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.

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 as our 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.

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.

Cruising towards the Arctic

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 island life

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.  

With its iconic red fishing huts, known as rorbuer, dotted against a granite-peak backdrop, Reine is an idyllic place to visit. You’ll see why this is one of Norway's most-photographed places! And if the weather conditions aren’t quite right, there are plenty of other equally memorable ports in the area to explore, such as Svolvær.

On the lookout for the Northern Lights

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.

Nordic expedition

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!

Beautiful Bergen

 The City of Seven Mountains is full of history and charm 

Welcome to Bergen, one of Norway’s most picturesque cities and 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.

Cosy Egersund

Bask in the magical atmosphere of this well-preserved town 

You’ll love Egersund, with its cosy vibe. The town is famous for its brightly coloured, wooden houses – a real departure from the white-painted dwellings of many of Norway’s towns, and a welcome sight as you approach the harbour.  

People have lived around the area of Egersund since the Stone Age. There are several places around the town where you’ll find ruins of settlements dating back to the early migrations around 400 – 600 BCE, and ancient runes have been found carved into rocks nearby. It’s also one of the best natural harbours in Norway, and it used to be the largest in the country when measured in quantity of fish landed each year.  

Enjoy exploring the bijoux town centre, which has preserved some of the best examples of wooden houses – a few even dating back 160 years. The varied landscape surrounding the town is great for walking.

Heading home

Recall the best moments of your expedition cruise 

Make the most of your last full day on board MS Maud. You may want to soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, spend time in the Science Center, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and edit the photos from your trip. 

Join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise to the fjords of Norway. Reflect on all the wonderful experiences you’ve had, like the sensation of standing in awe under the Northern Lights or the spectacular scenery of the Lofoten Islands.

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!