Winter Fjord Cruise:
January 2023

Arrival in Tromsø and boarding your 'home away from home'

We start our expedition cruise from Tromsø, just above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. This town is known to be the 'Gateway to the Arctic' and has been the starting point for many polar expeditions in the past. Tromsø is surrounded by mountains and fjords and is the world's capital for Northern Light observations! It's definitely worth spending a day or two here. Visit the Polar Museum for a fascinating tour through polar history. Or start your arctic adventure with an optional dog sled excursion or snowmobile safari. In the afternoon of the first day you will board the ship and make yourself at home. After dinner we say goodbye to Tromsø and start our Northern Light Cruise!
For five full days we will sail through the beautiful fjords of Northern Norway. Our floating hotel takes us to a new location each day. Expect to spend a lot of time on deck as the views are often too beautiful to stay inside. High mountains and remote tiny villages pass by on the horizon. We spend most of the daylight hours out looking for whales, going for shore visits and hikes and taking zodiac rides. When it get's dark and the skies are clear, we have a good chance of viewing the Northern Lights. Our expert guide accompanies you on your adventures and shares knowledge about the region, the Northern Lights and wildlife.

Whale watching in Andenes

Located in a beautiful setting, on a small peninsula with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other side, lies the village Andenes. This is the base for many whale safaris. In the fjords around Andenes, whales can be seen almost all year round. So we have good chances to spot them here. You can enjoy the beautiful view on deck or from the bridge while the ship searches for whales.
We might also go ashore in Andenes. You can take a walk through the town and visit the lighthouse from where you have a wide view over the sea. At night this is the perfect place for viewing and photographing the northern lights.

Vesterålen

Our journey takes us south, towards Vesterålen. This is a very scenic route through the fjords, along uninhabited islands with high snow-capped mountains in the background. Make sure you always have your camera at hand, because we could encounter whales at any time along the way. The large rear deck of the ship is ideal for this. There is plenty of room to take panoramic photos of the landscape. Those who prefer to stay warm can find a spot on the bridge and gaze at the horizon from there.

Trollfjord

Lofoten

We sail south towards the Lofoten archipelago. Many consider the Lofoten Islands to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The archipelago has a fairy-tale feel to it. Along the coast are typical Norwegian fishing villages with colorful houses. The beautiful bays with white sandy beaches and clear blue water almost make you forget that you're above the Arctic Circle.
We sail past the westernmost islands of the Lofoten with their sharp mountain peaks and dramatic landscape. We'll stop for a visit of the village Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stopover in Reine is also on our list. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the incredible panoramic view which seems to come straight from a postcard. I'ts no surprise that this one of the most photographed villages in Norway. Continueing our voyage, we sail to the village of Å. There, the road literally ends and you feel like you're at the end of the world.

Henningsvær

We head back North. This time we will not sail through the fjords but along the open sea. Here you will discover that Norway's coast also hides some long sandy beaches. In the town of Eggum we learn more about the history of Norway during the Second World War. Then we continue on to Henningsvær, a fishing village at the end of a peninsula. You will undoubtedly know Henningsvær from the many beautiful pictures that can be found on social media. This cozy little village with wooden houses, stores and restaurants is very famous. It's often called "Venice of the Lofoten" because it consists of several islands that are connected by bridges.

Senja

End of the trip

In the morning on day 7 we will arrive back in the harbour of Tromsø. After breakfast you will disembark the ship and say farewell to your fellow passengers and ship crew.
There are several options to extend your stay in Northern Norway. Contact us for more information.

Northern Lights in Norway

During the long polar nights there is a good chance we will see the Northern Lights. The crew on board will keep an eye out and will alert the guests when the Northern Lights are visible. If we are in port you can go ashore and walk up a hill to get away from any artificial lights and have a clear view on the sky. On land you have the best opportunities to take pictures of the Northern Lights as you can put your camera of phone on a steady surface.
But also from the ship you can have the most spectacular views of the Northern Lights dancing above the water and the mountains. When we are at anchor in a calm bay you can have a 360-view on the sky and the lights seem to surround the ship. Slip into your bathing suit for a relaxing bath in the hot tub, or warm up in the sauna while watching this spectacle of nature unravel in front of your eyes.

Want to learn more about the Northern Lights? Read our blog: "Northern Lights - All your questions answered".

Activities during your voyage

During our cruise we regularly go ashore for a hike in the snow or visit small villages along the Norwegian coast. On board we have two zodiacs which we use to bring you ashore when the ship is at anchor. We also use the zodiacs to see whales up close or sail along the coast to spot wildlife. Be sure to take the opportunity for a ride on our unique polar pedalo. It's a unique experience to float in the beautiful fjords in complete silence.
For our bravest guests we organize a 'polar plunge'. Those who dare get a chance to dive into the ice-cold water! Probably the most refreshing dive you will ever take. After that cold plunge you can warm up in the hot tub or sauna as the real Norwegians would do. Afterwards, you can tell your family and friends that you took a plunge north of the arctic circle!