The Great Fjords of Norway: A Journey Through One of Europe’s Most Extraordinary Landscapes

Sail through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe aboard Le Champlain, where each day reveals a new chapter in Norway’s remarkable story. From the UNESCO-listed splendour of Geirangerfjord and the celebrated Seven Sisters waterfall to glacier-carved valleys, tranquil fjords, dramatic mountain landscapes and charming coastal cities, experience the natural beauty, rich heritage and quiet elegance of Norway from the unique perspective of an intimate luxury yacht.

Our partners in this extraordinary voyage are the luxury French cruise specialists Compagnie du Ponant, whose elegant yacht Le Champlain offers a refined and intimate way to experience Norway’s legendary fjords. Carrying just 184 guests, she is perfectly suited to exploring these remarkable waterways, where waterfalls tumble from towering cliffs, glaciers descend towards emerald valleys and some of Europe’s most celebrated landscapes unfold beyond the deck.

CountryClubuk Members are invited to experience this exceptional journey at exclusive Club rates from just £5,495pp. Dates: 26 May–3 June 2028. With Ponant’s 2028 programme newly released, Members currently enjoy the widest choice of suites on what we believe is one of the most compelling Norwegian fjord voyages of the season.

Few pleasures in travel are quite like awakening to a view that stops you in your tracks.

Step on to your private balcony aboard Le Champlain and the scene unfolding before you may seem almost unreal. Towering mountains rise directly from still waters. Waterfalls descend from distant cliffs. Patches of snow linger on high peaks, while below, emerald valleys unfold beneath the soft light of a Norwegian spring morning.

This is the Norway of which travellers dream—experienced in cultured elegance aboard Ponant’s intimate yacht Le Champlain as she sails from Bergen to Oslo through some of the most celebrated fjords in the world.

Why Le Champlain for the Norwegian Fjords? One of Ponant’s acclaimed Explorer-class ships, Le Champlain welcomes just 184 guests in 92 beautifully appointed staterooms and suites, all with private balconies. Elegant, intimate and beautifully proportioned, she combines the spirit of a private yacht with the comfort and sophistication of contemporary luxury travel.

Le Champlain is particularly well suited to exploring the Norwegian fjords. As she glides through Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord, guests enjoy a far more personal relationship with the landscape than is possible aboard larger ships. Norway’s celebrated waterfalls, mountains and coastal scenery are not simply observed from afar but experienced at close quarters from panoramic lounges, open decks and private balconies.

Part of Ponant’s acclaimed modern fleet of luxury yachts, Le Champlain has been thoughtfully designed to bring guests closer to the sea and the destinations she explores, while maintaining the understated elegance for which the French cruise line is renowned.

The true luxury of this voyage is not simply the style and comfort of the ship, but the perspective which it offers. Each day reveals a new landscape—viewed from the water itself, where Norway’s great fjords are seen as nature intended.

The journey begins in Bergen, historic gateway to the fjords. Colourful timber buildings line the harbour, while the surrounding hills hint at the dramatic scenery to come. Yet it is only after leaving the city behind that the true character of western Norway begins to emerge.

Sailing north towards Ålesund, we become immersed in a landscape shaped by glaciers, mountains and sea. The rhythm of the voyage slows. Time is measured not by schedules, but by changing light, distant waterfalls and the ever-present horizon. Then comes Geirangerfjord.

Even among Norway’s many wonders, Geirangerfjord occupies a special place. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of Europe’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Here, the famous Seven Sisters waterfall descends gracefully from the mountainside, its waters cascading hundreds of metres towards the fjord below. Seen from the deck of a small ship, the experience is both humbling and unforgettable.

Farther along the coast lies Olden, gateway to glacier country. Here, brilliant blue ice and pristine mountain scenery create a landscape of striking contrasts. The scale of nature is ever-present, yet the experience remains deeply peaceful.

As Le Champlain continues through Hardangerfjord, often called Norway’s orchard fjord, another side of the country reveals itself. Fruit trees flourish along the shoreline, waterfalls tumble through forested valleys and the light reflects endlessly from the calm waters. It is a landscape that invites contemplation.

The dramatic climax comes in Lysefjord. Here, immense granite cliffs rise from the water and the famous Pulpit Rock stands high above the fjord, one of Scandinavia’s most iconic natural landmarks. To sail beneath it is to appreciate both the grandeur and the serenity that make Norway so captivating.

Yet perhaps the most enduring memories are found in the quieter moments.

A morning coffee on a private balcony as the ship glides silently through a fjord.

A waterfall glimpsed through drifting mist.

The changing colours of the mountains reflected in still water.

An evening on deck as another extraordinary landscape slowly unfolds.

These are the experiences that remain long after the voyage has ended.

For those seeking not simply to visit Norway but to experience it fully, this remarkable journey aboard Le Champlain offers an opportunity to encounter one of the world’s great natural landscapes in a manner that feels both intimate and unforgettable.

WHY WE ARE LOOKING AHEAD

With Ponant’s 2028 programme now released, Members have a rare opportunity to secure their preferred suite and benefit from launch availability on what we believe is one of the most compelling Norwegian fjord voyages of the season.

This nine-day Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard Le Champlain sails from Bergen to Oslo and includes some of Norway’s most celebrated fjord landscapes, including Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord. Operated by luxury French cruise line Ponant, the voyage combines immersive destination experiences with the intimate atmosphere of a small expedition yacht.

BOOK THE VOYAGE AT EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS’ RATES

CountryClubuk Members enjoy specially negotiated rates on this exceptional Norwegian Fjords voyage aboard Le Champlain.

Members’ rates start from just £5,495pp, representing a saving of £774pp (£1,548 per couple) against the current published Ponant fare.

Whether choosing an elegant balcony stateroom or one of Le Champlain’s spacious suites, every category enjoys a private balcony from which to experience Norway’s extraordinary scenery.

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

Ponant Rate from £6,260pp

Members’ Rate from £5,495pp – reserve now

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Ponant Rate from £6,940pp

Members’ Rate from £6,075pp – reserve now

Deluxe Suite

Ponant Rate from £10,710pp

Members’ Rate from £9,395pp – reserve now

Prestige Suite

Ponant Rate from £14,480pp

Members’ rate from £12,597pp – reserve now

Privilege Suite

Ponant Rate from £15,980pp

Members’ Rate from £13,795pp – reserve now

Grand Suite

Ponant Rate from £17,560pp

Members’ Rate from £15,258pp – reserve now

Owner’s Suite

Ponant Rate from £26,200pp

Members’ Rate from £22,795pp – reserve now

To reserve your preferred suite, please book via the links above or contact Member Services on 020 7399 2960 or email members@countryclubuk.com. Rates are for two guests sharing a stateroom or suite. Our team will be delighted to assist with flights, upgrades, pre- or post-cruise arrangements, single person supplements and any special requirements.

We anticipate strong demand for this voyage, particularly while the widest choice of suite categories remains available.

Please note: Ponant operates dynamic pricing, and rates are subject to change without notice until bookings are confirmed.

These exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rates are not available when booking directly with the cruise line or any travel agent.

Members wishing to extend their Norwegian experience may also enquire about additional nights in Bergen prior to embarkation or Oslo following disembarkation. Flights, transfers and bespoke arrangements can be organised through Member Services at preferential Members’ rates.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE WORLD OF PONANT

For Members inspired by Norway’s legendary fjords, this voyage is just one example of the remarkable journeys available through our partnership with Ponant.

From polar expeditions and Mediterranean cultural voyages to tropical islands, remote archipelagos and some of the world’s most extraordinary coastlines, Members enjoy access to preferred Club rates across the Ponant collection through our dedicated Member Services team. Browse some of our earlier Ponant cruise events here.

Explore further Ponant voyages here or discuss the most suitable itinerary for your interests, please contact Member Services on 020 7399 2960 or members@countryclubuk.com.

 

 

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PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions