The unspoilt majesty of Norway’s glistening fjords is hardly a secret. But nothing prepares you for waking up and watching in awe as your cruise ship serenely glides past vertical mountainsides and craggy cliffs.
Not to mention the snow-capped peaks studded with roaring waterfalls, small hamlets and towering man-made bridges.
It’s morning on day three of new line Ambassador Cruise Line’s Springtime Fjordland voyage and our last sighting of land was the distant Suffolk coast as we sailed from Tilbury in Essex.
Now 1,400-passenger Ambience – Ambassador’s first ship – is slipping down the magnificent Hardangerfjord on its way to Eidfjord, a small village tucked inland on the west side of Norway.
Before we dock there’s just about time to grab breakfast at one of Ambience’s many eateries.
Whether it’s the seated formality of the Buckingham restaurant, the dazzling array of different cuisines on offer at Borough Market, or the more informal comfort of the cafés dotted around the ship, you’re spoilt for choice on this vessel. And that’s just at breakfast.
At dinner your options expand to include fine dining at the swish Indian restaurant Saffron, and the tasting menu elegance of Sea & Grass.
Ambassador, the first new UK line in a decade, has clearly gone out of its way to offer as many gastronomic delights as possible; and it’s not lost on the passengers.
In between cooing at the magnificent scenery, the most common refrain as you walk down corridors or queue for a coffee is one of a deep satisfaction at the food on offer.
Suitably stuffed, I set off on my first excursion which takes me on a scenic coach ride from Eidfjord up into the snowy mountains beyond.
Our first stop is the imposing yet curiously beautiful Sysen Dam, which holds back Lake Sysen, the main reservoir for the Sy-Sima Hydroelectric Power Station.
From there we go on to 597ft Voringsfossen – one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway.
Stood on viewing platforms near the Fossli Hotel we watch unimaginable gallons of water plunging into the Mabodalen Valley below.
Back on the ship I’m treated to the sight of the sun setting behind the snow-crowned crests of distant mountains – a visual delight witnessed, espresso martini in hand, from the comfort of the Observatory bar on the top deck of Ambience.
As with the culinary delights, Ambassador has put a lot of effort into making sure there is something for everyone on board when the night rolls in.
Alongside the Observatory, guests can relax in the piano-bar comfort of Raffles, the Mayfair wine bar chic of the Botanical Lounge, or get home-from-home in the Purple Turtle Pub.
In each drinking establishment talented musicians offer an enjoyable evening’s entertainment that gives punters either a perfect accompaniment to conversation or has them foot-tapping in unison.
Meanwhile, in the impressive Palladium venue, passengers can enjoy entertainment from the Ambassador Theatre Company with a variety of singing and dancing performances.
There are also guest speakers on voyages of six nights and more plus the likes of arts and craft displays and hands-on experiences, comedy sets and a book club.
Cabins come in 20 twin and single categories to cater for varying tastes and budgets and all offer tea and coffee-making facilities, a fridge, UK three-pin electrical sockets, USB ports and flatscreen TVs with news, movies and ship information.
Thirteen are adapted for guests with disability and mobility needs.
Day four sees us dock in Bergen – Norway’s second city. Once the country’s capital, then the northernmost stronghold of the all-powerful Hanseatic League trading empire, Bergen offers a wealth of history to explore and enjoy.
Chief among the historic sights are the colourful wooden buildings of Bryggen – the old wharf of Bergen which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
However, the real star of the show for me was the modern funicular railway which takes you to the top of Mount Floyen, 1,000ft above sea level, and from where you experience incredible views across Bergen and the surrounding area.
Day five offers the unmissable opportunity to further explore Norway’s crystal-clear fjords. From Flam (endearingly pronounced “Flom” by the locals) I step aboard the electric-powered ‘Future of the Fjords’ catamaran with its large windows and walkways, and cruise along the Aurlandsfjord before sailing the full length of the 10-mile Naeroyfjord, a jewel in the crown of Norway’s fjords and also protected on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Naeroyfjord translates as ‘narrow fjord’ and, as we glide silently along the mirror-smooth waters, peering up at the 5,400ft crystalline rock walls that enclose on either side, I’m reminded of why the fjords continue to exert such a draw to tourists around the world.
There is an unspoilt honesty to Norway’s coastline that is unmatched almost anywhere around the globe, and one that needs to be experienced to be believed.
The final stop on the Springtime Fjordland cruise is Haugesund, a lively fishing town with a rich Viking history.
After a short coach ride through the countryside, I walk along a gravel road above rocky shores, breathing in the fresh sea air and enjoying the coastal views until the Ryvarden Lighthouse rises out of the landscape ahead. Built on the site of a stone fireplace erected in 869AD by Viking Floke Vilgerdson, Ryvarden was automated in 1984 and continues to help sailors navigate their way along this treacherous stretch of Norway’s western shoreline.
This quaint wooden lighthouse, once manned by three families, now houses an art gallery and museum.
The welcoming host provides us with a cup of tea and a delicious Norwegian waffle with sour cream and jam while we gaze out to sea.
Back on the coach, we’re whisked off to the Haraldshaugen National Monument, erected in 1872 to mark the 1,000-year anniversary of Norway’s unification and located at the supposed burial site of King Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway.
As the sun sets over the horizon it’s back to the ship and a day at sea before our return to Tilbury.
The 70,285 gross tonnage Ambience feels more spacious than most ships its size and offers such an array of eateries, bars and entertainment it’s almost impossible to feel restricted.
Nevertheless, there can be no better place to spread your wings and drink in crystal-clear air and gorgeous nature after disembarking from a ship than the technicolour majesty of the Norwegian fjords.
And no better place to return after a day’s exploring than the Observatory bar for a delicious espresso martini, which gives you just enough time to decide what to eat next.
Get on board
Ambassador Cruise Line offers a seven-night Summertime Fjordland cruise on Ambience from £749 per person (late saver fare).
Sails from Tilbury, Essex, on August 6 calling at Bergen, Flam, Haugesund and Eidfjord.
Find out more at ambassadorcruiseline.com.
You can also get more information by heading to visitnorway.com.
