Rural, rugged and sometimes inaccessible are the fjords of Norway. The unique landscape with its iridescent glaciers, deafening waterfalls, secluded gorges and endless days are some of the highlights to take advantage of. Be forewarned that the Norwegian Kroner is the strongest currency in Europe and your dollars (either Canadian or US) will not go very far.

However, there is a solution and that is a cruise. This option is the most cost efficient way to visit as you have a floating hotel with meals, entertainment and views to die for all inclusive. So let the Captain maneuver your change of location without you re-packing the bags. You can sit up on the deck or your own veranda to experience the wonders of nature passing by.

With 2008 upon us, there are bargains to be had and it is certainly not too early to book a cruise for this particular itinerary, as they sell out fast. Cruises can range from 7 to 14 days and the season is from May through August. The following ships will visit there in 2008, so if you have a favorite contact your cruise agent or the cruise line directly.

Departure cities on ships vary between Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Kiel, Southampton or Stockholm depending on the ship you have booked.

Costa Cruise Lines – Costa Mediterranea
Costa Cruise Lines – Costa Marina
Costa Cruise Lines – Costa Atlantica
Costa Cruise Lines – Costa Victoria
Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Jade
Royal Caribbean Int.- Jewel of the Seas
Princess Cruises – Grand Princess
Princess Cruises – Sea Princess
Holland America Lines – MS Rotterdam
Cunard – Queen Victoria
Cunard – Queen Elizabeth 2
Seabourn – Seabourn Pride
MSC Cruises – Opera
MSC Cruises – Lirica
MSC Cruises – Armonia

Wherever your ship stops, you will enjoy a lasting memory. Some of the port of calls can be extensive or a brief stopover but you will never want to miss a moment.

A definite disembarked point is Bergen, the “Gateway to the Fjords”. It is indeed the natural starting off point for exploring what many consider to be Scandinavia’s number one tourist attraction in Western Norway. Bergen built in a fjord, offers spectacular views from the surrounding mountains with the most stunning fjords lacerates into rugged, snow-capped mountains. Along the eastern side of the harbor are the charming buildings reflecting in the water of Bryggen Warf. It is hard to imagine that Norway’s second largest city can still retains its small-town allure, so much so that it is recognized by UNESCO’s list of the world’s most valuable historical and cultural places worthy of preservation. There are also plenty of cozy cafes to enjoy a hot drink and take in the spectacular surroundings before you board your ship again.

Some of the highlights of your cruise could include Andalsnes on the fertile hinterland and extremely close to the legendary Trollwall. Or perhaps, Flam, the world’s longest and deepest fjord, can see all the extraordinary beauty for yourself. Take the opportunity using the railway from the village up suspended between rocks and the sea. .

Geirangerfjord obtains mountain glaciers, a picture postcard village and every form of waterfall imaginable from diminutive cascades to intermediate gushers to Goliath torrent of water spilling down 2,000 feet of rock.

The northernmost town in the world, Hammerfest is the last outpost of civilization before the pack ice of the North Pole and the midnight sun. It is one of the few cities in the world that has almost no impact on the environment. Everything is recycled and utilized so that nothing is wasted and the environment is respected as it should be.

All of these fjords and villages and more can be seen in Norway at an affordable price and at a leisurely pace by cruising.

About Veronica Shine – Native New Yorker, Veronica Shine’s career has been diversified within the fashion/beauty/accessory/theatrical industries and she now hangs her hat mainly in Europe with her husband and 13 year old son.
Perhaps from being in the theater since a child, a natural transition to write emerged. Her published works have appeared in ezines and magazines in Europe and the United States with a focus towards beauty, fashion and travel. For more of her cruise and travel experiences, visit Mediterranean Dreams.