Cruises & Expeditions · Best Jun–Aug
Norwegian fjords cruise packing list for families
A fjords cruise is cool, wet, and stunning, with early morning sail-ins and port days spent walking to waterfalls. Good rain gear and warm layers make every day on deck comfortable.
Kristina's notes on Norwegian Fjords Cruise
- Bergen and the western fjords get a lot of rain, even in summer. Real rain jackets and rain pants for the kids matter more than anything else in the suitcase.
- Sailing into the fjords is the best part, and it often happens early in the morning. I set an alarm and bring the kids up on deck in fleece and pajamas with hot chocolate.
- Summer days are very long this far north, and it can still be light at bedtime. Pack sleep masks if your kids need dark to fall asleep.
Best timeJun–Aug
PlugsTypes C and F, bring an adapter
MoneyNorwegian krone (cards accepted almost everywhere)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Norwegian Fjords Cruise
This time of year
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Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing8
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Formal-night outfit
Packable rain jackets for everyoneKristina's pickWestern Norway is one of Europe's wettest regions.
Kids' rain pantsFor waterfall walks and wet port days.
Warm fleece layersDeck time in the fjords is cool and windy.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Beach & pool8
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sleep masksSummer evenings stay light very late.
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bands
Documents & tech7
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Magnetic hooks for the cabin
Power strip without surge protectionCruise lines don't allow surge protectors.
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Compact binocularsFor waterfalls, farms, and wildlife along the fjords.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickTypes C and F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For the grown-ups
- A waterproof parka or shell
- Chunky knit sweater
- Waterproof boots with real grip
For the kids
- Snowsuit or waterproof pants
- Merino base layers
- Mittens on a clip so they don't get lost
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
Month by month
Norwegian Fjords Cruise weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F 5°C | Cold, wet, and dark, with a few northern lights sailings | Northern lights sailings along the coast in the dark months |
| February | 41°F 5°C | Cold, wet, and dark, with a few northern lights sailings | Northern lights sailings along the coast in the dark months |
| March | 45°F 7°C | Cold, wet, and dark, with a few northern lights sailings | Northern lights sailings along the coast in the dark months |
| April | 52°F 11°C | Cool spring with snow on the peaks and waterfalls swelling | |
| May | 59°F 15°C | Cool spring with snow on the peaks and waterfalls swelling | Waterfalls at their fullest from spring snowmelt Constitution Day on May 17, with parades and children in national dress |
| June | 63°F 17°C | Mild summer days with long light and frequent showers | Waterfalls at their fullest from spring snowmelt Long summer light near the solstice, and midnight sun in the far north |
| July | 66°F 19°C | Mild summer days with long light and frequent showers | Long summer light near the solstice, and midnight sun in the far north |
| August | 66°F 19°C | Mild summer days with long light and frequent showers | |
| September | 60°F 16°C | Cool and rainy, with fall colors and the end of fjord season | Early fall colors in the fjord valleys |
| October | 52°F 11°C | Cool and rainy, with fall colors and the end of fjord season | Northern lights sailings along the coast in the dark months |
| November | 46°F 8°C | Cold, wet, and dark, with a few northern lights sailings | Northern lights sailings along the coast in the dark months |
| December | 42°F 6°C | Cold, wet, and dark, with a few northern lights sailings | Northern lights sailings along the coast in the dark months |
Questions families ask
Norwegian Fjords Cruise with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Norwegian Fjords Cruise with kids?
The best time is Jun–Aug. Mild summer days with long light and frequent showers
What's the weather like in Norwegian Fjords Cruise?
Typical daytime highs range from about 41°F (5°C) in January to about 66°F (19°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Norwegian Fjords Cruise?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Norwegian Fjords Cruise?
Types C and F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Norwegian Fjords Cruise with kids?
Bergen and the western fjords get a lot of rain, even in summer. Real rain jackets and rain pants for the kids matter more than anything else in the suitcase.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.