Why Small Cruise Lines Might Just Offer the Best Norwegian Experience

When you think about cruising to Norway, you might think of fjords, waterfalls, and pretty coastal towns.

It’s a stunning destination, no matter how or when you visit.

If you’re looking for an intimate, immersive, and more personal experience, a small cruise line might be the best choice for your Norwegian adventure.

Here’s why smaller cruise lines might deliver the best way to explore Norway.

#1 Closer Access to Norway’s Hidden Gems

Big cruise ships can only dock in large ports, which are beautiful – but often busy with other cruise passengers.

Small cruise lines, on the other hand, can access more remote towns and villages and lesser-known fjords.

When I sailed on a smaller ship, we stopped at ports where I felt we were the only visitors.

We wandered quiet streets, found small shops and cafes, and soaked up the scenery without a crowd in sight.

That’s a level of peacefulness you just don’t get when larger ships are in town.

If you sail to a bigger city like Bergen, for example, there could be three or four ships in port.

I have actually had one occasion where the cruiseline changed itinerary at the last moment, because even they thought that too many ships would be docked in Bergen!

norwegian fjords cruise bergen funicular railway cable car prices norway — Crowds waiting to travel on Bergen’s Fløibanen – A Funicular Railway

A ship like P&O’s Iona holds five thousand passengers. To put that in context, Geirangerfjord (a beautiful world heritage area) has a population of only eight hundred and fifty people!

Everyone you see in the village is likely to have come off the same ship as you, and there is little chance to see local life and culture.

#2 A More Relaxed Atmosphere Onboard

Smaller ships mean fewer passengers.

You’re not jostling for space in the buffet queue or trying to find some all-important free deck space. It feels more like you are in a boutique hotel than a floating city at sea.

On my last small-ship cruise to Norway, I spent most afternoons with a cup of tea on the observation deck, chatting with other guests while admiring the passing scenery.

Fred Olsen Bolette Afternoon tea — I loved the afternoon teas on Fred Olsen’s Bolette

It felt very relaxed – no busy schedules, no endless queues, I could just sit back and enjoy my surroundings.

That cruise was onboard Fred Olsen’s Bolette, a winter cruise where I went “In search of the Northern Lights”. Find out whether I found them – and what I thought of that small ship experience here:

#3 Amazing Views In Every Direction

Small ships are designed for destinations like Norway. They often have panoramic lounges, open-air decks, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

You’ll often find fewer obstructions and better views, no matter where you are onboard.

When we cruised through Geirangerfjord on a smaller ship, the captain slowed right down so everyone could take in the views.

The ship’s size meant we could get closer to the waterfalls, and I saw spotted seals sunbathing on the rocks. It was magical.

If you sail to Norway on one of the bigger ships sailing for mainstream cruise lines, they may have a “ship within a ship” concept. (like the exclusive MSC Yacht Club or Norwegian’s Haven areas).

The best views and observation lounges are reserved for those who have paid more and are staying in these exclusive areas.

You don’t get that on smaller ships, and all areas are open to all passengers.

Find out about my amazing experience in MSC Yacht club below. That cruise was definitely ship-focused rather than destination-focused, and it was great to see how “the other half live”!

#4 Immersive Shore Excursions

With fewer passengers to manage, small cruise lines can offer more personalised and unusual shore excursions.

You could try kayaking along a fjord, hiking to an amazing viewpoint, or joining a local guide to explore their hometown.

I joined a small group on one trip to learn about traditional Norwegian fishing methods.

We even had the chance to taste our catch – prepared by locals. It felt authentic and intimate – like we were experiencing the real Norway – not just the tourist highlights.

#5 More of A Connection to the Destination

Smaller cruise lines often focus on destination immersion, with local experts invited onboard to share stories and insights.

Some even offer Norwegian-themed dinners, lectures, or performances. It’s like having a backstage pass to the country’s culture.

On one sailing, a local historian joined us to talk about Norway’s Viking history.

It was fascinating to learn while sailing past the very landscapes Vikings once explored. That kind of connection makes the whole experience feel more meaningful.

emma cruises and david life in norway — With David Nikel – a British-born travel writer based in Norway. He gave some amazing lectures about Life in Norway – history, culture etc.

Find out more about Norway and Norwegian life from David on his website, Life in Norway, here.

#6 A Quieter Sailing Experience

Small ships are quieter, not just in the atmosphere onboard, but literally.

Many are designed with advanced environmental technology that minimises noise and emissions, making them better for Norway’s pristine environment.

You’ll sail peacefully without disturbing wildlife or other travellers.

It’s also worth noting that smaller ships are often better at navigating narrow fjords and can turn to make unscheduled stops if weather or wildlife sightings allow.

It’s a more flexible, intimate way to explore.

I took a Norwegian coastal ferry that stopped at 21 ports in four days. The ship was powered by LNG and batteries, so it was far better for the environment.

emma cruises havila — Havila Polaris is a battery-powered ship that sails the Norwegian coastline year-round.

Havilas ships were designed to sail the Norwegian coastline all year round. Havila Voyages is a family-owned Norwegian company that operates only four ships.

LNG and Battery Power
Havila Voyages’ four coastal cruise ships are loaded with the largest battery packs ever installed on a passenger ship, meaning that we can sail for four hours straight with zero emissions. That way you can visit vulnerable fjords, such as the world heritage Geirangerfjord, without worrying about environmental issues, and you can do so in utter silence
Havila

Find out about the memorable trip I took here:

#7 You’re Part of a Community

On a small ship, you’ll start to recognise your fellow passengers. It’s easy to make friends, and by the end of the trip, it feels like you’ve shared something special with a close-knit group.

On one small-ship cruise, I ended up having dinner with the same couple almost every night.

We’d compare notes on the day’s excursions and shared tips for the next port. It felt like travelling with friends instead of being one person amongst strangers.