There are cruises that feel relaxing, cruises that feel exciting… and then there are voyages like this aboard Queen Mary 2, where every day feels genuinely special from start to finish.
Sailing through the Norwegian Fjords on Cunard’s iconic flagship combined breathtaking scenery with elegant evenings, unforgettable experiences ashore and the timeless atmosphere that Queen Mary 2 is famous for.
From glamorous Gala Nights and traditional Afternoon Tea to waking up surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, this voyage offered the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration and classic ocean travel.
Embarkation in Southampton
Arriving into Southampton couldn’t have been easier, especially with only Queen Mary 2 docked in port. From the moment we arrived, everything felt seamless. Bags were dropped off effortlessly, check-in was smooth, and before long I was stepping into my cabin, already ready and waiting for me.
A lovely touch from Cunard awaited too — a bottle of fizz to start the voyage in style.
After settling in, I spent some time exploring the ship and getting my bearings. Despite her size and iconic status, QM2 feels elegant and welcoming rather than overwhelming.
Lunch in the buffet followed before meeting our host team for a welcome briefing and overview of the itinerary ahead.
That evening began with hosted drinks before dinner in the beautiful Britannia Restaurant, followed by our first chance to experience the entertainment and atmosphere onboard.
Sea Days on Queen Mary 2
One of the things Queen Mary 2 does so well is making sea days feel like part of the experience rather than simply time between destinations.
Our first full day at sea was spent relaxing around the indoor pool area beneath the ship’s striking glass roof while sunshine streamed through above.
That evening was the famous Black & White Gala Night, and QM2 truly came alive. Tuxedos, sparkling gowns, ballroom dancing and live music created an atmosphere that felt wonderfully timeless. Later in the evening, guests filled G32 where the celebrations continued late into the night.
Throughout the voyage there was always something happening onboard, from dance classes and live music to theatre productions, art classes and wellness experiences.
Stavanger During Norway’s Independence Day
Day three brought something completely unexpected as we arrived into Stavanger during Norway’s Independence Day celebrations.
The streets were filled with parades, traditional Norwegian dress, marching bands and an atmosphere unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The entire town felt alive with celebration, and it was such a privilege to witness such an important national occasion firsthand.
The locals were incredibly friendly, happily stopping for photos and chats as we explored the town.
Back onboard that afternoon, Queen Mary 2 continued her journey deeper into the fjords overnight before we awoke the following morning in Skjolden.
Exploring Skjolden and the Norwegian Fjords
Surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls and peaceful scenery, Skjolden instantly felt calm, authentic and unforgettable.
One of the luxuries of cruising aboard Queen Mary 2 is how effortlessly you can step ashore into these smaller destinations while still enjoying the comfort and elegance of life onboard.
That afternoon we experienced Cunard’s famous Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room, and it was every bit as iconic as expected. White-gloved waiters moved in perfect sync around the room serving delicate sandwiches, warm scones and beautifully presented pastries while live music played in the background.
It felt wonderfully traditional and completely unique to the Cunard experience.
That evening we dined at The Verandah, QM2’s speciality steak restaurant, where a stunning seafood platter and perfectly cooked steaks made for one of the best meals of the voyage.
Olden and the Loen Skylift Excursion
The next morning we arrived into Olden, another beautiful Norwegian port surrounded by dramatic scenery.
One of the highlights of the entire trip was the Loen Skylift excursion. After travelling through stunning landscapes by coach, we boarded one of the steepest cable cars in the world, climbing more than 1,000 metres above the fjord.
The views at the top were absolutely breathtaking, with mountains, waterfalls, lakes and snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye could see. It’s genuinely an excursion not to be missed on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.
Back onboard later that afternoon, we also had the opportunity to enjoy a bridge tour and see behind the scenes of Queen Mary 2, which was fascinating.
Scenic Cruising Through Hardangerfjord
The following day was dedicated to scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord, and the scenery constantly felt postcard-worthy.
Everywhere we looked there were dramatic cliffs, waterfalls cascading down mountainsides and glaciers appearing in the distance. One particularly impressive moment was watching the ship complete a full 360-degree turn within the fjord so guests on every side could enjoy the views.
That evening brought our second Gala Night, once again filling the ship with glamour and elegance.
Life Onboard Queen Mary 2
Our final sea day gave us the chance to experience more of what makes Queen Mary 2 so special.
After a morning training session, the spa was the perfect place to unwind, with hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms and sensory showers offering a peaceful escape.
I also finally visited the library, somewhere I genuinely wish I’d discovered earlier in the voyage. Quiet, elegant and full of character, it felt like the perfect retreat at sea.
For our final evening, we enjoyed farewell drinks with our hosts before dinner at Chef’s Galley, one of the hidden gems onboard serving excellent pizzas and pasta.
We finished the voyage watching a fantastic Motown performance in the Royal Court Theatre before one final sunset on deck.
Why Queen Mary 2 Works So Well for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise
There’s something particularly special about experiencing the Norwegian Fjords aboard Queen Mary 2.
The ship’s elegant atmosphere, spacious decks and large public areas make it incredibly easy to relax and enjoy the scenery while cruising through the fjords. Whether watching waterfalls drift past from the promenade deck or enjoying panoramic views from inside the ship, QM2 feels perfectly suited to this type of itinerary.
Combined with Cunard’s traditional touches, exceptional service and world-class entertainment, it creates a voyage that feels both relaxing and memorable.
Final Thoughts on Queen Mary 2
As our voyage came to an end, one thing was certain — Queen Mary 2 had completely exceeded expectations.
From elegant Gala Nights and world-class dining to breathtaking fjord scenery and unforgettable excursions ashore, this cruise offered the perfect balance of relaxation, entertainment and exploration.
I would wholeheartedly recommend a Cunard Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard Queen Mary 2 to travellers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for scenic cruising, traditional ocean travel or simply the chance to completely switch off and unwind, QM2 delivers it beautifully.