English 
Updated on August 7th, 2025
There are few travel experiences as awe-inspiring as sailing through Norway’s fjords – except perhaps doing it aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2. As someone who once claimed I’d rather stick pins in my eyes than go on a cruise, I now find myself completely enchanted. Sailing through some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes on an ocean liner rich in heritage turned out to be the most magical way to spend my honeymoon.
My second honeymoon, that is…after walking 500 kilometres along the Camino de Santiago for my first. I always thought of this trip as my proper honeymoon. A chance to slow down, savour the moment, connect and watch one of the most beautiful parts of the world float by while I languished on a deckchair.
And that’s exactly what happened!
It’s one of the few trips I’ve been on in recent years where I planned to do as little as possible. I hadn’t packed my hiking boots. I’d not booked any shore experiences. I just wanted to enjoy being on such an iconic vessel.
A Legendary Ship with a Noble History
Before we even set sail, the very name Queen Mary 2 comes steeped in grandeur. Cunard Line, founded in 1840, has long represented the golden age of ocean travel. Known for its iconic transatlantic crossings and illustrious passenger list—from royalty to celebrities (to now, me!) – Cunard offers an experience that’s both elegant and steeped in tradition. The Queen Mary 2, launched in 2004, is the only true ocean liner still in operation. Designed to withstand the tumultuous waters of the North Atlantic. She is a ship built for grandeur and grace, combining classic design with modern comfort.
Everything about her whisper’s luxury – from the sweeping staircases and polished wood panelling to the white-gloved afternoon teas and planetarium shows. She’s the only passenger ship with her own onboard kennels, ballroom dancing, and a library with over 10,000 books. There’s no ship quite like her, and nowhere better to experience some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the world.
Why Choose a Fjord Cruise?
Norway’s fjords are nature’s cathedrals – deep, dramatic valleys carved by glaciers, filled with calm, sapphire waters and flanked by snow-tipped peaks. They’re both humbling and healing. There’s something about floating through this raw, majestic landscape that resets your inner compass.
And cruising them means you can wake up to a new fairytale every day – no packing, no repacking. Just balcony views and hot coffee as towering cliffs glide past your window. I must admit that after organising 26 different rooms to stay during our Camino experience, this was heaven!
The Where, The Why and The What
During the week on board, we had two sea days, three stopovers and a perfect day spent just cruising. Here’s where we ended up:
Stavanger – offering a wonderful blend of old and new, with its cobbled streets, white wooden houses in the old town, and vibrant harbour. It’s also the gateway to the famous Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), one of Norway’s most iconic hikes. For those less inclined to climb (for once, this was me), it is also home to the Norwegian Canning Museum – yes, really – which I have on good authority is surprisingly fascinating!
Ålesund – is often cited as Norway’s most beautiful town, rising from the water like an Art Nouveau dream. After a fire in 1904, the entire town was rebuilt in the ornate style of the day, making it a visual delight. Climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for breathtaking panoramic views.
Skjolden – nestled at the end of the world’s longest navigable fjord (Sognefjord), it offers a quieter, more intimate view of Norwegian life. It’s also the starting point for adventures into Jotunheimen National Park, home to the country’s highest peaks.
But nothing quite compared to cruising through the Hardangerfjord, where waterfalls plunge dramatically into mirror-like waters. Especially passing the Furebergfossen waterfall up close and witnessing the sheer force of nature. Then, a few minutes later, just when I thought it couldn’t get more majestic, in front of the mighty Folgefonna Glacier, the Queen Mary 2 pirouetted in place – yes, all 345 metres of her – spinning slowly in the water like a ballerina in steel and glass. It was pure theatre, set against one of nature’s greatest backdrops.
A Midnight Sun to Remember
I was honoured to be interviewed by a journalist this week (Woman and Home online, obviously once it’s out, you’ll be the first to know!). She asked about my favourite experiences on all my travels. It made me reflect and rather than the big travel dreams, like walking to Machu Picchu, visiting the Galápagos Islands, seeing sunrise at Angkor Wat, it is those perfect little moments that stick in my head. They are what represent the magic of travel to me.
One of the most unforgettable moments on this trip came during the early hours of the morning as we entered one of the fjords. Having just got back from dinner, drinks and dancing, we had a coffee on our balcony and were slightly terrified (can you be slightly terrified?!) to see our vessel heading straight for a cliff, without any apparent attempt to turn. Concerned and wanting a better look at what was going on, we made our way up to Deck 13 and discovered at 1am, that we were the only two people there. High above the water, surrounded by the still, looming silhouettes of fjord walls, we were treated to a visual masterpiece. The midnight sun lingered on the horizon, creating a surreal blend of sunset and sunrise. The moon hung low, glowing like a molten orange orb, casting its shimmer across the water. The silence, the light, and the sense of being utterly alone in nature’s cathedral made for a memory that will stay etched in my soul forever.
Why This Cruise Stays With You
This journey wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about connection. To nature. To stillness. And to each other. With the Queen Mary 2 as our chariot and the Norwegian fjords as our theatre, this cruise reminded me that sometimes, the places you expect the least from end up being the ones that move you the most.
If you’re craving something meaningful, majestic, and just a little bit magical, the Norwegian fjords might just be the transformative escape you’ve been waiting for. And as someone who once swore off cruises, I can honestly say: I stand corrected!
This voyage was not about being herded or hurried. It was about slowing down, soaking in, and savouring every moment. The fjords stirred something deep. The Queen Mary 2 gave me space to reflect. And the combination? The perfect place for a relaxing honeymoon!
Sometimes, the most powerful journeys are the ones that float gently into your life… and leave you changed forever.
So, have you ever considered a cruise – or already been on one that surprised you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads).
Normal service has now been resumed over on YouTube with another epic natural wonder of the world! This week, in just 90 seconds, I take you with me to the iconic Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats. The endless white landscapes play tricks on your eyes making this place pure magic — and perfect for a midlife adventure with a twist.
Whether you’re planning a bucket list trip to Bolivia, dreaming of wide-open spaces that heal and inspire, or simply want to see something jaw-dropping with less than two minutes to spare, this one’s for you. See it for yourself HERE.
Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – A First Timer’s Guide to Cambodia
Blog – Amazing 8 Day Boat Tour of The Galápagos Islands
Video – Salt Flats Bolivia – This One BLEW My Mind
And finally, just for you…Receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
Download a PDF VERSION OF THIS NEWSLETTER
Just click the 5th icon in the grey tool bar below (with the down arrow) to save the pdf to your computer.
