This 6-night cruise itinerary (5 nights onboard) operates between the 2nd February 2024 and the 13th March 2024. This is the classic Norwegian cruise, departing from the Arctic capital of Tromso, as it explores the Arctic fjords, for which Norway is famous and also cruises through some of the most beautiful and significant Lofoten Islands.
But there is far more; from Northern Light excursions in Tromso, the Lofoten Islands and on the Arctic Train, to husky dog sledding, learning about the indigenous Sami people of Scandinavia and feeding some of their reindeers. All the above while cruising on a comfortable ship and tasting traditional Arctic cuisine.
Additionally, there will be a cable ride to the top of Storsteinen Mountain for a picturesque view of Tromso, an exclusive Viking immersion experience and a visit to traditional fishing villages like Nusfjord. Keep an eye on the sea too, as sighting a whale or two won’t be unusual at Andoy.
The itinerary includes:
- Return flights from Gatwick to Tromso on Norwegian Air
- Transfer on arrival for an overnight in a Tromso city hotel
- One night at the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora (B&B)
- Transfer to the Norwegian Travel base camp in Tromso
- Transfer to Tromso airport for return flight to Gatwick on day seven
- Five nights accommodation on MV Quest in an ocean-facing twin cabin
- All meals - Arctic cuisine
- Coffee tea and snacks on board
- Experience the villages of Nusfjord, Henningsvaer, Sortland, Svolvaer and Narvik
- The Lofoten Islands
- Sightseeing through the fjords of Raftsund and Trollfjord
- Nightly Northern Light chase
- Visit to a historical fisherman's village
- Visit to the ‘Full Steam’ Cod Museum
- Arctic Train and Northern Lights experience
- Trip on the Fjellheisen cable car
- Sami cultural experience
- Arctic Huskies - dog sledding
- RIB excursions
- Wildlife and nature photography tips and tricks
- The services of the friendly and approachable crew
- The services of a professional expedition team
Cruise departures:
- 12 February 2024
- 22 February 2024
- 13 March 2024
A northbound voyage - please enquire for details - departs on:
- 17 February 2024
- 27 February 2024
- 08 March 2024
Please note that the expedition programs for all tours may be adjusted due to factors such as weather forecasts, wildlife location, and safety precautions. Our expert expedition team will also seek all favourable conditions for optimal aurora borealis viewing, but only nature dictates its appearance. The final decision regarding modifications to the programme will be made by the expedition team which always prioritises safety.
While the expedition team will prioritise all items listed in the program and make expert predictions for favourable conditions, their inclusion cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, no refunds will be issued for any changes. The primary focus of the program is to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Restrictions: All participants must be fit, in good physical shape and not in need of additional assistance.
Board Basis: Full Board, Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Tromso
On arrival at Tromso Airport you will be transferred to the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora.
Overnight at the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora. Bed & Breakfast.
Tromso, Northern Norway
Day 2 - Board the MV Quest
This afternoon you will be transferred to the Norwegian Travel Basecamp in the centre of Tromsø City at Sjøgeta 16. The expedition team will then drive you to your ship the MV Quest, where you will be introduced to the 5-night program and have a safety briefing.
This will be followed by a three-course Arctic cuisine dinner that will prepare you for your first excursion, Northern Lights at the top of Storsteinen Mountain. After dinner, you will take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of the mountain from where there is a spectacular view over Tromsø City and its fjords. The ship's team will then welcome you back onboard the ship and we will set sail for the famous Lofoten Islands.
Overnight onboard MV Quest. Full Board.
MV Quest
Day 3 - Whale watching, Andøy
When you wake up in the morning, we will be northwest of Andøy. This is the leading whale watching destination in Norway. As this borders the open sea, weather and sea conditions are unpredictable. This is where we will search, spot, and photograph whales. We also have the option of docking on land, if conditions are unfavourable, and still learn about whale migration patterns and other interesting facts at the local museum and from our expedition team.
After an exciting whale-seeking morning, we will continue sailing towards Sortland until we reach a Sami camp where we will learn about their culture and their long history with reindeer herding. There is then an opportunity to feed and engage with the reindeers.
Overnight onboard MV Quest. Full Board.
Whale watching, Andøy
Day 4 - Raftsundet and Trollfjord
This is an exciting day as we will be cruising through the fjords. We will sail towards Raftsundet and into the famously beautiful Trollfjord where, if the weather permits, we will disembark and launch our RIBs. This will get us close and personal to the majesty of the mountains on both
sides of this narrow and beautiful stretch of water and we may even spot the rare large bird of prey of the area, the White-Tailed Eagle.
After this dramatic fjord experience, we continue sailing to our next excursion in Henningsvær, “the Venice of the North.” This is a traditional cod fishing village and our fisherman guide will take us on a journey, spanning 200 years of the famous Full Steam, cod liver oil factory, and the significance it has had on Norwegian history.
Overnight onboard MV Quest. Full Board.
White-tailed eagle
Day 5 - Lofoten Islands and Lofotr Viking Museum
This morning we sail to the World Heritage Site in Lofoten, Nusfjord. One of the oldest and best-preserved fishermen’s villages in Norway.
We will once more board the RIBs to reach land and take a guided tour through the village, conserved as a museum, and learn about the historic, Arctic lifestyle of fishermen and the lifecycle of the industry here.
We then travel back over 1000 years in time as illustrated in the famous Lofotr Viking Museum, housed in the part renovated/replica longest Viking Longhouse. Here we will have a proper Viking feast for lunch, reflecting Viking traditions.
After lunch we will sail to “the gate of the Lofoten Islands” Svolvær. A town contrasting yet blending into the breath-taking natural scenery. After dinner it’s a walk to explore and search for the Northern Lights.
Overnight onboard MV Quest. Full Board.
RIB excursion to Lofoten, Nusfjord
Day 6 - Arctic Train
In the morning we sail to Narvik. When we sight the Barøy Lighthouse, we will know that we are nearly at this historically significant town. As we continue to sail, our crew will encourage you to face a challenge of endurance in a polar plunge into the Arctic Sea. You will first be taught the benefits and techniques and practise what you have learned before deciding whether to challenge the cold in an invigorating polar plunge.
Narvik was where the biggest World War II battle on Norwegian soil took place. Here you will have free time to explore this historical mining port and its museums
The day ends with a trip aboard the Arctic Train, learning about the Northern Lights while experiencing the scenery travelling to the Northern Lights´ basecamp, a perfect place to search for the Aurora Borealis.
Overnight onboard MV Quest. Full Board.
Arctic Train
Day 7 - Day of departure
On the last day, the amazing moments spent together and all the picturesque places visited and experiences are illustrated in a slide show produced by the expedition team.
There is then a visit to the wilderness camp where we will meet adorable huskies and go sledding with them. After the dog sledding excursion, there is an opportunity to bond, cuddle and take pictures with our energetic husky partners. A cosy bonfire meal follows.
After all the fun, our coach will then take you back to Tromsø where we will arrive at approximately 17:00. There our team can assist you in locating your taxi for your transfer to the airport.
Dog-sledding with huskies