In Search of the Northern Lights


This cruise has now set sail.
Itinerary Change Notice: Please be advised that the call into Hammerfest, Norway scheduled for 21st February has been replaced with a call into Bodo, Norway.
This visit to the remote, dramatic lands of Norwegian Arctic presents an unmissable opportunity to experience the region’s scenic beauty, its natural wonders and phenomena, and what life is like living amongst the wilderness. Going in search of Aurora Borealis will be something to remember forever; Northern Norway is one of the greatest places on earth to see the Northern Lights, and spending almost a week within the Arctic Circle, often away from unpolluted skies, gives you the best chance to experience them. With luck on your side, during your visits to Tromso, Alta and Hammerfest, you may be fortunate enough to witness Mother Nature’s remarkable light show illuminate the clear night sky with dancing ribbons of colour. [ReadMore]
Aside from seeking out the Aurora, there are an abundance of other Arctic highlights to explore, discover and experience too. From both Tromso and Alta you can venture off into the wilderness to meet, spend time with, and sample the lifestyle of indigenous Sami communities. Take in the sights of Tromso, from the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral to the scenic views from atop Mount Storsteinen, too and perhaps see the UNESCO-listed rock carvings of Hjemmeluft at Alta’s fascinating museum. You’ll also get to wonder at the rugged landscapes surrounding Narvik, and cross the Arctic Circle at sunset. Elsewhere in Norway, south of the Arctic Circle, your journey also takes you to Ålesund, where you could take in the town’s collection of art-nouveau towers and turrets, steeples and spires, or climb Mount Aksla for unspoilt views of surrounding islands and islets; and to charming Trondheim, a city with Viking heritage found deep in its foundations.
Liverpool, England
Feb 11 | Depart - early evening

Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Feb 12 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early afternoon

Belfast is the largest city and capital of Northern Ireland. Located on the banks of the River Lagan, it has a strong maritime connection – it was once home to the biggest shipyard in the world, the infamous Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the iconic RMS Titanic was built. The city is also home to the prestigious Queen’s University and the Ulster Museum, which celebrates Northern Irish history. In addition, Belfast is a great starting point for visiting the impressive Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim.
Ålesund, Norway
Feb 14 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon

Ålesund is Norway’s popular, art-nouveau epic of towers and turrets, ornaments and balconies, steeples and spires. The city’s delightful pedestrianised streets, offer a diverse mix of art galleries, shops and lively cafés, and lead to the 418 steps that climb Mount Aksla. The Fjellstua restaurant and café at the summit is the perfect place to sit and soak up panoramic views of this attractive city, the archipelago, and the Sunnmore Alps.
Virtually destroyed by fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt within three years and is regarded widely as one of Europe’s true visual experiences. The port is home to the Jugendstilsenteret – The National Art Nouveau Centre –, which has a well-preserved art nouveau interior and regularly features exhibitions and displays.
Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and this seaport is the home base for Norway's largest cod-fishing fleet, which, unsurprisingly, provides the city's visitors with some superb seafood to try.
Cruising Torghatten, Norway
Feb 15 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early morning

A scenic cruise along the shores of Toget Island allows you see one of Norway's most astonishing natural wonders - Torghatten Mountain. The mountain is known affectionately as 'the mountain with the hole', Torghatten is famous for the huge tunnel that strikes right through the middle of it and has has to be seen to be believed.
Cruising Seven Sisters mountain range, Norway
Feb 15 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - early afternoon

Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sister mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to the myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these beautiful women are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your ship. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!
Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway
Feb 15 | Arrive - early afternoon | Depart - early afternoon

Crossing the Arctic Circle takes you into the lands of prolonged days and midnight sun. It is visible on a map - north of which the sun can be seen above the horizon even at midnight during the summer months. However, during the winter the sun stays below the horizon for most of the day. During the cold winter months, light is provided by the moon and stars in addition to the elusive but spell-binding Northern Lights.
Tromsø, Norway
Feb 16 - 17 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - early evening

The island city of Tromsø is one of northern Norway’s true delights. Rich with neo-classical architecture, the city known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ contains the largest number of wooden houses in Northern Norway, and its old world charm makes it a joy to explore.
A major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is famed as a viewing point for the colourful Northern Lights that often light up the night sky. The city’s most recognisable landmark is the must-visit Arctic Cathedral. Built in 1965, the cathedral’s distinctive iceberg-shaped design was inspired by the landscapes of Northern Norway and features a beautiful glass mosaic.
The many museums and galleries in the city include the Perspektivet Museum – set in a neo-classical building built in 1838 that has exhibits from Tromsø’s past, plus the Art Museum of Northern Norway and the Mack Brewery. Tromsø is also home to Polaria, an Arctic aquarium that is popular with locals and tourists alike. The aquarium’s tanks are full of Arctic fish species, and the friendly bearded seals always delight the visiting crowds.
Tromsø, and the stunning landscapes that surround it, are best viewed from the top of the Storsteinen Mountain, which stands 420 metres above sea level. Accessible via cable car, the peak is easy to reach and one of the most popular spots on the edge of the city.
Alta, Norway
Feb 18 - 20 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late night

As one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights in winter, and experience the sensation of the Midnight Sun in summer, Alta is a truly magical destination. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Sami people, the area has a fascinating cultural history. Rock carvings in nearby Hjemmeluft are believed to date from around 4,200 to 500 BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the carvings on display in the Alta Museum are evidence of the existence of human activity in the far north during prehistoric times.
Alta needed rebuilding after World War II, so the buildings of this northern Norwegian port are relatively new; notable architecture includes the Northern Lights Cathedral. A particular highlight in the winter months is the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Everything inside and outside the hotel is made of ice, and is open to visitors from January until it melts away in spring.
The head of the Altafjord, where the Altaelva runs through the town, is said to have the best salmon fishing in the world. It’s still possible to see the fish leaping up the river, despite the construction of the 100m Altadammen in the 1970s.
Bodø, Norway
Feb 21 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late evening

The charming town of Bodø is the northernmost point on the stunning Kystriksveien Coastal Route and home to the world's strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen. The port represents the northern terminus of Norway's railway system, and is ideal for year round bird spotting as it boasts the world’s densest population of sea eagles.
The curious experience of the midnight sun from the summit of Mount Ronvikfjellet is a sight to behold, while strolling along Bodø’s chalk-white beach, or enjoying some shopping in the bustling town centre, are popular pastimes.
The majestic stained-glass windows and delicate tapestries within Bodø Cathedral make for a particularly worthwhile trip. Bodø’s historic past can be uncovered by visiting one of the town’s museums, and the Aviation Museum offers a glimpse into Norway’s aviation history. Exhibits include famous aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire, Tiger Moth and F-86 Sabre.
Narvik, Norway
Feb 22 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening

Founded in 1903, Narvik is a relatively new city but still offers a fascinating history. Located north of the Arctic Circle, the city's harbour is surprisingly ice-free, however, there are still a number of stunning Arctic sights to see, including the Narvikfjellet Mountain.
Although over 400km north of the Arctic Circle, Narvik’s harbour is ice-free and in use all year as a port for iron ore exports. Although inhabited since prehistoric times, the town was not established until 1903 when the Ofoten Railway was
completed. The line is a tourist attraction in itself, running 42km through magnificent scenery to the Swedish border. A cable car ride from the centre of town to the viewpoint on the Narvikfjellet Mountain gives fabulous views over the Ofotfjord and surrounding area.
Close to the town centre is the Ofoten Museum, with displays of local history including 5,000-year-old rock carvings. The Nordland Red Cross War Memorial Museum commemorates the occupation of Narvik in the Second World War. Narvik Church is a fine example of Scandinavian architecture, with a painted altar piece by Eilif Pettersen, while the northernmost animal park, Polar Park, is worth a look.
Trondheim, Norway
Feb 23 - 24 | Arrive - late afternoon | Depart - late afternoon

Founded over a thousand years ago by Viking King Olav Trygvasson, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital city. Its colourful warehouses, charming waterways and wooded hills makes Trondheim one of Norway's most photogenic towns. Sat on the impressive Trondheim Fjord, the city is packed with interesting sights which are easy to navigate on foot, as most of the attractions are located on a small island accessible via a series of walkable bridges.
The pride of Trondheim is Nidarosdomen, the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. The majestic church towers above the city centre and is erected on the site of St. Olav’s grave where medieval pilgrims flocked to worship. Nearby is the Archbishop’s Palace, now a museum displaying artefacts, sculpture and gargoyles, while the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum has stunning collections of furniture, textiles and jewellery.
Ringve Museum is a fascinating music museum in a former manor house and barn. Other museums worth a look include Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum and the unique Sverresborg Ski Museum, which traces the history of skiing in Norway from the 17th century to modern times.
Trondheim’s wide streets and semi-pedestrianised heart has some great cafés and restaurants, while Kristiansten Fortress, located on high to the east of the centre, is one of the most popular recreational areas.
Liverpool, England
Feb 27 | Arrive - early morning

Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.