Discovering the Most Stunning Fjords in the World—and the Cruises to Experience Them

Sailing through a shimmering inland waterway flanked by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, with snow-capped mountains in the distance, is an experience that leaves you breathless and profoundly aware of the majesty of nature. It is this remarkable connection with the environment that draws adventurers to far-flung locations for unforgettable fjord cruises.

Whether you're exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords of Norway, New Zealand’s breathtaking Milford Sound, the frigid Chilean fjords, or other renowned destinations featuring these ancient submerged valleys, prepare for awe-inspiring vistas. These cruises offer more than just surface-level views; they provide deep dives into these natural wonders, featuring intimate excursions via kayaks or inflatable Zodiac boats, as well as bird's-eye views from helicopters, train journeys, or mountain treks.

Here’s a look at some of the most magnificent fjords in the world and the cruise lines that will take you there in comfort and elegance.

Alaska

Cruising through the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage offers an unforgettable experience with calving glaciers at the mouths of spectacular fjords, whether the journey includes Glacier Bay, College Fjord, or Tracy Arm. If you're sailing from Seward, consider spending a night to embark on a small boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can explore coastal fjords, islands, glaciers, and a vibrant array of marine life, including whales and playful sea otters. Misty Fjords National Monument, accessible by small vessels and shore excursions, represents the pinnacle of Alaskan fjords—a mystical, often fog-shrouded destination where you'll navigate icy blue waters through narrow, glacier-carved channels flanked by towering, 3,000-foot cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush temperate rainforests.

Alaska Fjord Cruises

UnCruise Adventures explores Misty Fjords through its Alaska Fjords & Glaciers itinerary aboard the 60-passenger Wilderness Adventurer, the 74-passenger Wilderness Explorer, and the 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer, with prices starting at $4,800 per person for a seven-night voyage from Juneau or Ketchikan.

Chile

The fjords of Chile, stretching approximately 1,000 miles along the southwestern coast through Patagonia, begin at Cape Horn. Renowned for their stunning blue glaciers, floating icebergs, rugged peaks of the Andes, and untouched wilderness, these fjords are a sight to behold. Among them, Garabaldi Fjord stands out with its steep walls and towering glaciers that reach heights comparable to skyscrapers. The isolated village of Tortel, constructed entirely on stilts, is a popular stop for travelers in the area. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot Andean Condors, some of the largest birds globally, along with Magellanic penguins, orcas, and humpback whales.

Chilean Fjord Cruises

Cruise options include large ships from Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises, as well as smaller vessels from Azamara, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, and Viking. The French company Ponant offers a 14-night voyage in February 2024 aboard the 264-passenger L’Austral, which will sail roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with prices starting at $11,250 per person.

Greenland

Greenland, an island nation, boasts around 1,200 fjords. The Illulissat Icefjord, located on the west coast, stretches approximately 25 miles and serves as a stark reminder of global warming, filled with massive icebergs calved from the swiftly melting Greenland ice sheet. On the east coast lies Scoresby Sund, the longest fjord system in the world, featuring a steep-walled branch extending over 200 miles. Adventure cruise companies like Quark, Hurtigruten, and Aurora Expeditions offer voyages through the expansive wilderness and fjord networks of this remote area.

Fjord Cruises in Greenland

Aurora Expeditions is introducing a new 13-night East Greenland Explorer itinerary that will sail through the rugged and dramatic northeastern landscapes of Greenland, starting in August 2023, with prices beginning at $12,415 per person. This roundtrip cruise from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, will be aboard the 132-passenger Greg Mortimer. It includes a stop in the small Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, which has a population of about 350, with the aim of reaching the northernmost point of Greenland.

Iceland

Situated in the Northeast Atlantic, Iceland features 109 fjords, and exploring them by cruise ship provides one of the finest perspectives for viewing these natural marvels. Picturesque fishing villages like Seydisfjordur, known for their vibrant wooden houses, are often found at the mouths of these cliff-lined channels, historically favored by Vikings for their seclusion and protection. A complete circumnavigation of Iceland, departing and returning to Reykjavík, allows travelers to contrast the eastern fjords, characterized by lush hills and snow-capped mountains, with the vast, rugged cliffs and flat-topped peaks of the less-traveled Westfjords. In both regions, thundering waterfalls enhance the stunning scenery, while wildlife highlights include the beloved puffins and majestic whales.

Fjord Cruises in Iceland

The luxury cruise line Seabourn will offer an 11-night expedition circumnavigating Iceland aboard the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture in July 2024, with prices starting at $11,499 per person. For an additional charge, guests can explore below the surface of Grundarfjordur on the northern coast and Papey Island in the east using one of the ship's two specially designed six-passenger submarines.

New Zealand

Milford Sound is a spectacular, ice-formed fjord stretching nearly 10 miles, nestled within the steep cliffs of New Zealand's southwestern Fiordland National Park. The English writer Rudyard Kipling famously dubbed it 'the eighth wonder of the world.' This beautiful area is adorned with lush rainforests, towering peaks, and breathtaking waterfalls. While cruising, passengers might spot bottlenose and dusky dolphins swimming alongside their vessel, as well as Kea, the only alpine parrots in the world. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather. If visiting the fjord is a priority, consider booking an overnight trip to enhance your chances of experiencing its beauty.

New Zealand fjord cruises

During the late 2023 and early 2024 season, Celebrity Cruises will feature Milford Sound in its 12-night sailings between Auckland and Sydney aboard the luxurious 2,908-passenger Celebrity Edge, with prices starting at $2,000 per person. For an additional $699 per person, guests can enjoy an overnight stop in Queensland, allowing them to disembark in Dunedin and reboard at Milford Sound.

Norway

Norway is home to an impressive array of more than 1,000 breathtaking fjords, with cruise ships offering close-up views of their beauty. Among these natural wonders, the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord stand out in southwestern Norway, surrounded by a vast landscape covering over 310 square miles, featuring cliffs that soar nearly 4,600 feet high, adorned with magnificent waterfalls, verdant coniferous forests, towering snow-capped mountains, and glaciers. Each year, around 130 cruise ships welcome passengers to explore some of the world’s longest, deepest, and most picturesque fjords. Plan your visit in winter for a chance to witness the Northern Lights, or in summer when the Midnight Sun provides nearly continuous daylight for exploration.

Norwegian fjord cruises

A quintessential Norwegian adventure is embarking on an 11-night, 2,500-mile journey with Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Express, which includes stops at 34 ports from Bergen to Kirkenes. Hurtigruten has a rich history in Norway, proudly celebrating its 130^th anniversary in 2023. Roundtrip prices start at $2,309 per person, with six-night voyages available from $1,600 per person.

Multi-country fjord cruises

If you're torn between multiple fjord destinations, a multi-country cruise might be the perfect solution. For example, Viking offers an exciting new Grand Fjords & Iconic Viking Shores itinerary, taking you on a voyage between Amsterdam and New York aboard the 930-passenger Viking Star or its sister ship, Viking Neptune. During this journey, passengers can visit the charming Danish fishing village of Skagen and enjoy extensive exploration of Norway, including the breathtaking Geirangerfjord and Aurlandsfjord, which can be admired from above while riding the Flåm Railway. In the Arctic region of Svalbard, the cruise will navigate through the pristine wilderness of Isfjorden, Norway's second longest fjord, where keen-eyed travelers may spot polar bears. The adventure continues as the ship sails across the Norwegian Sea for a complete circumnavigation of Iceland, followed by a journey to Greenland to discover its stunning fjord landscapes, and eventually to the Labrador Sea, heading to Canada and on to the Atlantic.

Prices start at $16,997 per person for sailings in June and July 2024, or from May through July in 2025.