Bergen Fjord Cruise Booking & Cancellation FAQ
Everything you need to know before and after booking — cancellation windows, where to board, what to bring, payment options, accessibility and who to contact if plans change.
Who handles your booking
Bergen Fjord Cruises is an independent guide and comparison site, not a cruise operator. When you click a booking link on this site you are taken to GetYourGuide, where you complete payment and hold a confirmed reservation. Your booking contract is with GetYourGuide and the tour operator — not with this site.
For changes, cancellations or refund requests, contact GetYourGuide directly (via your account or their customer support). For pre-booking advice on which cruise to choose, use the guides on this site. Read our full affiliate disclosure.
Other Fjord Experiences to Consider
If you are planning a trip to Norway, there is far more to explore beyond a single cruise. From the narrow walls of Nærøyfjord and the waterfalls of Geirangerfjord to glacier walks above Flåm and kayaking in Sognefjord, the Bergen region has a deep range of options. Tours also depart for Lysebotn and the foot of Lysefjord, and shorter RIB safaris out of Bergen harbour pack a lot into a half-day. Browse related tours below.
Booking, Cancellation & Refunds
How to reserve your spot, what the cancellation window is, and who processes refunds.
How do I book a Bergen fjord cruise?
Choose a cruise on this site and click the booking button. You will be taken to GetYourGuide's secure checkout where you select your date, party size and payment method. You will receive an e-ticket and boarding details by email after payment is confirmed.
Should I book in advance?
Yes, especially from June to August. Popular departure times and small-group options such as RIB safaris can sell out weeks ahead. Most bookings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, so booking early carries little risk if your plans change.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Most Bergen fjord cruises on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The exact window is shown on the tour's GetYourGuide page and confirmed in your booking email. To cancel, log in to your GetYourGuide account or contact GetYourGuide support directly.
Who handles my cancellation or refund?
All bookings made through links on this site go to GetYourGuide. Your booking contract is with GetYourGuide and the tour operator — not with Bergen Fjord Cruises. For changes, cancellations or refunds, contact GetYourGuide via your account or their support page. This site cannot modify or refund bookings.
How much does a Bergen fjord cruise cost?
The Mostraumen cruise starts from around $78–$88 per person depending on operator and season. Full-day trips to Nærøyfjord or Hardangerfjord cost more. Live prices are always shown on the tour's GetYourGuide page before you pay, and the final total is confirmed at checkout.
Is there a reserve-now, pay-later option?
Some Bergen fjord cruise listings on GetYourGuide offer reserve-now, pay-later. Check the checkout page for your chosen tour and date — any available payment options are displayed before you confirm.
Are there child or Bergen Card discounts?
Some cruises offer reduced child fares. The Bergen Card gives 20% off Rødne's Mostraumen cruise (use code bergencard at checkout). Available discounts appear on each tour's GetYourGuide page — not all Bergen fjord cruises participate in the Bergen Card scheme.
How long does a refund take?
Once approved by GetYourGuide, refunds are returned to your original payment method. Processing time depends on your bank and payment provider but is typically completed within a few business days of approval.
Boarding, Documents & Getting There
Where to go, how early to arrive, and what to bring on departure day.
Where do I board in Bergen?
Most Bergen fjord cruises depart from Strandkaien (Strandkaiterminalen), beside the Fish Market in central Bergen — a short walk from Bryggen and most hotels. Your booking confirmation shows the exact pier address. Follow that rather than a general harbour landmark, as different operators use different berths.
How early should I arrive at the pier?
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Boats depart on time and cannot usually wait for late arrivals. Missing the boat because of late arrival is not covered by standard cancellation policies.
What do I need to bring on the day?
Bring your e-ticket (on your phone or printed), a waterproof jacket, layers for the open deck, and closed-toe shoes. If you have a discounted fare, bring the required proof such as a Bergen Card or student ID. Snacks and drinks are available on board.
Do I need a passport or ID to board?
A passport is not required for most Bergen day cruises, which operate on inland fjord routes within Norway. Carry valid photo ID if you have a discounted fare requiring proof of eligibility, or if you are visiting Norway from outside the Schengen Area.
Do fjord cruises run in bad weather?
Yes — cruises operate in rain and typical Norwegian coastal weather; the trip runs rain or shine. If conditions become unsafe, the captain may alter the route or cancel the sailing. In deep winter the inner fjord can freeze; if no safe passage exists, an alternative route is used. This is not grounds for a refund under standard fare rules.
On Board, Accessibility & Special Needs
Facilities, luggage, accessibility, pets and who to contact for help.
What facilities are available on board?
Most Bergen fjord cruise vessels have a heated indoor lounge with panoramic windows, outdoor viewing decks, onboard toilets and a kiosk serving hot drinks, snacks and light meals. Exact facilities vary by vessel — check the tour's GetYourGuide listing for details on the specific boat you are booking.
Can I bring luggage or large bags?
Small bags and daypacks are fine. Large suitcases are not recommended — storage space is limited and luggage stays with you during the cruise. If you are travelling between cities on the same day, consider using Bergen Station's left-luggage service and travelling light to the pier.
Are Bergen fjord cruises wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies by vessel, pier and tide level. If you have reduced mobility or specific physical needs, check the accessibility section on the tour's GetYourGuide listing and contact the operator before booking to confirm what is possible for your chosen departure and tide conditions.
Can I bring my dog?
Pet rules vary by operator and vessel. Some Bergen fjord cruises allow well-behaved dogs on a lead; others do not. Check the tour's GetYourGuide page for pet policy details, or contact the operator before booking to avoid disappointment on the day.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with my booking?
For anything about your confirmed booking — changes, cancellations, refunds or day-of support — contact GetYourGuide directly, as your contract is with them. Bergen Fjord Cruises does not hold bookings or process payments. For pre-booking questions about which cruise to choose, use the guides on this site or the tour's GetYourGuide page.
Is there a toilet on board a Bergen fjord cruise?
Yes. The large catamarans used on the Mostraumen and Hardangerfjord routes, and the Norled and Rødne express boats, all have onboard toilets. On short RIB safaris there is usually no toilet during the trip, so go before you board. Facilities vary by vessel, so check the specific tour's GetYourGuide listing.
Can I buy food and drinks on board?
On most large fjord cruises, yes. Boats like the Mostraumen catamaran have a kiosk or café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals — freshly made waffles are a Norwegian favourite. Prices are in NOK. RIB safaris don't have a kiosk. It's still wise to bring water and a snack, especially on longer sailings.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Some vessels offer onboard Wi-Fi, and many stretches of the fjord have mobile coverage, but connectivity is patchy between the steep mountain walls and shouldn't be relied on. Treat Wi-Fi as a convenience, not a guarantee — download maps and tickets before you sail.
Is there indoor seating, or is it all outside?
Large fjord cruises have both: a heated indoor lounge with panoramic windows where you can sit out of the wind, and open viewing decks for photos and fresh air. You can move between the two throughout the trip. RIB safaris are open-air only, with everyone seated on deck in a flotation suit.
Are the boats heated for winter cruises?
Yes. The year-round catamarans have a heated indoor cabin, which is why the Mostraumen cruise runs comfortably through winter. You can warm up inside between spells on the open deck. Dress in warm layers regardless, as the deck is where the best views are — see our what to pack guide.
Is there power to charge my phone?
Some vessels have power sockets or USB points in the lounge, but they aren't guaranteed on every boat. Charge your phone before you sail so you don't miss photos, and bring a small power bank on longer trips.
Which Bergen fjord cruise is best for reduced mobility?
The large-catamaran Mostraumen cruise from central Bergen is the easiest choice: a flat city-centre pier, a heated indoor lounge on one level, onboard toilets and a kiosk, and no need to move around during the trip. Avoid RIB (rigid inflatable boat) safaris, which require climbing into a small open boat and wearing a flotation suit, and are not suitable for limited mobility.
Are there accessible toilets on board?
Most large fjord-cruise catamarans have onboard toilets, and many have a larger accessible cubicle, but layouts differ by vessel. Toilet doorways and the route to them can be narrow, so confirm the specific boat's toilet accessibility with the operator before booking.
Is the boarding gangway a problem for wheelchairs?
It can be. Boats board over a gangway from the pier, and its slope depends on the tide and the vessel's deck height. At low tide the ramp can be steep. Crew can usually assist, but wheelchair users should tell the operator in advance so they can advise on the day's tide and whether assistance or a folding chair is needed.
How do I request accessibility assistance?
Book a large-catamaran cruise with free cancellation, then contact the operator directly (details are in your GetYourGuide confirmation) with your specific needs — wheelchair type, whether you can transfer or walk a few steps, and any assistance required. Give as much notice as possible so the crew can prepare for your departure and tide. Your booking contract is with GetYourGuide and the operator, not with this site — see our Booking & Cancellation FAQ.
Is getting to the Bergen piers accessible?
Yes, largely. The main piers at Strandkaien are on flat, paved ground in central Bergen beside the Fish Market, a short step-free roll from Bryggen and most central hotels. From the airport, the Bybanen light rail (Line 1) has low-floor, step-free trams to the city centre.
Can I bring my dog on a Bergen fjord cruise?
Sometimes. Pet rules vary by operator and vessel. Some Bergen fjord cruises welcome well-behaved dogs on a lead, while others do not allow pets at all. Because it is not standard across every boat, check the pet policy on the tour's GetYourGuide listing and contact the operator before booking to confirm for your chosen departure.
What are the rules for dogs on board?
Where dogs are allowed, they normally must be kept on a short lead, stay with their owner at all times, be well behaved around other guests, and not sit on seats. Owners clean up after their dog. Some vessels limit dogs to the outdoor deck rather than the indoor lounge. Confirm the exact rules with the operator when you book.
Do I need to tell the operator in advance?
Yes. Even on dog-friendly cruises, advance notice or pre-booking a pet space is often required, and busy summer sailings may cap how many dogs are aboard. Book a cruise with free cancellation, then contact the operator to confirm a place for your dog before you travel.
Are service and assistance dogs allowed?
Assistance dogs are generally accepted more widely than pet dogs, but you should still contact the operator before booking so they can confirm the vessel's policy and any practical boarding requirements for your departure.
Which Bergen cruise is best if I'm travelling with a dog?
A large-catamaran cruise such as the year-round Mostraumen trip is the most comfortable option for a dog. There is open deck space, room to keep a lead short, and a calm ride. Avoid RIB speedboat safaris, which are fast, wet and require a flotation suit, and are not suitable for pets.
Is there a fee for bringing a dog?
Policies differ. Many operators carry a leashed dog free of charge, while some may apply a small fee or simply require advance notice. Any charge and the booking method will be confirmed by the operator or shown on the GetYourGuide listing. Your booking contract is with GetYourGuide and the operator — see our Booking & Cancellation FAQ.
What's On Board: Toilets, Food, Wi-Fi and Seating
Facilities vary by vessel. Here is what to expect on the boats that run the Bergen fjord routes.
The short answer
Most Bergen fjord cruises are more comfortable than first-timers expect. The standard sightseeing boats are big, modern catamarans built for changeable Norwegian weather — you get a warm indoor lounge with panoramic windows and open decks for photos, plus toilets and somewhere to buy a coffee and a waffle. You can dip inside to warm up and step back out whenever a waterfall appears. The main exception is the RIB safari, which is a very different, open-air experience by design.
Beyond BergenToilets
The large catamarans on the Mostraumen and Hardangerfjord routes, and the Norled and Rødne express boats, all have onboard toilets. On a half-day cruise you're never far from one. The exception is the short RIB safari, which typically has no toilet during the trip — use the facilities at the pier before you board. If an accessible toilet matters to you, see our accessible fjord cruises guide, as cubicle layouts vary by vessel.
Food and drink
On the big catamarans there's a kiosk or café selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. Freshly made waffles are the on-board classic — a warm one with a coffee, watching the fjord slide by, is part of the experience. Prices are in Norwegian kroner (NOK), card accepted. You're also welcome to bring your own water and snacks, which is sensible on longer sailings and helps keep costs down. RIB safaris don't carry a kiosk, so eat beforehand.
Wi-Fi and phone signal
Some vessels advertise free onboard Wi-Fi, and much of the fjord has mobile coverage, but not all of it. Between the steep mountain walls of the Osterfjord and Nærøyfjord, signal drops in and out, so connectivity is best treated as a convenience rather than something to rely on. Download your GetYourGuide ticket, any offline maps and a playlist before you board. The patchy signal is part of the appeal: it's a couple of hours to put the phone down and watch Norway go by.
Seating, decks and heating
Large fjord cruises give you the best of both: a heated indoor lounge where you can sit out of the wind behind big windows, and open viewing decks for photos and fresh air. You're free to move between them all trip. The heating is exactly why the Mostraumen cruise runs comfortably through winter — you warm up inside between spells on deck. Even in summer, the wind on the water is cool, so bring a layer. Some boats have power sockets or USB points in the lounge, but don't count on it — charge up before you sail.
What to bring anyway
Even with good facilities on board, pack a warm windproof layer, something waterproof, and a charged phone or camera. The best views are out on the open deck where it's breezy and occasionally spray-flecked. For a full seasonal list, see our what to pack for a fjord cruise guide.
Please note. Bergen Fjord Cruises is an independent guide, not the operator. Facilities vary by vessel and can change — the exact amenities on your boat are shown on the tour's GetYourGuide listing. RIB safaris are open-air with no toilet or kiosk on board.
More fjord guides
Wheelchair Access and Reduced Mobility
Step-free boarding, gangway and tide caveats, and how to confirm assistance before you book.
The short answer
Bergen is one of the easier fjord bases for travellers with reduced mobility. The city-centre piers are flat and paved, the best boats are big, stable catamarans with a single-level indoor lounge, and the whole cruise is enjoyed from your seat — you don't have to walk around to get the views. But there is no single "accessible" guarantee that covers every boat, because accessibility depends on three things that change: the vessel, the pier, and the tide.
The short version: many people who use a wheelchair or struggle with stairs enjoy a Bergen fjord cruise every week — on the right boat, with a little planning. This guide shows you how to pick that boat and confirm it.
Beyond BergenWhich boats are the most accessible
Large catamarans (best choice). The vessels used on the classic Mostraumen cruise and the Hardangerfjord Express to Rosendal are big, modern catamarans. They have a heated indoor lounge on one level with panoramic windows, generous door widths, onboard toilets and a kiosk. You board once, sit down, and watch the fjord roll past — ideal if walking or standing is difficult.
Express passenger boats (usually good). The Norled and Rødne express boats along the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord are similar in layout, though longer journeys mean more time aboard and, on some routes, changes between vessels — check this if you need to stay seated the whole way.
RIB safaris (not suitable). The high-speed RIB fjord safaris are exciting but require climbing into a small open rigid-inflatable boat, wearing a flotation suit and bracing against the ride. Operators list these as not suitable for those with limited mobility, and we would not recommend them for wheelchair users.
Boarding, gangways and the tide
The one part of a Bergen fjord cruise that isn't step-free by default is the gangway — the ramp from the pier onto the boat. Its slope depends on the tide and the height of the vessel's deck. At high tide it can be almost level; at low tide it can be a noticeable slope. Crew are used to helping, and on the big catamarans there is usually room to roll straight into the lounge once you're aboard.
Because the tide is different for every departure, this is exactly the detail to confirm in advance. Tell the operator your wheelchair type and weight, whether you can walk a few steps or transfer, and whether you'll have someone travelling with you. They can then tell you what that day's boarding will be like and what help they can offer.
Toilets and facilities on board
Most large fjord-cruise catamarans have onboard toilets, and many include a larger accessible cubicle, but layouts differ, and doorways or the route to the toilet can be narrow on some boats. If an accessible toilet is essential for your trip, ask the operator to confirm the specific vessel before you book. The classic Mostraumen boat also has a heated indoor lounge, step-free deck access and a kiosk with hot drinks, snacks and freshly made waffles.
Getting to the pier
Getting to the boat is one of the easiest parts. The main departure piers at Strandkaien (Strandkaiterminalen) sit on flat, paved ground in central Bergen beside the Fish Market — a short, step-free roll from Bryggen and most central hotels. From Bergen Airport Flesland, the Bybanen light rail (Line 1) uses low-floor, step-free trams and reaches the city centre in about 40–45 minutes. Blue-badge parking is available near the harbour if you're driving.
How to book with confidence
1. Choose a large-catamaran cruise (Mostraumen or Hardangerfjord), not a RIB safari. 2. Book a listing with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. 3. Contact the operator straight away — their details are in your GetYourGuide confirmation — with your specific needs and travel date. 4. If it can't be made to work for your departure and tide, cancel free and try another date or route. Booking first, then confirming, is the safest order because it locks in your seat and your free-cancellation window while you check the details.
Please note. Bergen Fjord Cruises is an independent guide, not the operator. Accessibility varies by vessel, pier and tide, and only the operator can confirm what is possible for a specific boat and departure. Always read the accessibility section of the GetYourGuide listing and contact the operator before booking if you have reduced mobility or specific physical needs.
More fjord guides
Bringing a Dog on a Bergen Fjord Cruise
Which boats take well-behaved dogs on a lead, the rules that apply, and service animals.
The short answer
Norway is a dog-loving country, and dogs are a common sight on ferries and in the outdoors. On tourist fjord cruises from Bergen, though, a dog policy is a per-boat decision rather than a blanket rule. Some operators happily carry a leashed dog; others keep their sightseeing cruises pet-free for the comfort of all guests. Neither is unusual — the key is simply to confirm before you book rather than turning up and hoping.
The good news: because most Bergen cruises are sold with free cancellation, you can secure a seat first and check the dog policy with the operator without any risk.
Beyond BergenWhich cruises are the most dog-friendly
Large catamarans (best for dogs). The big, modern boats on the Mostraumen and Hardangerfjord routes have plenty of open deck space and a smooth, stable ride — the easiest environment for a calm dog on a lead. There's room to keep your dog beside you without crowding other guests.
Express passenger boats (often fine). The Norled and Rødne express boats along the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord follow ferry-style conventions where leashed dogs are frequently accepted, though longer journeys mean more time aboard — bring water and a mat.
RIB safaris (not suitable). The high-speed RIB fjord safaris are fast, wet and bouncy, with guests strapped in and wearing flotation suits. They're a poor and stressful fit for a dog, and we wouldn't recommend them for pets.
The on-board rules to expect
Where dogs are welcome, the rules are common sense and consistent across operators:
On a short lead at all times. Your dog stays with you and under control, not roaming the deck. Off the seats. Dogs travel on the floor or on a mat, not on passenger seating. Well behaved around others. A cruise carries families and children, so anxious or reactive dogs aren't a good fit. Clean up after your dog. Bring bags. Deck vs lounge. Some vessels allow dogs only in the outdoor deck areas, not the indoor lounge — check which applies.
Service and assistance dogs
Recognised assistance dogs are generally accepted more widely than pet dogs, in line with normal practice on Norwegian transport. Even so, contact the operator before booking so they can confirm the vessel's policy and any practical boarding details for your departure — that way there are no surprises at the pier.
How to book with your dog
1. Pick a large-catamaran cruise (Mostraumen or Hardangerfjord), not a RIB safari. 2. Book a listing with free cancellation. 3. Contact the operator — their details are in your GetYourGuide confirmation — to confirm dogs are allowed on your date and reserve a place if required. 4. Pack for your dog: a short lead, water, a mat and waste bags. Booking first, then confirming, secures your seat and free-cancellation window while you check the pet policy.
Please note. Bergen Fjord Cruises is an independent guide, not the operator. Pet policies vary by operator and vessel and can change seasonally — only the operator can confirm whether dogs are allowed on a specific boat and departure. Always check the GetYourGuide listing and contact the operator before booking if you plan to travel with a dog.