Departing Dover

Your Northern Lights expedition begins

Your expedition cruise to see the Northern Lights starts in Dover. If you have time, take a short walk to Dover Castle, a huge fortress with dazzling views of the Channel.

Then it's time to board your ship, MS Maud. After settling in, enjoy the first of many delicious dinners as we head for a short stop at the historic port of Harwich. You'll also meet your Expedition Team, who'll be your knowledgeable lecturers, warm hosts and guides throughout your journey.

Relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and watch the world go by from the panoramic windows. Your adventure has begun.

The Dutch coast

See the sweeping sands of Scheveningen

Today we’ll stop at Scheveningen, a fishing port and coastal district in the Dutch city of The Hague.

Well known for its long stretch of beach, this bustling resort is the perfect spot for a seaside stroll in the fresh briny air. If you’d like to explore a bit further, Scheveningen’s compact centre is easily accessible on foot from the ship.

In the nearby centre of The Hague, the renowned Mauritshuis museum, houses the works of famous Dutch painters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. In the afternoon, your adventure at sea continues towards the enchanting coast of Norway.

Fjord side to mountain top in five

We start the day with some scenic cruising into Nordfjord, passing Hornelen, Europe’s highest sea cliff, early in the morning. The fjord run offs from Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest mainland glacier, and flows west into the ocean just south of the Stadlandet peninsula.  

Thanks to the smaller size of our expedition ship, we’ll be taking you through straits and channels that larger vessels simply can’t fit through. This allows you to get that much closer to the fjords and mountains that the Norwegian coast is so famous for. It also means we can access small communities that few ever get to visit, giving you an intimate glimpse into the culture and way of life here. 

It would make sense if lectures for today focus on the geology of Norway, covering the formation of its fjords, mountains and glaciers. You might also learn more about the Viking culture that used to inhabit the region and their thirst for exploration that still beats in the hearts of Norwegians today. 

You’ll spot numerous old fishing communities located along the fjord that actually date back to pre-Viking times. One such place is Loen, where we arrive around noon. In the shadow of the mighty Jostedalsbreen glacier, at the very heart of Nordfjord, Loen is the perfect place to explore the gorgeous surrounds.  

We use our small boats to land at a floating jetty which is conveniently also a starting point for the Loen Skylift. The cable car climbs 1,011 metre to the top of Mount Hoven in only five minutes. At the summit, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable vista over the fjord. Mount Skåla and Lake Lo can be seen to the east, and Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Olden to the south. With these panoramas all around you, you can participate in several optional winter activities on the mountain, such as snowshoeing or sledding. If time and weather allow, there might also be an opportunity to do some thrilling winter kayaking on the fjord.

Beautiful Bergen

The City of Seven Mountains is full of history and charm

Welcome to Bergen, one of Norway’s most picturesque cities that’s perfect for exploring on foot. It was once Norway's capital and you’ll see that the city has retained a great deal of its local character, heritage and charm. 

You’ll take a funicular ride to the top of Mount Fløyen. At the summit, breathe in the stunning views over the city, surrounded by seven mountains and the sea.

Once back in the centre of Bergen, stroll around the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its distinctive wooden wharves. Explore the many boutiques, cafés and galleries along its cobbled streets and alleys.

Towards the Arctic Circle 

Enjoy a restful day at sea and cross the Arctic Circle 

Relax in the ship’s Explorer Lounge or enjoy the scenery out on deck as we sail through Helgeland county, home to the Seven Sisters mountain range, and cross the Arctic Circle.  

The Expedition Team continues its onboard lecture series and you can ask the Expedition Photographer for tips on how to capture the best Northern Lights images.  

You’ll experience the Polar Night above the Arctic Circle, when instead of total darkness, the skies turn a dreamy shade of cobalt blue, bathing the fjords and mountains in an ethereal hue. It’s known as the ‘blue hour’ and is caused by an extended twilight when the winter sun glows just below the horizon.

Idyllic Lofoten 

Majestic peaks, sheltered bays and pristine beaches

Today we explore the famed Lofoten Islands. With steep mountains, beautiful beaches and pretty fishing villages, the archipelago is unlike anything you’ve seen.   

Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten with about 4,800 residents, many of whom work as fishermen. There are shops and art galleries to browse along the seafront promenade and rows of rorbuer to admire.  

You might spot wooden racks called hjell dotted around the shores of the town too. Locally caught cod is dried on these racks and later turned into tørrfisk, or stockfish in English, and prized as a local delicacy. Fishing is clearly an important way of life in Lofoten and the lectures on board may focus on how cod effectively helped to build Norway into a country.

Arctic Alta, Aurora city 

Welcome to Alta, one of the northernmost towns in the world

Dubbed ‘The Northern Lights City’, Alta is the turning point of your expedition and one of the northernmost towns in the world. It’s charming to stroll around, swathed in Christmas lights and snow.  

Lying 70º north of the Arctic Circle, Alta sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval, a zone known for consistent Northern Lights activity. If the conditions are right, you could be in for a show.  

Learn more about the Aurora on a visit to Alta’s Northern Lights Cathedral, with its striking Aurora-inspired architecture, and fascinating interactive exhibition on Northern Lights research.

Gateway to the Arctic

Discover the rich history and culture of Tromsø

Today we sail to Tromsø, capital of the Arctic. You’ll spend your day discovering its fascinating history, culture and bold architecture.  

The Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. Visit the Polar Museum to learn about Tromsø’s fabled explorer history and join the friendly locals in the town’s many pubs. Don't miss Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub, with around 70 Norwegian beers on tap.

Historic Narvik

Discover one of the world's most northerly towns 

Sitting 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, Narvik enjoys a spectacular setting.   

Developed as an all-year port for the Swedish iron mines, Narvik was a strategic target for Germany during World War II. Today, you can browse the local galleries, shops, and restaurants specialising in local seafood and reindeer meat.  

If conditions allow, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik for breathtaking views. Or go hiking, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord.

Expedition days 

Double expedition day

The plan for the next two days is that there isn’t one! In true expedition style, we’ll spend the time getting off the beaten track and heading to wherever takes our fancy. Activities and any 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.   

There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region, and we’ll be sailing in to get a closer look at some of them. Our expedition boats will take us ashore where we’ll be on the lookout for the local wildlife in these stunning surroundings. Weather conditions will also play a part in deciding where to explore – so all we can say is expect the unexpected!

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 may take the Loen Skylift to enjoy spectacular views from the summit of Mount Hoven.

Please note: On the voyage departing from Tilbury on 28/10/2023, the Skylift will be closed for maintenance. Instead, you’ll enjoy a hike at the mighty Briksdal Glacier, part of the Jostedal Glacier National Park.

Old and new

Explore lively Stavanger

Today, we’ll explore the picturesque city of Stavanger – Norway’s fourth largest city.

With an international ambience and a lively cultural scene, Stavanger is a cosmopolitan city set in stunning surroundings. Discover the architectural relics of Old Stavanger, including a magnificent 12th century cathedral. You can also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, pop into a local boutique or simply enjoy a beer on the waterfront.  

Looking towards the harbour is the statue of the former mayor and well-known author Alexander Kielland. The pedestrian street leads you to the Valberg Tower, situated on a small hill and overlooking the central part of the city and harbour.

Return to England

Back to England

We pass the White Cliffs of Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the city’s harbour. After breakfast, it’s time to leave your home for the past 11 days. As you head home, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of the magnificent fjords along Norway’s west coast.  

Dover acts as the gateway to the English countryside, the verdant counties of Kent and Surrey, and beyond to the melting pot of London. But before you rush off, Dover itself has a number of attractions you won’t want to miss either.    

No trip here is complete without walking alongside or atop the iconic white cliffs that have become a symbol for England. One of the best places to do so is on a walk to St. Margaret’s Bay which offers great views of the chalky coastline from its wide shingle beach.   

Whatever’s next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!