Norway

With its beautiful landscapes and magnificent fjords, Norway is a country full of natural beauty and wonderful history and culture. A visit to this unique destination offers an intimate look at quaint fishing villages and picturesque towns, as well as amazing explorations north of the Arctic Circle, a winter wonderland of spectacular wildlife and glistening glaciers.

Cruise itineraries vary, focusing primarily on the coastal villages and breathtaking fjords of western Norway, although some itineraries include the Arctic with stops at Spitsbergen and the Svalbard Archipelago. Traveling between Kirkenes and Stavanger, you'll visit some of Norway's most popular sites. Tromso, which lies far north of the Arctic Circle, is home to a number of museums and Polaria, an environmental center that educates visitors on Arctic wildlife and ecology. Trondheim, a center for education and technology, features shop-lined streets, lively nightlife and many historical attractions, among them the Nidarosdomen Cathedral. Bergen, an important cultural highlight, is well-known for its fish market, the old Hanseatic-era wharf known as Bryggen, and nearby mountains and fjords.

It is important to point out that although Oslo is the country's capital, it is only visited on a small number of Norway cruise itineraries. However, pre- and post-cruise packages are sometimes offered for those wanting to spend additional time in the metropolitan city.

• The Norway cruise season runs from March through December.
  
  
• Norway cruises are generally 5 to 14 nights in length, but longer cruises are offered.
  
  
• Norway cruise itineraries are fast-paced, often including multiple stops each day, and additional time is spent cruising the region's natural attractions.
  
  
• Due to Norway's high latitude, you'll experience long hours of daylight during the summer, especially from late May to late July.
  
  
• Norway cruises depart from a variety of northern European cities, but most begin in Bergen, located in southwestern Norway, or Kirkenes, located in northern Norway 240 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Flights to these departure ports typically connect through Oslo. We suggest that you plan to arrive at least one or two days in advance of your Norway cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.