Your adventure begins in Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market serving up delicious seafood. There’s also the Fløibanen funicular which whisks you up Mount Fløyen for stunning views of the city.

To get the most out of your visit to Norway, we can also to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.

Your voyage begins

Before boarding, relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord.

You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experts who will be your guides as we cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

This section of the voyage lets us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-loying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a buzzing student population.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house trendy eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which affords beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.

TIME IN PORT

• Kristiansund: 02:45 - 03:00
• Trondheim: 09:45 - 12:45
• Rørvik: 21:40 - 22:00

We dock into Harstad just after 7am. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. 

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.

Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins. Whales can also be spotted in the waters here, especially during the winter season.

Gateway to the Arctic

We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

You’ll find Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, o the waterfront. 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 trendy cafés plying delicious cinnamon buns and 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.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, 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.

TIME IN PORT:

• Stokmarknes: 01:30 - 01:40
• Sortland: 02:55 - 03:10
• Risøyhamn: 04:35 - 04:50
• Harstad: 07:10 - 07:45
• Finnsnes: 11:00 - 11:30
• Tromsø: 14:15 - 18:15
• Skjervøy: 22:10 - 22:25

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

Looking to the skies

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Next door neighbours

By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. You’ll have a choice of optional excursions to explore the area.

Located just a few miles from the Russian border, Kirkenes has many influences from Norway’s neighbour; from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, a monthly Russian market, and the WWII Russian Monument.

Snowhotel

Kirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal north ends on board the ship. After leaving the ship, you'll be transferred to the Snowhotel about 10km outside Kirkenes. Made from several tonnes of snow and ice, the large, extended igloo makes a lasting impression as soon as you see it. After checking in, you’ll want to explore the hotel, admiring the illuminated sculptures and wall carvings found throughout.

Settle into your Snow Suite for a good night's sleep, complete with thermal sleeping bags and snow sculptures.

TIME IN PORT:

• Båtsfjord: 00:00 - 00:30
• Vardø: 03:30 - 03:45
• Vadsø: 06:55 - 07:10
• Kirkenes: 09:00 - 12:30