We set course northward from Dover toward the magical, snow-covered landscapes of the Norwegian coast, on the hunt for the Northern Lights.

This amazing natural phenomenon is the result of disturbances caused by solar wind. It creates a cosmic lightshow of dazzling color and complexity. Your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights improve the farther north we go.

First, we pass the White Cliffs of Dover and head across the North Sea. Stretch your sea legs and get to know MS Maud. Find the amenities you like best. Visit the Science Center, the hot tubs, the Explorer Lounge, or find your favorite spot on deck. Keep it in mind if our hunt for the aurora proves successful later.

Later in the evening, we will call on the port of Harwich, which is one of the most important ports on the Essex coast. It is intimately connected with much of England’s rich maritime history. Harwich has a strong maritime pedigree. It was the departure point of several discovery expeditions for famous explorers like Sir Francis Drake, Sir Richard Hawkins, and Sir Martin Frobisher. Perhaps most famously, the town was the home port of the Pilgrim ship ‘Mayflower’ and birthplace of her captain, Christopher Jones. In line with its history, and to celebrate the start of our journey, we will present you a local sea shanty performance before crossing the North Sea.

Enjoy a day at sea as we head north to the Norwegian coast.

Meet our Expedition Team, who prepare you for exciting adventures ahead. Listen on talks by these experienced explorers who share their extensive knowledge about the places, people, and natural phenomena we are likely to encounter (like the Northern Lights).

Or maybe just kick back and relax. Admire the views, try some of the ship’s cuisine, or devour a good book while enjoying this day at sea.

Welcome to Stavanger, known for its many nearby natural attractions, including famous Pulpit Rock and its long sandy beaches along the North Sea.

Most visitors to Norway have read about or gone to the Stavanger region. The area draws in many different nationalities, making it a highly international destination. Its cosmopolitan nature is reflected in the city’s lively, urban ambience, with creative food menus, fun pubs and bars, and a booming cultural scene.

Stavanger’s proud history is never far from sight. Old Stavanger has Europe’s best-preserved wooden house district, with more than 170 white wooden structures dating back to the 1700s.

Stavanger is also Europe’s oil and energy capital. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, where modern interactive exhibits teach you about Norway’s most important industry. See how oil and gas were formed millions of years ago, as well as how petroleum is found, produced, and consumed. Feeling adventurous? Slide down an escape chute used on offshore oil and gas platforms.

While it’s less likely to spot the Northern Lights this far south, it does happen. Keep your eyes on the northern edge of the horizon.

Today, you arrive in the charming small city of Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful art nouveau architecture. This owes to a devastating fire that burned a large part of the city to the ground in 1904. The entire town was subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable art nouveau style of the time.

Take this chance to stroll through Ålesund’s charming cobblestone streets and admire the spires, towers, and ornate buildings rising up around you.

Norway is a seafood nation and Ålesund is its fisheries capital. Visit the Norwegian Aquarium, an architectural marvel built directly into the rocky coastline. Due to excellent oceanic conditions along the Norwegian coast, the aquarium features a colorful and exciting range of fish and fauna, including octopus, seals, and penguins.

Choose one of our interesting optional excursions in and around this fascinating Norwegian coastal city.

Welcome to Brønnøysund, a vibrant and pretty town with a population of around 5,000, located on a narrow peninsula surrounded by islands and sea.

You are now halfway up Norway’s extensive coastline. Brønnøysund is near Torghatten, the famous mountain with a hole in the middle.

Brønnøysund is also the gateway to Vega Island, which was granted UNESCO World Heritage site status because of how the community demonstrates its centuries-old sustainable way of life. Remarkably, the islanders have thrived by practicing their now-unique tradition of eider farming and duck down processing.

As we leave Brønnøysund, we sail along the coast of Helgeland and pass the famous ‘Seven Sisters’ mountain range. Legend has it that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, creating the seven beautiful peaks.

In the evening, we cross the Arctic Circle. Your chances to experience the aurora are growing by the minute.

You won’t soon forget your first approach to Lofoten, because of the formidable wall of mountains looming on the horizon.

The Lofoten Islands are world famous for their dramatic peaks, sheltered bays, and untouched beaches. This is your day to explore them. Lofoten is known for its excellent fishing, picturesque villages, and exciting year-round activities.

We dock at idyllic village of Reine in the morning. The fishermen´s huts dotting the shoreline and the snowy granite peaks shooting out of the fjord make Reine one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway.

After departure, we sail along the massive Lofoten wall to Svolvær. The islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches, and bays we pass are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In Svolvær, choose from a number of exciting outdoor and indoor activities. Intriguing shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants are scattered throughout the town.

After a whole day exploring Lofoten, we sail to Trollfjord, a surreal landscape where vertical mountain walls jut out of the sea. We can’t sail into the fjord In winter, so we admire this very special site from its entrance.

Keep your eyes skyward to catch sight of the Northern Lights.

Looking for an adventurous winter wonderland? Tromsø is the perfect destination for winter activities. It boasts a wide range of optional excursions you can choose from, depending on your interests.

Enjoy a ride into the sky on the Fjellheisen cable car, with breathtaking views of the city, mountains, fjords, and hopefully the aurora.

Tromsø is teeming with fascinating history, culture, and bold architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a landmark in Tromsø that is visible from the Tromsø Sound, featuring a huge stained-glass window. Care to meet some friendly locals? Tromsø is home to the world’s northernmost brewery, Mack Bryggeri, which also runs Ølhallen, a lively pub filled with locals enjoying a chat and a beer.

Other winter activities include optional excursions with our Expedition Team on nature hikes and aurora-centric bus rides.

Tromsø is so far north that you may see the Northern Lights directly overhead.

Today we visit one of the northernmost points in Europe, North Cape. This is also as far north as we go on this winter expedition cruise.

Start the day by taking a scenic bus ride from the town of Honningsvåg. We pass small bays and tiny villages, then cross a mountain plateau before arriving at the spectacular North Cape. At 71°10’21N, North Cape is just 1,304 miles away from the Geographic North Pole. Stand at the edge of the cliff and gaze out on the sea. Only the Svalbard archipelago separates you from the North Pole. North Cape feels like the end of the world. It’s a great place for stunning photos. You will also have time to visit the North Cape Hall´s cinema, which offers several exhibits and a short film about the North Cape Plateau.

Back in Honningsvåg, stroll past charming houses, nice shops, and a church that was the only structure left standing at the end of World War II.

This is the ship’s turning point. From here, we start our return trip southbound. Keep looking skyward!

Today we dock at Finnsnes, just across a bridge from the spectacular nature of Senja, which Norwegians call the ‘fairytale island’.

Senja is Norway’s second-largest island and hosts just under 8,000 inhabitants. It might not surprise you that fisheries and aquaculture are the dominant industries here. Cod and pollock are traditionally fished in Senja’s waters and salmon is farmed.

The island is famous for its diverse landscapes and is often referred to as Norway in miniature. The scenery can change dramatically in the blink of an eye. The outer side of Senja flanked by lofty mountains plummeting straight into the sea, interspersed with isolated coves and sandy beaches. South Senja boasts a rocky coastline and pine forests, and is home to Ånderdalen National Park. Senja’s eastern side has a gentler landscape, with rolling hills and birch forests.

There is little light pollution here, increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

On this day at sea, spend time in the ship’s Explorer Lounge, soak in a hot tub, or step out on deck to watch for the aurora. Our Expedition Team and onboard photography expert will help you locate the Northern Lights and take good pictures.

The Expedition Team will also continue its onboard lecture series, sharing their vast knowledge and experience about the geography, culture, and history of Norway’s long and varied coastline.

The team also offers summaries of the cruise so far and lets you know about plans for the exciting days ahead.

Today’s stop is at Kristiansund – a small city spread across four islands in the sea! Famed for its split and salted cod, there’s plenty more to this uniquely located city.

Kristiansund's location in the Norwegian Sea has provided a steady livelihood for people in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Interested in history? A decisive battle between Danish and Norwegian Vikings was fought near here in 955 and later noted in the famous ‘Lives of the Norse Kings’ by Snorre Sturlasson.

We arrive in Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities and a great place to explore by foot. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years. The city has retained a great deal of its local character, history and charm, and is a hub for Norwegian travel. Don’t miss the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, with colorful wooden houses along the wharf, dating back to the 14^th century.

Back at sea level, wander the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this enchanting and compact city. Drop into one of its many cafés or hit up a pub and order a half-liter of local Hansa beer. Of course, you can browse its unique boutiques and visit its world-class museums.

Spend the evening relaxing, maybe in the panorama lounge or out on deck. While its less likely the Northern Lights will appear this far south, it does happen.

After departing Bergen the night before, we’ll be well on our way across the North Sea toward Dover. As you leave Norway behind you, spend these two days at sea unwinding from the excitement of the past two weeks.

Relax with panoramic views of the Explorer Lounge and make the most of the ship’s amenities, whether having a work-out in the gym or a session in the sauna. The onboard photographer will be on hand with tips on how to edit your Northern Lights photos. You’ll likely have a few hundred photos to sift through of scenic Norwegian landscapes, Arctic activities, and the multi-colored aurora.

We pass the White Cliffs of Dover in the early morning hours and dock at the city’s harbor. After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to your home for the past 14 days.

As you head ashore, you’ll take special memories for a lifetime with you of Norway in winter. You won’t forget the wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and cities, friendly people, and the magical Northern Lights.

We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!