How to Select a Norway Cruise

Sure, Norway isn't filled with tropical splendor or beach-tanned bodies. Where else can you see the Northern Lights from a cruise ship, though? We're talking cruises so jam-packed that they average 12 days of beautiful scenery--you can even spend a traditional Norwegian Christmas onboard a steamer ship. The Land of the Midnight Sun awaits!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Obtain a passport and travel insurance. You will definitely want both of these items in place before you book a cruise. Passports can take several weeks to arrive and you don't want to miss your departure because you're still waiting on paperwork.

2. Choose your season. The summer draws Norway cruise goers because of the Midnight sun and bright nights, but you'll catch the best views of the Northern Lights in the winter. Since you can't have your cake and eat it too, you'll have to decide which is more important.

3. Choose your pole. Norway cruises will take you to either end of the globe. If you're after the Midnight sun or Northern Lights, take a cruise through Greenland up the Norwegian fjords. Heading south will take you to Antarctica with gorgeous orca, whale, seal and other sea life viewing.

4. Pick some sights. With all the sights to see, many Norway cruise ships let you choose port-to-port or round-trip travel. If you want to go port-to-port, book early–most of the cabins are reserved for round-trip passengers.

5. Shop around. If you can be flexible with which port you leave from, you can save some money. Prices are usually best departing from Bergen and get more expensive as you head north.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be fooled–except in the North Cape, it can get pretty warm on a Norway cruise. Dress in layers that can be shed through the day and pack rain gear.
• Bring your passport with you if you hit North Cape. You can have it stamped at the Nordkapp Visitor Center and feel really cool.
• Ask if the cruise line will greet you upon arrival or provide transportation to the ship. If not, you're going to need to ask for directions and pay for fare to the ship–usually around $50 for two people.