Cruise the Norwegian coast and see the incredible Northern Lights

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Depart from London, Tilbury, UK

   Tilbury, United Kingdom

   Your Arctic expedition cruise to see the Northern Lights will start in Tilbury. Perched on the North shore of the Thames, with Essex to the North and Kent to the South, Tilbury has a long and proud seafaring history. If you have time, why not explore Tilbury's historic fortress that has defended the river since the 16th century.

   Soon it's time to board MS Maud, your home for the next 15 days. Pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and meet your Expedition Team.

   Sail out of the mouth of the Thames as you head for your first stop in historic Harwich before settling in for your first night at sea.

   Meals - Dinner
2. Days

   2-3

   At sea

   At Sea, Norway,

   

   Ease into your journey and relax on board before your Arctic adventure begins.

   The next two days at sea will give you plenty of time to enjoy the onboard facilities, such as the hot tubs, sauna and gym. You'll also dine on delicious seasonal produce in the ship's restaurants, Aune and Fredheim.

   The Expedition Team will begin the first in their series of lectures over at the Science Center. Each member of the Expedition Team is an expert in their field. They'll share fascinating insights about the places, history and nature you may encounter on your Norwegian coast adventure.

   Find out about the Citizen Science projects, where you can contribute to important scientific research. Or pick up pointers on improving your wildlife and landscape images from our expedition photographers.

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day

   4

   Nordfjord and views from Mount Hoven

   Nordfjordeid, Norway

   

   In the morning, you'll enter Nordfjord, passing Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff - look out for it if your cruise is passing in daylight - and head towards Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier.

   As you cruise past picturesque inlets, you'll spy old fishing communities dating back to pre-Viking times. One of these is Loen, where you'll land if conditions are right. There's a lot to discover in the shadow of this mighty glacier.

   After a short boat ride to the floating jetty, you'll take the Loen Skylift to enjoy spectacular views from the summit of Mount Hoven. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to try exhilarating activities such as snowshoeing, sledding or winter kayaking.

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day

   5

   Cruising towards the Arctic

   At Sea, Norway,

   

   Enjoy a restful day at sea and cross the Arctic Circle.

   Relax in the ship's Explorer Lounge or enjoy the scenery out on deck as you sail through Helgeland county, home to the Seven Sisters mountain range, and cross the Arctic Circle.

   The Expedition Team continues its onboard lecture series and you can ask the Expedition Photographer for tips on how to capture the best Northern Lights images.

   You'll experience the Polar Night above the Arctic Circle. Here, instead of total darkness, the skies will change to an ethereal shade of cobalt blue, bathing the fjords and mountains in an otherworldly hue. It's known as the 'blue hour' and is caused by an extended twilight when the winter sun glows just below the horizon.

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day

   6

   Lofoten Islands

   Lofoten Islands, Norway

   

   The islands of Lofoten and Vesteralen are among the most beautiful in Norway.

   Optional activities: explore Vesteralen's medieval past

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day

   7

   Alta - On the lookout for the Northern Lights

   Alta, Norway

   

   Welcome to Alta, one of the northernmost towns in the world.

   Dubbed 'The Northern Lights City', Alta is the turning point of your expedition and one of the northernmost towns in the world. It's wonderful to stroll around, swathed in twinkling Christmas lights and blanketed in snow.

   Lying 70º north of the Arctic Circle, Alta sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval, a zone known for consistent Northern Lights activity. If the conditions are right, you could be in for a show.

   Learn more about the Aurora on a visit to Alta's Northern Lights Cathedral, with its striking Aurora-inspired architecture, and fascinating interactive exhibition on Northern Lights research.

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day

   8

   Tromsø - Gateway to the Arctic

   Tromsø, Norway

   

   Today you'll discover the rich history and culture of Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. You'll spend your day learning about its fascinating history, culture and admiring its bold architecture.

   The Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. Visit the Polar Museum to learn about Tromsø's fabled explorer history and join the friendly locals in the town's many pubs. Don't miss Ølhallen, Tromsø's oldest pub, with around 70 Norwegian beers on tap.

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day

   9

   Historic Narvik

   Narvik, Norway

   

   Sitting 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, Narvik enjoys a spectacular setting as one of the world's most northerly towns.

   Developed as an all-year port for the Swedish iron mines, Narvik was a strategic target for Germany during World War II. Today, you can browse the local galleries, shops, and restaurants specialising in local seafood and reindeer meat.

   If conditions allow, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik for breathtaking views. Or go hiking, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord.

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Days

   10-11

   Nordic expedition

   At Sea, Norway,

   

   The plan for the next two days is that there isn't one! In true expedition style, you'll spend the time getting off the beaten track and exploring more of this spectacular part of the world. Activities and any landings will be picked at the discretion of the Expedition Team, and they'll draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to bring you to the most exhilarating and naturally beautiful locations.

   There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region, and you'll be sailing in to get a closer look at some of them. Expedition boats will take you ashore where you'll be on the lookout for the local wildlife in stunning surroundings. Weather conditions will also play a part in deciding where you explore. All we can say is expect the unexpected!

   Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day

    12

    Beautiful Bergen

    Bergen, Norway

    

    Welcome to Bergen, known as The City of Seven Mountains. This is one of Norway's most picturesque cities and is perfect for exploring on foot. It was once Norway's capital and you'll see that the city has retained a great deal of its local character, heritage and charm.

    You'll take a funicular ride to the top of Mount Fløyen. At the summit, breathe in the stunning views over the city, surrounded by seven mountains and the sea.

    Once back in the centre of Bergen, stroll around the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its distinctive wooden wharves. Explore the many boutiques, cafés and galleries along its cobbled streets and alleys.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day

    13

    Egersund

    Egersund, Norway

    

    You'll love Egersund, with its magical, cosy atmosphere. This well-preserved town is famous for its brightly coloured, wooden houses - a real departure from the white-painted dwellings of many of Norway's towns, and a welcome sight as you approach the harbour.

    People have lived around the area of Egersund since the Stone Age. There are several places around the town where you'll find ruins of settlements dating back to the early migrations around 400 - 600 BCE, and ancient runes have been found carved into rocks nearby. It's also one of the best natural harbours in Norway, and it used to be the largest in the country when measured by the quantity of fish landed each year. 

    Enjoy exploring the enchanting town centre, which has preserved some of the best examples of wooden houses - a few even dating back 160 years. The varied landscape surrounding the town is great for walking.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day

    14

    Heading home

    At Sea, Norway,

    

    Make the most of your last full day on board MS Maud. You may want to soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, spend time in the Science Center, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and edit the photos from your trip.

    Join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise to the fjords of Norway. Reflect on all the wonderful experiences you've had, like the sensation of standing in awe under the Northern Lights, or the spectacular scenery of the Lofoten Islands.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day

    15

    Return to England

    Tilbury, United Kingdom

    Today you'll complete your voyage across the islands of the North Atlantic and arrive back in Tilbury, where your adventure comes to an end.

    Meals - Breakfast