Christmas Expedition Cruise from Dover
Cruise Overview
Experience a magical Christmas cruise to see the Northern Lights
15-day Christmas expedition cruise from Dover in the UK to Norway, on the hunt for the spectacular Northern Lights.
Spend six festive days above the Arctic Circle under the Auroral Zone as you discover Norway's Christmas traditions among astounding fjords and wildlife.
Celebrate the New Year against the backdrop of Norway's beautiful coast, traditional markets and picturesque villages.
A festive adventure like no other
Setting sail from Dover, this Christmas and New Year's will be dominated by the spectacular beauty of nature. You'll spend Christmas and New Year at sea, expedition style—on a fun-filled journey of discovery and adventure. Sailing in winter, you'll have the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights too.
Explore Norway's fjords and Arctic towns
You'll spend time in some of Norway's most picturesque fjords—Nordfjorden, Sognefjorden and the Lofoten archipelago. We'll sail above the Arctic Circle, where you'll visit Alta, Tromsø and Narvik. You'll round off your Christmas Norway expedition in charming Bergen and cosy Egersund before heading back to Dover.
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Set sail from Dover
Day 1
Set sail from Dover
Prepare for a truly unforgettable Christmas cruise
Wave farewell to Dover's white cliffs as we set our course north towards the coast of Norway and its magical, snow-covered landscape.
Don't forget to pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, before stretching your sea legs and getting to know MS Maud—your cosy expedition ship for the next two weeks.
After your first delicious meal at sea, you'll meet our Expedition Team, many of whom grew up in the places we'll be visiting. Afterwards, get comfortable in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and watch the world go by from the panoramic windows. Your festive Arctic adventure is truly underway.
Celebrate Christmas at sea
Day 2-3
Celebrate Christmas at sea
Enjoy a traditional festive feast
As we head towards the Norwegian coastline, your Expedition Team will host talks and answer your questions about the places, Christmas traditions, people and natural phenomena we're likely to encounter.
Norwegians celebrate Christmas on the 24th rather than the 25th December; and the 23rd is 'Lille Juleaften' or Christmas Eve. Families get together and may weave julekurver—heart-shaped paper decorations, build gingerbread houses, decorate the tree, or eat risengrynsgrøt—a sweet, spiced rice pudding.
On the 24th, Norwegians enjoy a traditional festive feast of rich oxtail soup, fish terrine, reindeer with lingonberry marmalade, stewed cloudberries, and kransekake—a Norwegian confectionery made of almonds. You might get a taste of these dishes on board today. God jul to all!
Christmas in Nordfjorden
Day 4
Christmas in Nordfjorden
Enjoy the glacial beauty of Nordfjorden
Your Christmas expedition cruise continues as we sail into picturesque Nordfjorden on the 25th. Today, we'll celebrate nature in all its glory. We'll pass Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff.
Nestled along the fjord are old fishing communities, such as Loen. We'll land here around noon and take the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven—climbing over 3,300 feet in just five minutes. The views to Mount Skåla and Lake Lo in the east, and Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Olden to the south, are unforgettable.
You can also try optional winter activities, including snowshoeing or sledding on the mountain, and hopefully kayaking on the fjord if time and weather allow. It'll certainly be a Christmas to remember!
Towards the Arctic Circle
Day 5
Towards the Arctic Circle
Relax as we head into the Arctic and the Auroral Zone
It's the start of Romjulen, the quieter period between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Many Norwegians head to the slopes to go skiing or sledding. We’ll be headed to the famous Lofoten Islands and into the Arctic Circle.
Your day at sea is an opportunity to sit back and take in everything around you. Head for a soak in the hot tubs and admire the scenery as we sail through Helgeland county. Can you pick out the Seven Sisters mountains or Torghatten Mountain with the natural hole right through its centre?
We're now in the Auroral Zone, so look out for your first sighting of the Northern Lights.
Idyllic Reine
Day 6
Idyllic Reine
One of the world's most spectacular destinations
A majestic wall of mountains signal your arrival in stunning Lofoten. The breathtaking scenery is a masterpiece of jutting snowcapped mountains, sheltered bays, untouched beaches and fishing villages.
You’ll spend the day in the picture-perfect fishing village of Reine Its iconic red fishing huts, or rorbuer, dotted against granite peaks, make this one of Norway's most photographed landscapes. If the Northern Lights are active, it will only add to the magic.
Your included activity for the day is a trip to Å, one of the best preserved traditional fishing villages in Norway. You'll visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, and learn how fishing has shaped life of local communities here over the centuries.
Arctic Alta, Aurora city
Day 7
Arctic Alta, Aurora city
Learn about the Northern Lights and go stargazing
Lying 70º north of the Arctic Circle, Alta lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval. We’ll arrive here in the early afternoon and plan to stay past midnight to stargaze and watch for the aurora in Alta’s skies. If conditions are right, you could be in for quite a show. You'll discover more about the aurora at an interactive exhibition in the modern Northern Lights Cathedral and find out how Norwegian scientist Kristian Birkeland established Alta as an epicenter for ground-breaking Northern Lights research.
The indigenous, semi-nomadic Sámi people live in the Finnmark region. Your Expedition Team may give a lecture today about Sámi culture. To get you started, Merry Christmas in Sámi is ‘Buorit Juovllat!’
Tromsø the Arctic gateway
Day 8
Tromsø the Arctic gateway
Polar exploration heritage in the Arctic capital
Our Christmas expedition cruise continues to capital of the Arctic, Tromsø. Look out for humpback whales—your Expedition Team will let you know of any sightings nearby.
We’ll arrive around lunchtime and spend the rest of the day exploring its fascinating history, culture and architecture. With its huge stained glass window, be sure to visit the Arctic Cathedral, one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø.
Discover the city’s hunting and exploration heritage on your included Polar Museum tour. Before we leave, drop in on the world’s northernmost brewery, Mack Bryggeri. Or try some seasonal julekake, ‘Norwegian Hole Cake’, made with raisins and orange peel.
Historik Narvik
Day 9
Historik Narvik
Discover one of the world's most northerly towns
Our Christmas cruise continues to Narvik, 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords. Take time to explore the galleries, shops, and restaurants—specializing in local seafood and reindeer meat.
An important port, Narvik was a strategic target for Germany during World War II. You'll visit 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 on optional excursion hikes, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord. In the evening, we'll look out for Northern Lights as we cross Vestfjorden.
New Year at sea
Day 10–11
New Year at sea
Celebrate the New Year expedition style!
You'll spend New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day at sea. 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. We'll go ashore in expedition boats and look for wildlife in their natural habitat.
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 exhilarating and naturally beautiful locations.
We aim to find calm waters for our special New Year’s Eve dinner. Enjoy caviar, king crab, and beef, salmon or nut roast Wellington. And as the New Year arrives, expect fireworks and—hopefully—the Northern Lights. Spend New Year's Day relaxing in the hot tub or Explorer Lounge or enjoy the sea air.
Charming Bergen
Day 12
Charming Bergen
Take a festive stroll through Norway's old capital
Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Bergen is one of Norway’s most beautiful and historic cities, with cobbled streets and alleys waiting to be explored.
Enjoy a walk around the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and discover its colorful wooden wharfs dating back to the 18th century. You'll feel like you have this charming city all to yourself, with many shops still closed for Christmas and the decorated streets much quieter than usual.
As today's included activity, you'll take the funicular railway up to the top of Mount Fløyen. It takes just six minutes and you'll be rewarded with amazing views over the city, lit up with colorful Christmas lights.
Cozy Egersund
Day 13
Cozy Egersund
A beautiful town of wooden houses and ancient runes
We arrive in Egersund in the morning. You’ll love the cozy vibe of Egersund, with its brightly colored, wooden houses and narrow streets decked out in fairy lights.
Wander around the beautifully decorated shops full of handicrafts, then pop into a café for a glass of hot gløgg (mulled wine). A visit to the local chocolate and ice cream factory is a possibility. We recommend the gingerbread ice cream.
People have lived here since the Stone Age and you can even find ancient runes carved into rocks nearby. For panoramic views, hike to the viewpoint at Varberg, a short walk from the centre.
Homeward bound
Day 14
Homeward bound
Relive festive highlights from a spellbinding adventure
As you cruise back across the North Sea to Dover, you'll have time to relax and look back on the experiences you've enjoyed on your Christmas expedition. Like standing in awe under the Northern Lights or the spectacular scenery of the Lofoten Islands.
Your Expedition Team will be on hand as always to answer any questions on all the wonderful places you've visited. Continue the festive mood in the Explorer Bar and swap stories with other guests, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tubs or the views from the panoramic sauna.
Arrival in Dover
Day 15
Arrival in Dover
Wonderful memories of Norway at Christmas
Your festive expedition cruise of the Norwegian fjords draws to a close. We'll pass the white cliffs of Dover in the early morning, and after breakfast it's time to head ashore.
Dover is the gateway to the English countryside, so we'd recommend taking time to visit Dover Castle and the Roman lighthouse—reputedly the UK’s oldest building. You can also tour the underground hospital and secret WWII tunnels beneath the castle.
As you leave, we hope you'll carry with you unforgettable memories of coastal Norway, the Northern Lights and a magical festive adventure.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
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 help with your camera settings
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
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages