Travel ▻ Polar ▻ Arctic8-Day Small Ship Voyage with the Northern Lights
8-Day Small Ship Voyage with the Northern Lights

8-Day Small Ship Voyage with the Northern Lights

8 days

8-Day Small Ship Voyage with the Northern Lights
from $3045 USD

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This journey in northern Norway follows the path of more than one kind of whale as the ship travels among the snowy fjords of Troms. In addition to whales and the breath-taking Fjord scenery, the long Norwegian nights offer travelers an exceptional opportunity on clear nights to take in the beauty and wonder of the famed northern lights (Aurora Borealis). Short but stimulating guided hikes and village visits round out the adventure.

EXPEDITION DATES: Please contact us for departure dates and rates. Trips run from November through February on every season. Prices start at around US$3045/person in a twin porthole cabin with some departures slightly higher priced.

NOTE: The itinerary is for guideline use only. The exact cruising itinerary may be subject to change due to weather or wildlife. The onboard Expedition Leader is the critical decision-maker. Flexibility is essential for the success of any expedition. For the mid- through late-season trips (late December to March), the ship makes a slight deviation on day 3 to the northern coast of Senja and in Andfjorden in search of sperm whales in addition to orcas, humpbacks, and white-tailed eagles.

Full Itinerary DETAILED ITINERARY >> ITINERARY IN BRIEF >>

Day 1: Arrive Tromso, board the Noorderlicht, and overnight

This unique, small-ship voyage begins in the town of Tromso, Norway situated at 70 degrees North, a perfect starting point for a northern lights expedition. Tromso is known as "the Paris of the North" due to its urban sensibilities. Here, the 20-passenger, historic two-mast schooner, the Noorderlicht, will be waiting at the dock. After arriving in Tromso, please make your way to the harbor and check in with the boat. This evening, you should take some time to explore this interesting town.

Ferries serve Tromso daily. More practical, for most travelers however, are flights. Tromso is an important regional flight hub. As such, both SAS and Norwegian Air have several daily departures from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Tromso (TOS), with the flight time being about 2 hours.

This unique, small-ship voyage begins in the town of Tromso, Norway situated at 70 degrees North, a perfect starting point for a northern lights expedition. Tromso is known as "the Paris of the North" due to its urban sensibilities. Here, the 20-passenger, historic two-mast schooner, the Noorderlicht, will be waiting at the dock. After arriving in Tromso, please make your way to the harbor and check in with the boat. This evening, you should take some time to explore this interesting town.

Ferries serve Tromso daily. More practical, for most travelers however, are flights. Tromso is an important regional flight hub. As such, both SAS and Norwegian Air have several daily departures from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Tromso (TOS), with the flight time being about 2 hours.

Meals included: Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Day 2: Begin the cruise and enjoy a scenic hike

Early this morning, we embark from Tromso and sail northeast, into Langsundet. In this magnificent fjord, we will plan to land at the small attractive village of Hansnes, from where we will hike up the trail to the top of Storheia hill (~300 meters high) and admire the marvelous view across the sky-blue fjord. We will spend the night in Dyrsfjorden at the northern tip of the island Ringvassoya and hope for a clear night to enjoy the aurora borealis.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Day 3: Orcas, Humpback Whales, and Northern Lights

Early season trips: The next three days we will spend in Vengsøyfjorden and Kaldfjorden, the area where many whales have been seen in recent years. Besides orcas and humpback whales, we also will have good chances to see white-tailed eagles, as they also want their share of the herring-schooling frenzy that occurs here. This impressive eagle is one of the largest birds of Europe and a resident of northern Norway. In the afternoon, when daylight is over, we will plan to embark on short hikes in the area and hope for some clear skies to see the "Tricky Lady," as the Aurora Borealis is sometimes called.

Mid- and late season trips: The next few days will be spent along the north coast of Senja and in Andfjorden. Besides elegant orcas and humpbacks, here we may see elusive sperm whales. Near Andenes, along the edge of the Continental Shelf, these huge whales dive deep into the ocean depths to feed on schools of giant squid. We may also see white-tailed eagles. This magnificent bird of prey is one of the largest birds of Europe and a resident in northern Norway. In the afternoon, we will find a place for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages, such as Skrolsvik, Andenes, Gryllefjorden, and Sommaroy. When the sun has set, we can take short hikes along the coast and hope for clear skies to see the Aurora Borealis.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Day 4: Orcas, Humpback Whales, and Northern Lights

We continue our program and enjoy what Nature brings - whales, eagles, and hopefully clear nights and the northern lights!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Day 5: Orcas, Humpback Whales, and Northern Lights

We day-trip around the area by day while crossing our fingers for a clear night and the chance to see the spectral northern lights.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Day 6: Hiking and the Northern Lights

Today, as we continue our circumnavigation of Kvaloya, we sail to the small island of Sommaroy. Here we find equally fine opportunities to see the northern lights while the island itself offers good hiking possibilities. We will spend the day on this lovely island to explore the coastline with its small bays and white beaches. For those interested, we’ll climb to the top of the 211-meter high Mount Hillesoya. From here, you will get an excellent panoramic view of the rugged coastline.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Day 7: Return to Tromso

In the afternoon, we will sail back to Tromso and complete our circumnavigation of Kvaloya. We spend the last night on board in Tromso.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Day 8: Disembark in Tromso

Following breakfast on board the ship, we say our goodbyes and disembark, ending our memorable journey. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing

8-Day Small Ship Voyage with the Northern Lights
from $3045 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***

NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.

INCLUDES:
  • All accommodations per itinerary
  • All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
  • All transportation and transfers per itinerary
  • Informative Arctic-specific lectures by the expedition leaders
  • In additions to all meals aboard the ship, rates include snacks, coffee and tea on the ship as well
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes
  • Detailed pre-departure information to prepare you for your trip including an Arctic-voyage specific packing list and more
EXCLUDES:
  • International and domestic flights
  • Meals not listed
  • Beverages and alcohol
  • Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
  • Optional tours
  • Single room supplement
  • Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
  • Transfers to / from the vessel

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