Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then we’ll sail past the West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re traveling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery in Norway. Once in the fjord, you may see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. We’ll also call at the scenic village of Urke. Here, you can admire thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.

Mountains and roses

The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just enough daylight to see the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’.

And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidify Molde’s nickname as the ‘City of Roses’.

TIME IN PORT

• Florø: 02:45 a.m. - 03:00 a.m.
• Måløy: 05:15 a.m. - 05:30 a.m.
• Torvik: 08:20 a.m. - 08:30 a.m.
• Ålesund (11/01 to 05/31): 09:45 a.m. - 08:00 p.m.
  • Ålesund (06/01 to 10/31): 09:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
  • Geiranger (06/01 to 08/31): 02:25 p.m. - 02:45 p.m.
  • Ålesund (06/01 to 08/31): 07:00 p.m. - 08:00 p.m.
  • Urke (09/01 to 10/31): 12:15 p.m. - 03:45 p.m.
  • Ålesund (09/01 to 10/31): 06:00 p.m. - 08:00 p.m.
• Molde: 10:35 p.m. - 11:05 p.m.

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up!

Above the Arctic Circle in summer, you can enjoy the sun 24 hours a day, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Forces of nature

At 10 a.m., we’ll dock in Ørnes, near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the ‘Love Bench’, where sweethearts declare their lasting romance with a padlock.

Then we’ll sail to Bodø, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom.

Welcome to Lofoten

The ship enters the Lofoten Archipelago in the afternoon. The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall, is a stunning sight on the horizon.

Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, which is busiest between January and April, when the Arctic cod—known locally as skrei—swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.

This evening, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the pretty harbor of Svolvær when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer. This is the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

TIME IN PORT

• Brønnøysund: 01:35 a.m. - 01:45 a.m.
• Sandnessjøen: 04:35 a.m. - 04:50 a.m.
• Nesna: 06:00 a.m. - 06:10 a.m.
• Ørnes: 10:00 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
• Bodø: 01:05 p.m. - 03:20 p.m.
• Stamsund: 07:15 p.m. - 07:40 p.m.
• Svolvær: 09:20 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In the summer, herds of reindeer migrate to the island by the thousands.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøygavlen wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

In the mid-morning, we’ll arrive at Honningsvåg, the portal to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. The optional excursion up to the dramatic promontory is very popular, so you’ll want to book early.

Sámi heartlands

Near the entrance of the Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their reindeer-herding life, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

We’ll reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If you’re visiting during the months of February and March, you might spot cod drying on outdoor wooden racks, called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we’ll pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the planet’s northernmost mainland lighthouse.

TIME IN PORT:

• Øksfjord: 01:50 a.m. - 02:00 a.m.
• Hammerfest: 05:05 a.m. - 05:45 a.m.
• Havøysund: 08:30 a.m. - 08:45 a.m.
• Honningsvåg: 10:55 a.m. - 02:30 p.m.
• Kjøllefjord: 04:40 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.
• Mehamn: 06:55 p.m. - 07:15 p.m.
• Berlevåg: 10:00 p.m. - 10:10 p.m.

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early-morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

Almost the northernmost

In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, once the northernmost town in the world (until Longyearbyen in Svalbard claimed the title).

Check out the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen.

Mountains and marine mammals

We’ll continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then continue to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.

If you’re visiting in the winter, you might spot the orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.

As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps, which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.

Midnight magic

We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, stroll the still-busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

You can also book an excursion for a midnight boat ride around the city or attend a candlelit classical concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

TIME IN PORT:

• Mehamn: 01:20 a.m. - 01:30 a.m.
• Kjøllefjord: 03:25 a.m. - 03:35 a.m.
• Honningsvåg: 05:45 a.m. - 06:00 a.m.
• Havøysund: 08:00 a.m. - 08:15 a.m.
• Hammerfest: 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
• Øksfjord: 03:50 p.m. – 04:05 p.m.
• Skjervøy: 07:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
• Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 01:30 a.m.

The ship will call at Bodø in the wee hours of the morning and then at Ørnes at 7 a.m. Then, we’ll cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. We’ll commemorate the moment with the time-honored tradition of tasting a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Next, we’ll make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.

Legend has it …

Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks stretching up to 3,600 feet. According to legend, seven beautiful troll princesses were caught outside as the sun rose as they fled from an unwanted suitor. The sun turned them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.

Don’t miss the distinctive hole passing straight through Torghatten Mountain! There is also a local legend as to how the mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Expert about it!

We’ll reach Brønnøysund in mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the center of town is Brønnøy Church, a Neo-Gothic style stone church dating back to 1870.

Our last stop of the day is the cozy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna Archipelago.

TIME IN PORT:

• Bodø: 02:30 a.m. - 03:30 a.m.
• Ørnes: 06:25 a.m. - 06:35 a.m.
• Nesna: 10:25 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
• Sandnessjøen: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Brønnøysund: 03:00 p.m. - 05:25 p.m.
• Rørvik: 09:00 p.m. - 09:30 p.m.