What It’s Like to Sail the Norwegian Fjords on Disney Fantasy
Imagine sailing through fjords and quaint Nordic villages by day, then enjoying Disney magic by night. That’s exactly what I just experienced on my recent cruise to the Norwegian Fjords aboard Disney Fantasy. This 7-night itinerary (roundtrip from Southampton, England) transported me into storybook ports of Olden, Ålesund and Stavanger. From seeing Frozen characters in the land that inspired Arendelle to hiking up real-life mountains, there was something for everyone both on and off the ship. First-time cruisers will appreciate Disney’s world-class service and family-friendly touches, while die-hard Disney fans will love the exclusive experiences sprinkled with pixie dust. Here are the highlights of my European cruise, from onshore port adventures to onboard delights, and I will finish with some tips to make the most of your next Disney cruise.
Port Adventures in the Norwegian Fjords (Olden, Ålesund, Stavanger) One of the best parts of a Norwegian fjords cruise is the Port Adventures which are Disney Cruise Line’s curated shore excursions. Disney offers a range of excursions from gentle, family-friendly outings to thrill-seeking expeditions, and I experienced one in each port. In Olden, I did theBriksdal Glacier by Troll Car which included a 45-minute drive through the village of Olden, along Olden Lake and up to Briksdal Mountain.Sturdy shoes are a must as there is a walking/hiking portion, and I chose the troll cars option which carried me most of the way up to the glacier.
In Ålesund, I did the Path of the Trolls sightseeing tour which included stops at the medieval Stordal Church, Valldall, Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge and the Trollstigen viewpoint. Now this was an ALL day bus tour, which can be exhausting; however, it was cool to drive the world-famous Trollstigen mountain road (with 11 hairpin turns) and see the 585-foot Stigfoss Waterfall. We finished the tour by stopping at Troll Wall, the tallest vertical rock face in Europe (nearly 3600 feet).
Lastly, in Stavanger, I took the RIB Boat adventure (rigid inflatable boat) going to the Lysefjjord. This was an adrenaline-filled two hour ride where I learned about Norse mythology, saw the Hengjane waterfall and Pulpit rock. It was cold, it was rainy, it was AMAZING, and the weather only enhanced the experience, in my opinion. Part of the fun was feeling the wind and spray as we zipped through the fjord. If you're the type who loves a mix of adrenaline and nature, the RIB Boat adventure is a must. Picture yourself zipping through the fjords, rain or shine, with waterfalls around you. It’s like a rollercoaster on water.
Onboard Magic Aboard the Disney Fantasy Part of what makes a Disney cruise special is that the fun doesn’t stop when you leave port. From Broadway quality shows like Aladdin and Frozen to first-run Disney movies to multiple character meet-and-greets, guests of all ages can keep entertained during sea days and evenings. Kids can enjoy the Oceanner’s Club while the adults can escape to the spa (which I highly recommend getting the Rainforest spa pass), indulge in a chocolate pairing/wine tasting, or just soak in a hot tub with fjord views. One unique feature onboard is Disney’s rotational dining which is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced on other ocean voyages. One night you’re surrounded by animation coming to life in Animator’s Palate (think talking to Crush from Finding Nemo), then the next night you’re dining in a regal fairytale at Royal Court. Best part of it all…the servers rotate with you from venue to venue so you have the same dining staff throughout the cruise. Bonus…the menus are themed as well, depending on the restaurant and some of the options cater around the itinerary too. Want something extra special? Try Palo and Remy which offer elevated, adults-only specialty dining that is worth dressing up for. Treat yourself, I did!
Tips for Cruising with Disney:
Traveling on the Disney Fantasy is an incredible adventure, and a little preparation can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some essential tips to help first-timers (and even experienced cruisers) get the most out of their Disney cruise: • Book Your Shore Excursions Early: The best tours and experiences in port tend to sell out quickly, sometimes within hours of the booking window opening. To avoid disappointment, set a reminder for the day your excursions become available and lock in your favorites right away. If the one you want isn’t available, don’t give up as cancellations do happen. Keep checking back online, and once you’re onboard, stop by the Shore Excursions desk to ask about last-minute openings or waitlists.
• Pack for Every Kind of Weather: If you’re headed on a Norwegian cruise, think of your suitcase as a “just-in-case” kit. The weather in Norway loves to keep you guessing. One minute you might have sunshine and the next rain, wind, and a chilly mist all in the same day. Layers will be your best friend. A lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker is a must, plus a couple of cozy sweaters or a fleece you can mix and match. Waterproof shoes are worth it too (trust me, cobblestones and nature trails get slippery fast). And since it’s Disney, why not throw in a fun pirate or princess outfit? Themed nights and character meet-ups aren’t just for the kids as grown-ups get to play along too.
• Don’t Skip the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App: Before you even pack your bags, make sure you’ve downloaded the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app which is basically your digital cruise guide. Think of it as your go-to for everything: daily activities, entertainment schedules, character meet-and-greets, dining room menus, even your booked excursions. You can “favorite” events and the app will ping you a reminder before they start (so no missing Disney trivia or the button making class!).
Disney Cruise Line masterfully blends the enchantment of Disney with the rich culture of the itineraries they visit by crafting a voyage that thrills Disney aficionados and impresses cruise newcomers in equal measure. Whether you’re a first-timer wondering what to expect, or a Disney Parks veteran looking for a new way to experience the magic, a cruise on the Disney Fantasy is an adventure you’ll treasure forever. If this sounds like the kind of adventure your family or even just the kid at heart in you needs, let’s start planning your Disney cruise.
