaline-spiking thrills, test your mettle on the Flåm Zipline, Scandinavia’s longest, with a span of 1,381 heart-pounding metres! Or lace up your hiking boots and have a go at the steep Prest Hike, a 2-3 hour adventure for seasoned hikers!

Yet another chill thrill to be had at Flåm and in the nearby village of Aurland, is the typically Norwegian Fjord Sauna. Combining a sizzling stint in a floating steam room with a plunge into the bracing waters of the Aurlandsfjord, this is an immersive experience you won’t soon forget!

Soak Up the Culture

Begin your cultural exploration in the heart of Aurland village, at the Vangen Church. Built in 1202, the Gothic-style church contains many treasures, including a pulpit and candlesticks that date back to the 1600s, as well as stained glass windows made by renowned artist Emanuel Vigeland.

Adjacent to the Vangen Church, Heradshuset is home to the Vinjum Gallery, dedicated to the contemporary Aurland painter, Johannes Vinjum (1930-1991). Inspired by the local landscapes, many of Vinjum’s works include elements of the fjords and mountains brought to life in dynamic, light-filled canvases.

No Norwegian fjords cruise would be complete without experiencing the Viking way of life. At The Viking Village in Gudvangen, you are transported 1,000 years back, as you take in authentic re-enactments, taste traditional foods, buy hand-made goods and engage in activities (think axe-throwing and archery!) that were part of the warriors’ daily lives.

Lovely Lysefjord

Experience Historic Architecture

If your cruise from the UK takes you to Stavanger, special historic treats await – such as Gamle Stavanger, the beautifully restored and protected Old Town. Travel back in time to the 18th century as you stroll along cobblestone streets, past more than 170 clapboard cottages adorned with flower boxes, picket fences and gas lanterns.

Continue diving into history at the mediaeval Stavanger Cathedral, Norway’s oldest and the only Norwegian cathedral in continuous use since the 1300s! Like Gamle Stavanger, the cathedral is a stone’s throw from the harbour and well-worth the short trek. You’ll wander past colourful wharf houses, as well as quaint shops and cafes as Stavanger weaves the storybook charm that has made it a huge draw in the Norwegian fjords.

Sip and Shop in Fargegaten

One of Stavanger’s most beloved streets is Fargegaten, or the street of colours. Unlike Gamle Stavanger where the cottages are all white, Fargegaten is a riot of vibrant hues, from hot pinks and deep purples to luscious lime and tangerine. The vibe is just as buzzy and in this pedestrian street you’ll find trendy shops, laid-back cafes, animated bars and other cool surprises (hint: fancy a Norwegian tattoo?).

Plan on spending a couple of hours so you can enjoy some shopping and perhaps try a Solo, a refreshing Scandinavian orange soda. Local souvenir ideas to take back from your Norwegian fjords cruise include delicate hand-blown glass ornaments, pewter pieces – many with Viking motifs – wood carvings, and of course, wool knit sweaters.

On your way back to the harbour, consider stopping for lunch at Fisketorget, a Stavanger institution where the fish is fresh-bought every morning from the local fishermen. A standout speciality is the herring platter, a generous portion of the fish in various dressings served with buttered new potatoes and typical garnishes.

A Fjord Safari

To fully take in the varied topography of Lysefjord, including the magnificent 400-metre tall Hengjanefossen waterfall and Vagabond's Cave – believed to have been the hiding place for a group of ruffians – hop on a fjord safari. Riding onboard fast open RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), the two-hour tour is not only visually stunning but an exhilarating adventure too!

Of course, as in the other Norwegian fjords, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails. One of the most popular takes you to the famed Preikstolen or “Preacher’s Pulpit”, a natural ledge suspended more than 600 metres above the fjord! But if you do opt for this beautiful hike, keep in mind that the round trip takes approximately four hours.

The Wow-Worthy Anthem of the Seas®

While your fjords cruise is taking you to one of the most stunning places on earth, we believe the journey is as important as the destination. Luckily on Anthem of the Seas®, a game-changing Quantum Class feat, there’s no shortage of bold family-friendly adventure.

Go for gravity-defying thrills on RipCord® by iFLY® or ride a wave like a pro on the Flowrider® surf simulator. Push the pedal to the metal with bumper cars at SeaPlex® or go vertical on the Rock Climbing Wall (good practice for the fjords!). Whether you want some grown-up time at the adults-only Solarium while the kids enjoy their dedicated programs in Adventure Ocean® Youth Program, or you all wish to play together, your Royal Caribbean® cruise from Southampton is packed with memory-maxing options.

With one of the best food scenes at sea, your taste buds are in for a trip around the world. The freshest sushi at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Tuscan-inspired dishes at Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver. The prime American steakhouse experience at Chops Grille℠. And 13 other mouthwatering options, many of which are included in your fare.

Of course, Anthem being a Royal Caribbean® ship, the entertainment is off the charts! From West End hits like We Will Rock You to the mind-blowing multi-media effects at Spectra’s Cabaret, these shows bring on the encore.

But don’t take our word for it – experience for yourself a Norwegian fjords cruise on the incomparable Anthem of the Seas. We guarantee that you’ll never forget it.