Depart from Dover

Set sail on your Norwegian fjords expedition cruise

We set out on our expedition cruise to Norway’s famous fjords from Dover. If you have time, walk atop the iconic white cliffs before embarking your comfortable expedition ship, MS Maud.  

Once on board, you’ll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and attend a mandatory safety drill. Head out on deck and gaze at the fishing boats and seagulls as we bid a fond farewell to Dover. 

Later in the evening, we’ll call on the port of Harwich, which is one of the most important ports on the Essex coast. To celebrate the start of our journey, you’ll enjoy a local sea shanty performance before crossing the North Sea.

Northbound to the fjords

Ease into your journey and relax on board

As we cross the North Sea towards Norway and Flåm, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the onboard amenities like the hot tubs, sauna and indoor gym. Take in the fresh spring air out on the Observation Deck or settle down with a good book in the Explorer Lounge.

The Expedition Team will begin the first of their daily lectures in the Science Center. Picked for their extensive knowledge of Norway, they'll tell you more about what lies ahead, and share more about the geology of the fjords.

You can also find out more about our Citizen Science projects, where you can support the scientific community by collecting important data for their research.

Ride the Flåm Railway

Spectacular scenery of Flåm and Aurlandsfjorden

We'll sail down Aurlandsfjorden to reach the charming village of Flåm, our destination for the day. Surrounded by steep mountainsides and cascading waterfalls, Flåm couldn’t have a more scenic backdrop.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty around you through various activities, including nature walks, biking or kayaking on the fjord. For a panoramic view of Aurlandsfjorden, head up to the Stegastein platform.

Flåm’s most famous attraction is Flåmsbana, the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world. We'll ride the vintage train on an hour-long journey, past deep ravines and gushing waterfalls. Have your camera ready for the five-minute stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall. 

Skjolden and Sognefjorden

Idyllic fjord villages and a stave church

Sailing deep into Sognefjorden, we’ll pass idyllic villages dotted along fertile plains. One of these is Skjolden, home to around 200 residents and our intended base for today.

Enjoy a trip to nearby Urnes Stave Church, an outstanding example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture. It’s the oldest stave church in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have the chance to join optional excursions, including hiking or kayaking.

In the evening, we may do a scenic cruise of Nærøyfjorden, which has designated UNESCO status and is said to be among the most scenically outstanding landscapes in the world.

Beautiful Geirangerfjorden

Geirangerfjorden's Seven Sisters waterfalls

After breakfast, we sail into the fjord system leading to Geirangerfjorden in the Sunnmøre region of western Norway. Spring is arguably the best season to see Geirangerfjorden, as the snow melts and deep emerald greens swathe the fairytale landscape.

Head out on deck to admire the fjord's seven famous waterfalls. Tender boats will take you ashore to further explore the special nature of the fjords and its many small communities. You'll also have a choice of fantastic optional activities to join, including the chance to kayak.

Back on board, the Expedition Team may host a lecture as we raise anchor and sail towards our next port of call, Nordfjorden. 

Views from Mount Hoven

Enjoy the glacial beauty of Loen and Nordfjorden

In the morning we’ll enter Nordfjorden, the sixth longest fjord in Norway. Aside from breathtaking glaciers and fjords, you’ll see mountains, fertile valleys and beautiful sandy beaches. 

We'll anchor in the fjord, and you'll be taken on expedition boats to Loen. Here, you can take Skylift – one of the world's steepest cable cars – to the top of Mount Hoven, for spectacular views.

Join our Expedition Team on optional excursions. Take a guided hike along alpine trails or explore the fjord by kayak. You can also visit the impressive Briksdalsbreen Glacier before we bid farewell to the fjords of the north.

Hardangerfjorden in bloom

An eclectic mix of orchards, glaciers and rose gardens

Enjoy the views as we sail towards Hardangerfjorden, the second longest fjord in Norway. Its pretty hillside apple orchards supply the fruit for the award-winning local cider, known locally as 'Nordic champagne'.

Today, we'll explore the beautiful villages of either Sunndal or Rosendal, depending on conditions. From Sunndal, close to the Bondhus Glacier, you can join an optional scenic hike or kayaking excursion with the Expedition Team.

In Rosendal, visit the magnificent Baronial manor, its interiors preserved since 1927. A path through the stunning rose garden – blooming in July – leads you to the dramatic Hatteberg Waterfall.

Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock

Experience the highs of Preikestolen

You'll be treated to views of Lysefjorden's striking vertical cliffs on your final expedition day in Norway. Sailing deep into this imposing fjord, we reach the world famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock.

Enjoy incredible views of the rock from below as we approach. Look out for the equally renowned Kjæragbolten, where a giant boulder seems precariously wedged in a mountain crevasse. 

If you're feeling adventurous, join our Expedition Team for an optional five-hour guided hike to the Preikestolen viewpoint, a dizzying 1,982 ft above Lysefjorden. After a scenic cruise of the fjord and collecting our tired but exhilarated hikers, it’ll be time for us to set sail for Dover.

Relax and unwind

Enjoy your last day at sea

It’s our last full day as we cruise back to Dover. Be sure to make the most of this day at sea on board MS Maud. It's a good time to visit the Science Center and sate your curiosity about things you've seen and done. Enjoy the final daily lecture by the Expedition Team and enjoy their recap of the expedition highlights.

Relive your wonderful experiences of Norway's fjords as you share stories with fellow guests over dinner or drinks in the Explorer Bar. Relax in the hot tub or sauna or head out on deck to spot seabirds and dolphins that like to follow the ship.

Back to Dover

Explore more of Dover before you leave

Your expedition cruise comes to an end. After we sail past the White Cliffs, there's time to enjoy a final breakfast with us before you dock. As you disembark, you’ll take with you some unforgettable memories of the magnificent fjords along Norway’s west coast.

If you have time, why not explore Dover's coastal attractions before you return home. Take a stroll along the famous white cliffs. Or visit Dover Castle and a rare Roman lighthouse. You can also go on a tour of the underground hospital and secret WWII tunnels that run beneath the castle complex.