In Search of the Northern Lights Cruise

Day 1 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Fri 25 February 2028 at 05:30 / Depart: Fri 25 February 2028 at 06:00

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Kristiansund, Norway

Arrive: Sun 27 February 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 27 February 2028 at 09:30

Reaching out into the waters of Norway’s Western Cape on four, bridge-connected islands, the clean, open, operatic city of Kristiansund, and its stunning harbour, are impossible to ignore. Destroyed in the Second World War, nearly 80% of Kristiansund has been rebuilt since the 1940s. The city is now home to some of Norway’s most iconic modern architecture. Reminders of pre-war Kristiansund still remain, notably the city’s opera house – the oldest in Norway – which offers around 100 opera performances, an opera festival and an outdoor performance of Donna Bacalao every year. The local history of Klippfisk (salted cod) can be uncovered at the town’s unique museum, while many visitors opt to travel along the renowned Atlantic Road, one of Norway's most photographed driving roads.From Kristiansund, a trip to the nearby Grip Island, a prominent fishing settlement in the 15th and 16th centuries, is worth undertaking despite there being no permanent residents now. Exploring the abandoned villages and absorbing the eerie atmosphere of Grip Stave Church – built in 1470, is a must.

Day 4 - Torghatten, Norway

Arrive: Mon 28 February 2028 at 11:00 / Depart: Mon 28 February 2028 at 11:00

A scenic cruise along the shores of Toget Island allows you see one of Norway's most astonishing natural wonders - Torghatten Mountain. The mountain is known affectionately as 'the mountain with the hole', Torghatten is famous for the huge tunnel that strikes right through the middle of it and has has to be seen to be believed.

Day 4 - Seven Sisters Mountain Range

Day 4 - Cross Arctic Circle

Day 5 - Sortland

Arrive: Tue 29 February 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 29 February 2028 at 07:30

Sortland, the largest town of the beautiful Vesterålen archipelago, is one of Northern Norway’s most unique destinations. Nicknamed ‘Blue Town’, Sortland is almost entirely painted in various shades of blue, thanks to any idea put forward by artist Bjorn Elvenes at the start of the new millennium. Elvenes proposed that – with the help of other local artists and residents – Sortland should become a living 3D painting, and today the town’s mix of architecture, comprising Swiss style wood, concrete and glass structures, is an exhibit of his vision. It’s worth exploring the town to see how the blue colour scheme is developing alone, though there are plenty of attractions such as interesting art exhibitions, a beautiful early 20th century church and the pretty downtown, where you can enjoy ‘Writings on a Field of Blue’. Visiting Sortland offers chances to seek-out Vesterålen's natural treasures, too. Rugged, unspoilt countryside landscapes and miles of gorgeous island coastline are within reach, while the archipelago and its surrounding waters are also home to diverse wildlife, from seals and seabirds to whales. In the summer months it is possible to experience the magical midnight sun here; and in the winter, visitors might be lucky enough to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

Day 6 - Tromsø

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Trondheim

Arrive: Fri 03 March 2028 at 11:30 / Depart: Fri 03 March 2028 at 12:00

Norway's monarchs are still crowned in the 12th century Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia's largest medieval building. Trondheim retains a wealth of historic landmarks and buildings, mostly on an island between river and fjord, and has a fascinating open-air folk-culture museum.

Day 9 - Alesund

Arrive: Sat 04 March 2028 at 07:30 / Depart: Sat 04 March 2028 at 08:00

Ålesund is Norway’s popular, art-nouveau epic of towers and turrets, ornaments and balconies, steeples and spires. The city’s delightful pedestrianised streets, offer a diverse mix of art galleries, shops and lively cafés, and lead to the 418 steps that climb Mount Aksla. The Fjellstua restaurant and café at the summit is the perfect place to sit and soak up panoramic views of this attractive city, the archipelago, and the Sunnmore Alps. Virtually destroyed by fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt within three years and is regarded widely as one of Europe’s true visual experiences. The port is home to the Jugendstilsenteret – The National Art Nouveau Centre –, which has a well-preserved art nouveau interior and regularly features exhibitions and displays. GATEWAY TO THE FJORDS OF NORTHERN NORWAY Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and this seaport is the home base for Norway's largest cod-fishing fleet, which, unsurprisingly, provides the city's visitors with some superb seafood to try.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Mon 06 March 2028 at 05:30 / Depart: Mon 06 March 2028 at 06:00

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.