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From£2,199pp

In Search of the Northern Lights

L2603

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Dog sledding in Tromso, Norway, winter Dog sledding in Tromso, Norway, winter
30 Jan 2026
Southampton
15 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

We’ve timed this winter adventure to give you the chance to capture the elusive Aurora Borealis – ethereal ribbons of light that dance across the skies – both ashore and from the comfort of Balmoral. With extended stays in Alta and Tromsø, you can discover rich Arctic culture as you connect with a local Sámi community, listening to their fascinating stories in a traditional lavvu tent. There will also be opportunities to explore picturesque landscapes, often blanketed in snow at this time of year, by embarking on a snowshoe hike or a thrilling husky sled or snowmobile ride. Delve into the science behind the mesmerising Northern Lights, unlocking the secrets of this celestial spectacle.

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Highlights

Northern Lights

Seek out the Northern Lights

This itinerary has been crafted to allow you the best possible chance of seeking out the elusive Northern Lights at the best time to see them. The dark and long nights in Arctic Norway allow plenty of opportunity to seek out Mother Nature’s spectacular light show during the winter months, both ashore and from the decks of Balmoral. With extended stays in both Alta and Tromsø, you can embark on shore tours to go in search of the dancing lights, with experienced local guides on hand to take you to the best spots with the highest probability of witnessing this incredible phenomenon.

Snowmobiles under the Northern Lights

Experience Local Arctic Life  

Discover the rich Arctic culture on this cruise, with calls into destinations which will allow you to experience the Arctic way of life. Connect with local Sámi communities, discovering age-old traditions as you sit by a fire in a lavvu, a traditional Sámi tent, and learn about their rich culture, or embark on thrilling experiences, such as husky sledding across the Arctic countryside or snowmobiling across the dark, snowy landscapes as you go in search of the elusive Aurora Borealis. The opportunity to enjoy a snowshoe hike across picturesque landscapes also awaits.

Vibrant green and red of the Northern Lights

Delve into the Science Behind the Northern Lights

The elusive Northern Lights have captivated humans for thousands of years and are visible in the polar regions during the winter months. The vivid green, red, blue and purple hues are caused when charged particles, carried through space on solar winds, collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, travelling up to the magnetic poles and bursting into colourful displays. Throughout the cruise, you can discover the secrets and science behind the mesmerising lights, discovering more about why they are formed and their historical significance.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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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
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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.

Go Stargazing Logo
Northern Lights

Go Stargazing

Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. Join Jo & Pete Richardson on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

Harry Read - Guest Speaker
Photography

Harry Read

An award-winning nature photographer, Harry Read 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.

A photo of guest speaker Kjersti Farrier
Norwegian Way of Life & Culture

Kjersti Farrier

Kjersti, who was born in Norway, will be joining us to share some insight into Norwegian culture and way of life.

Mike Bowman
Geology

Mike Bowman

Geologist and honorary professor, Mike Bowman will be speaking about the geological features of Norway and what makes them so special during your cruise.

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.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 12:00 13/11/2024, 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 12:00 13/11/2024, 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 £4,799 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

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

Freedom Fare From £5,299 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

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

Freedom Fare From £6,299 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

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

Freedom Fare From £6,799 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £8,599 pp
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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.

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