Home Page Ocean Cruises Destinations Cruise Brochures Terms & Conditions About Us
FREEDOM FARE
From£2,599pp

In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas

L2534

Book Now
Northern lights in Norway Northern lights in Norway
22 Dec 2025
Southampton
15 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Enhance the enchantment of the festive season on this cruise to Northern Norway, timed for Christmas and the chance to witness the natural wonder of the Northern Lights. Look out for the colourful light display both at sea and ashore, especially during extended stays in Narvik, Alta and Tromsø. Immerse yourself in the Arctic lifestyle through snowshoe hiking and thrilling snowmobile and husky sledding rides across winter landscapes. You can also connect with a local Sámi community, listening to captivating stories in a cosy tepee-style lavvu tent. Uncover enchanting secrets of the Aurora Borealis, unravelling the cosmic wizardry that conjures up the vibrant displays in the night sky.

Explore the Itinerary

Highlights

Sami tents in Norway with the Northern lights

Seek out Mother Nature’s Inimitable Light Show

This festive cruise aboard Balmoral has been designed to allow you to seek out the elusive Northern Lights at Christmas. The long, dark nights in Northern Norway during winter provide the perfect setting for the Northern Lights to make an appearance, and with extended stays in Alta, Tromsø and Narvik, there will be plenty of opportunities to seek out this natural phenomenon ashore, with local experts on hand to take you to the best spots with the highest chance of witnessing the magnificent Aurora Borealis.

Dog Sledding

Discover the Arctic Way of Life

As we explore Arctic Norway together, you will have ample opportunity to experience the Arctic way of life. You can enjoy a thrilling snowmobile across the vast, snowy countryside as you seek out the Northern Lights, or perhaps embark on an invigorating snowshoe hike across the snow-covered countryside. There will also be plenty of opportunities to meet with the local Sámi people to discover their rich cultural heritage, and witness how their traditions are still practised in their daily lives.

Northern Lights

Learn About the Science Behind the Northern Lights

The extraordinary Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon caused when highly charged solar particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. The vivid colours of the lights are caused by a reaction between the gases in our atmosphere and particles which have been ejected from the sun, with oxygen causing the red and green hues and nitrogen causing the blue and purple tones. Scientists have advised that the best time to go in search of the lights will be in 2025 thanks to increased solar activity.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

Explore the Itinerary
Map Image

Life On Board

Introducing Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Balmoral
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
Explore Balmoral

Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

Anthony Babb
Norwegian Way of Life

Anthony Babb

Anthony served in the Royal Navy for 23 years and now splits his time between the UK and Norway with his Norwegian wife. Anthony will be joining us on board to deliver insightful talks on Norway’s local culture.

Go Stargazing Logo
Astronomy

Go Stargazing

Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.

Show More

John Birch - Guest Speaker
Photography

John Birch

An award-winning wildlife photographer and writer, John Birch will be joining us on this sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by, including the possibility of capturing the mesmerising Northern Lights.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 17:00 03/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 17:00 03/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £5,999 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £6,499 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on Highland deck, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £7,699 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on Highland deck, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £8,399 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £10,199 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

Explore all extras

Need Some Help?

Take a look at our FAQs

View All FAQs