Setting off from Amsterdam

Embarking on an adventure

Your winter expedition cruise begins in Amsterdam. Before boarding MS Maud, take some time to stroll along Amsterdam’s famous canals, across old bridges, and between the rivers Amstel and Ij. Admire the charming townhouses that line the canals of the Grachtengordel, now protected by UNESCO.

Once you board the ship, pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, and locate your cabin. Feel free to explore the ship before attending a mandatory safety drill. After leaving port, the captain will welcome you aboard and your adventure will truly begin.

Before heading for the North Sea, we’ll have a short stop in Den Helder, a strategically located and historic town where Napoleon constructed the Willemsoord naval dockyards.

Norway bound

Easing into the journey

This day at sea will give you plenty of time to find your sea legs and 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 their series of lectures over in 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 adventure along the Norwegian coast.

Learn about our Citizen Science projects, where you can contribute to important scientific research. Or pick up pointers from our expedition photographers on improving your wildlife and landscape pictures.

Old and new

Explore lively Stavanger

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

With an international atmosphere and a lively cultural scene, Stavanger is a cosmopolitan city set in stunning surroundings. You can 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 harbor, you will find the statue of the renowned author and former mayor Alexander Kielland. A pedestrian street leads you to Valberg Tower, situated on a small hill and overlooking the central part of the city and harbor.

A town withstanding the elements

Visit one of Norway’s best-preserved fishing villages

After breakfast, we’ll dock at the little fishing village of Kalvåg, situated far up the coastline with the open North Sea to the west. Its name literally means ‘Frozen Bay’ in Old Norse.

If conditions allow, we’ll come ashore to discover one of the best-kept secrets of the Norwegian coast. Admire and walk around Kalvåg’s collection of old waterfront buildings, ranging from restored wooden wharfs to warehouses for salting herring.

Cozy-looking houses are clustered around the bay, with the reflections of their lights shimmering off the water like candles. The wonderful winter atmosphere is even more captivating if the village is coated with a blanket of snow.

Scenic nature and mythical mountains

Approaching the Arctic Circle

On this day at sea, spend time in the ship’s lounge, soak in a hot tub, or step out on deck. Whatever you do, don’t take your eyes off the scenery as we sail through Helgeland County, with its pointed mountains and numerous islands.

Count the peaks of the Seven Sisters mountain range, long fabled to be the petrified bodies of seven troll sisters caught out at sunrise. And spot Torghatten mountain with its distinct hole through the middle. Local legend has it that the mountain was a troll king’s hat, which turned to stone when it was pierced by an arrow.

The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures, covering everything from local folklore and wildlife to the history of navigation along the coast.

Idyllic island life

Visit one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

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

You’ll likely spot the wooden racks called hjell dotting the shores of the town. These racks are used to dry locally caught cod, which then becomes tørrfisk (stockfish in English), which is prized as a local delicacy. Fishing is clearly an important way of life in Lofoten. The lecture for the day may focus on how cod helped build Norway into a country.

Gateway to the Arctic

Encounter fascinating history and culture at the gateway to the Arctic.

It’s time to explore Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. We reach the city of Tromsø before noon and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring its captivating history, culture, and bold architecture.

Historically, Tromsø was a frontier town visited mostly by hunters and explorers. It also served as a launching point for several Arctic expeditions. Compared to the barren tundra they experienced, Tromsø seemed like Paris because of the fashion and food they found there. Hence the nickname, ‘Paris of the North.’

The modern Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. It features an attractive and massive stained-glass window that is worth seeing up close.

Journey to the top of the world

Experience the spectacular North Cape and the best seafood in Europe

In the morning we’ll arrive at Honningsvåg and visit one of the northernmost points in Europe: North Cape. At 71°10'21"N, it’s just 1,300 miles away from the Geographic North Pole, with only the Svalbard Archipelago in between.

Stand at the cliff’s edge and gaze across the sparkling sea. Take the obligatory selfie at the Globe Monument before visiting North Cape Hall for several exhibits and a short film that chronicles the history of the cape.

Back in Honningsvåg, stroll along the pretty harbor and check out the charming shops, houses, and church. The local restaurants offer fresh fish and seafood, with king crabs available all year round. This is the ship’s turning point and from here we start our return trip southbound.

Get a real taste of Senja

Spend a day exploring ‘Norway in miniature’

Today we dock at Senja, one of the most ruggedly beautiful and rarely visited islands in Norway.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Norway in miniature,’ the island boasts diverse landscapes and weather that seem to change in the blink of an eye. The wild Atlantic side boasts towering, rocky mountains that plunge into the sea, while the tranquil southern side is home to lush, green farmland.

While you’re here, explore the striking landscape on a guided hike or kayak around the crystal-clear waters that reflect the mountains like glass. Top off your visit with a tasting experience and sample delicious local produce.

Cruising the inner coastline

Dabble in science or simply relax and watch the world float by.

Remember to take time to reconnect with nature and the world around you. An important part of an expedition cruise is living in the moment. So, during a day at sea, relax on a sofa in the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar and reflect on your experience so far. Soak in a hot tub on deck or simply sit back and take in the serenity of the Norwegian coast.

There’s more to learn during lectures from the Expedition Team, and you can dabble in science in the onboard Science Center. You can also participate in Citizen Science projects and contribute to important global research.

Off the beaten track

Adventure among Norway’s little-known islands

There is no set plan for today, so expect the unexpected! In true expedition style, we’ll spend our time off the beaten track, making the most of the conditions. Your Expedition Team will draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to bring you to the most exhilarating activities in beautiful locations.

There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region, and we’ll sail in for a closer look at some of them. Our small boats (RIBs) will take us ashore, where we’ll be on the lookout for the local wildlife in these stunning surroundings.

A day deep in the fjord

Learn all about glaciers and how they shaped the Norwegian landscape.

In the morning, we plan to cruise deep into Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, to the tiny hamlet of Fjærland. Only 300 people live in this idyllic village, which includes charming old buildings and picturesque second-hand book shops. This is also the place where Sognefjord meets Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent.

A visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the included activity of the day. Learn why glacier ice is blue and how the fjords were formed. You can even perform a few experiments with 1,000-year-old glacier ice and watch a panoramic film about Europe’s largest glacier.

The City of Seven Mountains

Experience stunning mountain views and explore the charming city of Bergen.

Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, was Norway’s capital for many years. Your included activity is an excursion to Mount Fløyen. From the ship, we’ll hop on buses and drive to the Fløibanen funicular train. The summit is over 1,000 feet high, and you can bask in stunning views of the city and its surroundings: seven mountains and the sea.

Back in Bergen, explore the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this thriving, compact city. Don’t miss the historic Bryggen district, with colorful wooden houses along the wharf. This area dates back to the 18th century and now houses boutique stores selling Norwegian arts and handicrafts.

Relax and unwind

Take the time to relax with friends and look back on your adventures.

On the return journey, spend time chatting with new friends and look back on the best moments of your expedition together. Enjoy drinks at the Explorer Lounge & Bar over friendly banter and share stories of past adventures. You might even spot a few members of the crew and Expedition Team here, too.

Make the most of your day at sea aboard MS Maud. Soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, or relax in the Explorer Lounge, or edit photos from your trip. Don’t miss the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise along the beautiful Norwegian coast.

Amsterdam’s Dutch masters

A creative, cosmopolitan city known for the arts

Your winter expedition cruise to Norway comes to an end back in Amsterdam. After a final breakfast, bid a fond farewell to the ship, the crew, and the new-found friends you’ve made aboard. You will take ashore special memories of Norway in winter, including spectacular scenery, majestic fjords, fascinating towns, and welcoming people.

As you saw at the start of this cruise, Amsterdam is a wonderful city for a walking tour. Stroll along its cobblestone streets and admire the canals and architecture. Enjoy a canal trip, visit the Anne Frank House, or relax in quirky cafés.

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