Northern Fjords & Northern Lights Collectors' Voya Cruise

Day 1 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sun 27 September 2026 / Depart: Sun 27 September 2026 at 15:00

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Alesund

Arrive: Tue 29 September 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Tue 29 September 2026 at 22:00

Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a "Norwegian town" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Day 4 - Olden, Norway

Arrive: Wed 30 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 30 September 2026 at 18:00

A charming village and urban area at the mouth of Oldeelva river, Olden is a short distance from the Briksdalsbreen glacier, a popular hiking destination. In town, travelers can compare the deep red “new” Olden Church, built in 1934, to the white “old” Olden church, built in 1759.

Day 4 - Scenic Cruising Nordfjord

Day 5 - Haugesund

Arrive: Thu 01 October 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Thu 01 October 2026 at 21:00

With Norway possessing countless famous natural landmarks—its glorious fjords practically enjoy celebrity status—the town of Haugesund, in the southern county of Rogaland, can be overlooked despite its history as a center of the country’s Viking rulers. Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair, whose rule began in the latter half of the 9th century, lived nearby, and he and several other early kings are buried in a mound here along the Karmsundet Strait. Today, Norwegians know the town as a cultural center with popular music and film festivals, as well as for being a beneficiary of Norway’s petroleum wealth. As in many Scandinavian port towns, a long row of handsome old commercial buildings line the Smedasundet waterfront; today, they house busy restaurants. A block inland, the Haraldsgata pedestrian street has a folk museum, the brick Our Savior’s Church and plenty of shopping. At the edge of town, a huge granite obelisk erected in 1872 commemorates the 1,000th anniversary of the seminal Battle of Hafrsfjord, when Harald Fairhair led his forces to victory and united Norway in the process. It is also easy to get from Haugesund to the massive glacier fields of Folgefonna National Park and to the 612-meter-high (2,008-foot) Langfoss waterfall.

Day 6 - Eidfjord, Norway

Arrive: Fri 02 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 02 October 2026 at 17:00

In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area's natural splendor. Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer. Numerous canyons, including the famous Måbødalen Valley, lead south from the Hardangervidda plateau to the fjords along the coast, and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Eidfjord, visitors can see the dramatic 182-meter-tall (597-foot-tall) Vøringfossen waterfall. In the center of Eidfjord stands the 14th-century stone Eidfjord Kirke, while outside town the famous Kjeåsen Mountain Farm sits on a ledge some 600 meters (1,968 feet) above the Simadalsfjord.

Day 6 - Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sun 04 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 04 October 2026 at 16:00

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Nordfjord

Day 10 - Scenic Cruising Nordfjord

Day 11 - Trondheim

Arrive: Wed 07 October 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 07 October 2026 at 23:59

Although a popular cruise destination, Norway’s Viking capital is often overlooked by other travelers in favor of Oslo and the fjords. Yet Norway’s third-biggest city has plenty to offer those who make the time to explore. The compact city center, enclosed by the Nidelva River, is easy to get around on foot. Within a couple of hours you can explore the main downtown sights and still have time for a bite to eat. The medieval Gothic grandeur of the Nidaros Cathedral is a must-see, as is the historic riverside Bakklandet neighborhood just a few steps away. Despite so much history, the city has a youthful feel to it, thanks to the dominance of NTNU, Norway’s leading technology university. The presence of thousands of students means Trondheim scores well on café culture and shopping. Music lovers will feel right at home here. The Rockheim and Ringve museums chronicle the importance of music to the city’s past, while vinyl stores and basement bars showcase the present.

Day 11 - Trondheimsfjord Scenic Cruising

Day 12 - Crossing the Arctic Circle

Day 13 - Narvik

Arrive: Fri 09 October 2026 at 11:00 / Depart: Fri 09 October 2026 at 18:00

On the shores of the wide Ofoten Fjord, Narvik is a striking juxtaposition of an industrial city surrounded by beautiful mountains. Getting out of the city to appreciate the natural setting is highly recommended—those mountains offer some of the best hiking, as well as free skiing in season, in Norway with views of the magnificent Lofoten archipelago. On clear days, take the cable car up to the summit of Narvikfjellet for an unforgettable panorama. Although you can take a train all the way to Stockholm, Narvik is curiously not connected to the Norwegian railway network. Narvik was built on iron-ore mining and these mineral riches caused one of the first battles of World War II, the infamous Battle of Narvik. The city suffered greatly at the hands of the Nazi invasion, fought in the mountains and on the water. Today the Narvik Peace Foundation documents the period and facilitates youth exchange programs with other peace centers around the world.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - Tromso, Norway

Arrive: Sat 10 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 10 October 2026 at 17:00

Gateway to the Arctic and overhung by lofty snowcapped peaks, it's still a bright and lively place, thanks to the Midnight Sun. Visit the Tromso and Polar Museums for fascinating displays of wildlife and Arctic explorations.

Day 15 - Alta, Norway

Arrive: Sun 11 October 2026 at 08:00

Alta, a 2½-hour drive from Hammerfest, is the commercial center at the head of Altafjord -- home to some 12,000 inhabitants. Since 1791, the Sami people have come here to trade at the markets each March and December. Alta is situated at the 70th latitude, where pine forests and fertile land cover the wide valley, making it the northernmost place on earth where it is possible to grow barley.

Day 16 - Alta, Norway

Depart: Mon 12 October 2026 at 15:00

Alta, a 2½-hour drive from Hammerfest, is the commercial center at the head of Altafjord -- home to some 12,000 inhabitants. Since 1791, the Sami people have come here to trade at the markets each March and December. Alta is situated at the 70th latitude, where pine forests and fertile land cover the wide valley, making it the northernmost place on earth where it is possible to grow barley.

Day 17 - Crossing the Arctic Circle

Day 18 - Andalsnes

Arrive: Wed 14 October 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 14 October 2026 at 17:00

Åndalsnes lies at the mouth of the Rauma River by the Romsdalsfjord, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and cascading waterfalls. In Gudbrand Gorge, delight in whirlpools, which flank this plunging stream as it races through a 65-feet-deep gorge between Valldal and the legendary Troll’s Path. The Stigfoss Waterfall plummets 591 feet into the Ister Valley, surrounded by three magnificent peaks. This spectacular scenic region also includes Trollveggan, a renowned climbing destination with a sheer rock face that rises 5,905 feet.

Day 19 - Bergen

Arrive: Thu 15 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 15 October 2026 at 17:00

Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs. Surrounded by mountains and thick forest, and sitting halfway between Geiranger to the north and Stavanger to the south, Bergen offers plenty to do outside the city too. Whether you sign up for a guided excursion or venture out on your own, you’ll be sure to fall in love with Bergen.

Day 20 - Lerwick, Scotland

Arrive: Fri 16 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 16 October 2026 at 17:00

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.

Day 21 - At Sea

Day 22 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Sun 18 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 18 October 2026

A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you won’t have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.