What to Wear on a Norwegian Fjords Cruise Explained

Packing for a Norwegian Fjords cruise can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time. On our first Norwegian Fjords cruise we found it particularly difficult to pack, so we created this guide to help you decide what to wear on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Cruise Ship Dress Code

Firstly, it’s good to know your cruise line’s dress code. This will help you to pack the right clothes for the ship itself. There are a number of cruise lines that offer Norwegian Fjords cruises from the UK. Take a look at the dress codes by cruise line:

• Ambassador Cruise Line dress code
• Azamara dress code
• Celebrity Cruises dress code
• Cunard Line dress code
• Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines dress code
• MSC Cruises dress code
• Norwegian Cruise Line dress code
• P&O Cruises dress code
• Princess Cruises dress code
• Royal Caribbean International

Dress codes differ between cruise lines and some are more formal than others, make sure you check before packing for your cruise.

We took a Norwegian Fjords cruise with Princess Cruises and found that the dress code was quite relaxed. As long as you looked smart on a formal night, you did not look out of place.

To find out whether a Norwegian Fjords cruise with Princess Cruises is right for you, read our review now.

What to Wear on a Norwegian Fjords Cruise – Sea Days

Sea days on a Norwegian Fjords cruise are likely to be at the beginning and end of your cruise. The weather can vary depending on the time of year. If you’re unsure of the weather and what to wear on a Norwegian Fjords cruise, pack layers.

Shoulder Season

If you’re cruising to the Norwegian Fjords in the shoulder months (April, May, June and September) the North Sea is likely to be cloudy with patches of sunshine. You’re going to need to wear layers and ensure you have a warm jumper.

You’ll spend a lot of time inside the ship, so t-shirts, jumpers and jeans are definitely worth packing.

Summer Season

The best weather is likely to be in July and August, so on a sea day, you could wear a short sleeved t-shirt with a lightweight sweater if it gets a little chilly. It’s still likely to be a bit breezy outside.

You may want to pack a swimming costume for the pool or hot tub.

Winter Season

On a winter Norwegian Fjords cruise, you are going to need thermal layers and a warm coat if you decide to venture out on to the open decks. Hats and gloves are essential to ensure you stay warm.

You’re likely to spend most of your time inside the cruise ship so jeans, t-shirts and jumpers are suitable to pack.

What to Wear on a Norwegian Fjords Cruise – Shore Excursions

A Norwegian Fjords cruise has a heavy focus on getting outside and enjoying the scenery. Once the cruise ship reaches the Norwegian Fjords, you’re likely enjoy a combination of exploring the ports and scenic cruising.

Your cruise will offer organised shore excursions or you may decide to do your own thing once you get to a port. Either way, there’s likely to be an element of walking involved and therefore comfortable walking shoes are necessary.

Try to avoid wearing new shoes you haven’t worn in. High heels are definitely not recommended, especially in small towns that have cobblestone streets. Ballet flats or trainers would be good options in local towns.

Some excursions involve walking or hiking and for these we’d recommend walking shoes or supportive trainers. If you’re planning a boat excursion, pack a warm coat.

On a Norwegian Fjords cruise, you can experience sunshine and rain in the same day so we’d suggest packing a lightweight raincoat, even in the summer months. Western Norway is known to be one of the wettest places in the world.

A small backpack or crossover bag is useful for excursions to carry small items such as: a water bottle, hat, camera and personal items.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Packing List – Spring/Summer

• T-shirts
• Casual tops
• Lightweight jumper/cardigan
• Polo shirts for men
• Shorts/capri pants/cropped trousers
• Jeans/chinos
• Lightweight jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Activewear
• Smart tops
• Clothes for formal night (according to cruise line dress code)
• Smart collared shirt for men
• Trainers
• Loafers/boat shoes for men
• Walking shoes/boots (if required)
• Swimsuit
• Smart trousers
• Scarf/pashmina
• Sunglasses
• Cross-over bag/backpack
• Warm hat
• Gloves

We’d recommend taking a look at our 40 tips to enjoy a Norwegian Fjords cruise, which includes other essentials to pack.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Packing List – Winter

• T-shirts
• Casual tops
• Warm jumpers/cardigans/fleeces
• Polo shirts for men
• Jeans/chinos
• Warm jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Activewear
• Smart tops
• Formalwear (according to cruise line’s dress code)
• Smart collared shirt for men
• Trainers
• Boots
• Loafers/boat shoes for men
• Walking shoes/boots (if required)
• Swimsuit (if there is an indoor spa/pool)
• Smart trousers
• Warm scarf
• Cross-over bag/backpack
• Hat
• Gloves
• Thermals
• Thick socks
• Poncho
• Muff for neck/face
• Warm headband to cover ears

Watch our Norwegian Fjords Cruise Vlogs

To help you get an idea of the weather and what to wear on a Norwegian Fjords cruise, we’d recommend watching our vlog series.