Alaska or a Norway cruise? I recently came back from my first Norway cruise. I have to admit that a good part of me expected it to be quite similar to the Alaska cruise I did last May.
After all, from photos and videos, there are a lot of similarities. The mountainous landscape, fjords, waterfalls and scenic views can be found on both Norway and Alaska cruises. They are also both cooler weather cruises, and there are a lot of similarities in terms of what to pack.
However, we were surprised at some of the differences between these two popular itineraries. Truthfully, I’m glad there were these differences, as it did make both of these bucket list cruises unique.
In this post, I share what to expect if you’re considering or comparing Alaska vs Norway. I’ll also share our own experiences and thoughts about what we enjoyed most (and least) about each cruise.
Finally, I’ll include some quick tips to help if you’re planning an Alaska or Norway cruise for the first time.
Norway vs Alaska Weather
This probably won’t suprise you, but it’s true that the weather is pretty similar on Alaska and Norway cruises. This is true even in the seasonality and unpredictability of the temperatures!
Our Norway Cruise
Norway Cruise: Holland America Rotterdam
When it comes to weather, we were very lucky on our Norway cruise. While the week before us the temperatures were pretty cold and rainy, during our cruise on June 22-29, we had mostly sunny weather and mild to sometimes very warm temperatures.
Temperatures ranged from about 60 degrees (16 C) when we arrived in Skolden to the high 70’s (26 C) when we visited Alesund and Kristiansand.
What I Wore
In fact, I wore everything from leggings, a sweatshirt and lined rain jacket to a knee length sun dress one day!
Our Alaska Cruise
Alaska Cruise: Holland America Koningsdam
Alaska temperatures are similar to Norway. You can expect cooler weather early in the season, warmer (to sometimes hot weather) mid-summer, and cooler weather again in the fall. Rain and wet weather is common.
During our cruise in early May, we had what I like to call “fresh” weather. It was mostly cool, but with clear skies and sunshine, it didn’t feel as cold as I expected. Temperatures ranged from about 50 degrees (10 C) in Glacier Bay to the low 60’s (15 C) in Skagway.
If we were to have cruised in June or during the summer, the temperatures would have likely been warmer.
What I Wore
During my Alaska cruise, I mostly wore jeans, fleece lined leggings, sweatshirts and a light puffer jacket. I also had a hat and thin gloves which I definitely needed during early mornings and when on a whale watching excursion.
However, although I brought a hat and gloves for Norway, I never used them.
Related: What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise (outfit ideas with photos)
Alaska vs Norway Scenery
Both the Alaska and Norway scenery is majestic, so you can’t go wrong with either. However, there were some interesting contrasts.
Alaska Inside Passage
We did an inside passage cruise from Vancouver, Canada and loved seeing the calm waters and stunning views of fjords, forests, and mountains.
After many Caribbean cruises, I was truly in awe of the land on either side of our ship during much of our cruise!
As we sailed in and out of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, we loved sitting on our balcony or watching from the deck. The remote wilderness in Alaska is rugged and untouched.
We enjoyed using our binoculars to view the landscape and look for wildlife as we sailed during the day.
Related: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)
Glacier Viewing
During our Holland America cruise, we had a day of glacier viewing in Glacier Bay National Park. Witnessing glacier calving is common, especially in summer. This is when chunks of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water. It’s a breathtaking sight accompanied by a thunderous noise.
Glacier viewing is part of most Alaska cruise itineraries and a highlight for most cruisers!
Video: Our 7 Alaska Cruise Review & Tips
Related Alaska cruise port guides:
- Vancouver Port Guide and 12 Best Things to Do
- 17 Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska Cruise Port
- 20 Best Things to do in Skagway Alaska Cruise Port
- 17 of the Best Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska Cruise Port
- 17 Best Things to do in Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) Alaska
- The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
7 Day Norway Cruise
Our Norway cruise left from Rotterdam, Netherlands and visited four Norwegian ports of call; Eidfjord, Alesund, Skolden and Kristiansand.
As we sailed, we viewed the most dramatic landscapes. The mountains and waterfalls were towering. In fact our cruise ship looked quite small in comparison. While we sailed, we saw picturesque villages and the most beautiful and lush greenery.
In contrast to Alaska, there were more green forests and the sea was a deep teal blue. Alaska had more grey, white and a darker forest green. The sea was mostly a dark blue or brown.
Spectacular Fjords
When cruising in Norway, sailing through the fjords is a highlight. During our cruise we sailed through Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Stretching over 200 kilometers, Sognefjord offers diverse landscapes and charming villages.
Alaska vs Norway Wildlife
One things that surprised me most of all is that wildlife sightings are hugely different on Alaska vs Norway cruises. In fact, the animals you’ll encounter and the frequency of sightings can differ significantly between the two destinations.
Alaska Wildlife
On an Alaska cruise, it’s likely to see various marine life. During a whale watching excursion in Juneau, we saw one whale (in early May whale sightings are less common). However, when we were sailing back from Alaska to Vancouver after our last port, we were followed by a pod of orcas.
We also saw sea otters seemingly lounging on the rocky shores and gathering together on buoys. When doing a lighthouse excursion, we looked up in a tree to see a bald eagle. We were so glad to have brought binoculars!
In the morning when we arrived in Glacier Bay, we could see bears running on the shore line. The National Park Ranger, who came on board for the day, was making announcements of the various wildlife that could be seen.
We did a dog sledding excursion in Skagway. While not wildlife persay, it was fun to interact with these spirited and friendly sled dogs.
Norway Wildlife
We didn’t see much, if any wildlife during our Norwegian Fjords cruise. Obviously, there is wildlife in Norway, including whales, reindeer and elk.
However, even though during my Norway cruise research I read about the wildlife that can be seen, it seems that most reviews from real cruisers said they didn’t see much. This could be dependant on the time of year and other factors of course.
That being said, we did an interesting excursion in Skolden called Walking with Llamas. Skolden, Norway was one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen. This village looked like it could have been a movie set (almost unreal)!
Norway vs Alaska Activities, Excursions and Culture
Both Norway and Alaska have a lot of activities and great things to do in ports of call.
Alaska Activities and Culture
There’s a wide variety of excursions to choose from in Alaska. The major ports can also be explored on your own.
In Alaska there are many opportunities for outdoor adventures, including dog sledding, helicopter tours to glaciers, hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
In Ketchikan, we did a really fun excursion that included an off-road jeep tour followed by canoeing on Harriet Hunt Lake and a light hike or walk along a train. We also ate some local foods including a delicious clam chowder, a smoked salmon spread and locally made jam.
In Skagway you may want to book the The White Pass & Yukon Route railway, which offers breathtaking views and a taste of history.
There’s a lot of history in Alaska, much of it pertaining to the gold rush. Therefore there are excursions that focus on related activities. Those interested in learning about Alaska Native cultures and the history of the Gold Rush era will appreciate this opportunity.
At each of our Alaska ports, you could also walk around and go into the local tourist shops and eat at some of the popular restaurants, like Tracy’s Crab Shack, Red Dog Saloon and the Skagway Brewhouse.
Norway Activities and Culture
In Norway, the most popular activities include hiking in the fjords, visiting waterfalls, and even exploring national parks.
During our day in Eidfjord, we did a sea kayaking excursion that was one of my most memorable experiences. We began our kayaking in calm waters right near the cruise ship and paddled on the Eid Fjord, a branch of the larger Hardangerfjord.
The Hardangerfjord is the second-longest fjord in Norway, and Eidfjord is one of its innermost branches, known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil waters. We were surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls and it was simply incredible!
Some guests chose to visit a national park near Eidfjord, Hardangervidda National Park. Other guests chose a waterfall and waffles excursion or explored the quaint village on their own.
In some of the bigger cities, there is more to do in terms of shopping and culture. For example, in Kristiansand we went to an art museum located right by the cruise port. We also walked into town and visited a church where a lovely presentation of song and music was being played.
In Alesund, we took a Hop On-Hop Off bus tour. We opted to get off at the Aksla Viewpoint, which is located on top of Aksla Mountain, which rises above the town of Alesund.
We walked down the 418 stairs to the town park, into town and then back to our cruise ship. Many cruise passengers walked here from the ship and it’s definately not as far as it looks (about 20-30 minutes walking).
There are also tours pertaining to Vikings. However, this seems to be dependant on the ports. As an example, there is a well known Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. Oslo and Bergen are ports I’d like to visit on a future cruise to Norway, but they weren’t on our itinerary.
Video: Our 7 Day Norway Cruise Review and Tips
Alaska vs Norway Demographics
You might be wondering who cruises to Alaska or Norway. While the demographics of passengers on Alaska and Norway cruises can vary based on the specific cruise line, time of year, and type of cruise, there are some similarities and differences.
Who Cruises to Norway?
Mature Travelers: Similar to Alaska, many passengers are older adults and retirees who appreciate the scenic cruising and cultural experiences Norway offers.
Couples: Norway cruises attract a lot of couples, both young and older, who are interested in the romantic and picturesque settings of the fjords.
Adventure and Culture Seekers: Younger travelers and those interested in active shore excursions, such as hiking and exploring, also join these cruises.
Nationalities: On our cruise, more than half of our ship were from various European countries. However, given that we departed from Rotterdam, many of our fellow cruisers were Dutch.
We found this to be especially interesting, as we heard Dutch being spoken a lot. That said, English is very common as well and we never found that there was a language barrier.
There were also a fair amount of Americans (and some Canadians) that are also attracted to the unique landscapes and cultural heritage of Norway.
*Our cruise was in May, so while few children were on board, this could still be a great itinerary for families.
Who Cruises to Alaska?
Mature Travelers: Alaska cruises aren’t party ships and attract passengers many older adults and retirees who are often attracted by the scenic beauty and leisurely pace.
Families: Alaska cruises are popular with families, especially during the summer vacation months. The availability of family-friendly activities and excursions makes it an appealing choice.
Adventure Seekers: Younger couples and adventure enthusiasts who are drawn to the outdoor activities and wildlife experiences also make up a percentage of guests as well.
Nationalities: Given Alaska’s location, the majority of passengers are from the United States and Canada. Americans might be especially drawn to The Great State.
That said, there is also a good mix of international tourists who are looking to experience the unique natural beauty of Alaska.
Related: 13 Alaska Cruise Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Cruise
Alaska vs Norway – More Differences We Observed
The Midnight Sun
In Norway, it seemed the sun almost never set. It was still light out at midnight and seemed like dusk until about 3 am, when the sun began to rise again.
This made Norway very bright. However, beyond this we noticed that people would sit in lounges by the windows much later than on other cruises. I also found myself going to bed much later and my body clock was a bit off. In hindsight I should have packed a sleep mask.
Days were long in Alaska as well, but it was more apparent in Norway.
Waterfalls
As we sailed, we had frequent sightings of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs. At the top of the mountains, we could see what looked like patches of snow. However, they were far away and must have been large.
Money, Currency and Pricing
In Alaska, the US dollar is used, making it very convenient for Americans. Although prices at restaurants are higher than in most US cities, it’s still less expensive than Norway.
In Norway, the Kroner is used. However, credit cards are commonly used and we were advised not to exchange any money. I did tip on excursions, and tipped in Euros, which I had from our pre-cruise stay in Amsterdam.
Norway was on the expensive, even for a light meal or simple pastry and cup of coffee.
Food
When talking about food and dining, we have to agree that this is subjective. Both Alaska and Norway have lots of fresh fish. We also found reindeer sausage in both Norway and Alaska. My husband and son ate this, but I didn’t.
Alaska Food
We like to have lunch or a light meal when visiting ports of call, if time allows. In Alaska we ate at the Skagway Brewhouse and had an American style meal and locally brewed beer. Unfortunately we didn’t have time in port for Tracy’s Crab Shack in Juneau, which I have heard is really good!
Norway Food
In Norway we stopped in at a local restaurant in Skoldjen and had a charcuterie plate with cheese and meats, a fresh pastry, a small waffle with a local brown cheese (an odd taste) and coffee.
I would not cruise to either of these destinations for food alone. In fact, I was always happy to be going back to the cruise ship ;-).
Neither destination is Italy, Greece or France. If you’ve been on a Mediterranean cruise, if you know what I mean.
Culture
This part is very subjective, but as someone who travels more in North America, I found the culture in Norway to be an appealing aspect of this cruise. Beyond art or architecture (the buildings are beautiful), it was clear that the people and culture are different from what I am used to.
This is one aspect of travel that I enjoy, so I appreciated the culture that seemed more quiet. The people also seemed very relaxed. In fact, for good or bad, people seemed to sit a lot at cafes or restaurants, lingering for long periods of time sometimes without ordering. This is very different from what you can expect in many busy tourist areas both in Europe and North America.
Related: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)
Alaska or Norway Cruise? Which Should You Choose
There isn’t a contest, both Alaska and Norway cruises are amazing. One more factor to consider is travel to your cruise. There is likely more planning and cost involved in a Norway cruise, if you’re coming from North America
We flew into Amsterdam from Montreal, Canada and then took a 40 minute train ride to Rotterdam, Netherlands, which is from where our Norway cruise departed.
In contrast, when we went on our Alaska cruise, we flew from Montreal to Vancouver for our 7 day cruise. In Vancouver we used the Canadian dollar and things were much less expensive.
However, if you consider that travel to the cruise is part of the experience, both cruises are wonderful choices!
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Have you cruised to Alaska or Norway or are you considering it? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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