Is this luxury cruise the best way to visit the Norwegian fjords?

It’s easy to see why a Norwegian fjords cruise is on so many travel bucket lists. The mix of dramatic natural landscapes, serene waterways and Nordic mythology is uniquely intoxicating. Combine that with the pleasures of a luxury cruise, and what’s not to swoon over? 
 
Snow-capped peaks linger in the distance while you carve a path through rows of jagged cliffs, shaped over the centuries by gigantic glaciers. It doesn’t get much more cinematic than this. 

However, the big barrier to entry is how to plan that trip of a lifetime.  That’s where we come in. We’ve partnered with Celebrity Cruises to offer a simple and accessible flight and cruise package from Hong Kong, taking the stress out of travel, and ensuring everything goes off without a hitch.  

Plus, Cathay members who you book the seven-night Norwegian fjord tour with Cathay Holidays, departing 4 July, will also enjoy exclusive perks including a behind-the-scenes tour, US$100 (HK$780) onboard dining credit – as well as earn 15,000 per booking. 

What to expect from Celebrity Cruises’ seven-night tour of the Norwegian fjords

Fly direct from Hong Kong into London Heathrow to begin your journey. Celebrity Cruises’ departure point is in Southampton and while transfer to the port city is not included in the package, it’s easily accessible from Heathrow by National Express coach or by train in under three hours. Set sail at 4pm and spend the first evening getting settled into your private cabin aboard Celebrity Apex, a 306-metre Edge-class cruise ship that will be your home for the next week.

Enjoy the whole second day at sea, exploring the numerous dining and entertainment options, and once more let the ocean lull you to sleep, before docking at 8am on day three at your first exploration point, some 800km northeast of where you began.

Haugesund 

The port is located near the city centre, so it’s a short walk – or faster still, a shuttle – to discover the renowned Viking heritage of Norway’s “maritime capital”. It was here that the first king of Norway, Harald Fairhair, assumed power more than a millennium ago, and these lands naturally live on in seafaring folklore. Also a proud fishing town, Haugesund holds a strong historical bond to herring, beloved across the Nordic nations. Return to the cruise ship by 4pm and cast off for another night on the water.

Flåm

Awake the following morning any time after 7am and find yourself at this scenic village known for its incredible fjord views. To make the most of the Unesco-listed panoramas, ascend to the Stegastein Viewpoint, suspended 650 metres above the forest, for guaranteed jaw-dropping vistas. This stop is also your gateway to the famed Flåm Railway, a 20km, one-hour journey (one-way) that climbs nearly 900 metres up to Myrdal, taking you through snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and deep valleys. Set sail at 4pm to journey once more overnight, arriving at 7am at…

Geiranger

It’s easy to fill a day in this picturesque port town: stroll to the white, wooden and octagonal Geiranger Church, visit the crashing Fossevandring waterfall, learn the deeper story of your trip at the Norwegian Fjord Centre, and unwind with a waterside craft brew at the rustic Geiranger Brygge brewery. Set sail at 3pm and wave goodbye to the fjords – but your adventure isn’t over yet.  

Bruges

After spending another relaxing day at sea, begin day seven arriving at 7am at Zeebrugge, the port town linked to Belgium’s beautiful medieval city of Bruges. Wander along the wide canals and narrow cobbed lanes, climb the Belfry memorably ascended by Colin Farrell in the movie In Bruges, and pay respects at Basilica of the Holy Blood. Finally, depart continental Europe at 5pm, arriving at 6.30am the following morning back in Southampton, ready to catch your return Cathay Pacific flight.  

What facilities are onboard Celebrity Apex?

Of course, with more than half your holiday spent aboard the boat, these ports of call are only half of the story. That’s why it’s essential you carefully select a cruise with all the creature comforts and entertainment you need. 

With Celebrity Cruises, you’re guaranteed an attentive, personalised service thanks to an impressive crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:2. Plus with more than 25 individual restaurant, bar and lounge areas – including 10 of which carry no extra charge – there’s always a new dish or drink to dry. 

What other extras are included with a Celebrity Cruises trip?

Your package covers accommodation, meals, a classic drink package and basic Wi-Fi, as well as all taxes, fees and port expenses. Complimentary onboard activities include access to the night club, resort deck, pools, library, solarium, fitness centre, rooftop garden and “magic carpet” seaside platform, while young family members can access the teen club. There’s also up to three live theatre shows, plus the option to splash out at the spa, thermal suite or – should you feel lucky and brave amid the storied scenery of myths and monsters –  the casino. 

Video credit: Guven Ozdemir/Getty Images