Norway: Christmas and New Year Northern Lights Cruise

The New Year Northern Lights cruise sets sail in the evening, leaving you the day to explore lovely Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. You could take a look around the UNESCO listed Bryggen area which is characterised by its narrow medieval streets and colourful wooden buildings. For spectacular views across the fjords, take the Mount Fløyen Funicular Railway.

This charming city is spread across several islands at the entrance to the world famous Geirangerfjord. Take a guided walk of Ålesund and learn about its terrible history in which most of it was destroyed by a fire during the 20th century. Following this devastating event, the city was lovingly rebuilt in its striking Art Nouveau style that you can see today.

This historic settlement has some amazing medieval architecture, and Gamle Bybrua, the ‘Old Town Bridge’, is a remarkable sight. Colourful wooden buildings stand atop stilts along the waterfront making for an attractive scene as you enjoy a hot drink in one of the many cafés. You might also like to visit the interesting Ringve Museum while you are in Trondheim.

As the New Year Northern Lights cruise heads ever northwards, you will cross the invisible border into Arctic waters. Around these parts the astonishing Aurora Borealis appear more frequently and the mysterious phenomena can easily be seen at night while the ship is out at sea, away from artificial lights on the mainland.

Arriving in what is known as ‘the Arctic capital’ on Christmas Eve, take some time to explore this popular city. With incredibly fascinating museums like the Polar Museum and Polaria, and the spectacularly designed Arctic Cathedral to visit, there are plenty of things to see and do in this modern settlement. Return to the boat in the evening for a celabration dinner and wake up Christmas morning in this cultural city. Ask one of our travel advisors to arrange an unforgettable dog sledding excursion for you to make your stay here even more special.

Today the ship brings you to Honningsvåg, a large fishing village at the tip of Norway. From here you can take a transfer to the incredible North Cape where you will feel like you are on top of the world! Standing atop the 300 metre high cliff, gaze out across the water knowing that only ice and sea separates you from the North Pole..

Time permitting, take a visit to the exquisite Snow Hotel which is the jewel of Kirkenes. After several hours for you to explore, return to the ship and relax as we turn around and begin the voyage south along the incredible Norwegian coastline.

Enjoy the snow-capped scenery which glows against the dark backdrop as we sail peacefully into Tromsø, the trendy capital of the Arctic. Hopefully there will be time for you to enjoy the delightful Midnight Concert at the Arctic Cathedral, one of Norway's most distinctive architectural structures.

Enjoy one of the most scenic days on the New Year Northern Lights cruise during the voyage through the stunning Lofoten Islands. Characterised by towering granite mountains, snow-covered beaches and a smattering of tiny fishing villages, these islands are also home to a variety of wildlife. Whales are often spotted in these waters and the islands are a haven for seabirds. We reach the capital, Svolvær early in the evening.

Today we sail back across the Arctic Circle and get the chance to witness the incredible sight of the Seven Sisters, an astonishing chain of seven peaks that rise from the water like the jagged edge of a saw. Learn about the folklore that surrounds these mysterious mountains, especially the curious tale of the ‘pierced’ Torghatten Mountain.

Immerse yourself in the New Year celebrations this evening with a festive dinner on board the ship. You can ring in the New Year with fellow passengers as the ship sails into the port of Ålesund at midnight.

Today the New Year Northern Lights cruise passes the striking Nordfjord before returning to Bergen. Disembark for another chance to explore this fantastic city before catching your return flight.