Norwegian Fjords (12 days)

12 days • Northern Europe

🧭 The trip

Embark on a voyage of serene majesty aboard the Queen Mary 2, specifically curated for the discerning traveler who appreciates elegance, comfort, and the profound beauty of the natural world. This 12-day odyssey through the Norwegian Fjords is designed with a gentle pace, ensuring you have ample time to soak in the dramatic landscapes of cascading waterfalls, snow-dusted peaks, and charming maritime villages without the rush. As you navigate the calm, mirror-like waters of the Arctic circle, you will enjoy the refined luxury of a legendary ocean liner, complete with world-class lectures, traditional afternoon tea, and white-glove service. This itinerary is perfect for those who seek to witness the North Cape and the ethereal midnight sun in an environment that prioritizes relaxation, intellectual enrichment, and the sheer joy of scenic cruising. It is not merely a vacation; it is a sophisticated retreat into the heart of Scandinavia’s most spectacular wilderness.

🗓️ Day by day — full guide

Day 1

⚓ Southampton, UK 📍 Full local guide →

Board Queen Mary 2; settle in, first dinner

🍽️Food: Enjoy a classic British roast or fresh seafood in the Britannia Restaurant, where the menu is tailored for comfort and quality.

The Jettyℹ️

Halladay's Tea Roomsℹ️

Dancing Man Breweryℹ️

👀See & do: The historic Southampton City Walls and the SeaCity Museum offer a wonderful, accessible introduction to the city's rich maritime heritage.

Tudor House and Gardenℹ️

SeaCity Museumℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: The sail-away party on the deck provides a festive atmosphere with live music and the excitement of departing on a grand journey.

🎉

Southampton International Boat Show
📅 September

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Southampton Christmas Market
📅 November 15 - December 23

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Day 2

⚓ At Sea

Crossing the North Sea; lectures, library, afternoon tea

🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship’s signature traditional afternoon tea, featuring finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and fine loose-leaf teas.

👀See & do: Spend time in the grand library, one of the largest at sea, or attend a guest lecture on the maritime history of the North Sea.

🎉Events & evenings: The evening classical concert in the Royal Court Theatre offers a refined and relaxing start to your time at sea.

Day 3

⚓ Bergen, Norway 📍 Full local guide →

Bryggen wharf (UNESCO), funicular to Mount Fløyen

🍽️Food: Sample a bowl of creamy Bergen fish soup, known as Bergensk fiskesuppe, which is mild, nourishing, and a local favorite.

Bryggeloftet & Stueneℹ️

Enhjørningen Fiskerestaurantℹ️

Det Lille Kaffekompanietℹ️

👀See & do: Stroll the colorful wooden buildings of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf and take the funicular to Mount Fløyen for spectacular, easy-access views of the city.

Fløibanen Funicularℹ️

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharfℹ️

KODE Art Museumsℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: The Fish Market (Fisketorget) is vibrant with local vendors; it is best visited in the mid-morning for a gentle stroll.

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Bergen International Festival
📅 Late May to early June

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Bergen Christmas Market
📅 December 1-24

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Constitution Day (Syttende Mai)
📅 May 17

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Day 4

⚓ Olden 📍 Full local guide →

Briksdal glacier coach trip; waterfall viewpoints

🍽️Food: Look for fresh Norwegian waffles with sour cream and strawberry jam, a delightful, soft treat served in most local cafes.

Olden Cruise Caféℹ️

Restaurant Alexandraℹ️

Kafe Eplehagenℹ️

👀See & do: The Briksdal Glacier coach tour provides a comfortable way to see the ice, and the nearby Olden Church is a peaceful spot for a quiet moment.

Olden Churchℹ️

Loen Skyliftℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: The local craft market near the pier features hand-knit wool sweaters and traditional Norwegian wood carvings perfect for souvenirs.

🎉

Midnight Sun
📅 June - July

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Autumn Colors
📅 September - October

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Spring Blossom
📅 May

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Day 5

⚓ Geirangerfjord 📍 Full local guide →

Scenic sailing — Seven Sisters waterfall, Eagle Road

🍽️Food: Try a slice of Brunost (brown cheese) on toast; its unique, sweet caramel flavor is a quintessential Norwegian experience.

Brasserie Postenℹ️

Hotel Union Geiranger - Restaurant Fjordenℹ️

Geiranger Bakeriℹ️

👀See & do: Stay on the top deck to view the Seven Sisters waterfall and the abandoned mountain farms that cling to the steep cliff sides.

Flydalsjuvet Viewpointℹ️

Norwegian Fjord Centreℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: The ship often hosts a scenic commentary session on the bridge deck, providing fascinating geological insights as you sail the fjord.

🎉

Fjord Cruise Season
📅 May to September

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🎉

Geiranger Half Marathon
📅 June

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Autumn Colors
📅 September to October

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Day 6

⚓ Ålesund 📍 Full local guide →

Art Nouveau town; panoramic Aksla viewpoint (bus up)

🍽️Food: Taste fresh Bacalao, a traditional Norwegian dried cod stew that is hearty, flavorful, and very gentle on the digestion.

Apotekergata No. 5ℹ️

XL Dinerℹ️

Café Lyspunktetℹ️

👀See & do: Admire the unique Art Nouveau architecture throughout the town and take the bus to the Aksla viewpoint for a panoramic vista of the archipelago.

Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Centre)ℹ️

Aksla Viewpointℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: The town hosts small local gallery openings showcasing coastal art, which are peaceful and welcoming to visitors.

🎉

Ålesund Food Festival
📅 August

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🎉

The Slinningsbålet Bonfire
📅 June 24

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🎉

Norwegian Food Festival
📅 August 22-24

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Day 7

⚓ At Sea

Crossing the North Sea; lectures, library, afternoon tea

🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship’s signature traditional afternoon tea, featuring finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and fine loose-leaf teas.

👀See & do: Spend time in the grand library, one of the largest at sea, or attend a guest lecture on the maritime history of the North Sea.

🎉Events & evenings: The evening classical concert in the Royal Court Theatre offers a refined and relaxing start to your time at sea.

Day 8

⚓ Tromsø 📍 Full local guide →

Arctic Cathedral, Polaria aquarium; midnight-sun season

🍽️Food: Try smoked salmon on crispbread, a light and healthy snack that reflects the high quality of Arctic seafood.

Fiskekompanietℹ️

Bardus Bistroℹ️

Risø Mat & Kaffebarℹ️

👀See & do: The Arctic Cathedral is visually stunning and easily accessible, while the Polaria aquarium offers a fascinating, indoor look at Arctic marine life.

Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)ℹ️

Polariaℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: During the midnight sun season, the city remains bright all night, allowing for a leisurely evening walk along the harbor without the need for a flashlight.

🎉

Northern Lights Season
📅 September to March

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🎉

Midnight Sun
📅 May 20 to July 20

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🎉

Tromsø International Film Festival
📅 January

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Day 9

⚓ Honningsvåg (North Cape) 📍 Full local guide →

Coach to the North Cape plateau — 71° North!

🍽️Food: King Crab is the local specialty here; it is often served simply boiled to highlight its sweet, succulent meat.

Corner Bar & Restaurantℹ️

Arctandria Restaurantℹ️

Nordkappmuseet Caféℹ️

👀See & do: The North Cape monument offers a profound sense of achievement at the top of Europe, and the visitor center provides a comfortable indoor viewing area.

North Cape Plateau (Nordkapp)ℹ️

Honningsvåg Churchℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: The North Cape Hall often features a short, immersive film about the changing seasons in the Arctic, which is very moving.

🎉

Midnight Sun
📅 May 14 - July 29

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🎉

Polar Night
📅 November 20 - January 22

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🎉

North Cape March
📅 June

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Day 10

⚓ At Sea

Crossing the North Sea; lectures, library, afternoon tea

🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship’s signature traditional afternoon tea, featuring finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and fine loose-leaf teas.

👀See & do: Spend time in the grand library, one of the largest at sea, or attend a guest lecture on the maritime history of the North Sea.

🎉Events & evenings: The evening classical concert in the Royal Court Theatre offers a refined and relaxing start to your time at sea.

Day 11

⚓ At Sea

Crossing the North Sea; lectures, library, afternoon tea

🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship’s signature traditional afternoon tea, featuring finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and fine loose-leaf teas.

👀See & do: Spend time in the grand library, one of the largest at sea, or attend a guest lecture on the maritime history of the North Sea.

🎉Events & evenings: The evening classical concert in the Royal Court Theatre offers a refined and relaxing start to your time at sea.

Day 12

⚓ Southampton, UK 📍 Full local guide →

Board Queen Mary 2; settle in, first dinner

🍽️Food: Enjoy a classic British roast or fresh seafood in the Britannia Restaurant, where the menu is tailored for comfort and quality.

The Jettyℹ️

Halladay's Tea Roomsℹ️

Dancing Man Breweryℹ️

👀See & do: The historic Southampton City Walls and the SeaCity Museum offer a wonderful, accessible introduction to the city's rich maritime heritage.

Tudor House and Gardenℹ️

SeaCity Museumℹ️

🎉Events & evenings: The sail-away party on the deck provides a festive atmosphere with live music and the excitement of departing on a grand journey.

🎉

Southampton International Boat Show
📅 September

ℹ️

🎉

Southampton Christmas Market
📅 November 15 - December 23

ℹ️

🎯 Ready to book? Check live prices:

Cunard Norwegian Fjords 12 days · Jun–Aug $1899 View & book → P&O Cruises Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle 14 days · Jun–Aug $1299 View & book → Hurtigruten Coastal Express (Bergen–Kirkenes) 12 days · All year $1799 View & book → Viking Cruises Scandinavia & Baltic Capitals 11 days · May–Aug $1999 View & book →

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