Reporter Charlotte Austen-Hardy set sail from Tilbury to Norway – here’s how she got on...

AS a cruise newbie, I had no real idea of what to expect when I boarded the Magellan at the London Cruise Terminal, in Tilbury, for a six-night Norwegian trip.

I was a little worried we would be stuck on the ship for the duration, but there were three days of packed excursions ashore–and back on board three hot tubs , two pools, bars and music.

Some of the highlights of the cruise included seeing the Hardangerfjord, which is the fourth longest fjord in the world, and a visit to the Fossli Hotel in Eidfjord, which was established in 1891 and overlooks the stunning 182ft-high Vøringsfossen waterfall. 

There was a trip up the Flam railway, which travels from ocean level at the Sognefjord in Flam, to the mountaintop at Myrdal mountain station on Hardangervidda, 863 meters over the ocean, making it one of the world's steepest railways. 

Flam also offered the chance to enjoy a pint in the Aegir Brewery; I may not be a beer drinker but stopping off for a drink in the unique pub, which is candle lit and filled with unusual carved furniture, fur throws and the odd viking, is a must. 

A huge array of beers are on offer as well as cider and wine - although you will have to dig a little deeper in your wallet to pay for them! 

But despite the expense - about £13 for a pint of beer and a bottle of cider - it was worth a visit. 

The final stop on the cruise was in Bergen, where a short ride on the funicular railway takes you to the top of a mountain and an incredible viewpoint of the whole city, as well as a short wooded walk around a lake.

There are plenty of shops to wander around and pick up gifts and souveniers but I'd recommend one of the hop-on hop-off bus tours, which take you around the city on a guided tour. 

Another highlight of Bergen is its wharf, known as Bryggen, which is said to be the inspiration for the landscape in the animation Frozen.

Whether you are a fan of the film or not the beautiful buildings make for a lovely photograph and visit. 

As cruises are traditionally seen to cater for the retired and elderly, I’ll admit I was a little worried the entertainment on board the ship would revolve around early nights and bingo.

But, after crawling in from the ship’s Scott’s Nightclub at 4am on the first night, it was obvious there was plenty to satisfy every age group and taste on board.

Evening entertainment included piano music in the classy Sinatra’s Lounge Bar, two formal evenings, a cabaret, casino and nightly all-singing, all-dancing performances and comedy in the Show Lounge.

There were two restaurants , which served six-course meals effortlessly every evening and fine dining at lunchtime, while the Raffles Bistro offered a buffet option throughout the day.

Every staff member was wonderful, from the cabin stewards to the bar staff, to Captain Nikos Michaloliakos.

All were professional, friendly and could not have been more attentive or pleasant.

With everything and everyone on board geared up to help you relax, it was easy to feel at home , and I already feel a return trip could be on the horizon.

Six-night Norwegian cruises with Cruise and Maritime Voyages start at £ 475 per person.

Visit cruiseandmaritime.com/fjords