Depart from London

Set sail for winter sights and Northern Lights 

Your Arctic expedition cruise to see the Northern Lights starts in Tilbury. Perched on the north shore of the Thames with Essex to the north and Kent to the south, Tilbury has a long and proud seafaring history. If you have time, why not explore Tilbury’s historic fortress that has defended the river since the 16th century.  

 Soon it's time to board MS Maud, your home for the next 15 days. Pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and meet your Expedition Team.  

 Sail out of the mouth of the Thames as you head for your first stop in historic Harwich. 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.

Norway bound

Ease into your journey and relax on board 

The next day 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.

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 

Along the Helgeland coast to Arctic Norway 

As we continue our cruise, we'll be travelling under the Auroral Zone, a prime area to see the Northern Lights. If we're lucky, we could have multiple sightings here. Our professional onboard photographer will also share some top tips for capturing the Aurora. 

As we pass Helgeland county, watch for the silhouette of the Seven Sisters mountain range through the darkness. This impressive coastal range is home to the Torghatten mountain, with a distinct hole right through the middle. 

Your Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures. Discover more about local folklore, or the Norwegian passion for the outdoors, known as friluftsliv.

Idyllic Lofoten 

One of the world's most spectacular destinations 

A majestic wall of mountains signals your arrival in stunning Lofoten. The breathtaking scenery is a masterpiece of jutting snow-capped mountains, sheltered bays, untouched beaches and fishing villages. 

With its iconic red fishing huts, or rorbuer, dotted against a backdrop of granite peaks, Reine is an idyllic place to visit and photograph. And if the weather conditions don’t allow, there are plenty of other, equally memorable ports for us to explore.

Arctic Alta, Aurora city 

Go snowmobiling or learn about Sámi culture  

Lying 70º north of the Arctic Circle, Alta is the perfect destination for winter activities such as visiting snow hotels, dog sledding and snowmobiling. Alta lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval. If conditions are right, you could be in for quite a show. 

Visit Alta’s Northern Lights Cathedral, with its striking Aurora-inspired architecture, and learn more about the science in a fascinating interactive exhibition on Northern Lights research.  

Or why not visit a Sámi village and learn more about these indigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. The Expedition Team may even give a lecture on Sámi culture.

Tromsø, the Arctic gateway 

Join exciting winter activities in the Arctic capital 

Our Northern Lights cruise continues to the capital of the Arctic, Tromsø. Set in a majestic landscape and packed with culture and history, this small, cosmopolitan city has plenty of fascinating sights to discover.   

We’ll visit the Polar Museum to learn about the city’s Arctic and exploration heritage. See the Arctic Cathedral – with its huge stained-glass window, it’s one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø. 

You can also take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Mount Fløyfjellet for incredible views. From December to April, you’ll have the chance to try exciting winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or dogsledding.

Historic Narvik

Discover one of the world's most northerly towns 

We arrive at Narvik in the morning. Sitting 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, the town enjoys a spectacular setting. Spend some time exploring the galleries, shops and restaurants specialising in local seafood and reindeer meat. 

An important port, Narvik was a strategic target for Germany during WWII. You'll visit the 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 hiking, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord. In the evening, we'll look out for the Northern Lights as we cross Vestfjord.

Expedition days 

Take time to connect and learn something new 

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. In true expedition style, we'll go ashore in our small expedition boats, giving you the chance to experience the exhilarating feeling that comes from exploring a wild and remote island or discovering a hidden fjord. 

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 captivating and naturally beautiful locations.  

You'll also learn more about what we've seen – with lectures from our Expedition Team or in our Science Center. You can join a Citizen Science project like Happywhale, which uses photos of sightings to track whale migrations around the world.

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.

Homeward bound 

Relax at sea as we return to England 

As you cruise back across the North Sea to England, you'll have time to relax and look back on some of the incredible experiences you've enjoyed on this expedition cruise. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with your fellow adventurers or relax in the hot tubs or sauna.  

You can also enlist the help of our onboard photographer for editing tips on the photos you've taken on this cruise. If you have more questions about the Northern Lights and Norway, our Expedition Team will be on hand to fill in any gaps – head to the Science Center to discover more.

Return to England

Unforgettable memories of Norway in Winter 

Complete your voyage across the islands of the North Atlantic in Tilbury, the gateway to the U.K.’s cosmopolitan capital city, London. 

Before beginning your onward journey, why not visit some of London’s iconic sites, and absorb the atmosphere of this vibrant and cultural city. The city’s world-renowned restaurants rub shoulders with myriad markets, so take some time to discover this foodie’s paradise. Why not explore historic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, or experience culture at London’s many world-famous museums and galleries. A perfect way to end your adventure.