In Search of the Northern Lights

• Day 1 Southampton

  Departure: late afternoon

• Day 4 Ålesund

  Considered by Norwegians to be Norway's most beautiful city, Alesund in winter is perhaps even more breath-taking than in the summer months, as its bathed in dusky shades of orange and pink. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Art Nouveau town is built on three islands, where panoramic views of the city, archipelago and Sunnmore Alps are best seen from the top of Mount Aksla. 

• Day 5 Cruising Torghatten

  Torghatten is an iconic mountain shaped by the Scandinavian Ice Age and renowned for the huge hole that punctuates its centre. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle, framed by towering cliffs and rugged coastlines, offers a unique view from the perspective of the sea. In winter, the scene transforms into a picturesque wonderland, with snow dusting the mountain’s peak and the surrounding fjords often partially frozen.

• Day 5 Cruising Seven Sisters mountain range

  Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship, particularly when snow-covered in the winter months. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!

• Day 5 Crossing the Arctic Circle

  Embarking on the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle is a cherished experience for guests and crew alike. This momentous occasion, often announced by our Captain, invites you to venture out on deck and celebrate. You may choose to participate in a ceremonial ritual, complete with optional 'baptisms', where ice-cold water is poured down your back, or simply delight in the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

• Day 6-7 Narvik

  Due to its location far north of the Arctic Circle, the small town of Narvik is seen as one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. Situated on the banks of the Ofotfjorden, with snow covered mountains and dense forests surrounding Narvik, the Northern Lights dance in the skies overlooking the town.

• Day 7 Narvik
• Day 8 Alta

  During the winter months, it is possible to witness the Northern Lights as they dance across the skies above Alta, in colours of green, blue, red and violet. Produced by powerful electromagnetic waves during solar geomagnetic storms, they illuminate the towns and cities below in a hauntingly beautiful light. Alta is also ideal for enjoying city walks, husky or reindeer sledding and viewing mountain plateaus and coastal landscapes. 

• Day 9-10 Tromsø

  Tromsø is renowned as a prime location for seeking out the Northern Lights, and the long, dark winter nights enhance your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural spectacle even further. There will be opportunities to try local delicacies such as reindeer and king crab, to ride the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen, and to visit the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral – a masterpiece of modern architecture. You’ll also be ideally placed for joining an exhilarating dog sledding tour through the wintery landscapes, or to meet the local indigenous Sámi community to learn about their fascinating way of life

• Day 10 Tromsø
• Day 11 Sortland, Vesteralen Islands

  Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland's maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and in the winter months it may also be possible to see the Northern Lights.

• Day 12 Cruising Seven Sisters mountain range

  Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship, particularly when snow-covered in the winter months. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!

• Day 12 Cruising Torghatten

  Torghatten is an iconic mountain shaped by the Scandinavian Ice Age and renowned for the huge hole that punctuates its centre. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle, framed by towering cliffs and rugged coastlines, offers a unique view from the perspective of the sea. In winter, the scene transforms into a picturesque wonderland, with snow dusting the mountain’s peak and the surrounding fjords often partially frozen.

• Day 13 Molde

  The Atlantic Ocean Road links Molde with Kristiansund, and stretches for eight kilometres through rocky coastlines, over the sea and through the surrounding mountains. Often described as the world's most beautiful road; in winter the twisting and winding road leads over bridges linking islands, and through snow-capped mountains, seeming to drop off the earth into the sea.

• Day 16 Southampton

  Arrival: early morning

In Search of the Northern Lights Itinerary