From the sheltered waters of Eidfjord to the open coastline around Haugesund, this six-night voyage reveals different sides of western Norway. Departing Bergen on 30 May, the Santa Maria Manuela takes you into the fjords before heading south to Stavanger, arriving on 5 June.
Bergen makes a fitting starting point, with its old trading wharves and busy harbor. Soon the city gives way to a landscape of wooded slopes, scattered houses and mountains. As we follow the Hardangerfjord inland, there’s plenty to draw you out on deck, whether you’re taking photographs or simply watching the shore pass.
At Eidfjord, the mountains feel close enough to touch. Spend your time ashore wandering through the village, following the waterfront or exploring the surrounding area independently. The journey back towards the coast brings another chance to appreciate the scale of the fjord from the water.
Haugesund introduces a different Norway, shaped by fishing, shipping and life beside the North Sea. Walk along the quays, browse the town’s shops or pause for coffee before returning aboard for our onward passage.
Over six nights, the ship becomes a familiar home. You might find yourself chatting with the crew about the route, learning what happens on the bridge or staying outside after dinner to make the most of the evening light. There’s no need to fill every hour when so much of the pleasure is in the journey.
Stavanger marks our final stop. Its old town, with white timber houses and narrow cobbled lanes, offers a lovely contrast to the broad waters and steep mountains we’ve travelled through.
