Top Tips to Save Money on a Norwegian Fjords Cruise
- George and Dan
- 48 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Dreaming of those misty mountains, mirror-like fjords and magical waterfalls in Norway – but worried it’ll break the bank? Don’t stress! Cruising the Norwegian Fjords can be surprisingly affordable with a bit of planning and know-how. We’ve pulled together our top tips to save money on a Norwegian Fjords cruise – all based on our own experiences and insider knowledge as UK travellers.
With over 10 Norwegian Fjords cruises under our belt, we’ve learned exactly where you can save without missing out. From choosing the right cruise line and cabin, to cutting costs in port and on board, we cover it all. Whether you’re cruising with P&O, MSC, Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Royal Caribbean, or Ambassador – we’ve got money-saving hacks to help you cruise smarter.
Join our Cruising the Norwegian Fjords with P&O, Cunard & more: Reviews, Tips & Q&As Facebook group for more tips!
Let’s dive in!
Sail in Shoulder Season
One of the easiest ways to save money is to avoid peak summer dates. July and August are lovely but they’re also the most expensive and the busiest. Instead, aim for the shoulder seasons - May, early June or September. These months offer cooler weather but still plenty of daylight, and the scenery is just as stunning.
Sailing outside school holidays can save you hundreds. A fjords cruise in late May or early September is usually far cheaper than the same itinerary in the middle of summer. Bonus? Fewer crowds in port, snow-capped peaks still lingering in May, and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere.
Book During Wave Season (Jan–Mar)
If you want the best deals, mark your calendar for Wave Season - that’s January to March in the cruise world. This is when cruise lines roll out their top offers for the year, including low deposits, free drinks packages, onboard credit, cabin upgrades and more.
Sign up for newsletters from your favourite cruise lines or work with a our cruise travel agent who can help you spot the deals early. Booking during Wave Season often means better cabin choice and more extras bundled into your fare - giving you more for your money right from the start.
Pick the Right Cruise Line for Your Budget
Cruise lines vary a lot in what’s included and how much extras cost. For value, we’ve found P&O Cruises, MSC and Ambassador are great options for UK travellers. They all offer no-fly cruises from the UK, with Ambassador and P&O pricing drinks and extras in GBP, which helps avoid currency surprises.
If you’re travelling solo, Fred. Olsen is a top pick thanks to their occasional no single supplement offers and smaller ship experience. For those wanting a touch of luxury without the price tag, Cunard sometimes offers brilliant deals in Wave Season. Royal Caribbean is fab for families, but plan your budget carefully – onboard spending can add up quickly.
Choose a Cheaper Cabin Type
Inside cabins are by far the most affordable option - and they’re ideal for fjords cruising, where you’ll want to be out on deck soaking up the scenery anyway. Plus, in the land of the midnight sun, inside cabins help you sleep with total darkness!
If you want a window, ocean-view cabins are a nice mid-range option, and sometimes only a little more expensive. Balcony cabins are lovely - especially for breakfast with a view - but not essential. Look for guarantee cabins to save a bit or share with a friend to split the cost. Solo travellers should check if their ship offers dedicated solo cabins, which are a real money-saver.
Don’t Overdo the Drinks Package
Cruise lines love to promote drinks packages - but they’re not always the best value. These can cost £35-£70 per day, and to make them worthwhile, you’d need to drink quite a lot. If you’re more of a moderate drinker, you might save more by paying as you go.
Don’t forget: tap water, tea, coffee and juices at breakfast are free on most ships. And many cruise lines (like P&O and Royal Caribbean) allow you to bring your own wine - one or two bottles per cabin - which is a great way to enjoy a drink on your balcony without the bar bill.
Skip the Wi-Fi – Use Mobile in Port
Ship Wi-Fi is often slow, limited, and pricey – and rarely worth the cost unless you really need to stay connected. Most UK mobile plans include free roaming in Norway, so you can catch up on messages, upload photos, or check maps when you’re in port.
Before you go, download maps, shows, podcasts or books to your phone or tablet. If you do need Wi-Fi, some ports offer free access at cafes, tourist info spots or public libraries. It’s a simple way to cut out a daily expense and still stay connected when it matters.
Explore Ports Independently
One of the best things about fjords cruising is how easy it is to explore on your own. Most Norwegian ports are small, safe, and walkable - and the top sights are often free. Think scenic hikes, waterfalls, old churches and stunning harbour-fronts, all without paying for pricey excursions.
If you do want to see a glacier or take a cable car, local shuttles and buses often run from the dock and cost far less than the cruise line’s tour. We’ve done the Briksdal Glacier in Olden using a local bus for about £25 - compared to £80+ through the ship.
Try GetYourGuide for cheaper excursion options.
For Olden - Olden Cruise offer a selection of budget friendly alternatives to cruise line excursions.
Eat Smart Onboard
Food is a big part of cruising, and the great news is - most of it’s already included. Buffet and main dining rooms serve up loads of tasty options, and you can happily cruise the whole week without spending a penny on extras.
Fancy a treat? Go for one specialty meal, maybe lunch (it’s often cheaper), or wait for special offers like 2-for-1 deals or free wine nights. Also, bring a few snacks from home (crisps, biscuits, tea bags) to stop you splurging on the ship’s shops.
Pack Wisely
Overpacking won’t cost you money, but under-packing might. Bring all the essentials like suncream, paracetamol, seasickness tablets, toiletries and a few warm layers - especially if you’re sailing in May or September. That way you won’t need to buy overpriced items from the onboard shop.
If your ship has a free laundry room (P&O do!), you can pack lighter and do a midweek wash. A reusable water bottle is a must - Norway’s tap water is delicious, and many buffets have filling stations. A plug adaptor and eye mask are also handy if you’re in a cabin with a window.
Set a Daily Budget and Track It
It’s very easy to overspend on a cruise - especially when everything goes on your onboard account and you’re not physically handing over money. Set a daily budget (e.g. £20–£30 per day for extras) and check your spending mid-cruise.
Most ships have apps or TV systems where you can check your running total. You can also top up with cash at reception if that helps you stick to your budget. With a little discipline, you’ll come home with lovely memories - and no shock on your final bill.
FAQs About Top Tips to Save Money on a Norwegian Fjords Cruise
When is the cheapest time to cruise the Norwegian fjords?
May, early June, and September are usually the cheapest times to cruise – still beautiful but with lower fares than July or August.
Are drinks included on Norwegian fjords cruises?
Not usually. Tap water, tea and coffee are free. Some deals include drinks, but otherwise, you’ll need to pay or buy a drinks package.
Is it cheaper to book excursions through the cruise line?
Not often. You can usually explore most fjord ports on foot or via local transport for much less. Many top sights are free or cost just a few pounds.
Which cruise line is best for budget fjords cruises from the UK?
P&O, MSC and Ambassador often have the lowest prices. Fred. Olsen is great for solo travellers and off-peak cruises. Royal Caribbean and Cunard can offer good deals during sales.
Do I need cash in Norway for port days?
No – Norway is very card-friendly. You can tap to pay almost everywhere. It’s smart to have a backup card or a little local currency, but most people don’t need it.
Cruising the Norwegian fjords doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of planning, smart choices, and a sense of adventure, you can enjoy waterfalls, wildlife, and wow-worthy views - all without splashing too much cash.
We’ve done it ourselves, and we promise: that moment you sail into Geirangerfjord or watch the sunset over Olden from the deck is worth every penny - and many of the best bits won’t cost you a thing.
Happy cruising!
George & Dan
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