Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a huge fan of cruising. This year, I’m going on a six cruises (3 are free through status matching). That’s a record for me!
But despite my plethora of cruises this year, there is one very important cruise I couldn’t squeeze in. So, I’m making it a priority to sail on a Norwegian Fjords cruise in 2024 before it’s too late!
Zero Emissions in Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Fjords by 2026
Several years ago, Norway’s government passed a resolution to only allow zero-emission ferries and cruise ships in the UNESCO World Heritage fjords starting January 1, 2026. This applies to two popular cruise fjord ports: Geiranger and Flam. Of course, these are arguably the most beautiful fjords in Norway.
The problem is that none of the large (or even small) cruise ships are currently zero-emission ships. While some of the newer ones have the new LNG technology, event those aren’t zero-emission ships.
Last month, the Norwegian Maritime Authority proposed ideas to help smooth out the repercussions of this mandate. The NMA suggests using electric tender boats to carry cruise passengers to Flam and allowing up to a 10-year transition period to complete zero-emission ships as technology evolves. These proposals have not been approved as of this writing.
Regardless of exactly when or how these new regulations are implemented, the bottom line is that cruising the Norwegian fjords will look different in the near future. It’s possible that cruise lines will visit different fjords (shorter and less popular ones). Or, tendering into these fjords on electric boats could become the new norm (and would most certainly increase cruising costs).
Why I Want to Visit Norway
My heritage is Norwegian. However, up until a few years ago, I never had much of an interest in visiting Norway. I can’t explain how or why I now have the desire. I guess that’s what happens when you get older.
Since I started researching Norway, I fell in love with Flam. The small town sits at the end of a branch of the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. It has a railway that hugs the fjord with breathtaking views. I can’t imagine visiting Norway without visiting Flam.
I’d also love to visit Olden and Lysefjord (which has Pulpit Rock).
And no, I won’t dare sit on the edge of the rock like that. Sheesh!
The least expensive and most convenient way to see these ports and fjords is on a cruise ship. So, hopefully I will make this cruise happen in 2024.
Have you cruised through the Norwegian fjords?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I really enjoyed Norway! Very scenic, and reminded me of Alaska. We didn’t do a cruise, but rather “Norway in a nutshell” tour that included a ferry (a poor man’s cruise of sorts). Bergen was our base, and I really liked the town.
@Leana If I wasn’t going on a cruise, I would do what you did and based out of Bergen.