Cruise - Norwegian Fjords & Falls with Oli & Lorraine

 Cruise - Norwegian Fjords & Falls

The adventure began as we boarded our home for the week, the very impressive Balmoral. After settling into our cabins, we enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea, explored the ship and celebrated the 'Sailaway' with music and flag waving as we left Britain behind. The evening continued with a theatre show, live music and drinks.

Life onboard was just as enjoyable as the destinations. We attended fascinating talks about Norwegian kings, Viking history and Radio Caroline, enjoyed formal dining and a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party, and even had the opportunity to meet Captain Victor Stoica and have photographs taken with him. There was also plenty of entertainment, including comedy, music, dancing, piano performances and themed evenings.

The first Norwegian stop was Stavanger, where the group explored the city’s wartime history, visited the Flyhistorisk Museum Sola and saw the impressive Swords in Rock monument. Traditional Norwegian waffles provided a tasty treat along the way. Back aboard, the ship sailed through spectacular fjords surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, creating some unforgettable views.

Another highlight was the visit to Ulvik in the Hardangerfjord, known as the “Orchard of Norway.” After travelling ashore by tender boat, the group journeyed through stunning mountain scenery to the magnificent Vøringfossen waterfall. The dramatic landscape provided plenty of opportunities for photographs and was undoubtedly one of the trip’s most memorable sights.

The final full day onboard was spent enjoying the ship’s facilities and entertainment, including a nostalgic talk about growing up in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, a piano recital, Viking history, bingo and plenty of relaxation in the jacuzzi. The final evening brought a lively theatre production followed by drinks, football, live music and dancing — a fittingly joyful end to the cruise.