Norway The Cruise South (Kirkenes - Bergen)

North Cape - 71 degrees north

We make a late night stop at Mehamn. During winter, you can join an amazing snowmobile trip here, through the vast Arctic wilderness. Experience snowy plains and valleys, crisp winter air and very possibly the Northern Lights in the starry sky above.

At Honningsvåg, join an overland excursion that crosses the island of Magerøy in time for you to enjoy breakfast atop North Cape (May - October). In Hammerfest, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to honour the first precise geographic measurement of the globe. During winter, join a mini-mountain expedition to experience the Arctic outdoors and learn about local polar hero and cook, Adolf Henrik Lindstrøm.

Tromsø – Paris of the North

We proceed south to Øksfjord, stopping briefly at the old trading post of Skjervøy. In spring, we sail through the beautiful Lyngenfjord, nestled beneath the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps.

We dock at Tromsø, in time to enjoy a magical Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral in winter, or Midnight Sun concert during summer. You can join a midnight excursion under the Midnight Sun to explore Tromsø by sea in a small boat. You may want to drop by Ølhallen to enjoy a beer and a chat with friendly locals.

TIME IN PORT:

• Mehamn: 00.45 – 01.00
• Kjøllefjord: 02.45 – 03.00
• Honningsvåg: 05.30 – 05.45
• Havøysund: 07.45 – 08.00
• Hammerfest: 10.45 – 12.45*
• Øksfjord: 15.30 – 15.45
• Skjervøy: 19.15 – 19.45
• Tromsø: 23.45 – 01.30
  * 01.04. - 31.05. departure time from Hammerfest will be 11.45 due to diversion into Lyngen.

Trolls and mountains

Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the occasion on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten (258 m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was formed during the ice age. Participate on a hike up the mountain.

Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.

From ducks to salmon

Next, we briefly stop at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjøen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islanders and eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihood of making down-filled duvets.

In Brønnøysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April through October.

Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there are still good chances to see the Northern Lights in winter. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer.

TIME IN PORT:

• Bodø: 02.30 – 03.45
• Ørnes: 06.40 – 06.50
• Nesna: 10.25 – 10.35
• Sandnessjøen: 11.45 – 12.15
• Brønnøysund: 15.00 – 17.30
• Rørvik: 21.00 – 21.30