From London to Norway's Northern Lights
Sept 2023 - Mar 2024

Day 1 - Embarkation in London, Tilbury :

Today you board the newly refurbished hybrid-powered MS Maude and head north from London, Tilbury towards the coast of Norway with its beautiful, snow-covered landscape as you go in hunt of the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is an amazing natural phenomenon which is caused by disturbances of the solar wind, creating a mystical cosmic light show. Your chances of observing the Northern Lights improve the farther north you travel.

As you wave good bye to the white cliffs of Dover and set sail across the North Sea, you will see fishing boats, tankers and even helicopters ferrying workers to and from offshore oil and gas platforms. Enjoy your day at sea by taking time to get to know MS Maud. Explore the ship's Science Centre, relax in one of the hot tubs, sit back and enjoy the view from the Explorer lounge, or take in the sea air on deck.

Day 2 & 3 - At Sea :

The next two days at sea will give you plenty of time to enjoy the onboard facilities like our hot tubs, sauna and gym. You'll also dine on delicious seasonal produce in our restaurants. Get to know your Expedition Team, who can advise you on the exciting adventures that lay ahead. Sit in on the lectures given by these knowledgeable explorers who have extensive experience about the places, natives and natural phenomena you will likely encounter. Or maybe you just want to take the chance to relax before your adventures.

Day 4 - Nordfjorden :

Today, you will enter Nordfjorden. Gaze in awe as you pass Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff before the ship heads towards Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier.

As the ship cruises 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 weather conditions allow. 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, you can take part in optional activities like snowshoeing, sledding or winter kayaking.

Day 5 - At Sea :

As your ship continues on its Northern Lights voyage, you will enjoy spectacular scenery as you pass Helgeland county and sail past the Seven Sisters mountain range and the famous mountain with a hole in the middle - Torghatten. You will also be sailing under the Auroral Zone, an ideal area to see the Northern Lights and if you're lucky, you might have multiple sightings here.

The ships professional onboard photographer will help you with some useful tips for you to optimise your pictures of the Aurora. During onboard lectures by the Expedition Team you will discover more about local folklore, or the Norwegian passion for the outdoors, known as friluftsliv.

Day 6 - Lofoten Islands :

Your first sight of the Lofoten islands will be very memorable because of the imposing wall of mountains appearing on the horizon. The islands are world renowned for their distinctive dramatic peaks, sheltered bays and pristine beaches as well as its excellent fishing, picturesque villages and exhilarating year-round activities.

The ship docks at picturesque Reine, with its fishermen's rorbuer along the shoreline and snow-covered mountains rising from the fjord, Reine is one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway.

Join an excursion to the bijou village of Å, at the southern tip of Moskenesøy and the Lofoten Islands, it is something of a living museum. Explore this preserved fishing village with a shoreline of red rorbuer (fisher's huts), cod-drying racks and picture-postcard scenes at almost every turn. Although now geared towards tourism, in its time it was an important fishing port with more than 700,000 cod hung out to dry here every season until as recently as WWII. There are also many other optional excursions that you can join.

Day 7 - Alta :

Situated 70° north of the Arctic Circle, Alta is the ideal destination for winter activities such as visiting snow hotels, dog sledding or an exilarating snowmobile ride. It lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval and if conditions are just right, you could be in for quite a light show.

You can learn more about the aurora on a visit to the modern Northern Lights Cathedral, where you can enjoy a classical concert followed by an interactive exhibition on Northern Lights research.

Alternatively, join an optional excursion to visit a Sámi village to learn more about the indigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. The Expedition Team may even give a lecture on Sámi culture.

Day 8 - Tromsø :

Located 400km north of the Arctic Circle at 69°N, the small city of Tromsø is known as Norway's gateway to the Arctic. Surrounded by icy fjords and towering peaks that remain snow capped for much of the year, Tromsø sits on the eastern edge of Tromsøya, and is linked to the mainland by an elegantly arched bridge. As you arrive, look out for humpback whales – your Expedition Team will let you know of any sightings nearby.

If you're looking for an adventurous winter wonderland, then Tromsø is the perfect destination with is a superb range of winter activities such as dog-sledging, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can also join some of Hurtigruten's optional excursions with the Expedition Team from dogsledding and snowshoeing to nature hikes. Tromsø is so far north that you may see the Aurora directly overhead.

Your included activity in Tromsø is a Polar Museum visit, where you'll discover the city's heritage as a base for famous trappers and legendary explorers including Roald Amundsen.

Tromsø has a fascinating history, vibrant culture and bold architecture. Its modern Arctic Cathedral is a landmark that is visible to the Hurtigruten ships sailing through the Tromsø Sound, and features a huge stained-glass window.

The city is home to the world's northernmost brewery, Mack Bryggeri, which also runs Ølhallen, a lively pub where locals go for a chat and a beer. During the winter season, Tromsø's city cafes and bars are packed with locals, warming themselves with a freshly brewed coffee, or taking in a locally brewed beer. Internationally recognized restaurants serve up cuisine with produce sourced from local farms and fisheries, with a range of arctic dishes hard to find anywhere else.

Day 9 - Narvik :

Discover one of the world's most northerly towns when you arrive into Narvik this morning. It is situated 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, offering the town a spectacular setting. Here, you can take time to explore the galleries, shops, and restaurants, which specialise in local seafood and reindeer meat.

Narvik was an important port during World War II and a strategic target for Germany . Visit Narvik War Museum where you will learn about the Allied troops' liberation of the town.

Then take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Narvik, or go on optional excursion hikes, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord. During the evening, you can keep an eye out for the Northern Lights as the ship crosses Vestfjorden.

Days 10/11 - Science at Sea :

Over the next two days, the ship may go off the beaten track to wherever takes our fancy. Along the route there are many islands and fjords to discover in this region. You can go ashore in expedition boats to study wildlife in their natural habitat.

Activities and 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.

You'll also learn more about what you've seen - with lectures from the Expedition Team or in the Science Center. You can join a Citizen Science project like Happywhale, which uses photos of sightings to track whale migrations around the world.

Day 12 - Bergen :

This morning, the MS Maude arrives into Bergen. This is one of Norway's most beautiful cities and an ideal place to explore by foot.

Bergen was founded in 1070 AD and was Norway's capital for many years and remains a hub for travelling around Norway. It has retained much of its local character and history such as the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district. With its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 14th century, it's a must for all visitors to explore.

Included excursion in Bergen - Mount Fløyen. The Fløibanen funicular takes you to the summit in just six minutes. From the top you will have superb views over the city, which is hemmed in by seven mountains and the sea. If you're feeling full of energy, you can hike one of many forest trails at the top of Mount Fløyen.

Returning to the city check out some of the cafés or pubs and maybe try the local Hansa beer, visit a museum or browse boutiques along cobblestone streets and alleyways.

Day 13 - Egersund :

Egersund is a beautiful town of colorful wooden houses and ancient runes. You'll love the cosy feel of Egersund, with its brightly coloured, houses – so different to usual, white-painted Norwegian homes.

This has been a hub of civilisation since the Stone Age, and you can even find ancient runes carved into rocks nearby. It also features one of the best natural harbours in Norway – as a fishing town, Egersund used to land more fish than anywhere else in the country.

It's an ideal town to explore on foot. You can take an optional hike in the hills or wander around the town centre on your own. For panoramic views, there is a viewpoint at Varberg, a short hike from the town centre.

Day 14 - At sea :

Make the most of your final day at sea. As you cross the North Sea, you may spot the giant gas flares atop one of the many oil and gas platforms.

Enjoy one last soak in the hot tub, relax in the ship's lounge, edit your photographs, or join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable winter expedition cruise to the coast of Norway.

Day 15 - London, Tilbury :

Complete your voyage across the islands of the North Atlantic in Tilbury, the gateway to the U.K.'s cosmopolitan capital city, London. After breakfast, it's time to leave your home for the past 14 days.

As you head ashore, you'll take with you the lifetime memories of Norway in winter - wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and cities, friendly people, and the magical Northern Lights.

Welcome aboard again soon!

DEPARTURES DATES 2023 :

September 30.
October 14, 28.
November 11, 25.
December 9.

DEPARTURES DATES 2024 :

January 6, 20.
February 3, 17.
March 16, 30.

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Northern Lights Expedition Voyage Fares 2023/2024

PLEASE NOTE:

• All prices are shown in £s per person, based on twin occupancy, voyage only.
• The ship departure date determines the price of your voyage.

The price you pay for your cabin will depend on when you book. As a general rule, the earlier you book, the lower the fare.

Included in your Expedition voyage

• • A stay in a cabin of your choice
• • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• • À la carte Restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• • Complimentary tea and coffee
• • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
• • Complimentary reusable water bottle
• • English-speaking Expedition Team leading activities on board and ashore
• • Range of included activities

Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to and streaming is not supported.
*house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

• • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• • Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• • Citizen Science programme where you can assist with live scientific research
• • Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• • Use of the ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym
• • Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

LANDING ACTIVITIES

• • Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• • Trekking poles, head lamps and walking poles available if necessary
• • Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
• • Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

NOTES

• • All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• • Excursions and activities are subject to change
• • Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• • No gratuities expected

Not included in your voyage :

• • International flights
• • Travel insurance
• • Optional shore excursions with local partners
• • Optional small-group activities with the Expedition Team
• • Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
• • Luggage handling