Norway’s Legendary Coastline on Queen Mary
An Traveller’s Perspective
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Before sailing Norway’s coastline, I did exactly what most travellers do — read reviews, skim forums, watch videos, and try to piece together what the experience would really be like. Not the brochure version, but the reality.
So, if you’re wondering what it’s honestly like to cruise Norway’s fjords on Queen Mary, here’s my straightforward take — what stood out, what surprised me, and the small details that stayed with me long after the journey ended.
Life Onboard Queen Mary
Queen Mary feels calm and reassuring from the moment you step onboard. There’s a quiet confidence about her — polished wood, welcoming crew, and an easy rhythm that never feels rushed or over-programmed.
There’s no pressure to be constantly entertained. Mornings often began with a proper coffee and a walk on deck, breathing in the crisp air as the scenery slowly unfolded around us. Meals are relaxed and sociable, but it’s just as easy to find a quiet spot — the library, a lounge chair with a view, or a café window seat — if you prefer your own company.
What really stood out was the crew. Attentive without being intrusive, genuinely friendly, and happy to share local insights or answer questions. It’s the kind of service that feels natural rather than rehearsed.
Most of all, Queen Mary gives you time — time to watch the water, read a book, enjoy conversation at dinner, or simply sit and take it all in.
Stavanger: Tradition Meets Modern Norway
Stavanger is often the first port and makes a wonderful introduction to coastal Norway. The ship docks close to town, and within minutes you’re walking into the heart of it.
Gamle Stavanger, the old town, is particularly charming — white timber houses, cobbled streets, and a real sense that this is a lived-in neighbourhood rather than a staged attraction. People are gardening, chatting, and going about their day.
The café culture here is excellent. Find a waterfront spot, order a coffee and something freshly baked, and watch life unfold at an unhurried pace. Stavanger balances its historic roots with a modern edge — colourful street art, contemporary shops, and a relaxed confidence that feels very Norwegian.
If you’re visiting on market day at Torget, it’s worth stopping to sample local produce and soak up the atmosphere. And if you want a genuinely local lunch, ask where the oil workers eat — it usually leads to good food and a good story.
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Skjolden: Quiet, Still, and Deep in the Fjords
Skjolden is all about the setting. Tucked deep into the fjord, it’s peaceful, unspoilt, and quietly impressive. There’s no need to rush here.
The main street is small, the air is clean and pine-scented, and the landscape does most of the talking. I took the well-marked hike to the lookout — manageable for anyone with reasonable mobility — and the views from the top are well worth the effort.
This is the kind of place where doing very little still feels like enough.
Olden: Comfortable, Welcoming, and Naturally Beautiful
Olden feels neat and welcoming, with tidy streets and a relaxed, lived-in feel. It is easy to navigate and doesn’t feel overwhelmed by tourism.
A walk up to the small timber church is a lovely, understated experience — simple and perfectly suited to its surroundings. From there, the walk to Laukifossen waterfall was the highlight. It’s an easy trail through open meadows and past local homes, with the sound of rushing water growing louder as you approach.
Expect mist in the air, damp rocks underfoot, and a real sense of being in nature rather than at an attraction.
Bergen: Colourful, Lively, and Full of Character
Bergen is larger and busier, but it still feels personal. Yes, it rains — often — but the city wears it well.
Bryggen’s colourful waterfront buildings are iconic, but it’s worth wandering beyond them. The backstreets reveal bakeries with warm cardamom buns, small shops, leafy parks, and everyday life unfolding regardless of the weather.
The fish market is lively and a little chaotic, but it’s part of the experience. A bowl of fish soup here makes for a perfect, warming lunch. Bergen rewards slow exploration — turn a corner and you will find laundry under eaves, music drifting from a window, or the funicular climbing the hillside in the distance.
Evenings are cosy and communal, with candlelit cafés and bars filled with locals winding down.
Evenings and Sea Days: Where Queen Mary Really Shines
Some of the most memorable moments weren’t ashore at all. Evenings onboard are relaxed and comfortable — good food, a drink with friends, perhaps some live music, or simply watching the sky change colour from deck or lounge.
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Sea days are restorative. Sitting quietly as fjords and coastline slip by, wrapped up against the cold with a hot drink in hand, is one of the understated pleasures of this voyage.
Practical Takeaways
Final Thoughts
What stays with me isn’t just the scenery — although it is spectacular — but the sense of space to notice the small things. The smell of timber in an Olden church. Coffee by the water in Stavanger. Cool mist from a waterfall. The ease of being onboard a ship where everything simply works.
If you are considering a Norway cruise on Queen Mary, you’ll return with more than photos. You’ll come home rested, clear-headed, and with everyday memories that feel just as meaningful as the dramatic landscapes.
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About Julie O'Grady, CLIA Cruise Master, and Exclusively Cruising
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