Itinerary

Welcome to the historic Arctic capital of Tromsø. If you’ve arrived in the morning or afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the city before your ship departs in the early evening.

Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. You can also take Fjellheisen Tromsø, a cable car ride up 450m above sea level to a viewpoint on Mount Storsteinen for breathtaking scenery.

Leaving Tromsø, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.

Sámi heartlands

Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

During the night, we call at Båtsfjord and Vardø, two communities whose fortunes have long been tied to the natural wealth of the Barents Sea. As morning approaches, we continue along the Varanger Peninsula, one of the most distinctive stretches of coastline in Norway. 

Vadsø and the Varanger Coast 

We arrive in Vadsø early in the morning. This region is renowned among birdwatchers, lying directly beneath one of the Arctic's most important migration routes. Throughout the year, a remarkable variety of species pass through these waters and coastal wetlands. 

The landscape here feels noticeably different from the fjords and mountains further south. Wide horizons, open tundra and sweeping coastal views create the sense of space that is characteristic of Finnmark.  

Kirkenes 

By mid-morning, we arrive in Kirkenes, a frontier town located close to the border. Positioned at the crossroads of Norwegian, Sámi, Finnish and Russian influences, Kirkenes has a fascinating history shaped by trade, diplomacy and life in the far north. 

You'll have several hours to explore the town or join one of our optional excursions. The surrounding landscapes offer opportunities to visit forests, lakes and Arctic wilderness, while local museums provide insight into the region's wartime history and multicultural heritage. During the Second World War, Kirkenes became one of the most heavily bombed places in Europe, and traces of this history remain visible throughout the area. 

Kirkenes is the last port of call before the ship turns around and begins the long voyage back south.  

Sailing the Barents Sea 

In the afternoon, we sail northeast along the Varanger coast. The region reveals a striking landscape of rocky shorelines, fishing villages and wide-open skies.  

This is a prime area for birdlife, so have your binoculars at the ready as we pass the bird island of Hornøya. Depending on the season, this can be a prime spot to see species such as puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and arctic terns, while sea eagles are often spotted gliding above the cliffs year-round.  

Later, we call once more at Båtsfjord, where fishing vessels and their associated industry reflect the enduring importance of the seafood sector in northern Norway. Life here remains closely connected to the sea, much as it has for generations. After Båtsfjord, we continue on our journey, calling next at Berlevåg. 

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

Almost the northernmost

In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements.

See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.

Mountains and marine mammals

We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.

If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.

As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.

Capital of the Arctic

We dock at the historic city of Tromsø just before midnight. This is where your short voyage with us concludes. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.