There are cruises that move you from place to place — and then there are voyages that slow you down, sharpen your perspective, and remind you why travel matters in the first place. Our 7-night Norwegian Fjords sailing aboard Queen Anne delivered exactly that.
Departing on 11th August 2024, this itinerary combined dramatic landscapes with Cunard’s trademark sense of occasion — a pairing that works exceptionally well if you value both experience and environment.
Life Onboard: Britannia Club Balcony – Worth the Upgrade
We stayed in a Britannia Club Balcony cabin, and this is where the experience meaningfully differentiates itself.
You get:
- A well-proportioned balcony cabin with premium positioning
- Exclusive access to the Britannia Club Restaurant
- Flexible dining (a major advantage over fixed sittings)
The dedicated restaurant is the real asset here. It strikes a balance between:
- The formality of main dining
- The exclusivity of Grill suites
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all feel calmer, more controlled, and noticeably more personalised. Service is consistent, and you avoid the scale issues that can come with larger dining rooms.
A Standout Culinary Moment
One unexpected highlight was meeting Michel Roux Jr onboard — the renowned chef behind Le Gavroche.
We had the opportunity to dine at his restaurant on board, and it was genuinely spectacular. The experience elevated the cruise beyond scenery alone — refined, precise cooking paired with the kind of atmosphere you’d expect from a chef of that calibre. It added a layer of exclusivity that you don’t typically associate with standard cruise dining.
The Itinerary: Norwegian Fjords (H419)
Day 1: Southampton, UK – Departure
Embarkation in Southampton is smooth and efficient. There’s a clear sense of transition as you leave the UK behind and head towards Scandinavia.
Day 2: At Sea
A full day to settle into the ship. This is where Cunard’s style comes into its own — relaxed, structured, and unhurried.
Day 3: Stavanger, Norway
Stavanger offers a strong introduction to Norway.
Highlights:
- The charming old town (Gamle Stavanger)
- A boat excursion to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) — a real standout
Seeing Pulpit Rock from the water gives you a completely different perspective. The sheer vertical scale of the cliff is far more impactful from below, and it quickly becomes one of the defining moments of the trip.
Day 4: Olden, Norway
Olden is the gateway to some of Norway’s most impressive glacier landscapes.
Expect:
- Deep valleys
- Fast-flowing rivers
- Access to glaciers such as Briksdal (image below from an excursion we booked with Cunard – the Briksdal glacier is awesome)
It’s a visually rich stop and one of the more “active” ports if you choose to explore inland.
Day 5: Hellesylt & Scenic Cruising (Sunnylvsfjorden / Geirangerfjord)
This is the undisputed highlight of the itinerary.
The sailing through Geirangerfjord is exceptional — easily one of the most beautiful natural environments we’ve experienced.
- Towering cliffs on both sides
- Waterfalls cascading directly into the fjord
- Perfectly still water reflecting the landscape
It’s not just scenic — it’s immersive. You don’t need excursions here; simply being on deck or your balcony is enough. The scale and stillness create a moment that genuinely stands apart from the rest of the trip.
Day 6: Haugesund, Norway
Haugesund adds a different dimension to the itinerary.
Known for:
- Its Viking history
- A more authentic, less tourist-heavy feel
It’s a quieter port, but a worthwhile contrast to the dramatic fjord scenery earlier in the trip.
Day 7: At Sea
A second sea day allows time to unwind and reflect. By this point, the slower pace feels intentional rather than incidental — a key strength of the Cunard experience.
Day 8: Southampton, UK – Arrival
A smooth return, with the sense that you’ve experienced something both restorative and memorable.
The Fjord Experience: What Stands Out
Two moments define this itinerary:
- Geirangerfjord — for its sheer, overwhelming beauty
- Pulpit Rock (via boat excursion) — for its scale and perspective
These aren’t just highlights — they’re the kind of travel experiences that stay with you.
Evenings Onboard: Classic Cunard
Cunard leans into tradition — and that’s a feature, not a flaw.
- Gala evenings (formal but very enjoyable, and an opportunity to dust off the dinner jacket and evening attire)
- Live music across multiple venues (the shows were superb, as were the educational talks)
- A calm, refined atmosphere
If you prefer understated quality over constant activity, it works extremely well.
Final Verdict
The Norwegian Fjords (H419) delivers on three fronts:
- Scenery: genuinely world-class
- Pacing: balanced and restorative
- Onboard experience: elevated further by Britannia Club dining and exceptional culinary experiences
This is a journey for travellers who value:
- environment over volume
- quality over noise
- and experiences that feel considered rather than rushed
Quick Takeaways
- Britannia Club is a very worthwhile upgrade
- Geirangerfjord is the standout highlight (though access to this fjord is now more difficult)
- The Pulpit Rock boat excursion is highly recommended
- Dining onboard is a real differentiator
If you’re looking for a cruise that combines natural beauty with a more refined onboard experience, this itinerary is a strong choice.