Norway
Dover – North Cape – Dover: Northern Lights and Fjords ExpeditionNorthern Lights Promise
On this trip, if the Northern Lights do not appear on your cruise to Norway, we will give you another 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE.
See full offer detailsSolo Traveller Offer
For a limited time, pay no single supplement for having a cabin to yourself, if you book the below expedition cruise departing in 2021
See full offer detailsOverview
Join us for a special winter expedition cruise under the Northern Lights. See the best of Norway’s coastline and take part in exciting excursions to really discover this winter wonderland. Visit fascinating places and tiny coastal villages to get close to the authentic heart of Norway.
- Experience the Northern Lights and learn all about this spectacular phenomenon
- Explore Norway’s amazing coastline in winter
- Join in on fun winter activities
- Learn about Norwegian culture, history and nature with our Expedition Teams
We depart from Dover towards the coast of Norway’s magical, snow-covered landscape as we hunt for the Northern Lights
We head towards Norway. Meet our Expedition Team, admire the views and try some of our delicious cuisine
Known for its many natural attractions including the famous Pulpit Rock and long sandy beaches
Wander the charming cobblestone streets and admire the highly-ornate buildings. Ålesund is one of Norway’s best fishery capitals
Gateway to UNESCO-listed Vega Island. In the evening, we cross the Arctic Circle – and your chances to see the Aurora grow
After docking at Reine in the morning, we sail along the massive Lofoten wall to Svolvær, and then to Trollfjord
Enjoy winter activities. Take a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car, with breath-taking views of the city, and hopefully the Aurora
Another day for discovery. We leave Tromsø after lunch and spend the afternoon and evening on deck - hunting the Northern Lights
Visit one of the northernmost points in Europe, North Cape and the furthest north we go on this voyage
We dock at Finnsnes, just across a bridge from the ‘fairytale island’ of Senja, famous for its diverse landscapes
Spend the day in the Explorer lounge, soaking in a hot tub or on deck watching for the aurora
A brief stop in Kristiansund where we take a trip along the Atlantic Road to Molde
Stroll through the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, visit Mt Fløyen to get amazing views of the city
Join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable winter expedition cruise
We pass the white cliffs of Dover and dock at the harbour
MS Maud is designed to take you on a cruise in maximum comfort, equipped for a sustainable and memorable expedition
Go on hikings, small boat expeditions, walking tours, outings to local performances, onshore events and optional activities like extended hiking, kayaking etc. Both on and off the ship, lectures are held on a wide variety of specialist topics that cover: biology; geography and geology; history and art culture; and local traditions. Through out the sailing you will have casual opportunities to engage with the Expedition Team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
An international hand-picked team of highly educated experts that safeguard both explorers and the pristine environment. They serve as your invaluable hosts throughout your expedition cruise leading your way to offshore activities and keeping you informed onboard on daily activities and events
We invite our guests to participate in science activities, developing a greater understanding of the region in which they travel, becoming true ambassadors, and returning home to champion the protection of our planet's most fragile ecosystems. Learn from a scientist during collaborative lectures, hands on experiences with microscopes. Join our citizen science boats to collect samples on behalf of research institutes
Day wise Itinerary
Day 1
We set our course north from Dover towards the coast of Norway´s magical, snow-covered landscape as we hunt for the Northern Lights.
This amazing natural phenomenon is the result of disturbances caused by solar wind - creating a cosmic lightshow of dazzling colour and complexity. Your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights improve the farther north we go.
As we pass the white cliffs of Dover and head across the North Sea, stretch your sea legs and get to know MS Maud. Find the amenities you like best – the Science Center, the hot tubs, the Explorer lounge, or maybe a favourite spot on deck. You may want to find that spot later if our hunt for the Aurora proves successful.
During the night, we'll have a technical stop in Calais.
Day 2
Enjoy a day at sea as we head north to the Norwegian coastline.
Meet our Expedition Team, who prepare you for exciting adventures ahead. Listen in on talks by these experienced explorers who share their extensive knowledge about places, people and natural phenomena we are likely to encounter, like the Northern Lights.
Or maybe you just want to kick back and relax. Admire the views, try some of the ship’s cuisine that caught your eye on the menu, or settle into a good book while enjoying this day at sea.
Day 3
Welcome to Stavanger – known for its many nearby natural attractions, including famous Pulpit Rock and long sandy beaches along the North Sea.
The Stavanger region is on the radar of nearly every visitor to Norway. Many different nationalities are drawn to the area, making it a highly international destination.
Its cosmopolitan nature is reflected in the city’s lively, urban ambience, with creative food menus, fun pubs and bars, and a booming cultural scene.
Stavanger’s proud history is never far from sight. Old Stavanger has Europe’s best-preserved wooden house area with more than 170 white wooden structures dating back to the 1700s.
Stavanger is also Europe’s oil and energy capital. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn more about Norway’s most important industry through modern interactive exhibits. See how oil and gas were formed millions of years ago, as well as how petroleum is found, produced and consumed. Feeling adventurous? You can slide down an escape chute used on offshore oil and gas platforms.
While its less likely to spot the Northern Lights this far south, it does happen. Keep your eyes on the northern edge of the horizon
Activities
Day 4
Today you arrive in the charming small city of Ålesund - renowned for its beautiful art nouveau architecture. This owes to a devastating fire that burned a large part of the city to the ground in 1904. The entire town was subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable art nouveau style of the time.
Take the opportunity to wander Ålesund’s charming cobblestone streets and admire the numerous spires, towers and highly-ornate buildings.
Norway is a seafood nation and Ålesund is its fisheries capital – so it’s only natural your included activity today is a visit to the Norwegian Aquarium. Built directly into the rocky coastline, the aquarium is also an architectural marvel. Due to excellent oceanic conditions along the Norwegian coast, the aquarium features a colourful and exciting range of fish and fauna, including octopus, seals and penguins.
You can also choose one of our interesting optional excursions in and around this fascinating coastal Norwegian city.
Activities
Day 5
Welcome to Brønnøysund - a vibrant and pretty little town of 5,000 folks located on a narrow peninsula surrounded by islands and sea. You are now at the halfway mark along Norway’s long coastline. Brønnøysund is near the famous mountain with a hole in the middle - Torghatten.
Brønnøysund is also the gateway to Vega Island – a UNESCO World Heritage site which was granted UNESCO status because of how the community demonstrates its centuries-old sustainable way of life. Remarkably, the islanders have thrived by practicing the now unique tradition of eider farming and duck down processing.
As we leave Brønnøysund, we sail along the coast of Helgeland and pass the famous mountain range called the Seven Sisters. Legend has it that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, creating the seven beautiful peaks.
In the evening, we cross the Arctic Circle – and your chances to experience the Aurora grow.
Activities
Day 6
You won’t soon forget your first approach to Lofoten because of the formidable wall of mountains looming on the horizon.
The Lofoten Islands are world famous for their distinctive dramatic peaks, sheltered bays and untouched beaches - and this is your day to explore them. Lofoten is also known for its excellent fishing, picturesque villages and exciting year-round activities.
We dock at idyllic Reine in the morning. Fishermen´s huts dotting the shoreline and snowy granite peaks shooting out of the fjord make Reine one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway.
After departing Reine, we sail past Henningsvær and Svolvær. The islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches and bays we pass are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In Svolvær, choose from a number of exciting outdoor and indoor activities. Intriguing shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the town.
After a day exploring Lofoten, we sail to Trollfjord, an amazing place where vertical mountain walls surrealistically jut out of the sea. In winter, it’s not possible to sail into the fjord, so we admire this very special site at its entrance. Keep looking skyward to catch sight of the Northern Lights.
Activities
Day 7
Looking for an adventurous winter wonderland? Tromsø is the perfect destination for winter activities and boasts a wide range of optional excursions to choose from depending on your interests.
Enjoy a ride into the sky on the Fjellheisen cable car, with breathtaking views of the city, mountains, fjords - and hopefully the Aurora.
Tromsø brims with fascinating history, culture and bold architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a landmark in Tromsø visible from the Tromsø Sound, featuring a huge stained-glass window. Care to meet some friendly locals? Tromsø is home to the world’s northernmost brewery, Mack Bryggeri, which also runs Ølhallen, a lively pub where townspeople go for a chat and a beer.
Other winter activities include optional excursions with our Expedition Team on nature hikes, and Aurora-focused bus rides. Tromsø is so far north that you may see the Northern Lights directly overhead.
Day 8
Another day in Tromsø means another day of discovery.
Visit the Arctic experience centre, Polaria, where you will be able to look, feel, experience and understand why life in the sea and on land are inextricably linked. Polaria is also one of two places in Europe where you can see bearded seals at close range.
Historically, Tromsø was the starting point for several Arctic expeditions. It was also the first call when hunters and explorers returned to civilization, giving it a tough frontier reputation. Today the city is often called the Paris of the North because of its international and cultural diversity. Meet friendly locals, do some shopping or sample the city’s range of restaurants specializing in the region’s fresh produce.
As we leave Tromsø after lunch, spend the afternoon and evening on deck – hunting the Northern Lights.
Activities
Day 9
Today we visit one of the northernmost points in Europe, North Cape. This is also as far north as we go on this winter expedition cruise.
Start the day by taking a scenic bus ride from the town of Honningsvåg. We pass small bays and tiny villages, then cross a mountain plateau before arriving at spectacular North Cape. At 71°10’21´N, North Cape is just 2,100 km away from the Geographic North Pole. Stand at the edge of the cliff and gaze out on the sea. Only the Svalbard Archipelago separates you from the North Pole. North Cape feels like the end of the world. It’s also a great place to take stunning photos and there will be enough time to visit the North Cape Hall´s cinema, showing a short film about the North Cape Plateau, and there are several exhibits open to visitors.
Back in Honningsvåg, you can opt to stroll about, past charming houses, nice shops and a church that was the only structure left standing at the end of World War II.
This is the ship’s turning point and from here we start our return trip southward. Keep looking skyward!
Activities
Day 10
Today we dock at Finnsnes, just across a bridge from the remarkable island of Senja, which Norwegians call the ‘fairytale island’ because of its spectacular nature.
Senja is Norway’s second largest island and counts just under 8,000 inhabitants. As you might guess, fisheries and aquaculture are the dominant industries here. Cod and pollock are traditionally fished in Senja’s waters while salmon is farmed.
The island is famous for its diverse landscapes and is often referred to as Norway in miniature. The scenery can dramatically change within the blink of an eye. The outer side of Senja is characterised by lofty mountains plummeting straight into the sea, interspersed with isolated coves and sandy beaches. South Senja is distinguished by rocky coastline and pine forests and is home to Ånderdalen National Park. The eastern side of Senja has a a gentler landscape with rolling hills and birch forests.
There is little light pollution here, increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Activities
Day 11
Today you can spend time in the ship’s Explorer lounge, soaking in a hot tub, or out on deck watching for the aurora. Our Expedition Team and on-board photography expert can help you locate the Northern Lights and take good pictures.
The Expedition Team also continues its on-board lecture series, sharing their vast knowledge and experience about the geography, culture and history of Norway’s long and varied coastline.
The team also summarizes the voyage so far and lets you know about plans for the exciting days ahead.
Day 12
Kristiansund's location on four sea islands in the Norwegian Sea has steadily provided livelihoods in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Interested in history? A decisive battle between Danish and Norwegian Vikings was fought near here in 955 and later noted in the famous ‘Lives of the Norse Kings’ by Snorre Sturlasson.
Maybe it’s a dry fact, but Kristiansund today is known as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its historic export of dry salted fish, often called bacalao. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of this interesting little city, past old shipyards and marinas, and see what you can find.
Perhaps join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most-visited tourist destinations, spanning eight bridges through picturesque landscapes and across the open sea. The excursion ends in Molde, ‘City of Roses’, where you rejoin the ship.
Activities
Day 13
We arrive in Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities and a great place to explore by foot. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years. The city has retained a great deal of its local character, history and charm, and is a hub for Norwegian travel. Be sure to stroll through the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 14th century.
Visit Mount Fløyen - the Fløibanen funicular takes you to the top in just six minutes. At the summit you get amazing views over this city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. Feeling energetic? Follow one of many light trails atop Mount Fløyen into possibly snow-decked alpine forrest.
Back at sea level, Wander the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this enchanting, compact city. Drop into one of its many cafés or pubs and order a half-litre of local Hansa beer, browse through unique boutiques and visit world-class museums.
Spend the evening relaxing, maybe in the panoramic lounge or out on deck. While its less likely the Northern Lights will appear this far south, it does happen.
Activities
Day 14
It’s our final day at sea. As we cross the North Sea, you may spot the giant gas flares atop one of the many oil and gas platforms.
You may want to take one last soak in the hot tub, relax in the ship’s lounge, edit your photographs, or join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable winter expedition cruise to the coast of Norway.
Day 15
We pass the white cliffs of Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the city’s harbour. After breakfast, it’s time to leave your home for the past 14 days.
As you head ashore, you’ll take with you the lifetime memories of Norway in winter - wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and cities, friendly people, and the magical Northern Lights.
Welcome aboard again soon!
Whats Included
- Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages in restaurant Aune and Fredheim
- A la carte restaurant Lindstrom included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- A rich programme of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team
- English and German-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included excursions
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of spikes and trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
- Complimentary Wi-fi
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
Special Note
- Price based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
- Single cabin pricing available on request
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with us is unique.
With just 20% deposit and pay the remaining balance only 90 Days before departure date.
For those approaching us within 90 days of departure date, can reserve their space with full payment
You can cancel your booking anytime with us, based on the below conditions :
90 or more days : Retention of 20% deposit
60-89 days : 30%
28-59 days : 60%
14-27 days : 90%
Less than 14 days : 100%