Norway
We’d been dreaming about a cruise to Norway for a while—where we would see magnificent waterfalls, snow-capped mountain peaks, and charming towns. When I learned that starting in January 2026, Norway would ban all non-zero-emission cruise ships from its fjords, suddenly, our “someday” trip couldn’t wait any longer.
So we booked a summer 2025 cruise with friends—and it was every bit as wonderful as we imagined.
Several different cruise lines visit the fjords, each offering a variety of ports to visit. We chose Celebrity in part because of the stop in Molde.
Molde
Nicknamed the “City of Roses” due to lavish gardens filled with various species and colors, Molde is a small town originally part of a trading route in the middle ages.
It has plenty to offer, but I had one thing at the top of my list: driving the famous Atlantic Ocean Road. This five-mile stretch of highway goes from island to island over a series of dramatic bridges, with the North Atlantic so close to the roadway that waves actually splash over it on stormy days. I’d seen photos and since it was on my bucket list, I really wanted to ge there. Even in the rain, it was beautiful.
After our scenic drive, we explored on foot. A gravel trail through the coastal dunes of Romsdal led us through open meadows right along the Atlantic, part of the beautiful Farstadbukta nature reserve. We spotted wild coastal flowers, stumbled across an old German shell from World War II, and even passed a massive Viking burial mound—about 3,000 years old! The trail eventually brought us to a lighthouse and then to the sands of Farstadsanden Beach.
All photos in this section by Marge Dwyer
Molde gave us a taste of Nordic history and sweeping vistas. But the beauty of a cruise is that the adventure doesn’t end in one port, and our next stop promised a whole new adventure.
Olden
If there’s one place in Norway that feels like it was pulled straight from a postcard, it’s Olden. This is the kind of destination where you could stay for days and never run out of things to do. Tucked among some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, Olden is the gateway to the Briksdal Glacier, Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Loen Skylift, and Mount Stryn—just to name a few highlights.
When I think of Norway, Olden is the picture that comes to mind with its bright red houses scattered across lush green hillsides, their reflections shimmering in crystal-clear water, all framed by snow-capped peaks..Even the rooftops here tell a story. Many are blanketed with grass and moss, part of a centuries-old sod roof tradition that not only blends homes into the landscape but also provides insulation and stability.
One of the highlights of our visit was riding the Loen Skylift, which whisked us to the top of Mount Hoven—3,316 feet above sea level—for a view that left me completely awestruck. From the summit, we could see the inner stretch of Nordfjord spread out, with our tiny cruise ship seen in the distance. Up top, there were trails to wander, a cozy restaurant and bar, and shops to browse—but honestly, I spent most of my time just gazing out at the beauty of the place, trying to etch that view into memory.
All photos and video in this section by Marge Dwyer
As our ship slowly pulled away from Olden, locals were waving flags as majestic music filled the air—a farewell that felt like both a celebration of their stunning home and a heartfelt thank-you for visiting. The video is below.
Stavanger
Photo by Marge Dwyer
The third largest city in Norway, Stavanger is home to Pulpit Rock. Given the short amount of time we had at the dock, we did not hike to and then stand on Pulpit Rock, which if I’m honest, I would have had a hard time standing on anyway. Jutting out about 2000 feet above the fjord, there are no safety barriers.
Instead, we spent some time exploring the city. Just a short stroll from the harbor, the Stavanger Cathedral rose before us, a piece of living history. Built in the Middle Ages and in continuous use since the 1300s, it’s the only cathedral in Norway to have retained its original architecture. By pure luck, we arrived during a graduation ceremony for nurses, who were wearing traditional outfits representing the region from which they came. They were very friendly, spending quite a bit of time talking with us.
The Norsk Oljemuseum (The Petroleum Museum) provides information about how the oil industry has become the country’s most important industry. Ironically, Norway exports far more oil than it uses itself. It has become a very wealthy country and has been so financially prudent that it is able to offer a pension for every resident.
The swords in rock is a sculpture set on the side of a bay and is meant to commemorate the battle of Hafrsfjord when Harald Fairhair united Norway into one kingdom. They symbolize peace, unity and freedom.
I can see why Stavanger is the street art capital of Norway. Color and creativity is everywhere - on many buildings and even a street itself. Known locally as Fargegaten (the color street), it was designed by a Scottish artist because a hair stylist and other businesses wanted to attract customers to the area.
Kristiansand
What a charming place! So charming in fact that it is where the Norwegians go to vacation! We visited a fish market (Fiskebasaren) in the Fiskebrygga pier area. It was a fun gathering spot with plenty of restaurants and shops and lots of recreational boaters coming and going. Crossing over a bridge and then through an arch of flowers, we arrived at the Otterdalsparken Fountain Park, an area with granite fountains.. We spent time at the Bystranda City Beach, where the 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress was located. And we visited the old town, Posebyen, which was founded by King Christian IV in 1641, and walked by charming, old white wooden houses.
Trolls are a thing in Norway and can be found everywhere. The folklore about trolls has roots in Norse mythology and is a term used for human-like beings of varying sizes whose appearance can be rather odd, even scary.
Some legends attest that trolls turn to stone when exposed to sunlight. That must have been the case with these particular trolls that were found in the town square near the Kristiansand Cathedral.
We did not have time to visit the Kilden Performing Arts Center, which is home to the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and boasts a beautiful oak roof that mirrors the ripples of waves from the water below. But it was certainly a site to behold on our return to the ship.
As we glided out of Kristiansand, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have experienced some of Norway’s fjords, with their waterfalls, peaks, and postcard-perfect villages, giving us memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s a destination worth visiting. And the good news is, you still have time! Since the initial ruling, the timeline for non-zero emission cruise ships has been extended for larger ships to 2032.
Norway—a place of stunning natural beauty and friendly people that leaves a lasting impression.
Ha en fin dag! (Have a nice day).