There are places where the world falls truly silent. Where the horizon dissolves into vignettes of blue and silver, and where granite mountains rise straight from the icy water. Welcome to the timeless Norwegian fjords. Where the scent of salt mingles with pine, and the silence is broken only by the call of seals, or a waterfall roaring far in the distance.
This is the world guests step into with Private Cruise. Operating from Stavanger, this boutique Norwegian company offers something rare: one yacht, one captain, one journey at a time. Their vessel, Barolo III (pictured below) is a sleek 22-metre Princess 72 designed for exploring the fjords at the perfect pace: steady, unhurried, quietly luxurious. It’s travel that allows the landscape to unfold moment by moment, revealing its subtleties like a slow and relaxing exhale.
A Norwegian heart
At the helm of Private Cruise is Helge Ljones, a Stavanger native whose life has been shaped by these waters. His knowledge of Norway’s intricate coastline is intuitive – a map drawn from memory and instinct. He knows the sheltered coves, the shifting tides, and the islands with names that still carry the whisper of legends. He knows how the light drifts across the fjord in spring, and where to anchor as the evening sky turns to gold.
Every journey with Private Cruise is hosted entirely by Norwegians. Guests are welcomed aboard by a local captain (if not by Helge Ljones), an attentive host, and on multi-day voyages, a private gourmet chef who crafts seasonal menus inspired by the region. Think fresh fish caught that morning, vegetables from fjord-side farms, and berries gathered nearby. Meals are often enjoyed at anchor, surrounded by dramatic cliffs that create a natural amphitheatre. It’s fine dining rendered intimate and elemental – nature and comfort in perfect harmony.
At the heart of everything Private Cruise offers is a profound sense of place. This is travel that feels deeply personal, hosted by those who call this landscape home.
The Lysefjord journey
Just east of Stavanger lies Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most dramatic and cinematic fjords. As Barolo III leaves the city behind, the world narrows into a corridor of mountains. The air stills, the cliffs rise higher, and waterfalls cascade down the rock face in delicate white ribbons.
Over five tranquil hours, guests sail past natural icons – Preikestolen, the towering Hengjanefossen – and watch seals resting on sun-warmed rocks, while sea eagles trace circles high in the sky. The pace is deliberate, allowing the fjord to be felt, not just seen.
Those seeking deeper immersion can opt for the extended eight-hour voyage. The yacht ventures further into the fjord, toward the village of Flørli and on to the majestic Kjerag, where cliffs soar over a thousand metres above the water. The scale is humbling, the silence almost sacred. Many guests describe it as one of the most unforgettable moments of their time in Norway.
Lunch on day charters is served as a sail-away menu, often enjoyed by a waterfall. The yacht rests motionless while guests dine, conversation blending with the soft roar of falling water – a sensory experience that lingers long after the plates are cleared.
The coastal passage: Stavanger to Bergen
For those seeking a longer escape, Private Cruise offers a five to six-day voyage between Stavanger and Bergen – a journey defined by rhythm and quiet transformation. Each day brings subtle shifts in landscape and light: from sheltered fjords to open sea, from tiny fishing villages to elegant coastal towns.
The route passes through the legendary Hardangerfjord, as well as Lysefjord, Rosendal, and Røvær, each stop a window into authentic coastal life. Guests swim in crystal-clear waters, stroll through time-worn settlements, or simply recline on deck as the yacht glides through changing horizons.
Evenings are a highlight. As the sun sinks low behind the mountains, the onboard chef prepares a delicious dinner with a celebration of Norway’s bounty. Expect seafood fresh from the day’s catch, heirloom vegetables, mountain herbs, local berries, and warm bread from village bakeries. Many choose to dine al fresco, bathed in the last amber light as the fjords fall into evening stillness.
This voyage captures the essence of western Norway, powerful yet peaceful, refined yet raw. A journey where time stretches, and stillness becomes its own kind of luxury.
Adventure beyond
For those craving more adventure, Private Cruise can arrange tailored activities. This includes hiking to Preikestolen or Kjerag, cycling through coastal trails, or exploring villages along the route. Plans are always flexible, shaped by weather, mood, and curiosity.
Yet for many guests, the greatest luxury is the simplicity itself. Quiet mornings on deck. Mirror-like coves. The sensation of being entirely present, of being surrounded by nature, wrapped in comfort, attended to with quiet precision.
Welcome aboard
Private Cruise is the antithesis of mass tourism. With just one yacht and one group at a time, it offers rare privacy and calm. Guests often describe their experience as transformative; something that lingers long after they’ve returned home. The company’s approach is personal, grounded, and deeply human. Nothing is hurried. Nothing is off-the-shelf. Each voyage is crafted through conversation, shaped by the travellers’ own rhythm and the natural pulse of the fjords.
This is not merely a cruise. It’s an invitation to experience Norway in its purest, most authentic form. To feel the silence, the stories, the scale of the fjords. To discover what happens when luxury slows down,and nature takes the lead.
Further information
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at privatecruise.no
