norwegian cruise weather may

A Brummie Home and Abroad

Part-time Traveller, Full-Time Brummie

The Perfect Packing List for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise in May

When planning for our May Norwegian Fjords cruise with Ma and Pa Lee, naturally the topic of conversation turned to what to pack. Will it be cold? Warm? Wet? Windy? What do we wear onboard the ship? To dinner? And what about onshore? Will we be hiking? Or just mooching around the town? So much to consider. And then of course, despite the “unlimited” luggage allowance – can we actually fit four suitcases, four sets of “hand” luggage and four people in Mr Fletche’s car? So now I’ve been on my cruise, I have a much better idea of what to pack – and what not to pack. So here’s my perfect (ish) packing list for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise in May.

Weather in May in the Norwegian Fjords

It became quite clear when doing our research that we could easily experience four seasons in one day whilst cruising the Norwegian Fjords. A bit like spending a holiday in the UK then. Temperatures seemed to be anywhere between 6-17°C. One thing seemed definite – there was no need to pack a plethora of summer clothes. In fact, incessant drizzle and cloud seemed to be on the cards according to the 10 day weather apps beforehand. But, as in the UK, the weather in Norway can be very unpredictable, and very changeable.

But we also had a day in Bruges, where temperatures looked decidedly summery. And the sailaway from Southampton was rumoured to be positively scorching. So, what DID I pack in my suitcase in the end?

Packing for Norway was very much like packing for a UK Minibreak…

What I packed

6 casual tops – a mix of short and long sleeved t-shirts, vest tops and a linen shirt. Two “dressy” tops.

Three pairs of jeans – one smart black skinny, one denim skinny and one denim mom style. One pair of black trousers with athletic stripe.

Two blazers. One vintage denim jacket. A long-length cardigan.

One daytime dress for Bruges, six smart casual dresses for evening.

Two pairs of hiking leggings, two thermal tops, a shell top, a zip up hoodie, a body warmer, a sweatshirt.

A bikini and cover-up.

One windproof shell jacket, woolly hat and gloves.

Two pairs of converse style pumps, one pair of lightweight trainers, Sketchers casual flats. One pair of white flat sandals. One pair of cream sandals with a small heel.

Here’s what I wore

Definitely not all of the above. Unless you count wearing a t-shirt for half an hour at breakfast to justify bringing it. It also soon became obvious that a pair of jeans that are “snug” around the waist at the best of times would NOT be an ideal relaxing sea-day outfit. But the pair of trousers that were sized up definitely were. I lived in just two pairs of shoes after our Bruges stop.

Many of our conversations pre-cruise revolved around the importance of layers. And I can’t recommend this approach more highly. Thin long-sleeved thermal tops, under a short-sleeved t-shirt, with a light hoodie or sweatshirt on top. With a warm, waterproof jacket to hand at all times. I teamed this with jeans (if dry) or with hiking leggings. Perfect on-ship and ashore.

I always have a woolly hat stuffed in my pocket to deal with unruly hair situations, and I took fingerless lambswool hand warmers with me – so my fingers were always free for the constant photo snapping! I was repping Punks and Chancers as always.

My usual approach to travelling somewhere is to wear my heaviest and bulkiest clothes so they don’t need to be packed. Something you learn when travelling carry-on on a budget airline. Except summertime finally hit the UK on Bank Holiday weekend. I didn’t fancy sweltering in Southampton so I begrudgingly rolled up my jackets as tightly as possible and shoved them into a holdall. My travel outfit therefore was a linen shirt, white vest top, skinny jeans and long length cardigan. I knew one wear would be all I got out of the shirt before it was too creased – and I was right.

I guessed that at the cruise port – similar to an airport – there would be lots of hanging round and lots of standing in queues. Which means that comfort is key, especially when it comes to footwear. We took note of the tips to bring a “cruise carry on” so once our suitcases were whisked away we had anything we may need immediately when we boarded. Or in our case, a holdall full of jackets.

The soaring Southampton temperatures saw fellow passengers donning their swimwear and shorts to take a dip in the Silhouette’s outdoor pool. With chilly Norway ahead there wouldn’t be many more opportunities. Although there were always some brave/foolish people determined to take a dip, whatever the weather. Instead I swapped a t-shirt for a vest top to bask in the sun at the Sunset Bar.

Exploring the towns of Alesund, Olden & Hauguesund

Unless you’re planning on doing a hike, or an excursion into the mountains, I found that a long-sleeved top, hoodie, leggings and and pumps were perfect. Sporty, athleisure wear is very common in Norway so don’t worry about being a fashionista. Despite the beautiful backdrop I never felt the need to waft around in a floaty dress and hat for “that” Instagram picture. I went for function over fashion, comfort over style. Just ask Mr Fletche’s opinion of my oversized neon sweatshirt.

Now, the early morning sail-ins? That was a different kettle of fish. That’s a “throw all your clothes on and hope your coat zips up over the top” kind of situation. 5:30am in a Norwegian fjord is a little nippy. I wore thermal leggings underneath a pair of loose trousers, two pairs of socks, and a thermal top under a long-sleeved top under a hoodie under a bodywarmer under a coat. And I was still cold. Totally worth it though.

My tip for exploring Norwegian port towns in May is simply to pack for a chilly day in the UK. There’s no need for any specialist cold weather clothing, but clothes that will be quick drying are ideal for those sporadic rain showers. Yep, just like England. Did I mention layers? They are your best friend. As are comfy, flat shoes. Sometimes there can be a bit of a walk to get to the town from the port. Norwegian towns like their cobbles so leave the heels and open-toed shoes for onboard.

A Day in Bruges

I was fooled by the reports that Bruges was going to be warm. The last time we visited was for the Christmas markets so I was looking forward to exploring the city without being bundled up in warm clothes. I wore a cardigan style dress, with my denim jacket and casual flats. Which meant bare legs. No hat, no gloves. What was I thinking? I should have applied the same dressing logic as the days in Norway. I’ve never been so happy to get my hands around a hot chocolate for a bit of warmth.

We had two “sea days” which gave us the opportunity to be lazy, explore every inch of the ship and eat/drink to our heart’s content. During the day, this generally meant comfy jeans or trousers, t-shirt and a cardigan with pumps. At busy lunchtimes at the buffet we often found ourselves sitting outside so I made sure I always had something to cover my arms. There’s a surprising amount of walking on a cruise ship, so comfy shoes are a must. Yep, I’m banging on about comfy shoes again. That and layers. I’m not paid to mention them, I promise.

If you’re planning to spend sea days in the pool or at spa then don’t forget your swimwear. If you do plan to take a regular dip, think about packing more than one swimsuit – there’s nothing worse than slipping on a bikini only to find it’s still damp from the day before. Pool attire is only acceptable at the pool so make sure you have an appropriate cover-up. I could have left my swimsuit at home, although I always intended to have a late night dip in the beautifully lit solarium.

Dressing for Dinner

Different cruise lines have different dress codes. Although I quite fancied the idea of swanning around in formal gear, we decided to opt for a more relaxed cruise with fewer evening dress restrictions. Thanks Celebrity. Most nights I wore a dress with sandals with a small heel, or jeans with a smart top and a jacket. The Celebrity Cruise dress code for evenings was largely “smart casual”. For men, a shirt or collared polo shirt and smart jeans was perfectly acceptable. Think “meal at a nice pub” vibe.

There were also two “Evening Chic” nights, which were a little more stylish, but formal attire certainly wasn’t required. Think a tad smarter than smart casual. Think evening guest at a wedding. Or think Christmas Office party – sequins, sparkles and dicky-bows. The Evening Chic dress code applied to the Main Dining Room only. On the first Evening Chic night we went uber-casual and ate at the buffet. On the second, we booked one of the speciality restaurants, where smart casual was perfectly acceptable.

One cruise blogger suggested wearing your tighter clothes at the start of the cruise, leaving the looser outfits for the last few days. I wholly recommend this approach after a week of hitting the included food and cocktails hard.

Packing tips for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise

When you’re planning your packing list for a Norwegian Fjords cruise, think about what activities you’ll be doing, both on shore and on the ship. Are you planning to hike, or take an excursion into the mountains? The higher you are, the colder it is likely to be! If you’re just strolling around town and ports then you can probably wear exactly what you would wear on a spring day in the UK. Are you planning on using any of the sports facilities onboard, or swimming?

Bulky clothes take up more room than thin summer clothes so you probably won’t have the luxury of taking all the clothes you own. Plan to double up as much as possible, finding items which can create two or more outfit combinations. Remember that there may be limited storage/hanging space in cabins. We tend to use packing cubes so it’s easy to organise clothes, and to separate worn/dirty items. And remember that taking less clothes means less laundry when you get home…

Apart from clothes, what else to pack?

Despite all this talk of chilly weather, it’s still important to pack high SPF sunscreen on a Norwegian Fjords Cruise. At the very least, take a moisturiser with SPF protection as its most likely to be your face that will be exposed. The sun was surprisingly strong when it did show its face so sunglasses were a must. After all, no-one wants to be squinting in all those holiday pics. Lip balm is also a good idea as my lips dried out more than usual on deck in the wind.

A tote bag or backpack to take off the ship on port days.

For leisurely at sea days there will be plenty to entertain you, but we took a couple of travel games, earpods and a Kindle stuffed with new books to read.

If you use a DSLR, don’t forget to bring spare batteries and plenty of memory cards. You’re going to need them when every scene is one to capture. If – like me – you rely on your mobile phone to take photos then make sure you take a power bank with you. Mr Fletche bought me an ace set a couple of Christmases ago, which double up as handwarmers. Each one will fully recharge my iPhone at least once, and they can be charged up via USB so I just rotate them.

Talking of charging items, don’t forget to bring a plug adaptor. Our Celebrity Silhouette cabin had two US sockets and one European, but check with your cruise line beforehand.

It’s a good idea to take a reusable water bottle with you, as bottled water can be very expensive ashore. Celebrity Silhouette did offer water in a recyclable tin rather than plastic bottles, and this was included as part of our drinks package so we would pick up a couple of bottles before bed to see us through the next day.

If you’re a light sleeper, or sensitive to noises at night then you might want to consider a sleep mask and ear plugs. We could have done with ear plugs to mask the sound of our dripping shower…

What I should have packed…

Ah, hindsight is a great thing isn’t it. Despite all the research, my packing list wasn’t perfect. I wish I’d put in my lined walking trousers for those early mornings. My converse knock-offs were comfortable enough for the walks we did but I’d have been a little more inclined to hike up to Briksdal Glacier/climb to the viewpoint in Alesund if I’d had proper walking shoes with me. Or maybe I wouldn’t. I’d have brought warmer gloves for the sea mornings. One with fingers in them. Also a blanket style scarf rather than a chiffon scarf, and a second woolly hat.

I took too many tops, and not enough “comfy” trousers. I wish I’d taken a second pair of my beloved wide trousers as they can be dressed up or down. Also, I got sweatshirt fluff all over them. In fact, I should have packed another oversized sweatshirt. Even if Mr Fletche thinks I should have had “Wide Load” written on the back of it. I wore the denim jacket once. I take it out of nostalgia now as it’s 30 years old and has probably travelled to the same number of countries as I have.

And did we fit four suitcases, four sets of “hand” luggage and four people in Mr Fletche’s car? With a bit of squeezing, a suitcase barrier between Ma and Pa Lee in the back and various bags stuffed in the footwells we managed it. Even if we did have to put Ma Lee’s seatbelt on her like she was a small child.

If you’re thinking of taking a Norwegian fjords cruise I hope some of these packing tips have been useful – happy cruising!

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I find packing for multi stop trips so tricky. I tend to dither too much over what-ifs and maybes. Layers for the win!

Very helpful thank you

Hi from a fellow (ex) Brummie. Well Suttonian I guess …. Anyway. Thank you. Me and my three sisters are doings a Brittania Norwegian Fjords cruise in May, for my younger sister’s 60th. I hate it when I pack too much and then find I don’t wear half of it. But I also get really annoyed with myself when I don’t bring something essential. Lots of great tips in your post that will help. I hope 🤞

Thank you for your lovely comment Sandra – I hope you have an amazing time!

I shall do my utmost 😂

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Norwegian Fjords Cruise: 32 Tips You NEED to Know

In June 2018 I took a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords with my lovely Mum. In this post, I’ll share with you the things I wish I knew before my first cruise to Norway. Including:

When to cruise to Norway What to pack on a Norwegian Fjords cruise What to do onboard What to do in: Bergen, Olden, Stavanger and Aldalsnes.

When is the best time to cruise the Norwegian Fjords?

The Norwegian Fjords cruising season runs from May until September. The only cruise line that offers Norwegian Fjords cruises all year round is Hurtigruten. Peak time tends to be in July and August with this itinerary being particularly popular with families.

In the UK children are off school from mid-July until early September so if you can avoid travelling at this time I would, not only will it be busier but it’ll be significantly more expensive!

When is The Best Time to Cruise to Norway? Seasons, Price, Weather and More

Norwegian Fjords tip #1

• I would recommend cruising at the beginning or end of the summer season. You’ll get the best deals at this time and the ships won’t be too busy. May-June or September would be be my recommendation. You still have a good chance of some sunshine but more on that later in the post…

Norwegian Fjords tip #2

Be aware that if you travel in the summer, it will be light a lot of the time. Sleeping is never a problem for me, but it is a bit confusing when you have been out for dinner, watched the show, come out and it is still daylight! – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

It’s true! In some parts of Norway they even have a ‘midnight sun’. Cruise ship cabins usually have pretty thick curtains so I don’t have any trouble sleeping but if you are somebody who cannot tolerate even the smallest amount of light in the room when you sleep then you might want to consider an inside cabin.

What is the weather like on a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

The weather in Norway is unpredictable and very often wet. The weather in Summer SHOULD be dry and can even be pretty warm. We cruised in June and it rained every single day… However, I have a few friends who cruised two weeks earlier had glorious sunshine every day and temperatures reached 30c! (90f). I would not base your decision on when to go around the weather. It’s extremely unpredictable!

The weather means that you need to remember to bring the following things…

What to bring

Norwegian fjords tip #3.

• Take sensible shoes, a waterproof jacket, jeans, jumpers (sweaters). As I mentioned above we had rain every single day. Annoyingly the UK was experiencing a heat wave at the time! A waterproof jacket/a coat is without a doubt the most important thing you should pack. I wore my red coat every single day.

Norwegian Fjords tip #4

• Make sure you pack some dresses/shorts! This one might seem a bit silly given what I said above but the weather can reach 30c (90f). It can also vary a lot between ports so just because you have one rainy day doesn’t mean it will rain for the entire cruise.

Norwegian Fjords tip #5

Pack some small binoculars – I forgot mine. Obviously didn’t pay enough attention to the holiday packing spreadsheet in my excitement! – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

The views are INCREDIBLE as you sail around the Norwegian Fjords. I don’t really use binoculars but mum likes to so if you’d like to spy on people as you go by it can be worth packing binoculars. A good camera with a zoom can also work the same way.

Norwegian Fjords tip #6

• Bring the best camera you have! (Or at least your phone). All of my photos were taken on my iPhone because quite frankly I have no idea how to use a decent DSLR camera. You’ll want to take SO many photos. Look at this!! It’s INCREDIBLE.

Norwegian Fjords tip #7

• Bring your phone and use it. I usually say you should keep your phone in airplane mode when you are at sea. However, when cruising around the Norwegian Fjords you’re often close enough to land to be able to pick up 4G from land. If you are in doubt about how your phone will work at sea I have another post about that here: How do mobile phones work at sea? (If you’re American a mobile phone = a cell phone). I know we don’t go on cruises to spend all of our time on our phone but being able to send messages/emails/photos to friends and family back home is always a bonus.Mum mostly used it to send photos of me to my dad…

 What to do onboard

These tips are general to the whole of Norway. There are more specific tips about the ports that we visited at the end of this post.

Norwegian Fjords tip #8

Book a balcony cabin!

Norwegian Fjords tip #9

• Make sure you book whatever tours you’d like to do as early as possible. We booked ours onboard and a lot of them were already sold out which limited our options. Ideally, you should book the tours before you travel. It’s usually possible to do this on the website of most cruise lines. If not try and book the tours on the first day to avoid disappointment!I am below looking very pleased with myself at the Briksdal glacier in Olden.

Norwegian Fjords tip #10

• Be aware that a lot of things are closed on Sundays! If you are docking on a Sunday don’t assume that shops will be open. It’s always best to do your research and check before you cruise.

Norwegian Fjords tip #11

• Look out for weird things in the souvenir shops… I managed to find a whale sausage!

Norwegian Fjords tip #12

Always get up early to see the sail in to port, the views are incredible. (Even if you have to wear the aforementioned jeans, jacket, jumper, hat etc. – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

Norwegian Fjords tip #13

• Bring your quilt onto the balcony! (Duvet). I’m not kidding. If you can also make yourself a cup of tea that’ll make it even better! I mostly had to do this because I hadn’t planned for such cold weather so didn’t bring the right clothes. Hopefully by reading this post you won’t make the same mistake that I did! (I thought June would be okay!)

Norwegian Fjords tip #14

Unless there is somewhere you particularly wish to visit, look at at the weather forecast before booking excursions..

It is rather a waste of money to book an expensive trip up a mountain or to see the Troll Wall when everything is shrouded in fog, and you can’t see anything anyway! When we got to the top of the funicular railway in Bergen this is the view that we were greeted with…

This is what it was meant to look like!

In the next section of this post, we talk about the ports of Bergen, Olden, Stavanger and Andalsnes.

Bergen cruise port tips

Norwegian fjords tip #15.

• Take the funicular railway! The number one attraction in Bergen appears to be the funicular railway. It is a gentle stroll to the bottom of the railway, and easy to pay by credit card – no kroner needed. Approx £9.75 for two adults one way. Once at the top it is a lovely walk back down the hill on a tarmacked road, through the wooded hillside. No need to pay for an excursion!. We found out from a fellow passenger later that there is actually a lake ten minutes from top of the hill, may be worth a look if its a sunny day.

Norwegian Fjords tip #16

• If you do take the funicular railway go later in the day. We went in the morning and couldn’t see a thing because of the fog! We could have been anywhere. If you are physically able to, make sure you walk back down. The path is a winding road and you’ll see some amazing sights along the way! It was really cool for us to be able to get below the clouds and see the ships.

Norwegian Fjords tip #17

• Look out for the trees that have their own jumpers! I’m not kidding.

Norwegian Fjords tip #18

• Be aware that you may sail away from Bergen quite early. I’m not too sure why they do this but a sail away of 3 pm can be quite standard. It’s probably just because this is the last port on the itinerary for cruise lines like P&O and Princess. The cruise line will let you know what time the ship is set to sail.

Stavanger Cruise Tips

Norwegian fjords tip #19.

• Visit the old town. It is easy to wander around is and genuinely just a lovely place! There will be a lot of tourists here. I wonder what it would be like to live in one of these houses with thousands of tourists wandering up and down your street. No wonder they all have net curtains.

Norwegian Fjords tip #20

• Visit the petroleum museum. Okay, this one is a little weird. I had no idea that there was a petroleum museum in Stavanger but SO many people have asked me if I went. They all seem to love it! It has a 4.5/5 star rating on trip advisor so must be something special…

Norwegian Fjords tip #21

• Be careful when walking around the roads. Even in the newer part of town, the roads can be a little difficult. If you are in a wheelchair it may be a good idea to stick to the main streets and not venture up and down all of the little cobbled streets that I found myself wandering around.

Norwegian Fjords tip #22

• Check out the other ships. There are usually multiple cruise ships docked in Stavanger at the same time. Make sure you get out and have a peek at the other ships! This is always one of my favourite things to do in a port. We were docked beside the MSC Orchestra and the Viking Sun. (Bit ironic since it rained every day on this cruise).

Norwegian Fjords tip #23

• Wander around the lake at Stravanger park. There is a lovely little park not too far from the cruise port. It is easy to walk there and wandering around the lake is very pleasant. Even in the rain, it was lovely. The park is right beside a cathedral.

Olden Cruise Tips

Norwegian fjords tip #24.

• Have your photo taken with a troll. Go on, you know you want too!

Norwegian Fjords tip #25

• Visit the Briksdal glacier. I would 100% recommend doing this. The glacier is SO COOL (mind the pun) and there are lots of lovely paths to walk around near it. There is even a couple of toilets here which I really appreciated. It takes around 45 minutes to get here from the cruise ship but you’ll get to see some amazing views on the way.

Norwegian Fjords tip #26

• Skip the Loen Skylift. We took the Loen Skylift and I honestly wouldn’t recommend it. The price of this is around £50 per person! (I know Norway is expensive but that is mad). The skylift only goes up and down every 30 minutes and 35 people fit in one skylift meaning you can’t really see anything on the way up or down. I really hate to be negative and tell people not to do things but I honestly just thought this was a waste of money. The views are really good but I don’t think £50 worth of good. Maybe it would have been better if it wasn’t so blooming cold!!

Norwegian Fjords tip #27

• Take as many photos of the ship as you can! There is NO better backdrop than that of the Norwegian Fjords. Even in bad weather, the ships look amazing. I honestly think the clouds and fog add a little something which makes it seem mysterious?!

Norwegian Fjords tip #28

• Do NOT miss the sail away! As we departed Olden a small cafe on the ship blasted out ‘I am sailing’ by Rod Stewart followed by ‘Time tooo…. say… goooddbyyyyyeee’ by Katherine Jenkins.  Don’t pretend you didn’t just sing that in your head. I did!

Andalsnes Cruise Tips:

Norwegian fjords tip #29.

• Take a gamble on the troll wall? I’m not TOO sure if this really counts as a tip but I would say think twice about booking a trip to the bottom of troll wall. If the weather is bad you won’t see a thing. I hadn’t ever looked up the troll wall before so I had no idea what I was meant to be seeing.

Norwegian Fjords tip #30

• Head UP the troll wall. I made some friends on this cruise and they told me that they had been UP the troll wall and had amazing views from up there. If I went again I would pick a tour that took you to the top of the wall whereas ours just took us to the bottom where we stared up at the clouds.

Other bonus tips!

Norwegian fjords tip #31.

Put a currency converter on your phone for Norwegian Kroner. Its pretty expensive, and you don’t want to get a nasty shock when you open your credit card bill! Do you really need a wooden troll or reindeer sausages? I think not… – Gaynor Le Teace (my mum)

Norwegian Fjords tip #32

• Eat as much food as you can on the ship so that you don’t have to eat in port… Norway is really expensive and I have no interest in paying for food when I have an unlimited supply on the ship! Make sure you eat a big breakfast and you’ll be fine for a while. If you have kids though it may be worth bringing some snacks.

My cruise onboard Britannia

This was my first P&O cruise and I was REALLY impressed with the food and service onboard. If you are cruising onboard Britannia make sure you check out this post. P&O Britannia: 8 free ‘must do’ activities.   Britannia is an amazing ship but she is HUGE and it can be difficult to make the most of your time onboard.

I also filmed a tour video when I was onboard and will be posting daily vlogs in each port.

Are you taking a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords? (Or would you like to?)

If you have any questions please leave a comment or join our Facebook group ( Cruising Isn’t Just For Old People ). We have 1600+ members all of whom would love to answer your questions and see your photos/hear your stories!

– – –

FURTHER READING:

A CRUISE ADDICTS GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS. – CRUISE ADDICTS BLOG

CRUISING THE FJORDS OF NORWAY – THE CRUISE BLOGGER

Monday 3rd of September 2018

Really interesting, thank you. I have booked to go on Iona maiden voyage

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Cruise Packing , Cruises , Norway

What to pack for a norwegian fjords cruise (packing list + tips).

Taking a cruise to Norway and not sure what to pack? That sounds just like me before my cruise. Now I’ve been and returned I’ve put together this guide on what to pack for a Norwegian Fjords cruise so you know what to take and what to leave at home.

A cruise around the Norwegian Fjords is one of those dream holidays. The scenery is breathtaking and there are many incredible activities and scenic tours on offer at each port.

Coupled with the very changeable weather you can get in the fjords, it’s not a surprise you might be wondering what to pack.

Obviously, you don’t want to overpack. I mean, who wants to lug a suitcase round full of things you mostly won’t use? Plus there may be limited storage space in your cabin.

Yet, you’ll want to have enough of the right things to have a great cruise, whatever weather is thrown at you.

It’s definitely a challenge packing for this type of cruise. You need to prepare for all eventualities but it needn’t be as difficult as you think.

In this guide, I’ll share details of what I packed for my cruise around the fjords alongside some items I wished I had taken.

Hindsight is a great thing eh?

What to wear on a Norwegian Fjord Cruise

I’ve tried to avoid simply listing out what items of clothing you should take as I think everyone knows the basics and you know what you like to wear.

What I have listed are things you should consider taking and why. Not all of these items will be for you as it very much depends on what you plan to do on your cruise.

Do have lots of shore excursions or activities booked? Or do you plan to spend most of your time onboard the ship taking in the scenery?

When thinking about what to pack, keep that in mind. It will make it a little bit easier to decide what to take and what to leave behind.

Layers, layers and more layers

If there was only one piece of advice I could give when packing for a Norwegian Fjords cruise, it would be this – layer up.

In fact, this applies to all Norway cruises. Whether you are sticking to the fjords or travelling further along the coast.

You never quite know what you are going to get, weather-wise, in Norway and it’s not uncommon to get four seasons in a day. You could start the day in your winter woollies and end it in your bikini.

Well, that’s probably a bit extreme but you get the picture. The weather is very changeable.

In the fjords, you can have snow, rain, wind and sun all within a few hours of each other.

If you plan to spend a lot of time on deck, particularly when cruising the fjords then you’ll want clothes that will keep you warm and dry, if the weather is not great.

Especially if you are up early for the morning sail-in. By layering, you can remove items as the day heats up.

Think of items of clothing like vests, t-shirts, thin long-sleeved tops and fleeces that you can put on top of each other.

Of course, I never followed my own advice. I checked the forecast the week before I travelled and it looked a bit sunny and warm. However, when I had visited glaciers and fjords in other parts of the world previously, it was quite chilly when you reached them so I packed my jumpers.

Turned out I hit the weather jackpot in Stavanger and Olden. While the early morning sail-in was quite cold, the day warmed up quickly.

A balmy 24 degrees was reached on the bridge of the cruise ship I was on when docked in Olden. I don’t think the temperature dropped much below that up on top of the mountains either.

I totally overheated in my jumper, so much so I’m surprised I didn’t melt the snow that was still on top of Mount Hoven.

A lesson learnt…

Being able to layer clothes comes in handy onboard too. I found the cruise ship I was on was quite warm so I mostly wore thin jumpers or t-shirts.

I had a fleece if I wanted to go out on deck. It’s easier to take things off as you heat up then sit there sweating in one heavy item of clothing.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you plan to do some shore excursions, explore independently or maybe just relax on the ship, you’ll most likely be doing a fair bit of walking.

A comfy pair of shoes is a must as you’ll be on your feet a lot.

If you plan to do any hikes, such as the climb to Pulpit Rock, or long walks then you may wish to bring some walking shoes.

On my cruise, I did a couple of excursions which included a bit of walking. I just had normal trainers on and they were fine.

However, if you think you might do some more involved activities then it is worth checking what footwear is recommended.

Warm hat and gloves

I know it perhaps seems strange to recommend taking a winter hat and gloves on a summer holiday but trust me they will probably come in handy. It might also be worth popping a scarf in too, just in case.

The ship will sail into the fjords early in the morning so if you plan to get up and enjoy the spectacular scenery, it may be much colder than you expect.

Even in the summer, it can be quite chilly on deck. Especially if it is a bit breezy too, the wind cuts right through you.

I got up at 4.30am for the cruise along the Nordfjord and Innvikfjorden to Olden. While it was a lovely sunny morning with clear blue skies, it was absolutely freezing at times and quite breezy.

I had thermal leggings on under my jeans and a fleece under my jacket. I was very glad I had chucked my winter hat in my suitcase at the last minute and regretted not bringing some gloves as well.

This was in June believe it or not. Although that is not the height of summer, I was still a bit surprised at how cold it was early in the morning.

Hat and gloves may come in handy on shore excursions too. If you are going to view glaciers or heading up to the tops of mountains, and the weather isn’t great, the temperature might be cooler than you’d expect.

Waterproof jacket (and umbrella)

While we all wish for fabulous weather, or at least for it to stay dry while on holiday, there is a chance it will be a bit rainy and damp at times. Particularly when cruising the fjords. They see a LOT of rain.

Packing a waterproof jacket means you can still get out and about to explore the ports of call without worrying about getting soaked.

Fortunately, I had no rain on my cruise but I did pack a lightweight wind and waterproof jacket which was perfect for the early morning sail along the fjords.

Outdoor gear

If you are planning some activities such as hiking or kayaking, then you should consider bringing some outdoor gear. Or check with your activity or tour operator what, if anything, they will provide

If you are just strolling around the ports, then your usual clothes and footwear will suffice. However, if you plan some long walks or hikes then it is worth thinking about bringing some walking shoes.

That said, I did the walk to the Briksdal Glacier in jeans and trainers and it was fine. I walk a lot so didn’t find it overly strenuous (or hard on the feet) but if you are less mobile it might be an idea to take a ‘troll car’. These buggy- type vehicles drop you near the glacier viewpoint (around 10 minutes away) cutting out most of the walk.

Formal wear (or party wear)

Most cruises to the Norwegian Fjords will have one formal night. This could be a black tie evening or a celebration or chic night when you get to put on your finest party wear.

If the formal night is not for you, don’t worry. There will still be bars and restaurants you can use which don’t follow the formal dress code.

Check with your cruise line to confirm what type of night they will be holding and the required dress code.

A cruise to the Norwegian Fjords is quite fast-paced, you’ll have at least three or four port stops, with plenty of opportunities to get some walking exercise in as you explore the local area.

However, if the gym is your thing, there will still be time to get a workout or two in.

Most cruise ships have a gym and some will also offer exercise classes. Gyms usually open early and close late so you can get a workout in before or after a port day. Or you can save it for a sea day.

Some ships also have running/jogging tracks on deck. So pack your trainers as there is no excuse to not get your daily steps in.

Most cruise ships have a couple of pools and hot tubs so if you think you’d like to use them, pack your swimming costume.

If you are lucky with the weather, you might get the chance to spend a day by the deck pools so it is a good idea to have your swimwear with you just in case.

What to take on a Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Sunglasses and sunscreen.

While it’s true that it does rain a lot in the fjords, you might get lucky and have some sunny days.

If the forecast for your trip is for sunny weather, don’t forget to pop in the sunscreen. Go for one with a high SPF as the sun can be quite fierce.

I never thought I’d get slightly sunburnt in Norway but I did.

The light can be quite harsh too so it is worth packing your sunglasses to take the edge off.

If you think you’d like to sit on your balcony (or on deck) and look out for wildlife then make sure you bring your binoculars.

You’ll most likely have a sea day getting to and from the fjords so that is an opportunity to keep an eye out for any sea life including dolphins.

Once you arrive in Norway, you’ll be able to use your binoculars to get a closer look as you sail along the fjords.

What tech should I pack?

Camera and your phone.

If there is one thing you can guarantee on cruises to the fjords it is that you’ll probably end up taking a lot of photos. The views truly are spectacular.

These days it’s almost a given that most people have mobile phones and usually a camera on them. Before leaving, check how much space you have left on your device.

You don’t want to get to the fjords, get your phone out to snap an incredible shot only to discover your phone has no room to store any more photos.

If you have a camera (well, one not attached to a phone), don’t forget to make sure you have enough memory cards. Think about taking a large capacity card or maybe a few smaller capacity ones.

Trust me, you’ll want to take lots of photos of the fabulous scenery and of course your time on the ship.

Charges for your phone, camera and other devices

With the number of devices, we all have these days, it is surprisingly easy to forget to pack chargers.

Many cruise ships have shops onboard that stock electronic items including chargers however, these can sell out quick.

So do a quick double-check of your chargers before leaving home.

It is also an idea to have extra batteries or maybe a portable charger so you can recharge on the go. You may have long days off the ship so your battery could run down if you are taking lots of photos or updating your social media channels.

You don’t want to get to the end of the day and not be able to take a photo of the amazing view because your phone is dead.

Electrical adapters

Not tech as such I guess but the cruise line you are travelling with may not have the same type of plugs as your home country. So, check in advance if you need to take any adaptors.

You may be able to purchase adapters on board but you don’t want to rely on that, in case they are not available or sold out.

It would be a long week without being able to charge your phone or camera.

Miscellaneous items to pack

Reusable water bottle.

Many ships have water stations for you to refill your water bottle and help reduce the use of plastic bottles.

You can refill before heading out in port or on a shore excursion and save yourself having to buy a drink during the day. Or you can refill and have some water with you as you explore the ship.

Your favourite toiletries

Your cruise cabin will come with toiletries in the bathroom. This is usually soap, shower gel and shampoo. Conditioner and body lotion are sometimes provided as well, although on some cruise lines you have to ask your cabin steward for this.

If you don’t want to go without your favourite brands, then you can bring them along. To avoid any spillage or leaks either pack them in your hand luggage or make sure they are securely sealed before putting them in your suitcase.

Your lips and skin can dry out more than you expect on a cruise holiday.

I didn’t take any lip balm with me and really regretted it. Especially after spending four hours out on deck in the wind. Next cruise, whether it is back to the fjords or not, I’ll be popping some in my bag.

If you are in an inside cabin you won’t need to worry about this as it will be plenty dark in there. However, if you are in a balcony or sea view cabin you may notice it doesn’t get fully dark at night.

Depending on when you go you might find it barely gets dark at all. I went in June and while I don’t think we reached as far north to get the full midnight sun, it was pretty close.

When I closed my cabin curtains there was a faint light around the edges so you could tell it was not dark outside.

If you are a sensitive sleeper and need your room to be completely dark, consider taking some blackout sleep masks.

If you are a light sleeper, then pack some ear plugs just in case. This will help you sleep through any potential noise disturbances, such as engine sounds, rough weather or people just being a little loud in the corridors.

Alarm clock

Alarm clocks are generally not provided in cabins. At least I’ve never seen one yet.

If would like to get up early to enjoy the sail along the fjords, or have shore excursions booked and don’t want to miss the meet-up time, then bring an alarm clock with you.

Alternatively, you can use the alarm on your phone. Just make sure you don’t run out of battery overnight.

Towel Clips

While a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords is not really one for sunbathing you may wish to chill out on a sun lounger every now and then. Particularly if you get lucky with the weather.

Bringing along a couple of towel clips means you can secure a towel to your lounger. Something you’ll be very grateful for if it is a bit breezy. It also gives you a way to identify your lounger or chair in a sea of them.

However, be considerate to your fellow passengers and don’t be one of those people that puts a towel (and clips) down and disappear for hours on end.

Alcohol or soft drinks

Many cruise lines let you bring limited alcohol on board for you to enjoy in your cabin.

So, if you fancy sitting on your balcony enjoying a drink while sailing along the fjords, you can bring your favourite bottle of wine or champagne to sip as you take in the scenery.

Soft drinks are usually unlimited but check with your cruise line to confirm.

Norwegian fjords packing tips

Now, that you have an idea of what you should think about packing for your Norwegian Fjords cruise, I thought I’d share a few tips on how to make packing a little easier.

Use packing cubes

I discovered packing cubes when I was backpacking 20 years ago and never looked back.

They are a great space saver and help to keep your clothes organised in your luggage.

As there can be limited storage in cruise cabins, particularly when a few of you are sharing, packing cubes give you a bit more storage space.

They make it very quick to unpack too. On my last cruise, I just placed my packing cubes with all my tops in on the wardrobe shelves and job done.

Hand luggage

When you arrive at the port and drop your suitcases off, it could be some time before you see them again. They’ll turn up at your cabin, like magic, later in the day.

In the meantime, you’ll need some bits with you to get you through the first few hours on board. Give some thought about the kind of things you think you would need and then pack them in your carry-on bag.

Things like your travel documents, medications, any expensive tech devices and any valuable personal items should be in your hand luggage rather than your checked case.

Read more | What to pack in your carry-on bag (packing list + tips)

The last word

Hopefully, you now have an idea of what to pack for a Norwegian Fjords cruise. With a little bit of thought and a quick check of the weather forecast, you’ll be good to go.

If there is anything you think I’ve forgotten let me know in the comments below.

Have a great cruise!

More information on Norway…

• Cruising the Norwegian Fjords on P&O’s Iona
• Exploring the Briksdal Glacier on a shore excursion
• Loen Skylift and Kjenndalen Glacier shore excursion
• Lysefjord cruise and Pulpit Rock from Stavanger
• Olden port guide

30 thoughts on “ What to pack for a Norwegian Fjords cruise (packing list + tips) ”

I would not have thought to take layers on our mid-May cruise. The electronics, etc. tips were good reminders. Thanks for warning us.:)

Hi Laurie, thanks for you comment. I thought the same, being June I almost packed just summer stuff. The layers definitely came in handy though, especially when getting up early for the sail into the fjords. Enjoy your cruise. Emma

That’s helpful but I remain confused what I need as going 12 nights 21st October to Fjords and looking for northern lights

Hi Sheeps, if I was going in October I’d definitely take some layers and worm clothes. Especially if you are hoping to see the Northern Lights, you might end up running out on deck quite late and I imagine it could be quite chilly. Good luck and I hope you see the Northern Lights. Emma

Hi Emma, thanks for the tips. Just wondering what the dress code is for a regular evening (not celebration night). Is it still quite formal, dresses etc? We are going in 3 weeks and cannot wait. Your tips have definitely helped ease the stress of packing x

Hi Katie. I’d say smart casual mostly. Didn’t see many formal dresses on regular nights on the two cruises I have done on Iona. Think more of a night out at a restaurant at home type thing. I usually wore black jeans and a blazer or smart top/shirt and it was fine. Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks for this Emma. We go at the end of August this year and o hadn’t got a clue what to pack. I’ve found this post really useful.

Hi Emma, thanks for your kind comment. Glad it helped, enjoy your cruise. Emma

Would you recommend a lined or unlined rain jacket? We will be in the Norway coastline (from Olden to Tromso) on a cruise the first week of June. I have 2 jackets I can’t decide on…both are waterproof, windproof and breathable ….one has a mesh inside while the other has a lightweight fleecy liner. We are doing one hike at the Seven Sisters and the rest of the ports will be walking tours or bus tours. Weather looks to be 46-55 and showers. Thank you!!!

Hi Kim, sorry just catching up on comments. Guess you are on your cruise now. Hope you are having a good time & managed to choose which jacket to take. Emma

Thank you Emma, I have found this very helpful and am less stressed about what to pack for our cruise next week! Much appreciated ☺️

Hi Catherine, thanks for the kind comments. Hope you enjoy your cruise. Emma

Thank you Emma, for your tips.. This is my first cruise… I just wondered, is there a hairdryer and iron in the cabins Tia kate

Hi Kate, yes there is a hairdryer. No irons but you can use the ones in the laundrette free of charge. Enjoy your cruise. Emma

Aaagh thank u darling, so much…. Means a lot u got bac… I’m struggling at mo, cause had a close bereavement on Sunday and can’t focus, but I know he still would hve wanted me to go…. 💔

Hi Kate, sorry to hear that. Sending lots of love. Emma

Hi can you advise me on the Norwegian krone spending money on shore for coffees and snacks or use credit cards. Thanks

Hi Kate. I actually didn’t take any. I just used by credit card, had no issues. But depending on what you plan to do in Norway, it is probably worth taking a small amount. Enjoy your cruise. Emma

Hi emma, any advice on trips for someone semi-disabled using a small fold up mobility scooter. Am off end of this month. Also for Iceland in September .

Hi Carol, sorry for the delay, have been travelling. I don’t really have an experience in that area so a little hard for me to comment. However I’d check with your cruise line to see if they offer any accessible excursions. Also worth checking what support they can offer once on board. Enjoy both your cruises. Emma

Hi Emma. I haven’t booked any of the optional trips yet and want to know what you would recommend. I’m travelling in Mid July.

Hi Sheila, sorry for the delay responding. I’ve been travelling with limited internet access. My favourite excursions/trips last year were the Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift. You can do both from Olden. Would recommend both of those.Tho maybe check the weather for the Skylift as view might not be as great if cloudy/raining. Also enjoyed the scenic viewpoint tour in Geiranger, although that was lot of time on a bus. The fabulous views at the stops made up for it though. Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks for all your advice – sounds very like the weather here in western Scotland! Can I ask what time of year did you go? We are going the second half of May, so certainly hoping for even a little bit of warmth.

Hi Joan, I went at the beginning of June. So not long after when you are going. Will keep my fingers crossed you get good weather. Enjoy your cruise. Emma

Hi I’m going on a Norwegian fjords cruise end of May, will i just take warmer clothes for though out the day thank you.

Hi Julie, yes definitely take some warmer clothes just in case. I was a bit surprised at how chilly it was first thing in the morning. The days were warm though but I was very lucky with the weather, was unusually hot for the time of year. I think layers are best so if the weather is good you can take some off. Enjoy your cruise. Emma

So confused think I need to take my entire wardrobe

ha, yes it seems like that doesn’t it? With it being so changeable I found it quite difficult. Best advice I can give is to keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go and pack a couple of things you can layer. Gives you the choice to add more if chilly and or remove if hot. Enjoy your cruise.

Fantastic advice Emma. Can I ask what you’d advise to wear during the evenings in April. Have done lots of summer cruises but not a single winter one. Is it cold onboard as some summer evenings get chilly with the air con. Thank you

Hi Denise, thanks for your kind comment. I think for April I’d go for things you can layer up and down. It should be pretty warm on the ship but will most likely be a bit chilly on deck and when you are out and about in port. Personally I didn’t find the air con too cold. I went in June and for the evenings I had a few shirts/blouses that I could cover with a wrap/poncho or blazer if I felt cold. If you are taking sleeveless dresses or tops or I’d definitely take something like a wrap you can throw over your shoulders to keep you warm. Plus if you do get too hot you can easily take them off. Best of both worlds! Enjoy your cruise.

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Seasons and climate in Fjord Norway

From the windswept coastline to tundra-like mountain regions, glaciers and fertile fjord valleys, here is a brief introduction to weather and climate in Fjord Norway.

Fjord Norway experiences great regional variation in temperature and weather, and with this great beauty. The seasons have their unique colours and sights and seem to blend into each other – some days it seems we experience all four in a single day!

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, a warm Atlantic Ocean current, Norway enjoys a warmer climate than other places that share the same latitude, such as Alaska and Siberia. As a rule, areas along the coast such as Bergen have a milder, wetter climate, while inland and mountainous regions experience colder temperatures and more snow in the winter months. The long-stretched region of Fjord Norway also sees some variation from north to south, where the south tends to be a couple of degrees warmer. One thing that north, south, mountains and fjords have in common is that they all experience a lot of weather changes! Watching the skies change from bright blue to stormy grey – and back again - is a fascinating experience but requires some preparation if you have planned on adventures in nature. The temperatures we have included are an average which will differ slightly depending on region and yearly variations, and you can always check the exact forecast at yr.no .

How to dress for an all-year adventure in Fjord Norway .

Spring: March, April, May

Spring is when we are surrounded by water in every shape . You may still experience the odd snowfall or icy pond in April or even May, even though it quickly gives way to a rain shower or a sunny day. Many see their favourite hiking trails start to appear under the disappearing snow in the mountains, which melts into trickling brooks and rumbling rivers. Waterfalls are at their biggest and most impressive in the late spring and early summer. The landscape is painted in bright colours as the trees burst into green. Varying from year to year but normally blossoming in May – June, the many fruit trees in the Hardangerfjord are a stunning white veil next to the blue fjord.

Average temperatures range from 4 – 11 ºC

Summer: June, July, August

The most popular time to visit is also when the weather is at its mildest and most stable . The sun sets late in the evening, and on warm days you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the fjords and lakes. Raspberries and strawberries ripen in June and July, and wild blueberries are a sweet surprise for hikers. Even though temperatures can be around 25 ºC in the milder regions, the weather can still change very quickly and cool summer days with rain showers are not uncommon. Our most popular hikes such as Trolltunga are usually snow-free during summer, and a multitude of adventures in nature are available, from rafting to kayaking and biking, even skiing and glacier hiking.

Average low-high temperatures: 12-16 ºC

Autumn: September, October and November

Autumn is harvest and hunting season , and the perfect time to try a traditional local meal of venison or grouse, with regionally farmed vegetables, fruits and berries. As the bright green forests and fields turn into marvellous golden and red hues, hikers love to explore the trails that are still snow-free. The region usually experiences a temperature drop in October, when the sun dips below the horizon earlier and earlier. As ever, the weather can change very quickly, and it is important to dress according to weather conditions when going on an outdoor adventure or sightseeing trip.

Average low – high temperatures: 4-15 ºC

Winter: December, January, February

The winter months is when many look forward to exploring off-piste ski trails and zip down the slopes, while others enjoy the range of activities to enjoy the snow without skis, such as sleighing, snowshoeing and guided culture walks. Towering grey mountains and sloping hills are covered in snow, whereas cities and towns along the coast and lowland areas normally have milder, wetter weather with little snow. Staying warm and comfy is all about keeping the rain and wind out. Winter fjord cruises, cultural highlights and concerts attract visitors in the winter months for a city break or a stay in a quiet fjord village. This is also the time to learn the meaning of the typical Norwegian expression “kos”. Curling up in front of a fireplace, a warm wool jumper or blanket, good conversation or enjoying a quiet moment: these are the main ingredients for “kos”, which translates roughly into “coziness”.

Average low-high temperatures in coastal areas: 1-5 ºC

Inland and mountain regions: -3 ºC to -8 ºC

More useful information about Fjord Norway

Driving in fjord norway.

Find useful information when travelling by car in Fjord Norway.

Travel by bus to and around Fjord Norway

With a little planning, it is cheap and easy to get to and around Fjord Norway by bus.

Norwegian Scenic Routes - unique driving experiences

Norwegian Scenic Routes are roads that take you through the most beautiful scenery Norway has to offer.

Don't miss these top attractions!

UNESCO sites, world famous hiking trips and the world’s most significant road trip: Fjord Norway can offer all this and much more.

Norwegian Fjords Weather - What To Expect From Each Season

Regional weather differences in norway, southern norway (sørlandet), western norway (vestlandet), northern norway (nord-norge).

Eastern Norway (Østlandet)

Central norway (trøndelag), find your next adventure.

Tour du Mont Blanc (4-Days)

Switzerland

€775  per person

Hike Mount Toubkal (4,167m)

£299  per person

Canoe Across Scotland

United Kingdom

£600  per person

Hike, Kayak and Wild Camp the Norwegian Fjords

£654  per person

Beginners Ice Climbing

£340  per person

Everest Base Camp Trek (15 Days)

$1,597  per person

Inland Norway (Innlandet)

Mountainous areas, fjord region.

Norwegian Fjords Weather: Season By Season

Spring in the norwegian fjords (march to may), weather conditions.

Temperature: Spring temperatures in the fjords typically range from 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F), gradually warming as the season progresses.

Precipitation: Rain is common in spring, so expect occasional showers. Snowmelt from the mountains can lead to rising water levels in the fjords. This also means there are plenty of spectacular Norway fjords waterfalls to see during this season.

What to Expect

Landscape: Spring is a beautiful time to visit the fjords as the surrounding mountains still retain a snowy backdrop, while the valleys start to turn green with new growth. The days start getting longer, and you can expect some clear skies.

Activities: Spring is perfect for hiking in Norway fjords as the trails become accessible after the winter snow melts. It's also a great time for photography, with the fjords' beauty enhanced by blooming wildflowers.

Wildlife: Spring marks the return of migratory birds and the chance to see marine life like seals and porpoises. There is plenty of wildlife in Norway fjords to be seen, and spring marks the best time to see it.

Summer in the Norwegian Fjords (June to August)

Temperature: Summer temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) on average. Some days can be even warmer, especially in the southern fjords.

Precipitation: Summers are relatively dry, with occasional rain showers. However, the weather can be unpredictable. While you’ll be able to enjoy long sunny days in summer, there will probably still be plenty of rain mixed in too.

Landscape: Summer offers a stunning spectacle of lush greenery, blooming flowers, and sparkling fjord waters. The snow at higher elevations begins to recede. This makes summer Norwegian fjords weather the most appealing for most visitors, as the landscape opens up a wider range of activities.

Activities: Summer is ideal for outdoor adventures like going to fish in Norway fjords , taking a kayak tour, and going on a boat trip. Hiking is at its best with clear trails and comfortable temperatures. This is when the Norwegian fjords really start to come alive. Whether you want to do the Pulpit Rock hike , enjoy some kayaking in Norway fjords , or even do some Norwegian fjords camping , summer is hands-down the best time to do it. In fact, many hiking trails are only open during the summer months.

Cultural Events: Many fjord towns host festivals and cultural events during the summer months, providing travellers with what to do in the Norwegian fjords to immerse themselves in local traditions. As this is the busiest time of year for people visiting Norway, there’s always a lot going on.

Autumn in the Norwegian Fjords (September to November)

Temperature: Autumn temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) in September, gradually cooling as the season progresses.

Precipitation: Rainfall increases in the later part of autumn, and you may even witness the first snowfall in higher elevations.

Landscape: Autumn paints the fjords with vibrant red, orange, and golden foliage, creating a breathtaking scene. The shorter days also mean you can witness stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Activities: This season is ideal for peaceful hikes and nature walks, as well as scenic drives to capture the fall colours in the Fjord region. The Norwegian fjords weather in autumn still allows for plenty of outdoor fun, like the best places to visit in Norway for hiking and kayaking, but without all of the crowds. Of course, you should expect shorter, colder, wetter days, but this won’t necessarily stop you from getting outside and experiencing the fjords in all their beauty.

Fjord Cruises : Many Fjord cruises still operate in autumn, offering a unique perspective on the changing landscape. If you’re interested in seeing the fjords from a unique perspective, then a cruise is definitely something to consider.

Winter in the Norwegian Fjords (December to February)

Temperature: Winter temperatures range from -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F) on average, with colder temperatures in the northern fjords.

Precipitation: Snowfall is common, turning the fjord region into a winter wonderland. Frozen fjords are a possibility in some areas.

Landscape: The fjords under a blanket of snow create a pristine and tranquil atmosphere. Winter offers a unique opportunity for photography and Northern Lights viewing. The only downside is that the grey and cloudy skies often limit your views of the fjords.

Activities: Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing , ice fishing, and even dog sledding in certain fjord areas. You won’t be hiking or camping during this time, but if you can brave the cold, there’s still plenty of fun to be had outdoors during winter with our complete ice climbing guide .

Cosy Atmosphere: Winter is perfect for experiencing the cosiness of Norwegian cabins and enjoying traditional dishes by the fireplace. If you’re interested in slowing down and simply relaxing amongst the dramatic fjord landscapes, then winter is an ideal time to do it.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Weather end of May?

By cruise*enthusiast , December 16, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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cruise*enthusiast

We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

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ColeThornton

That's an easy Google search.

"Average temperatures (port name) May"

cruiser2015

35 minutes ago, cruise*enthusiast said: We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

Search the recent threads on this board.

Glacier Bay may have reduced access due to ice.

It will be COLD.

Dry or not, I would give it a hard pass.

Weather in SE Alaska is very unpredictable, but May is probably the most predictable month. Chances are it's going to be in the 50's and sunny but don't be surprised if it's 38 and raining.

Anoynmous Phoenix

Try  https://wanderlog.com/weather/58264/5/ketchikan-weather-in-may#:~:text=The average temperature in Ketchikan,F (6°C).

Then try the other ports too

ChiefMateJRK

We had beautiful weather in May of 2018.  April of this year, first week was very nice, second week was rainy.  I don't remember any of them being excessively COLD.  Cool?  Sure. No worries unless you plan to sunbathe by the pool.

May is usually the month with the least rain in SW Alaska

3 hours ago, cruiser2015 said: Search the recent threads on this board. Glacier Bay may have reduced access due to ice. It will be COLD. Dry or not, I would give it a hard pass.

Apologies for this post - the brain misread the month as being earlier.

Kindly disregard.

42 minutes ago, cruiser2015 said: Apologies for this post - the brain misread the month as being earlier. Kindly disregard.

No worries!!

BirdTravels

5 hours ago, cruise*enthusiast said: We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

Weather dot com.   

Glacier watching day with ice in the water will be cold any time of the year.   

May is early and the salmon won’t be running and wildlife sightings will be less. 

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said: May is early and the salmon won’t be running and wildlife sightings will be less. 

Yes, but won't the views from the train of snow and waterfalls on the mountains be more spectacular?

And the mosquito air force will not have declared their annual war on the human race yet.

Have cruised Alaska in May, July and August. All were great. One advantage of May was the leaves were not full on the trees and being able to actually see the countryside was nice. One of the funnest things was watching the crew members on there day off seeing snow for the first time. They had an entertaining snow ball fight. If I was only going to sail Alaska once, May wouldn't be my choice, I would look at July or August, but the cruise was great.

Juneau May 2023

Skagway May 2023

Ketchikan May 2023

25 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Yes, but won't the views from the train of snow and waterfalls on the mountains be more spectacular?

We cruise Alaska every year.

Last year, we sailed on May 30 and it was too early.

This year we sailed on September 3 it was too late.

In 2021 we sailed on August 7.

We have not booked yet, but will probably sail in early August 2024

42 minutes ago, BirdTravels said: Last year, we sailed on May 30 and it was too early.

Why was it too early?

I sailed AK three times this year.  Twice in April and once in July/August.  Had a great time every single time.  I live in a place where it is basically always Summer.  I don't want more Summer on every cruise.  IOW, I don't think there is a right universal answer as to when is best for AK.  I had an end-of-October cruise there in 2021, and it was fantastic.  Snowing in Glacier Bay.  Rocky waves heading back to Seattle (arrived a couple hours late).  Very enjoyable and very memorable.

LatinaInTexas

7 hours ago, cruise*enthusiast said: We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

We will be on the 19th-26th sailing. Will be our first Alaska cruise. We had to sail in April or May due to circumstances. I wanted to sail in August so I'm hoping for decent weather. I won't mind cool after the last few crazy hot summers here in Texas but don't want rain 🤞

In Alaska you can get rain any day, everyday, or not at all. Doesn't really matter what month it is.

Sailed Alaska mid May this year. Great weather! Would not hesitate going in May, or even April again! I care more about the views than the wildlife, but we saw some whales and other sea life from the ship.

19 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Why was it too early?

We're into wildlife and being able to do some walking... remembering that we're old and see snowy mountains most of the winter. 

19 hours ago, vswan said: In Alaska you can get rain any day, everyday, or not at all. Doesn't really matter what month it is.

It is a rainforest. Juneau has 224 rainy days a year. Ketchikan is one of the wettest cities in the U.S. 

39 minutes ago, BirdTravels said: It is a rainforest. Juneau has 224 rainy days a year. Ketchikan is one of the wettest cities in the U.S. 

Oh well.  We are on a cruise in Alaska, something many people will never have the chance to do.  I think we'll be OK.   😉

Take a poncho. Even though I had a raincoat which did quite well, found that having something that would cover me from over my head to about knee length worked really well. Kept anything I was carrying along dry and could shake out and hang to dry. Also pack a second pair of shoes for walking. If one gets wet it may not dry overnight. No fun putting on wet shoes for a day of touring.

44 minutes ago, cruise*enthusiast said: Oh well.  We are on a cruise in Alaska, something many people will never have the chance to do.  I think we'll be OK.   😉

You will definitely be o.k. Alaska is our favorite cruise destination and we cruise there every year. 

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Norwegian Breakaway Cancels Visits to Tortola

• April 30, 2024

According to the British Virgin Islands Port Authority, Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling five calls in Road Town, Tortola between mid-May and late June 2024.

The visits were part of a series of seven-night cruises to the Caribbean scheduled for the Norwegian Breakaway.

According to the BVI Ports Authority, the calls were canceled due to engine overhauls onboard the vessel, which will be operating at reduced speed.

The affected cruises sail from PortMiami and feature destinations in the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas.

In addition to Tortola, the itineraries include visits to Amber Cove, Tortola, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay.

The canceled visits were scheduled to take place on May 16, May 23, May 30, June 20, and June 27, 2024.

In a statement sent to booked guests and travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the cancellation.

“As part of our commitment to deliver exceptional vacation experiences at every step of the cruise journey, listening to our guests is instrumental,” the company said.

“Given recent feedback, and to accommodate certain circumstances including but not limited to fuel optimization as part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts, as well as global maritime regulations, we have adjusted the original itinerary,” Norwegian Cruise Line continued.

“While we will no longer be calling Tortola, British Virgin Islands, we are pleased to share that we have extended our visit to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, affording you additional time to explore all our private island has to offer,” the company added.

As a gesture of appreciation and acknowledgement of the inconvenience caused, affected guests will receive a $100 non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom, the statement added.

Currently sailing from PortMiami, the Norwegian Breakaway is offering four- to ten-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

In late August, the 2013-built vessel repositions to New York City for a series of itineraries to Bermuda and Canada & New England.

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Here's what to expect from Norwegian Cruise Line's earnings report

• On May 1, Norwegian Cruise Line will release figures for Q1.
• Analysts expect Norwegian Cruise Line will report earnings per share of $0.089.
• Go here to watch Norwegian Cruise Line stock price in real-time on Markets Insider.

Norwegian Cruise Line will release figures for the most recent quarter on May 1.

17 analysts estimate that Norwegian Cruise Line will report earnings of $0.089 per share compared to losses of $0.380 per share from the same quarter last year.

Estimates from analysts predict sales for the quarter to come in at $2.23 billion. That would represent an increase of 22.14% compared to the prior year quarter.

For the fiscal year, analysts expect earnings per share of $1.28 compared to $0.390 in the previous year. On average, they are expecting revenue to come in at $9.34 billion, compared to $ 8.55 billion last year.

This story was written by Markets Insider's RoboEddy, which automatically writes these stories based on data provided by our partners.

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How to play norwegian cruise (nclh) ahead of q1 earnings.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. NCLH is scheduled to report first-quarter 2024 results on May 1, before the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 12 cents per share. It reported an adjusted loss per share of 30 cents a year ago. The consensus mark for revenues is pegged at $2.24 billion, implying a 22.7% jump from the year-ago level. Robust demand for its Norwegian Cruise Line brand, record-high bookings and higher pricing levels are likely to have aided the company’s performance.  Our model predicts passenger ticket revenues, and onboard and other revenues to improve 25.8% and 4.1%, respectively, from the year-ago levels to $1,520.4 million and $638.2 million.  We expect occupancy to be 104.8%. The cruise industry giant's performance outlook appears promising, but investors must weigh potential risks against anticipated rewards before making investment decisions.

Booking & Fleet Expansion Drive Optimism

NCLH continues to benefit from robust booking. It is witnessing healthy demand across all markets, brands and products. Management intends to focus on strategic marketing efforts to drive demand and high-value bookings in the upcoming periods. For 2024, it expects healthy net yield growth of approximately 5.4% on a constant currency basis on the back of improved occupancy and pricing strength. Norwegian Cruise is constantly looking to expand its fleet size, which is currently at 32. In 2023, the company added three new world-class ships to its fleet, one for each of its three award-winning brands. It introduced Oceania Cruises Vista in May, Norwegian Viva in August and Regent Seven Seas Grandeur in November. It plans to introduce five more ships through 2028. For the Oceania Cruises brand, NCLH has one Allura Class Ships to be delivered in 2025. For the Norwegian brand, it has four Prima Class Ships on order, with scheduled delivery dates from 2025 through 2028. These additions are expected to increase its total berths to approximately 82,500.

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High Costs Pose Challenges

Despite the positive outlook, Norwegian Cruise faces challenges associated with high operating expenses, particularly payroll, fuel and transportation costs. The company remains cautious of increased expenses, particularly in terms of fuel and capacity additions. Total cruise operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 are projected to rise 7.7% from the year-ago level.

Wrapping Up

While Norwegian Cruise’s long-term prospects appear promising amid solid booking trends and new ship additions, investors are advised to exercise caution. Despite a notable 30.9% increase in its stock price over the past year, concerns over high operating costs suggest the need for prudence. As the travel industry continues its recovery, NCLH's performance outlook remains positive, but potential investors may prefer to await a more opportune entry point.

What the Zacks Model Unveils

Per our proven model, stocks with a combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increase the chances of an earnings beat. At present, Norwegian Cruise has an Earnings ESP of -9.41% and a Zacks Rank of 3. Hence, it is presumed that Norwegian Cruise is unlikely to beat estimates this season.     You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Stocks Poised to Beat

Here are some stocks from the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector that investors may consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around. Fox Corporation FOXA has an Earnings ESP of +8.73% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here . FOXA is expected to register a 23.4% year-over-year increase in earnings for the to-be-reported quarter. It reported better-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 71.1%. DraftKings Inc. DKNG currently has an Earnings ESP of +12.65% and a Zacks Rank of 3. DKNG’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 67.8% year over year. It reported better-than-expected earnings in two of the trailing four quarters and missed on the other two occasions, with an average negative surprise of 57.1%. Funko, Inc. FNKO currently has an Earnings ESP of +6.90% and a Zacks Rank of 3. FNKO’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 40.8% year over year. It reported better-than-expected earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 42.8%. Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

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• The Inventory

Big Nude Cesspool Cruise Heads For Miami

The naked cruise, aboard the 965-foot-long norwegian pearl, is set to take sail february 2025..

Do you feel your life isn’t hellish enough as it is? Do you feel that both cruise ships and the city of Miami are too sanitary and clean ? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then I’ve got good news for you: there’s a nude cruise setting sail from the port of Miami in February 2025.

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Bare Necessities Tour and Travel announced its latest nude cruise will be aboard the Norwegian Sky cruise ship . Butt-ass naked travelers will embark on a 10-day trip to the Caribbean with stops in places like the Bahamas , Puerto Rico and St. Lucia From February 3 to 14 of next year, according to KKTV CBS 11 News . According to the trip’s itinerary, there are plenty of naked experiences to be had, including nude beach days on a private island and entire nude days at sea. This is hell.

Don’t worry about uncouth nudists, though. CBS11 says there will be “proper nudist etiquette ” and other rules for guests onboard like no photo zones in and around the pool area and dance venues. So much for this being a free country. The company recommends that passengers bring some sort of casual clothing for the times they need to be at least a bit covered up, along with a swimsuit since not every excursion with be clothing optional. Unfortunately, lingerie and fetish wear are not acceptable forms of clothing.

Here’s more about the nude dos-and-don’t aboard the 965-foot-long Norwegian Pearl as well as what’s available onboard, from the Miami New Times :

However, passengers are free to be naked when the ship is at sea or anchored in a port, including at the vessel’s self-serve buffet on the pool deck. Several clothing-optional excursions will be available for purchase. Norwegian notes that failure to comply with its decorum rules will be grounds for banishment from the ship, without refunds or transportation from the port of dismissal. [...] The 2,300-passenger ship will offer 16 dining options, including French, Italian, Brazilian, and Asian cuisine, 14 bars and lounges, a casino, and a spa, and a duty-free designer boutique.

If you are interested in joining hell on the high waters, tickets for the Big Nude Boat 2025 cruise are currently on sale , with prices starting at $2,000 for a double occupancy. If you’re a big nude spender, you can lock in the Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villa for $33,155 per person. What a deal.

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Shore Excursion Details

Ensenada gastronomy and history, ensenada, mexico.

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• 4 hrs Estimate Duration

See a remarkable number of historical attractions at a whirlwind pace and enjoy snacks and drinks in between, an experience that will present an authentic picture of Ensenada. You will pause to snap photos at landmarks that include the colorful Ensenada sign, the Tara statue that represents Mother Earth, the dramatic Fisherman’s Monument and Bodegas de Santo Tomás, the oldest winery in Baja California. And that is just for starters. A brief but enlightening stop at the Regional History Museum will set the stage for another historical immersion at Ensenada’s cultural center, which is housed in the former Hotel Riviera del Pacifico. You will be served an icy margarita, an iconic Mexican beverage that is said to have been invented in the hotel’s Bar Andaluz. You will also enjoy a beer at Hussong’s Cantina – a fixture since 1892 – and a ceviche tostada and a flavored water at yet another iconic spot.

• Visit a surprising number of iconic destinations in just a short period of time. • Pause for photos at landmarks ranging from the Ensenada sign to Baja’s oldest winery. • Enjoy a margarita at Bar Andaluz, where this quintessential Mexican cocktail was invented. • Drink a beer at famed Hussong’s Cantina and snack on a ceviche tostada.

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• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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• 3 Challenging

Raiders announce inaugural fan cruise through Mexican Riviera

by Matthew Seeman

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The autumn wind might be a Raider, but Raider Nation can set sail on the first-ever fan cruise next spring.

Silver & Black faithful are invited to board the Norwegian Blizz from the Port of Los Angeles for a seven-night cruise of the Mexican Riviera, the Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday.

Team alumni are set to join fans for the adventure as they sail to Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

Activities include meet-and-greets, group dinners, a beach party, autographs and photo opportunities, "Down Memory Lane" highlights presentations, and more.

The cruise is a partnership between the Raiders and Seaside Events. The experience is scheduled to run March 23-30, 2025.

"As a cruise events company, we feel a cruise experience presents a unique and exciting way for fans and players to bond with each other as they explore and discover new destinations together," Robert Chamberlin, CEO of Seaside Events, said in a statement.

Visit RaidersFanCruise.com to learn more. The roster of alumni will be announced at a later date.

This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

F or Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

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Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Weather end of May?

By cruise*enthusiast , December 16, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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cruise*enthusiast

We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

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ColeThornton

That's an easy Google search.

"Average temperatures (port name) May"

cruiser2015

35 minutes ago, cruise*enthusiast said: We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

Search the recent threads on this board.

Glacier Bay may have reduced access due to ice.

It will be COLD.

Dry or not, I would give it a hard pass.

Weather in SE Alaska is very unpredictable, but May is probably the most predictable month. Chances are it's going to be in the 50's and sunny but don't be surprised if it's 38 and raining.

Anoynmous Phoenix

Try  https://wanderlog.com/weather/58264/5/ketchikan-weather-in-may#:~:text=The average temperature in Ketchikan,F (6°C).

Then try the other ports too

ChiefMateJRK

We had beautiful weather in May of 2018.  April of this year, first week was very nice, second week was rainy.  I don't remember any of them being excessively COLD.  Cool?  Sure. No worries unless you plan to sunbathe by the pool.

May is usually the month with the least rain in SW Alaska

3 hours ago, cruiser2015 said: Search the recent threads on this board. Glacier Bay may have reduced access due to ice. It will be COLD. Dry or not, I would give it a hard pass.

Apologies for this post - the brain misread the month as being earlier.

Kindly disregard.

42 minutes ago, cruiser2015 said: Apologies for this post - the brain misread the month as being earlier. Kindly disregard.

No worries!!

BirdTravels

5 hours ago, cruise*enthusiast said: We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

Weather dot com.   

Glacier watching day with ice in the water will be cold any time of the year.   

May is early and the salmon won’t be running and wildlife sightings will be less. 

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said: May is early and the salmon won’t be running and wildlife sightings will be less. 

Yes, but won't the views from the train of snow and waterfalls on the mountains be more spectacular?

And the mosquito air force will not have declared their annual war on the human race yet.

Have cruised Alaska in May, July and August. All were great. One advantage of May was the leaves were not full on the trees and being able to actually see the countryside was nice. One of the funnest things was watching the crew members on there day off seeing snow for the first time. They had an entertaining snow ball fight. If I was only going to sail Alaska once, May wouldn't be my choice, I would look at July or August, but the cruise was great.

Juneau May 2023

Skagway May 2023

Ketchikan May 2023

25 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Yes, but won't the views from the train of snow and waterfalls on the mountains be more spectacular?

We cruise Alaska every year.

Last year, we sailed on May 30 and it was too early.

This year we sailed on September 3 it was too late.

In 2021 we sailed on August 7.

We have not booked yet, but will probably sail in early August 2024

42 minutes ago, BirdTravels said: Last year, we sailed on May 30 and it was too early.

Why was it too early?

I sailed AK three times this year.  Twice in April and once in July/August.  Had a great time every single time.  I live in a place where it is basically always Summer.  I don't want more Summer on every cruise.  IOW, I don't think there is a right universal answer as to when is best for AK.  I had an end-of-October cruise there in 2021, and it was fantastic.  Snowing in Glacier Bay.  Rocky waves heading back to Seattle (arrived a couple hours late).  Very enjoyable and very memorable.

LatinaInTexas

7 hours ago, cruise*enthusiast said: We are sailing on the Encore (on the itinerary that includes Glacier Bay).  What can we expect the weather to be temperature wise in each port?  We chose this time of year because I read that it is the driest time of year.  Does anyone have the Freestyle Dailies for the end of May so that I can see the temperatures at each port?  Thanks!

We will be on the 19th-26th sailing. Will be our first Alaska cruise. We had to sail in April or May due to circumstances. I wanted to sail in August so I'm hoping for decent weather. I won't mind cool after the last few crazy hot summers here in Texas but don't want rain 🤞

In Alaska you can get rain any day, everyday, or not at all. Doesn't really matter what month it is.

Sailed Alaska mid May this year. Great weather! Would not hesitate going in May, or even April again! I care more about the views than the wildlife, but we saw some whales and other sea life from the ship.

19 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Why was it too early?

We're into wildlife and being able to do some walking... remembering that we're old and see snowy mountains most of the winter. 

19 hours ago, vswan said: In Alaska you can get rain any day, everyday, or not at all. Doesn't really matter what month it is.

It is a rainforest. Juneau has 224 rainy days a year. Ketchikan is one of the wettest cities in the U.S. 

39 minutes ago, BirdTravels said: It is a rainforest. Juneau has 224 rainy days a year. Ketchikan is one of the wettest cities in the U.S. 

Oh well.  We are on a cruise in Alaska, something many people will never have the chance to do.  I think we'll be OK.   😉

Take a poncho. Even though I had a raincoat which did quite well, found that having something that would cover me from over my head to about knee length worked really well. Kept anything I was carrying along dry and could shake out and hang to dry. Also pack a second pair of shoes for walking. If one gets wet it may not dry overnight. No fun putting on wet shoes for a day of touring.

44 minutes ago, cruise*enthusiast said: Oh well.  We are on a cruise in Alaska, something many people will never have the chance to do.  I think we'll be OK.   😉

You will definitely be o.k. Alaska is our favorite cruise destination and we cruise there every year. 

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Child seriously hurt as number of dead rises after airstrike in Odesa seaside park

The Ukrainian authorities say the number of victims from a Russian airstrike in Odesa has risen, with many more injured. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:19, UK

• Number of victims from Odesa attack rises to five, with child badly hurt
• Watch: Massive building in flames after attack
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Live events elsewhere mean we are leaving our coverage of the Ukraine war there for the day. 

The main development this morning was the rise in the number of people killed in a Russian strike on Odesa yesterday to five.

Read more details in our posts below - and we'll be back with rolling updates and analysis of the war soon.

At least two people have been killed in another Russian strike, this time targeting the northeastern city of Kharkiv, local officials say.

Six more have been wounded in the attack, which Governor Oleh Synehubov says was carried out using guided bombs, according to preliminary information.

The attack damaged a residential building in one of the city districts, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. 

Emergency services are on the scene, local officials say.

Yesterday, a woman was reportedly injured after a "series of explosions" hit the city, according to the mayor.

Russia denies targeting civilians in the war that is now in its third year.

As we reported yesterday, a Russian missile attack targeted an educational institution in a popular seafront park in the Black Sea port of Odesa.

The number of victims from that airstrike has risen, with five people now reported to have died. 

Local officials had initially said four were killed.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said in addition to those killed in the attack, one man died after suffering a stroke attributed to the strike.

Another 32 are said to be injured, eight of whom seriously - including a four-year-old child.

A pregnant woman and another child are also among the injured.

"Monsters, beasts, savages, scum, I don't know what else to say," Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

"People are going for a walk by the sea and they are shooting and killing."

Video footage, which could not be immediately verified, showed people receiving treatment on the street alongside pools of blood. 

One photo showed officials examining part of a missile.

Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said the strike was conducted by an Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead.

Odesa has been a frequent target of Russian missile and drone attacks, particular port infrastructure.

Hello and welcome back to our coverage of the war in Ukraine. 

Yesterday a Russian attack on the port city of Odesa killed at least four people, while dramatic footage showed a massive education facility ablaze in the aftermath. 

Here are the other key events to get you up to speed on from the past 24 hours:

• More than 30 Ukrainian conscripts have died while trying to cross the border illegally to avoid mobilisation, a Ukrainian official said;
• The Duchess of Edinburgh met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin;
• Debris recovered from a missile that landed in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv on 2 January was North Korean, according to the United Nations;
• NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg visited Kyiv for a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy;
• In a joint news conference, Mr Stoltenberg said NATO allies had "not delivered" on their military aid pledges to Ukraine in recent months, saying that "serious delays" had led to negative consequences on the battlefield;
• Mr Zelenskyy also called for the delivery of Western weapons to Kyiv's troops to be sped up;
• Russia's defence ministry claimed its forces have taken control of the village of Semenivka in the eastern Donetsk region;
• European Council president Charles Michel said the Russian invasion of Ukraine has given "new impetus" to calls for the EU to be enlarged beyond the 27 members;
• Germany's public prosecutor's office said it was assessing whether a political motive was behind the killing of two Ukrainian soldiers in Murnau.

As we reported a short time ago, the Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Sophie met the Ukrainian president and first lady Olena Zelenska and delivered a message to them on behalf of the King, Buckingham Palace said.

You can watch footage from her trip here...

Throughout the day, we've been reporting on a Russian attack on the city of Odesa in Ukraine, which has killed at least four people. 

These images show a burning educational institution building, which was struck. 

Airline Finnair has said it is pausing flights to Tartu in eastern Estonia for the next month, due to GPS disturbances in the area.

"Finnair will suspend its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from 29 April to 31 May, so that an alternative approach solution that does not require a GPS signal can be put in place at Tartu Airport," the Finnish airline said in a statement.

Finnair last week had to divert two flights back to Helsinki after GPS interference prevented the approach to Tartu airport, although a spokesperson said the company did not now where the interference came from.

However, Tallinn seems certain as where the issues are originating. 

"It is a fact that Russia affects GPS devices in our region’s airspace," Estonia's foreign minister said via a spokesperson.

Margus Tsahkna added that Estonia will raise the issue of GPS interference with its neighbours, and intends to discuss it with the EU and NATO. 

GPS jamming and spoofing have grown worse in eastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Middle East, all areas close to conflict zones, according to industry group OpsGroup. 

More than 30 Ukrainian conscripts have died while trying to cross the border illegally to avoid mobilisation, a Ukrainian official has said.

Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service,  told Ukrinform that some men are prepared to pay "large sums" of money to groups promising to smuggle them across the border safely.

"Then they are faced with the fact that the route runs along a mountain river," he said.

Many conscripts have lost their lives after realising they didn't have the strength to swim the river, Mr Demchenko added.

"In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, about 30 people have died trying to cross the border illegally," he said.

Such attempts occur "every day", he said.

For context: Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

It lets draft officers call up men of a certain age to fight on the front line.

In April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed off a new law lowering the age of draft-eligible men from 27 to 25, in a bid to boost troop numbers in his depleted ranks.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Her visit is aimed at demonstrating "solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence", the palace said.

Three women and a man have died after a Russian attack on Odesa.

A further 28 people have been injured, including two children aged five and 16. A pregnant woman has also been hurt.

This video shows the aftermath of the attack. 

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