Cruise Overview
Experience five magical nights above the Arctic Circle, visiting beautiful coastal destinations including Tromsø, Lofoten and Narvik along the way.
15-day Northern Lights expedition cruise from Dover to Norway
Aurora adventures
Between October and March is the best time to see the Northern Lights. Spending five nights above the Arctic Circle offers even better odds of seeing one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy a host of winter activities against the backdrop of Norway’s breathtaking scenery.
Tradition and charm
You'll cruise along enchanting Norwegian fjords visiting charming towns and cities, exploring up close and in comfort aboard MS Maud. Discover Norway's coastal communities and local culture with our Expedition Team.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Searching for
Cabin 1
Adults
Children
Available Dates
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Depart from Dover
Day 1
Depart from Dover
Set sail for winter sights and Northern Lights
Your Arctic expedition cruise to see the Northern Lights starts in Dover. If you have time, take a walk to Dover Castle and enjoy sparkling views of the English Channel from this historic fortress.
Soon it's time to board MS Maud, your home for the next 15 days. Pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and meet your Expedition Team.
Watch the iconic white cliffs fade into the distance as you head for your first stop in historic Harwich. Your adventure has begun.
Norway bound
Day 2-3
Norway bound
Ease into your journey and relax on board
The next two days at sea will give you plenty of time to enjoy the onboard facilities, such asour hot tubs, sauna and gym. You'll also dine on delicious seasonal produce in our restaurants.
The Expedition Team will begin the first in their series of lectures over at the Science Center. Each member of the Expedition Team is an expert in their field. They’ll share fascinating insights about the places, history and nature you may encounter on your Norwegian coast adventure.
Find out about our Citizen Science projects, where you can contribute to important scientific research. Or pick up pointers on improving your wildlife and landscape images from our expedition photographers.
Views from Mount Hoven
Day 4
Views from Mount Hoven
Enjoy the glacial beauty of Nordfjord
In the morning, we’ll enter Nordfjord. We’ll pass Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff – look out for it if your cruise is passing in daylight – and head towards Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier.
As we cruise past picturesque inlets, you'll spy old fishing communities dating back to pre-Viking times. One of these is Loen, where we'll land if conditions are right. 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, why not join exciting activitiessuch as snowshoeing, sledding or winter kayaking.
Towards the Arctic Circle
Day 5
Towards the Arctic Circle
Along the Helgeland coast to Arctic Norway
As we continue our cruise, we'll be travelling under the Auroral Zone, a prime area to seethe Northern Lights. If we're lucky, we could have multiple sightings here. Our professional onboard photographer will also share some top tips for capturing the Aurora.
As we pass Helgeland county, watch for the silhouette of the Seven Sisters mountain range through the darkness. This impressive coastal range is home tothe Torghatten mountain, with a distinct hole right through the middle.
Your Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures. Discover more about local folklore, or the Norwegian passion for the outdoors, known as friluftsliv.
Idyllic Lofoten
Day 6
Idyllic Lofoten
One of the world's most spectacular destinations
A majestic wall of mountains signals your arrival in stunning Lofoten. The breathtaking scenery is a masterpiece of jutting snow-capped mountains, sheltered bays, untouched beaches and fishing villages.
With its iconic red fishing huts, or rorbuer, dotted against a backdrop of granite peaks, Reine is an idyllic place to visit and photograph. And if the weather conditions don’t allow, there are plenty of other, equally memorable ports for us to explore.
Arctic Alta, Aurora city
Day 7
Arctic Alta, Aurora city
Go snowmobiling or learn about Sámi culture
Lying 70º north of the Arctic Circle, Alta is the perfect destination for winter activities such as visiting snow hotels, dogsledding and snowmobiling. Alta lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval. If conditions are right, you could be in for quite a show.
Visit Alta’s Northern Lights Cathedral, with its striking Aurora-inspired architecture, and learn more about the science in a fascinating interactive exhibition on Northern Lights research.
Or why not visit a Sámi village and learn more about theseindigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. The Expedition Team may even give a lecture on Sámi culture.
Tromsø, the Arctic gateway
Day 8
Tromsø, the Arctic gateway
Join exciting winter activities in the Arctic capital
Our Northern Lights cruise continues to the capital of the Arctic, Tromsø.Set in a majestic landscape and packed with culture and history, this small, cosmopolitan city has plenty of fascinating sights to discover.
We’ll visit the Polar Museumto learn about the city’s Arctic and exploration heritage. See the Arctic Cathedral – with its huge stained-glass window, it’s one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø.
You can also take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Mount Fløyfjellet for incredible views. From December to April, you’ll have the chance to try exciting winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or dogsledding.
Historic Narvik
Day 9
Historic Narvik
Discover one of the world's most northerly towns
We arrive at Narvik in the morning. Sitting 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, the town enjoys a spectacular setting. Spend some time exploring the galleries, shops and restaurants specialising in local seafood and reindeer meat.
An important port, Narvik was a strategic target for Germany during WWII. You'll visit the Narvik War Museum and learn about the Allied troops' liberation of the town.
Then ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik, or go hiking, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord. In the evening, we'll look out for the Northern Lights as we cross Vestfjord.
Expedition days
Day 10-11
Expedition days
Take time to connect and learn something new
Over the next two days, we may go off the beaten track to wherever takes our fancy. There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region. In true expedition style, we'll go ashore in our small expedition boats, giving you the chance toexperience the exhilarating feeling that comes from exploring a wild and remote island or discovering a hidden fjord.
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 captivating and naturally beautiful locations.
You'll also learn more about what we've seen – with lectures from our Expedition Team or in our Science Center. You can join a Citizen Science project like Happywhale, which uses photos of sightings to track whale migrations around the world.
Beautiful Bergen
Day 12
Beautiful Bergen
Visit Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen district
Enjoy the unique charm of what was once Norway's capital, Bergen. Today, it remains one of Norway's most picturesque cities, surrounded by seven mountains and the sea.
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and discover its colourful wooden wharves, dating back to the 18th century. Explore Bergen’s cobbled streets and alleys on foot, stopping at fascinating museums, artisanal boutiques, cafés or a pub for a glass of local Hansa beer along the way.
Then enjoy a ride up Mount Fløyen on the funicular railway. At the summit, you'll find amazing views over the city. If there’s time, we might even venture into the alpine forest for a short hike.
Cosy Egersund
Day 13
Cosy Egersund
A beautiful town of wooden houses and ancient runes
You’ll love the cosy, small-town feel of Egersund, with its brightly coloured wooden houses. People have lived here since the Stone Age, and you can even find ancient runes carved into rocks nearby. It’s also one of the best natural harbours in Norway – as a fishing town, Egersund used to land more fish than anywhere else in the country.
The best way to explore is on foot. You can take a hike in the hills or enjoy exploring the town on your own. For panoramic views, hike to the viewpoint at Varberg, a short walk from the town centre.
Homeward bound
Day 14
Homeward bound
Relax at sea as we return to Dover
As you cruise back across the North Sea to Dover, you'll have time to relax and look back on some of the incredible experiences you've enjoyed on this expedition cruise. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with your fellow adventurers or relax in the hot tubs or sauna.
You can also enlist the help of our onboard photographer for editing tips on the photos you've taken on this cruise. If you have more questions about the Northern Lights and Norway, our Expedition Team will be on hand to fill in any gaps – head to the Science Center to discover more.
Return to England
Day 15
Return to England
Unforgettable memories of Norway in winter
We pass the White Cliffs of Dover during the early morning. After breakfast, it's time to head ashore.
Dover is the gateway to the English countryside, so before you rush off, why not visit Dover Castle or the Roman lighthouse, reputedly the UK’s oldest building. You can also tour the underground hospital and secret WWII tunnels beneath the castle.
As your expedition ends, you'll take with you wonderful memories of coastal Norway in winter, Norwegian culture and history, and with any luck, the Northern Lights.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- 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
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 ongoing scientific research
- Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
- Use of 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 conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team