Norwegian Fjords on the Celebrity Apex: An Honest Review
Norwegian Fjords on the Celebrity Apex: An Honest Review & Complete Guide
Norway had been on my bucket list for years — and experiencing it aboard the Celebrity Apex made it even more unforgettable. Here's everything you need to know before you book, including what to do at each port, honest takes on the ship, and tips I wish I'd had.
Norway has long been at the top of my travel bucket list, and experiencing it aboard the Celebrity Apex made it even more unforgettable. From dramatic fjords to charming coastal towns, this cruise showcased the very best of Norway's natural beauty and rich culture. Every moment felt truly special — this was one of those trips where you're just completely present, soaking it all in. I loved every minute.
About the Celebrity Apex
The Celebrity Apex is a beautiful ship — elegant, modern, and full of unique spaces that make a week at sea feel genuinely luxurious. A few things that stood out immediately:
- The Infinite Veranda stateroom — The top half of the window lowers to create an open-air balcony. For a fjord cruise, this is transformative — you can sail through Flåm at 10pm watching mountains glide past from your room
- Four main dining rooms, each with their own theme. Our favorite was Cyprus, featuring fresh Mediterranean and Greek-inspired cuisine
- Eden — A stunning lounge at the very back of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows. We watched the ship sail out of Flåm and stayed for hours
- The Martini Bar — The bartenders put on a nightly show: flipping shakers, tossing bottles, dancing behind the bar. Genuinely fun and the martinis are excellent
- The Solarium — An adults-only indoor pool and lounge area. The outdoor pool was also heated and surprisingly comfortable even in cooler fjord air
Our first port of call was the charming medieval city of Bruges — a destination we'd visited before and were excited to return to. We took a shuttle transfer from the port with a guide who shared fascinating facts about the region.
- Canal boat ride — An absolute must. The views from the water give you an entirely different perspective of the city's fairy-tale architecture
- Beer Wall pub — A lively pub with an impressive beer selection and a picturesque canal setting
- Belgian chocolate shops — Don't hold back. Each shop offers a slightly different take on Belgian perfection
- Liège waffle — Crispy, caramelized, and absolutely addictive. Get one from a street vendor
We woke up to our first glimpse of the Norwegian fjords from our stateroom window — misty mountains and still water. Absolutely magical.
We chose the Flåm Railway excursion — one of Norway's most famous scenic train rides. A few honest notes: the experience is weather-dependent (we had rain), and sitting on the right side when boarding gives you the best views. Flåm itself is a tiny, charming village. We had lunch at a local brewery with authentic Norwegian dishes, and the Aquavit quickly became a favorite. The Celebrity crew greeted us back at the ship with hot chocolate — a small but wonderful touch.
Day five was, without question, my favorite day of the entire trip. Geiranger's natural beauty is beyond words — towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue fjords that feel almost otherworldly.
We chose a guided mountain hike to a waterfall — one of the most stunning hikes I've ever experienced. It was strenuous and steep in parts, so I wish Celebrity had provided a more detailed difficulty description. But the guides were excellent and the views kept getting better with every switchback. At the top, we walked behind the waterfall — an exhilarating and completely unforgettable moment.
Back in town: be sure to try the local brown cheese and cloudberry jam — cloudberries only grow in a handful of places in the world, Norway being one of them.
Bergen is a vibrant, historically rich city — once the capital of Norway and now famous for being one of the rainiest places on Earth. We got lucky with just a light shower.
We joined a walking tour combined with the Fløibanen funicular. The guide shared fascinating stories about Bergen's Hanseatic trading history, and the views from the top are stunning. After the tour, we explored the fish market — packed with fresh local delicacies. In the spirit of adventure: whale meat and a reindeer hot dog. Because when in Norway, right? We ended the day at the Sunset Bar, watching Norway's coastline fade as we sailed back toward Southampton.
"This was one of those trips where you're just completely present, soaking it all in. The fjords stayed with us for hours as we sailed out of Flåm — spectacular views until nearly 10pm."
Practical Tips for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise
I highly recommend the Premium Drink Package. Cocktails were around $23 each — the package pays for itself quickly and removes all the stress of ordering. Covers cocktails, premium coffees, sparkling water, mocktails, and practically anything you'd want.
For a fjord cruise, a cabin with a window or balcony is a must — the ever-changing scenery is part of the magic. The Infinite Veranda rooms on the Apex are particularly special for this itinerary.
Several options: private car transfer (most comfortable), Celebrity coach bus, train from Southampton Central to London, or the National Express bus — direct, economical, very easy.
- Spend 2–3 days in the Cotswolds or London before boarding to recover from the flight and extend the trip
- Book popular excursions (especially the Geiranger hike) before you board — they sell out
- For the Flåm Railway, board early and sit on the right side for the best views
- Bring layers — the fjords are cool even in summer, especially on deck
Book This Cruise Through Me
A luxurious cruise line offering world-class dining, cutting-edge ship design, and unforgettable ocean views. As a Fora Pro and Virtuoso advisor, I can help you choose the right cabin category, itinerary, and add-ons — plus handle any pre- or post-cruise hotel bookings with exclusive perks.
Ready to cruise the Norwegian Fjords?
I've sailed this itinerary and can guide you through every detail — cabin selection, excursions, and pre-cruise hotels with exclusive Fora perks.
