Ultimate Celebrity Apex Norwegian Fjords Cruise Guide: Ports, Excursions & Tips

Before boarding the Celebrity Apex, we spent three wonderful days exploring the Cotswolds—a perfect pre-cruise getaway and a great way to ease into the time zone. We rented a car for that portion of the trip and returned it at the Europcar location right next to the port in Southampton. It was incredibly convenient and made the transition to cruise mode seamless. Of course, there are also options to reach the port by train, bus, or private transfer if you prefer not to drive.

We ended up being among the last guests to board, and honestly, it was amazing—no lines, no crowds, just a smooth and stress-free embarkation.

Once onboard, we went straight to our stateroom—and were immediately blown away. The cabin was modern, sleek, and surprisingly high-tech. There were different lighting settings for various times of day, automatic blackout blinds, and our favorite feature: the Infinite Veranda. This innovative design allows the top half of the window to lower, creating an open-air balcony space perfect for soaking in the stunning fjord views. For a cruise like this, it made all the difference.

Even the public restrooms on the ship impressed us—featuring automatic doors and both hand towels and paper towels, which was a thoughtful touch.

After settling in, we headed out to explore the ship. The Celebrity Apex is truly gorgeous: elegant, thoughtfully designed, and full of unique spaces to discover.

Dining on Apex is a standout experience. There are four main dining rooms, each with its own unique theme and signature dishes, in addition to a shared core menu that stays consistent across all venues. You can dine at a different one each night if you like. Our favorite was Cyprus, which features fresh Mediterranean and Greek-inspired cuisine. The ship also offers a range of specialty restaurants (available for an added cost), each with its own vibe and elevated menus for when you want something extra special.

Our first port of call was the charming medieval city of Bruges—a destination we had visited before and were excited to return to. Since we were already familiar with the area, we opted for a shuttle transfer from the port that allowed us to explore the city independently at our own pace. The shuttle included a guide on board each way, which was a pleasant surprise—they shared interesting facts and stories about the region, adding some nice context to the journey.

Once in Bruges, we spent the day revisiting some of our favorite spots:

• Canal boat rides are a must—the views from the water give you an entirely different perspective of the city’s winding streets and fairytale architecture.

• The Torture Museum offers a quirky and slightly creepy historical experience (definitely not for the faint of heart, but fascinating!).

• For a drink with a view, stop by Beer Wall, a lively pub with an impressive beer selection and a picturesque setting along the water.

No trip to Belgium is complete without indulging in local treats:

Be sure to grab a Liege waffle—crispy, caramelized, and absolutely addictive.

And don’t hold back on the chocolate shops—they’re everywhere, and each one offers a slightly different twist on Belgian perfection.

Other popular attractions include the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum, local brewery tours, and the Church of Our Lady, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Evening onboard: Cocktails & entertainment

Back on the Celebrity Apex, we ended the evening with cocktails at the Martini Bar, which quickly became one of my favorite spots on the ship. Each night, the bartenders put on a lively show: flipping shakers, tossing bottles, and dancing behind the bar. It’s such a fun atmosphere, and the martinis are just as impressive as the performances.

Day three was a sea day, which gave us the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and truly enjoy everything the Celebrity Apex has to offer.

Spend the morning exploring the ship—there are so many beautiful spaces to discover, from quiet lounges to art-filled corridors and unique gathering spots like Eden and The Magic Carpet.

For a bit of pampering, book a massage or spa treatment at the ship’s luxurious spa. The space is beautifully designed, and even just relaxing in the thermal suite or salt room feels like a full reset.

If you’re craving some sun, head to the Solarium, an adults-only indoor pool and lounge area with a peaceful vibe and cushioned loungers. The outdoor pool was also heated and surprisingly comfortable, even in the cooler fjord air during the first few days of the cruise. Don’t miss the two hot tubs on the main deck, which offer stunning views and the perfect way to unwind.

In the evening, be sure to catch one of Celebrity’s live shows—the productions are high-quality and super entertaining, ranging from music and dance to aerial acts. You’ll also find live music throughout the ship, from acoustic sets in the Grand Plaza to upbeat tunes in Eden or the Sunset Bar.

Whether you’re in the mood for total relaxation or something more lively, sea days on the Apex offer the best of both worlds.

We woke up to a breathtaking view—our first glimpse of the Norwegian fjords, right outside our stateroom window. The misty mountains and still waters made for a magical start to the day.

For our excursion, we chose the Flåm Railway, one of Norway’s most famous scenic train rides. While it’s widely recommended, reviews seem to be mixed—and we can see why. On our journey, the weather was rainy, and we happened to sit on the wrong side of the train, which meant we missed some of the best views. Tip: If you do this excursion, try to sit on the platform side when boarding for the most scenic experience. That said, the ride still offers some incredible glimpses of waterfalls and lush mountain valleys.

Flåm itself is tiny and charming—a postcard-perfect village nestled between steep cliffs. The town consists of a few souvenir shops, several food trucks, and a couple of small restaurants. It’s easy to explore on foot.

We had lunch at a fantastic local brewery right in the heart of town. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the menu featured authentic Norwegian dishes paired with craft beer and local spirits. We sampled several, but the standout was the Aquavit, a traditional Norwegian liquor that quickly became a favorite.

As we returned to the ship, the Celebrity crew greeted us with hot chocolate—a small but lovely gesture that made the chilly afternoon feel cozy and cared for.

Later, we headed to Eden, one of our favorite lounges on the ship, located at the very back with floor-to-ceiling windows. We found the perfect seat and watched in awe as the ship sailed out of Flåm. The fjords stayed with us for hours—we had spectacular views until nearly 10 pm. It was the kind of evening you don’t want to tear your eyes away from.

Day five was, without a doubt, my favorite day of the entire trip. We arrived in Geiranger, and the natural beauty here is truly beyond words—towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue fjords that feel almost otherworldly.

For our excursion, we chose a guided hike up the mountain to a waterfall, and it ended up being one of the most stunning hikes I’ve ever experienced. That said, it was also quite strenuous—steep in parts and definitely a workout. A few people in our group ended up turning back, so I do wish Celebrity had provided a more detailed description of the trail’s difficulty. Thankfully, the path itself was well-marked, and we had two fantastic guides leading us the whole way.

Midway through the climb, we stopped at a quaint mountainside café for tea and traditional Norwegian waffles—the perfect pick-me-up. From there, we continued to ascend, and the views just kept getting better. At the top, we were rewarded with panoramic vistas of the fjord below and even had the chance to walk behind the waterfall—an exhilarating and unforgettable moment.

Back in the town of Geiranger, we found more shops and local markets than in the previous port, so this was where I picked up most of my souvenirs. Be sure to try the local brown cheese (a Norwegian staple) and cloudberry jam or candy. Cloudberries are rare and only grow in a handful of places around the world, Norway being one of them!

Later that evening, we returned to the ship to enjoy more of the top-tier entertainment and exceptional service that made this trip feel so effortlessly luxurious. From adventure to relaxation, this day truly had it all.

Start your morning with a quiet moment and a warm cup of tea or coffee at Café al Bacio, one of my favorite lounges on the Celebrity Apex. It’s a cozy, elegant spot to relax—and a fantastic place to watch the fjords drift by as the ship glides into port.

Day six brought us to Bergen, our final stop in Norway. Much larger than the previous ports, Bergen is a vibrant city full of character and history. Fun fact: it was once the capital of Norway and is now known as one of the rainiest places on Earth, with over 230 rainy days per year! Fortunately, we lucked out with just a light shower during our visit.

We chose a walking tour paired with a ride up the Fløibanen funicular. Our guide shared fascinating stories about Bergen’s past, from its Hanseatic roots to modern-day life in this colorful coastal city. At the top of the funicular, we were treated to stunning panoramic views—a must-do if you’re visiting Bergen.

After the tour, we explored the bustling fish market, packed with fresh, local delicacies. In the spirit of adventure, we sampled whale meat and even tried a reindeer hot dog—because when in Norway, right? The flavors were surprisingly good and made for a great story!

Back on board, we ended the day at the Sunset Bar, one of the best places to unwind and take in the last glimpses of Norway’s dramatic coastline. Watching the scenery fade into the distance as we sailed toward Southampton was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible journey through the fjords.

Day seven was our final sea day—and it couldn’t have come at a better time. After a week of incredible ports and excursions, we were definitely feeling a bit worn out, so this day was all about relaxing and recharging.

We took things slow, spending time with a good book, soaking in the hot tub, and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the ship. Whether you’re lounging on the deck, sipping something warm at Café al Bacio, or finding a quiet corner to unwind, Celebrity Apex offers so many cozy spots to take it all in.

After such an adventure-filled trip, this day of calm was the perfect way to reflect on everything we’d experienced before heading back to reality.

On our final morning, we grabbed a quick bite at the Oceanview Café, Celebrity’s buffet that offers a wide variety of breakfast options with beautiful ocean views. It was the perfect spot for one last relaxing meal before heading off the ship.

Disembarkation in Southampton was incredibly smooth—honestly the easiest I’ve ever experienced. We were off the ship in minutes with zero hassle, which made saying goodbye to the Celebrity Apex just a little bit easier.