Princess Cruises Norway Fjords Guide — Travel Hacks

Skjolden Norway Sky Princess

My son Tanner and me in Norway

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Sky Princess is one of the most breathtaking itineraries you can take — dramatic cliffs, peaceful villages, and fjords so still they look like glass. Thanks to a Princess Cruises casino deal, I booked this unforgettable trip for my family, traveling with my 17‑year‑old son Tanner and my parents in their mid‑70s. Multi‑generational cruising is my favorite way to bring everyone together, and this itinerary delivered memories we’ll talk about forever.

If you’re planning a Norway cruise — or wondering how to book one affordably using points, miles, and smart strategies — this guide covers everything you need to know.


Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.

Ready to start planning your 2026 sailing? Compare prices, itineraries, and cabin options:

Sky Princess Norway Fjords Itinerary Overview

We sailed the first week of August on a 7‑day Sky Princess itinerary. The original plan included four ports, but due to a storm, we missed Olden (and our glacier hike — sad!). Thankfully, the excursion company refunded us before we even left the ship.

Ports on Our Itinerary

  • Haugesund — Viking Farm experience

  • Skjolden — peaceful fjord village

  • Stavanger — Lysefjord & Pulpit Rock boat tour

  • Oldenmissed due to weather

Each port offered something completely different, and I’ve linked individual port guides where you can see exactly what we did.


Planning a Norway cruise? Explore all my Norway guides here → Explore Norway

🚢 Ready to sail smarter with Princess Cruises? Dive into our full guide packed with itinerary tips, cruise hacks, and budget-friendly strategies for unforgettable voyages—whether you're chasing fjords or Caribbean sunsets. Explore the Princess Cruises Guide now -> Princess Cruises 2026 Guide 

Why We Chose This Cruise (Casino Deal + Points Strategy)

This trip was made possible through a Princess casino offer, plus smart use of:

  • Airline points

  • Hotel points

  • Travel credit card perks

  • A flexible mindset during delays

If you want to learn how we booked this trip for a fraction of the cost, check out my guide: 👉 Affordable Norway Fjord Cruise

Travel Delay Tips & Chase Sapphire Insurance

Our trip started with weather delays in the U.S. — the kind that make your stomach drop. We were rerouted multiple times, eventually flying Nashville → Boston → London instead of our original Atlanta connection.

This is exactly why I always fly in the day before a cruise.

Because I booked our flights with my Chase Sapphire card, we were covered by its built‑in travel insurance. Over the past year, I’ve filed two successful claims, and this delay will be my third. It has saved us hundreds in unexpected hotel and meal costs.

If you’ve ever dealt with a travel delay, you know how stressful it can be. Having the right card makes a huge difference.

Where We Stayed in London (Top Hotel Picks)

We missed our original London hotel due to delays, but here are three great options for pre‑ or post‑cruise stays:

I have personally stayed at each of the hotels above and would recommend them all.

Packing smart means cruising stress-free. Here’s what to bring, what to skip, and how to make your cabin feel like home. 👉 See the cabin checklist


London to Southampton Transfers (What We Used)

We originally booked a transfer from our London hotel, but after realizing we wouldn’t make it, I contacted the company through Viator and asked to switch pickup to Heathrow. They adjusted everything quickly and easily.

  • Landed at 6:30 AM

  • Met our driver at 7:20 AM

  • Arrived at Southampton by 8:30 AM

We used two different transfer companies for arrival and departure — both were fantastic. 👉 See my full Southampton Transfers guide.

🌎 Wondering where points can take you? Here’s where I’ve gone using miles, points, and clever hacks. See My Redemptions → Real Points & Miles Adventures

What to Pack for a Norway Fjords Cruise

Norway weather changes fast — sun, rain, wind, repeat. Packing smart makes the trip so much easier.

Cruise Essentials I Recommend

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Waterproof shoes

  • Crossbody bag

  • Binoculars

  • Phone Charger

  • Comfortable travel pants

👉 Find this and more on my Amazon Norway Cruise Essentials

Port Highlights: Haugesund, Skjolden & Stavanger

Haugesund — Viking Farm

I booked this specifically for my dad after discovering Viking ancestry in our family tree. He loved every minute of it.

Skjolden — Peaceful Fjord Village

We explored on foot and soaked in the scenery. If I had known we’d miss Olden, I would’ve booked a RIB boat tour — they sell out early.

Stavanger — Lysefjord & Pulpit Rock Boat Tour

This was perfect for our multi‑generational group. Beautiful, relaxing, and a great way to see the fjord without hiking.

Sky Princess

Our Ship Docked in Skjolden

About the Sky Princess (Our Second Time Sailing Her)

This was my second time on the Sky Princess, and she’s just as stunning as I remembered. I first sailed her on a Caribbean itinerary earlier this year — you can read that sunny adventure here.

The ship is perfect for fjord cruising thanks to:

  • Large open decks

  • Plenty of viewing spots

  • Smooth sailing

  • Great dining options

Post‑Cruise London Stay

After disembarking, we spent a night at the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars — and it was wonderful.

Princess Cruises Norway Fjords

Highlights:

  • Fantastic staff

  • Beautiful rooms

  • Walkable to Parliament Square

  • Easy access to the Thames, Trafalgar Square & Churchill War Rooms

A perfect way to end the trip.

Final Thoughts

Sailing through the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Sky Princess was pure magic. Even with travel delays and a missed port, this itinerary delivered unforgettable moments for our entire family.

I’m grateful we got to experience it — and even more grateful we did it using points, perks, and smart travel strategies.

If you’re planning a Norway cruise or considering Princess Cruises for your next adventure, I hope this guide helps you travel smarter and stress‑free.

👉 Don’t miss my Caribbean Sky Princess trip for more cruise inspiration.


FAQ: Princess Cruises Norway Fjords

Is a Norway Fjords cruise worth it?

Absolutely — the scenery is unlike anything else in the world.

What month is best for cruising the fjords?

June–August offers the best weather and longest daylight.

Is the Sky Princess good for fjord viewing?

Yes — the open decks and layout make it ideal.

Do you need waterproof clothing?

Yes. Norway weather changes quickly.

Are Norway cruise ports walkable?

Most are very walkable, especially Skjolden and Stavanger.








Previous
Previous

Holland America Eurodam Cruise Review: Tips and Secrets

Next
Next

London Hilton Bankside Review — Family Stay