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Northern Lights Expedition Cruise from London Itinerary
Day 1 - London Tilbury (UK)
Your Arctic expedition cruise to see the Northern Lights starts 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. Your adventure has begun.
Days 2-3 - At Sea
The next two days at sea will give you plenty of time to enjoy the onboard facilities, such as our hot tubs, sauna and gym. You'll also dine on delicious seasonal produce in our restaurants. The Expedition Team will begin the first in their series of lectures over at the Science Centre. 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 our 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.
Day 4 - Nordfjord (Norway)
In the morning, we’ll enter Nordfjord. We’ll pass 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 we cruise past picturesque inlets, you'll spy old fishing communities dating back to pre-Viking times. One of these is Loen, where we'll land if conditions are right. In the shadow of the mighty glacier, there's much to discover. 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. After, why not join exciting activities such as snowshoeing, sledding or winter kayaking.
Day 5 - At Sea
Relax in the ship’s Explorer Lounge or enjoy the scenery out on deck as we 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, when instead of total darkness, the skies turn a dreamy shade of cobalt blue, bathing the fjords and mountains in an ethereal hue. It’s known as the ‘blue hour’ and is caused by an extended twilight when the winter sun glows just below the horizon.
Day 6 - Lofoten Islands
Today we explore the famed Lofoten Islands. With steep mountains, beautiful beaches and pretty fishing villages, the archipelago is unlike anything you’ve seen. With its iconic red fishing huts, known as rorbuer, dotted against a granite-peak backdrop, Reine is an idyllic place to visit. You’ll see why this is one of Norway's most-photographed places! And if the weather conditions aren’t quite right, there are plenty of other equally memorable ports in the area to explore, such as Svolvær.
Day 7 - Alta
Dubbed ‘The Northern Lights City’, Alta is the turning point of your expedition and one of the northernmost towns in the world. It’s charming to stroll around, swathed in Christmas lights and 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.
Day 8 - Tromsø
Today we sail to Tromsø, capital of the Arctic. You’ll spend your day discovering its fascinating history, culture and 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.
Day 9 - Narvik
Sitting 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, Narvik enjoys a spectacular setting. 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.
Days 10-11 - Bergen
The plan for the next two days is that there isn’t one! In true expedition style, we’ll spend the time getting off the beaten track and heading to wherever takes our fancy. 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 we’ll be sailing in to get a closer look at some of them. Our expedition boats will take us ashore where we’ll be on the lookout for the local wildlife in these stunning surroundings. Weather conditions will also play a part in deciding where to explore – so all we can say is expect the unexpected!
Day 12 - Bergen
Welcome to Bergen, one of Norway’s most picturesque cities and 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.
Day 13 - Egersund
You’ll love Egersund, with its cosy vibe. The 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 in quantity of fish landed each year. Enjoy exploring the bijoux 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.
Day 14 - At Sea
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 Centre, 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.
Day 15 - London Tilbury (UK)
Complete your voyage across the islands of the North Atlantic in Tilbury, the gateway to the U.K.’s cosmopolitan capital city, London. Before beginning your onward journey, why not visit some of London’s iconic sites, and absorb the atmosphere of this vibrant and cultural city. The city’s world-renowned restaurants rub shoulders with myriad markets, so take some time to discover this foodie’s paradise. Why not explore historic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, or experience culture at London’s many world-famous museums and galleries. A perfect way to end your adventure.
Please note the 23 Dec 2023 departure is a day shorter.