£899pp—No-fly cruise to see the Northern Lights, save £350
Visit majestic Arctic Norway when the nights are longer and the Northern Lights are brighter
Why We Love This Deal
November is the perfect time to visit Norway for beautiful winter scenery, and the chance to hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Cruise this year, with no flying necessary, and spot wildlife with the help of experts as you sail. You'll visit charming towns with traditional timbered houses and mountainous backdrops, and save up to £350 on prices we've found elsewhere.
What's included
- 10 nights onboard Balmoral, in an Interior Cabin
- Full board whilst cruising, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Onboard guided activities, such as stargazing and guest talks
When
Sail from Newcastle on 9 November, 2024, or on 30 October, 2024, on a slightly modified itinerary.
You can also sail on 10 or 20 October, on a slightly modified itinerary, from £999 per person.
For more information or to book, call our partner on the number provided under "how to book".
Itinerary
The below itinerary applies to the 9 November sailing. Sailings in October take a slightly modified itinerary which replace Narvik with stops in Molde and have different scenic cruising elements.
- Alta... you'll dock overnight in port at this stop, known as the capital of the Northern Lights, and one of the best places in the world to see this magical phenomenon. Spend a cosy evening around a campfire for a chance to spot the lights yourself. You could also learn about Sami culture and see late-Stone Age rock carvings at the Alta Museum. Enjoy a meeting with huskies or join an aurora photo safari, led by local guides, on optional excursions.
- Tromsø... a cool 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the largest city in Northern Norway is famous for its Arctic Cathedral. Wander around the plentiful galleries and museums, or take the cable car up Storsteinen mountain to see the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral and take in views over the surrounding landscape.
- Narvik... on your way to this stop, enjoy scenic cruising of the Tjeldsundet Strait and see tranquil waters framed by snow-capped peaks. The scenic town of Narvik is surrounded by fjords, and is a hub for outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, and wildlife watching. For a supplement, you can board the Ofoten Railway to experience one of the most beautiful journeys in the world.
- Ålesund... this destination is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque fjords. You could peruse the art galleries and museums, take a hike up Sukkertoppen the Sugar Top, or visit the 360 degree viewpoint at Fjellstua. Whilst here, you could explore the nearby islands of Giske and Godøy to see their quaint villages and un-spoilt scenery.
Ship details
Balmoral is part of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' fleet, and Cruise Critic praises the "stylish and friendly" vessel offering "classic small ship cruising with a fresh new look".
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, and afternoon tea is served every day, with finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. If you'd like something special, you can dine at Fred. Olsen's two speciality restaurants for a small supplement—Vasco, which specialises in Goan cuisine, or Colours & Tastes, which serves Asian fusion dishes (£10 per person supplement when pre-booked, or £15 when booked on board).
During the day, you can cosy up in one of the lounges, or visit The Observatory, which has panoramic ocean views. At night, you can watch big-production shows in the elegant theatre, and enjoy dancing after the evening performance. The Morning Light pub is the best spot to grab drinks with new-found friends, and the ship is full of live music, cabarets, and pub quizzes.
Norway local, Paula Kristiansen, will be onboard to talk about the Arctic way of life, and at night you can head to the deck for an evening of stargazing—Wil Cheung from Go Stargazing will be onboard to lead sessions, and astronomer Jonathan Clough will be talking about all things space. You'll also get the chance to spot marine life during the voyage with a dedicated team of wildlife specialists from ORCA.
Other options
- Sail in a Superior Ocean View Cabin from £1399 per person
- Solo travellers can book this deal from £1349 per person
Transfers & baggage
Porterage is included between your cabin and the pickup and drop-off points.