Explore Norway on a cruise with the family
If you're looking for a great location for a family cruise, consider heading to the Norwegian fjords. There are few places better than Norway for viewing dramatic natural landscapes, and if you choose a holiday here you'll be able to admire cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs and a wealth of flora and fauna.
Whether you have just a few days or a couple of weeks to spend away from home, take a look at the cruises available to Norway. As well as the enchanting scenery, the country is home to medieval settlements and plenty of opportunity to get active, so whatever your interests are, you're certain to be well catered for here.
Plenty of cruise lines run breaks to Norway, so take a look at your options, which may include Holland America Line cruises. The firm offers breaks directly from the UK, which is particularly useful if you're taking little ones on holiday and want to avoid hours waiting in airports or lengthy flights. Spend just over a week aboard ship and take in all that Norway has to offer.
During your getaway, you might arrive at the settlement of Eidfjord, which has two townships - Eidfjord and Ovre Eidfjord. The former is an important harbour and boasts some popular attractions, such as the Voringsfossen waterfall with a drop of 182 m. Here, you can also catch sight of the rugged Hardangervidda - Europe's largest mountain plateau - and take a look at the Sima Power Plant, which is built into a mountain.
Your next port of call will be Alesund, which is built over five islands and linked by bridges. The city, which is surrounded by fjords and the peaks of the Sunnmore Alps, is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. Visit the national Art Nouveau Centre to find out more about the area's past or take an excursion to the island of Runde and embark on a bird safari. You can also visit one of Scandinavia's largest aquariums before making your way to your next stop, Geiranger.
This small village is situated at the head of the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular scenery. The beautiful, tranquil fjord, verdant vegetation, snow-capped mountains and waterfalls combine to make the area one of great natural beauty.
Once you've taken in all Geiranger has to offer, journey on to the 14th century port of Bergen, located in the centre of western Norway. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Bergen has many listed wooden buildings to admire and boasts a beautiful backdrop of seven mountains. The historic harbour side is lined with colourful old houses and there are some fascinating museums to visit, including the medieval Hakon's Hall at Bergen City Museum.
As well as all there is to see and do on shore, you'll find plenty to keep you busy at sea on your no-fly cruise. Holland America Line ships boast award-winning entertainment, swimming pools, a fitness centre and sports courts, so you can enjoy your time onboard as much as the time you spend on land.
Once you've concluded your trip around Norway, head back to Dover, which you might want to explore before you make your way home. Call in at Dover Castle, head to the museum to see a Bronze Age boat or stretch your legs along the famous white cliffs.
