Northern Lights Voyages
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This specific Northern Lights cruise information should be read in conjunction with the general Useful Information section.
NORWAY IN WINTER
Climate
Temperatures in northern Norway can be consistently below
freezing and with wind chill they can easily reach -20ºC.
However all Norwegian hotels (excluding the Snow Hotel!)
and the ships are very well heated.
Clothing
The weather in most of our destinations can vary during the
course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for
these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that
enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation
conditions easily.
For all voyages we advise that you take
breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves,
scarf and thermal clothing can be useful, together with thermal
underwear. On land it can be icy, so sturdy shoes are important
for shore excursions and a walking stick/trekking pole may
be useful. You should pack a pair of UV protective sunglasses,
as the reflections of snow and ice can be harmful to the unprotected
eye. Many ships offer a Jacuzzi
on board, so take your swimsuit just in case! Where necessary,
excursions such as the snowmobile include use of appropriate clothing.
Daylight
In the period from mid November to the end of January the
sun does not rise above the horizon in the area above the
Arctic Circle, but the region is not entirely without light.
Instead we are treated to the magical Arctic twilight during
the daytime. This reflection of the light against the snow
set against the magnificent coastal scenery is often a highlight
for many travellers.
Witnessing the Northern Lights
As a natural phenomenon, a sighting of the Aurora Borealis
cannot be guaranteed. It is principally dependent on the level
of activity on the sun’s surface and the amount of cloud
cover locally. All our trips operate in the region where sightings
are most likely - Tromsø is a major research centre
for the Aurora Borealis since the region experiences regular
displays in winter. On board our ships we are
able to alert passengers should the
Lights appear. The years 2012 and 2013 are expected to offer good Northern Lights activity.
View movie of the Northern Lights
YOUR HOLIDAY
Tour Manager
All of the set Northern Lights itineraries described on our
website, unless otherwise mentioned, will be accompanied in
Norway by a Tour Manager who will be on hand to ensure the
smooth operation of the tour. In most cases the ship will be joined
by other travellers from the UK and worldwide.
Your Cabin and Upgrades
Prices are based on best available inside or outside twin cabins with
en-suite facilities. Cabin numbers will
be advised on embarkation. Most travellers do not spend much time
in their cabins, enjoying the views from the observation lounges
or on deck. It may be possible to upgrade to a suite –
some of which offer double beds, balconies or bay windows - requests should be advised at time of booking.
Excursions
If you are keen to participate in any excursion, we recommend
you prebook as only remaining places will be sold locally.
Snowmobile excursions are usually based on two people per
vehicle and the guide would usually swap drivers half way
through. Alternatively you may pay a small supplement to drive
your own for the duration of the tour.
Meal plan
The meal plan for these trips is outlined in the price panels
of the tour pages, but half-board generally includes breakfast and dinner, and full-board also includes lunch.
Dietary requests
Hurtigruten will always do its best to meet dietary
requests but can not guarantee to do so and in no circumstances
will any such request be accepted so as to form part
of the contractual agreement. It is essential that you advise
us, in writing, of all special requirements at the time of
booking. Clients
on strict diets, eg vegans, may find that the food offers
limited variety.
Hotel accommodation
There is no official hotel rating system in Norway. The standard of the hotels used is equivalent to 3 or 4-star based on the overall standard
of the hotel and the facilities available. All rooms have
shower or bath and w/c (except the Snow Hotel).
Note that single rooms are sometimes inferior in both size
and location.
Norway Cruises Index
Norway All Year Cruises
Northern Lights Cruises
Arctic Summer Cruises |
