Arctic Winter Expedition Cruise from Dover
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Departure date
Unknown
Duration
11 days
Ship
Departure date
Unknown
Duration
11 days
Ship
Cruise Overview
A winter exploration of Norway's stunning coast
11-day expedition cruise from Dover to Tromsø, exploring the fjords and polar landscapes of Norway's coast.
Explore stunning UNESCO fjords, and visit Bergen, Ålesund, Narvik and the Lofoten Islands.
Discover Arctic Norway in winter – the best time to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities with our Expedition Team.
Sail direct from Dover
Explore coastal Norway on this expedition cruise from Dover to Tromsø, with the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Discover UNESCO-listed Bryggen in Bergen and Norway's most stunning fjords. Our smaller expedition ships can enter narrow fjords to lesser-visited beauty spots, providing a more intimate experience of the Norwegian coast.
Polar Night adventures
Above the Arctic Circle, you'll experience Lofoten's idyllic villages and Arctic towns in the twilight hues of the 'blue hour'. Join included and optional activities, enjoy delicious locally-sourced food, learn in lectures with the Expedition Team, and meet local fishing and indigenous communities.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
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
Your Northern Lights expedition cruise begins
You'll board your small expedition ship, MS Maud, in Dover. If you have time, take a walk alongside or atop Dover's iconic white cliffs. The shingle beach at St Margaret’s Bay promises wonderful views of the coastline.
Once on board, it's time to settle in, then attend a mandatory safety drill. After the first of many delicious dinners, you'll be welcomed by the Captain. You'll also meet your Expedition Team – the knowledgeable lecturers, warm hosts and guides on your expedition.
Then relax in the Explorer Lounge and Bar and take in the views from the panoramic windows. Your Arctic adventure has begun.
Norway bound
Day 2
Norway bound
Relax on board as we cross the North Sea
Enjoy a day on board the MS Maud as we head north to the rugged Norwegian coastline – a great chance to unwind, but with plenty to keep you busy. Take in the views from deck, get some tips from our onboard photographer, or head to the sauna and hot tubs.
Join our Expedition Team for fascinating lectures in the Science Center and learn more about Norway, the fjords and the Northern Lights.
Bergen should be our first stop tomorrow, weather permitting. If the conditions prove difficult, we'll chart a course further north.
Cosy Egersund
Day 3
Cosy Egersund
A beautiful town of wooden houses and ancient runes
You’ll love the cosy vibe of Egersund, with its brightly coloured, wooden houses – so different to traditional white-painted Norwegian homes.
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 and, in terms of fish caught, was once the largest.
The best way to explore is on foot. You can take an optional hike in the hills or enjoy exploring the town centre on your own. For panoramic views, hike to the viewpoint at Varberg, a short walk from the centre. After lunch, we set sail for Heligoland, our first stop in Germany.
Beautiful Bergen
Day 4
Beautiful Bergen
Visit UNESCO-listed Bryggen and Mount Fløyen
Weather permitting, we'll arrive in Bergen in the afternoon. Surrounded by seven mountains and the sea, the old capital is one of Norway’s most picturesque and historic cities.
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and discover its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 18th century. Across from Bryggen, you'll find the city's famous fish market. From there, explore the cobbled streets on foot, stopping at artisanal boutiques and cafés.
You'll enjoy an included excursion to Mount Fløyen. Take the funicular railway up to the summit for amazing views over the city. If there’s time, we might even venture into the alpine forest for a short hike.
Norway's longest fjord
Day 5
Norway's longest fjord
The tiny village where a glacier meets Sognefjorden
Stretching 127 miles inland from the coast, we plan to cruise deep into Sognefjorden's interior, to visit the idyllic village of Fjærland.
Only about 300 people live here, and when you go ashore, you’ll discover just how charming and quaint this little village is. A designated Norwegian Book Town, second-hand book shops and stands can be found around every corner.
This is also where Sognefjorden meets one of Norway’s best-known glaciers, Jostedalsbreen. Enjoy an included visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum and learn more about how these rivers of ice are formed.
Scenic Hjørundfjorden
Day 6
Scenic Hjørundfjorden
Fall in love with the pristine beauty of Hjørundfjorden
Part of the UNESCO designated Fjords Norway, Hjørundfjorden is famous for its 'exceptional natural beauty'. Surrounded by the towering Sunnmøre Alps, it's still undiscovered by most other cruise lines.
On a clear day, you’ll drink in the bluest skies and dramatic forests covering the mountains, as the calm waters reflect this stunning scene in all its glory.
We'll anchor close to Urke or Sæbø, where our small expedition boats will take you ashore. From there, you can join a guided walk visiting the small communities along Hjørundfjorden or opt for more exhilarating excursions like mountain hiking or kayaking on the fjord.
Trøndelag expedition day
Day 7
Trøndelag expedition day
An authentic adventure around Trøndelag
Today you'll visit Norway's coastal heart – an area few experience – Trøndelag, dotted with islands, fjords and skerries that lie open to the elements.
The weather will determine the day's destination and activities. Here's where our Expedition Team excels. Guided by their expert knowledge, you might learn about the wildlife of Frøya or how local communities survive here.
If nature allows, you'll go ashore in small expedition boats and explore the islands. If not, we might head into one of the deep fjords instead. If conditions are right, you’ll be able to enjoy optional activities like hikes and kayaking trips.
Enchanting Lofoten
Day 87
Enchanting Lofoten
One of the world's most spectacular destinations
You'll enjoy a special ceremony to celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle. A majestic wall of mountains signal your arrival in stunning Lofoten.
We sail along Vestfjord to the fishing town of Svolvær. Browse the shops and galleries along the promenade, with iconic red fishing huts, known as rorbuer, and air-drying cod hanging on wooden racks or hjell.
Then it's time for an included visit to the Magic Ice bar, filled with ice sculptures, for a signature spirit to warm you up. Your Expedition Team will be on hand to suggest safe and spectacular hiking trails or snowshoeing areas to offer as optional excursions.
Northerly Narvik
Day 8-9
Northerly Narvik
Discover fascinating World War II history in Narvik
You'll spend more than a day in Narvik, giving you time to really explore. Surrounded by three fjords and 150 miles above the Arctic Circle, Narvik offers good chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
You'll visit the Narvik War Museum on an included activity and learn why Narvik was a strategic target in World War II and how the town was liberated.
Ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik or join optional excursions like hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing or kayaking. Alternatively, visit Polaparken or a local village and learn about indigenous Sámi culture. Gourmands should try the local seafood and reindeer meat.
Go hiking in Vesterålen
Day 10
Go hiking in Vesterålen
Get active along the nature trails of Vesterålen
We arrive in Vesterålen early, so you have all day to explore an area few others ever have.
Depending on the weather, we'll dock in Sortland with its distinctive blue houses, the historic fishing village of Risøyhamn or Harstad, with the world’s northernmost medieval church and artificial channel, constructed specifically for Hurtigruten back in 1922.
Vesterålen is a hiker's paradise, with trails for all levels of experience leading to stunning views. We also plan to put our kayaks in the water while we're in port, increasing your chances of spotting whales, commonly seen here during winter.
Arrival in Arctic Tromsø
Day 11
Arrival in Arctic Tromsø
Disembark in Tromsø and more polar adventure
We arrive in Tromsø in the morning, where your expedition cruise ends. This small, cosmopolitan city has plenty of fascinating sights to discover so it's well worth extending your stay and exploring further.
Look out for the city's most recognisable landmark, the Arctic Cathedral, with its huge stained glass mosaic. For epic views, take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Mount Fløyfjellet, or learn about Norway’s polar heritage at the University Museum.
There's lots to see and do in Trømsø: enjoy winter activities like dogsledding, whale safaris or snowmobiling. The perfect way to cap off your Arctic expedition.
What's included
Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 10-day expedition cruise.
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, outdoor and indoor gyms
- 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 and head lamps 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
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Excursions & Activities
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us
