Today you will cross the Arctic Circle while enjoying spectacular sights, including islands and skerries with interesting rock formations jutting out of the deep waters. The ship will dock in Bodo for 2.5 hours, which is a lovely place to wander, catching glimpses of sea birds and rolling nature.
In the evening, the ship will make a 1-hour stop in Svolvær, Lofoten, a small, picturesque fishing village with a charming Scandinavian atmosphere. You can take a stroll between stockfish racks and traditional fishermen huts called ‘rorbuer’, and for people that wish to spend more time in Lofoten, optional shore excursions are available.
Spend another night on board the ship.
DAY 10: TROMSØ, “PARIS OF THE NORTH”
In the morning, you’ll pass Risøyhamn, Harstad, and Finnsnes before sailing across the Vagsfjord to a magnificent archipelago in the north. Later today, the ship stops in Tromsø, the main event of the day, where you will explore the lively town in northern Norway. Nicknamed “the Paris of the North”, this city was a major port of call for Arctic expedition and hunting ships in the 19th century–a part of history that is still evident here. Throughout the year, you can join guided hikes and discover more of Tromsø and its surroundings. After an exhilarating day in Tromsø, you will board the ship and continue your northbound journey.
Spend another night on board the ship.
DAY 11: THE BEAUTY OF THE NORTH CAPE
Finnmark’s landscape and wildlife is not to be missed. Scores of puffins and gannets along the cliffs and pods of Orca hunting for herring make for a unique experience. The ship stops at Honningsvåg today, and we recommend that you board a bus for a short optional excursion to the famous North Cape. In the summer, you may see herds of grazing reindeer and small camps belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. After this shore stop, the ship navigates east toward the pretty fishing villages.
Spend another night on board the ship.
DAY 12: KIRKENES – LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN
Enjoy one last breakfast at sea before the ship docks in Kirkenes around 9:00 this morning. This Arctic town lies on the borders of Russia and Finland and is home to some 3,300 inhabitants, including the Sámi, the native people of Lapland. For such a small town, Kirkenes offers an impressive range of things to see and do, and the rest of the day is free for you to try out an optional excursion or just relax in the town. It is here that your cruise up north comes to an end.
Spend the night in Kirkenes.
DAY 13: RETURN TO OSLO & DEPARTURE
After an incredible time in Norway, it’s time to head home today. Your tour ends at Kirkenes Airport, where you will fly to Oslo-Gardermoen Airport at noon, connecting to your flight back home.