“The fjordscapes of western Norway are so utterly unique and so profoundly beautiful that many people rate them as the most impressive landscapes on the planet” – Stuart Butler, Lonely Planet, April 16, 2015.  Now THAT is high praise, worthy of attention, and perhaps sets unrealistic expectations.  However, the more I research the Disney Cruise to Norway, I keep reading these same descriptions over and over again.  Later this year Disney Cruise Line embarks on their first Norwegian cruise, and Adventures by Daddy will be on board to share the fun.  Continue reading for a little of what I’m most looking forward to on this inaugural Disney Cruise to Norway as well as updates from the ship.

Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to the Seven Sisters waterfall in Norway. Image courtesy Disney.

The “Re-Imagined” Disney Magic will depart from Copenhagen, Denmark and sail to Stavenger, Ålesund, Geirganger, and Bergen, Norway before returning to Copenhagen.  I admit I didn’t know much about Norway other than what I’ve experienced in Epcot or watching Disney’s FROZEN.  I certainly knew of the Norwegian fjords, and heard they were a sight to behold.  However, the idea of visiting was not something we ever seriously considered at this stage of life.  When the opportunity presented, our family jumped at the chance, and the more I research about the area the more excited I get to experience it with the family.

Disney Cruise Line 7-night Norwegian Fjord Itinerary

Our 7-night Norwegian Fjord itinerary includes visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - places designated by the United Nations as having significant natural and/or cultural heritage for humanity as a whole.  Some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you may have heard of include Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple.  The first UNESCO Site visited on this Disney Cruise is Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s spectacular western fjords with sheer crystalline rock walls and numerous waterfalls cascading from free-flowing rivers.  If the weather cooperates, we plan on fully taking in the landscape on a scenic boat tour.

Geirangerfjord, photo by Terje Rakke, courtesy Innovation Norway

The port of Bergen contains the historic harbor district of Bryggen, and the second UNESCO World Heritage Site visited on this Disney Cruise.  This trading center dates back to the 12th century, and wooden houses and storefronts have comprised Bryggen since the 1300’s - although fire has destroyed the village numerous times.  Today, 62 buildings remain of Bryggen’s beautiful harborfront.  Our history loving family is excited to explore the cobblestone streets, shops, and markets of Bryggen, before riding the funicular to the top of Mount Fløien to take in the surrounding view.

Bryggen wharf in Bergen, photo by Andrea Giubelli , courtesy Innovation Norway

Of course, being a Disney ship, there will also be plenty of elements from Disney’s FROZEN on this Norway cruise.  Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf from Disney’s FROZEN will join everyone on board the ship in a number of ways including, turning the atrium lobby into Queen Elsa’s ice palace, adding FROZEN numbers into the “Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic” stage show, character meet & greets, a Nordic themed dinner, and special “Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friends,” deck party.  In the port of Ålesund, Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff, will make their very first appearance in Norway at the Sunnmøre Open Air Museum, and the FROZEN celebration will also include traditional Norwegian music, dance, and foods.

Anna and Elsa visit Norway with Disney Cruise Line, photo by David Roark, courtesy Disney Cruise Line

While we’ve traveled to Canada and the Bahamas with our two daughters, this will be our first overseas trip with the girls.  At 17 and 14 years old, they’re certainly ready to go abroad, but there are sure to be nerves and uncertainties along the way - especially the 18 hour flight to Europe and visiting a country where none of us speak the language (we’re trying to pick up a few key Norwegian phrase).  Our family’s previous experiences with Disney Cruise Line will let us know what to expect from the cruise, so we can relax and get the most out of this new adventure.  I hope you’ll follow along on our Disney Cruise to Norway adventure.

[knock knock]
♫♫ Do you wanna go to Norway?
Do you want to take a cruise?
We will be on a Disney ship,
A family trip,
Can’t wait to get away!
♫♫
Do you wanna go to Norway?
We’re gonna cruise to Norway… ♫♫

DISCLOSURE: Adventures by Daddy was offered a media rate in order to experience this Disney Cruise to Norway.  However, all opinions expressed are those of the author.  For more family travel news, reviews, and trip reports, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on Twitter and “like” our Facebook page, too.