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UK to the North Cape via the Fjords

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UK to the North Cape via the Fjords

From GBP £3,718

Description

We set our course north from Dover towards the coast of Norway´s magical, snow-covered landscape as we hunt for the Northern Lights.

This amazing natural phenomenon is the result of disturbances caused by solar wind – creating a cosmic lightshow of dazzling colour and complexity. Your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights improve the farther north we go.

Stretch your sea legs and get to know MS Maud. Find the amenities you like best – the Science Centre, the hot tubs, the Explorer lounge, or maybe that nice spot on deck with a view and out of the wind. You may want to find that spot later if our hunt for the Aurora proves successful.

You won’t forget your first sight to Lofoten because of the formidable wall of mountains looming on the horizon. The Lofoten Islands are world famous for their distinctive dramatic peaks, sheltered bays and untouched beaches – and this is your day to explore them. Lofoten is also known for its excellent fishing, picturesque villages and exciting year-round activities.

The North Cape feels like the end of the world. It’s also a great place to take stunning photos.

Excursions included:
Daily Excursion & Activities Included (Example):

– Bergen. Funicular railway with Coffee and pastries
– Molde. Majestic Atlantic Road excursion
– Bronnysund. Local hike / walk with guide
– Lofoten Islands. Traditional Fishing Village
– Tromso. Cable Car (day 1) and Polaria (day 2)
– Honningsvag. The North Cape excursion
– Senja. Local discovery excursion
– Alesund. The world famous Aquarium
– Stavanger. Local discovery excursion

What’s included:
A rich programme of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including on-shore exploration with the Expedition Team.
Professional English-speaking Expedition Team – an international handpicked team of highly educated experts from various academic fields with profound knowledge of the regions we sail in.
Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket.
Loan of spikes, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities.

ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology and culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience.
Explorer Science programme, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research.
Introduction photo lecture, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, and a selection of photos from the voyage shared in an Expedition Logbook.
Opportunities to casually engage with the Expedition Team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come.
Opportunities to dine and interact with the Expedition Team and officers.
Destination-focused on-board
Port presentations providing destination insights.
A farewell event.

PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
Coffee and tea included throughout the day
Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fredheim restaurant meals included
A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
Gym, hot tubs and sauna
Free wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we may sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
No gratuities expected

Trip Name
UK to the North Cape via the Fjords
Days
15
Overview
Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, Maud will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021. You will be able to explore Norway like never before, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise you need for creating a perfect adventure. Maud will also be equipped for shore power, to cut emissions to zero when docked in ports with shore power facilities, and she will be fitted with low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations.  Cabins and public areasNorway´s stunning scenery is reflected in the ship´s interior design. Comfortable cabins and suites feature natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool. Our stylish and welcoming public areas create great places to watch the world´s most beautiful coastline pass by. A specially designed Expedition Launch zone – the tender pit area where guests embark on their on their excursions and off-ship adventures – will be added, complete with tender boats and other expedition equipment.  A new Science Center will be added. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features, the edutainment area will also be the on-board HQ for the ship’s Expedition Team. A wellness-area, complete with gym, lounge and treatment rooms, will be built.  There will be a range of restaurants : Restaurant Aune, an expedition cruise main restaurant concept. Aune will be social and informal with the use of natural elements in design and interiors, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner based on a Scandinavian identity. Restaurant Lindstrøm, a specialty restaurant named after the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes, will be added. Lindstrøm will be an upper premium fine dining restaurant with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking that are contrasted with modern cuisine. The informal eatery Fredheim, named after a legendary 1920s hunting station in Svalbard that sheltered adventurers from around the world. In addition, a new outdoor grill venue will be added outdoor on the top decks. Honouring explorer heritage MS Maud is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsens “Maud” from 1917. The original “Maud” got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1. Dover
We set our course north from Dover towards the coast of Norway´s magical, snow-covered landscape as we hunt for the Northern Lights.This amazing natural phenomenon is the result of disturbances caused by solar wind - creating a cosmic lightshow of dazzling colour and complexity. Your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights improve the farther north we go.As we pass the white cliffs of Dover and head across the North Sea, you will see fishing boats, tankers and even helicopters ferrying workers to and from offshore oil and gas platforms.Stretch your sea legs and get to know MS Maud. Find the amenities you like best – the Science Centre, the hot tubs, the Explorer lounge, or maybe that nice spot on deck with a view and out of the wind. You may want to find that spot later if our hunt for the Aurora proves successful.
Day 2 - Day 2. At sea
Enjoy another day at sea as we continue north to the Norwegian coastline.Meet our Expedition Team, who prepare you for exciting adventures ahead. Listen in on talks by these experienced explorers who share their extensive knowledge about the places, people and natural phenomena we are likely to encounter, like the Northern Lights.Or maybe you just want to kick back and relax. Admire the views, try some of the ship’s cuisine that caught your eye on the menu, or settle into a good book while enjoying this day at sea.
Day 3 - Day 3. Bergen
In the morning, we get our first glimpse of the Norwegian coast. Small islands and mountains draw closer. We leave the North Sea and enter scenic straits and fjords.After lunch, we arrive in Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities and a great place to explore by foot. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years. The city has retained a great deal of its local character, history and charm, and is a hub for Norwegian travel. Be sure to stroll through the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 14th century.Your included activity in Bergen is an excursion to Mount Fløyen. The Fløibanen funicular takes you to the top in just six minutes. At the summit you get amazing views over this city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. Feeling energetic? Follow one of many light trails atop Mount Fløyen into possibly snow-decked alpine forrest.Back at sea level, wander the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this enchanting, compact city. Drop into one of its many cafés or pubs and order a half-litre of local Hansa beer, browse through unique boutiques and visit world-class museums.Back aboard ship, d­inner awaits. We sail north from Bergen along the Hjeltefjord, the same route the Vikings took to the Shetland Islands and beyond. We are heading to the high north of Norway. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing, maybe in the panoramic lounge or out on deck. While its less likely the Northern Lights will appear this far south, it does happen.
Day 4 - Day 4. Molde (half day) and Kristiansund
At midday, we reach Norway’s ‘City of Roses’ – Molde. You may want to visit Romsdalsmuseet, one of Norway’s largest folk museums, exhibiting historic regional buildings and interiors. The city´s scenic viewpoint, Varden, is worth a visit, with its wonderful vistas across Molde, the fjord and snowy peaks of the Romsdal Alps in the distance.Today’s included activity is a scenic bus trip along the Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most-visited tourist destinations, spanning eight bridges through picturesque landscapes and across the open sea. The excursion ends in Kristiansund, where you rejoin the ship.Kristiansund's location on four sea islands in the Norwegian Sea has steadily provided livelihoods in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Interested in history? A decisive battle between Danish and Norwegian Vikings was fought near here in 955 and later noted in the famous ‘Lives of the Norse Kings’ by Snorre Sturlasson.Maybe it’s a dry fact, but Kristiansund today is known as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its historic export of dry salted fish, often called bacalao. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of this interesting little city, past old shipyards and marinas, and see what you can find.
Day 5 - Day 5. Brønnøysund - Half day
Welcome to Brønnøysund - a vibrant and pretty little town of 5,000 folks located on a narrow peninsula surrounded by islands and sea. You are now at the halfway mark along Norway’s long coastline. Brønnøysund is near the famous mountain with a hole in the middle - Torghatten.Join local guides for a historical town walk, stop by a beautiful parish church from 1870 and visit small-scale producers of local food from the region.Brønnøysund is also the gateway to Vega Island – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Join an optional excursion to Vega, which was granted UNESCO status because of how the community demonstrates its centuries-old sustainable way of life. Remarkably, the islanders have thrived by practicing the now unique tradition of eider farming and duck down processing.As we leave Brønnøysund, we sail along the coast of Helgeland and pass the famous mountain range called the Seven Sisters. Legend has it that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, creating the seven beautiful peaks.In the evening, we cross the Arctic Circle – and your chances to experience the Aurora grow.
Day 6 - Day 6. Reine and Svolvær - Full day
You won’t soon forget your first approach to Lofoten because of the formidable wall of mountains looming on the horizon.The Lofoten Islands are world famous for their distinctive dramatic peaks, sheltered bays and untouched beaches - and this is your day to explore them. Lofoten is also known for its excellent fishing, picturesque villages and exciting year-round activities.We dock at idyllic Reine in the morning. Fishermen´s huts dotting the shoreline and snowy granite peaks shooting out of the fjord make Reine one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway.Join us to discover the nearby hamlet of Å, a scenic traditional fishing village. Here you can visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. Walk among coastal buildings from a century ago and get a sense of everyday life in the Lofoten fisheries over the last 250 years. You can also join one of our many optional excursions.After departing Reine, we sail along the massive Lofoten wall to Svolvær. The islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches and bays we pass are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In Svolvær, choose from a number of exciting outdoor and indoor activities. Intriguing shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the town.After a whole day exploring Lofoten, we sail to Trollfjord, an amazing place where vertical mountain walls surrealistically jut out of the sea. In winter, it’s not possible to sail into the fjord, so we admire this very special site at its entrance. Keep looking skyward to catch sight of the Northern Lights.
Day 7 - Day 7. Tromsø - Full day
Looking for an adventurous winter wonderland? Tromsø is the perfect destination.Choose winter activities like dog-sledging, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Your included activity in Tromsø is a ride into the sky on the Fjellheisen cable car, with breathtaking views of the city, mountains, fjords - and hopefully the Aurora.Tromsø brims with fascinating history, culture and bold architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a landmark in Tromsø visible from the Tromsø Sound, featuring a huge stained-glass window. Care to meet some friendly locals? Tromsø is home to the world’s northernmost brewery, Mack Bryggeri, which also runs Ølhallen, a lively pub where townspeople go for a chat and a beer.Other winter activities include optional excursions with our Expedition Team on nature hikes, and Aurora-focused bus rides. Tromsø is so far north that you may see the Northern Lights directly overhead.
Day 8 - Day 8. Tromsø - Half day
Another day in Tromsø means another day of discovery. Get ready to interact with Arctic nature. Today’s included activity is visiting the Arctic experience centre, Polaria. Look, feel, experience and understand why life in the sea and on land are inextricably linked. Polaria is also one of two places in Europe where you can see bearded seals at close range.Historically,Tromsø was the starting point for several Arctic expeditions. It was also the first call when hunters and explorers returned to civilization, giving it a tough frontier reputation. Today the city is often called the Paris of the North because of its international and cultural diversity. Meet friendly locals, do some shopping or sample the city’s range of restaurants specializing in the region’s fresh produce.As we leave Tromsø after lunch, spend the afternoon and evening on deck – hunting the Northern Lights.
Day 9 - Day 9. Honningsvåg - Full day
Visit one of the northernmost points in Europe, North Cape. This is also as far north as we go on this winter expedition cruise.Start the day by taking a scenic bus ride from the town of Honningsvåg. We pass small bays and tiny villages, then cross a mountain plateau before arriving at spectacular North Cape. At 71°10’21´N, North Cape is just 2,100 km away from the Geographic North Pole. Stand at the edge of the cliff and gaze out on the sea. Only the Svalbard Archipelago separates you from the North Pole. North Cape feels like the end of the world. It’s also a great place to take stunning photos and there will be enough time to visit the North Cape Hall´s cinema, showing a short film about the North Cape Plateau, and there are several exhibits open to visitors.Back in Honningsvåg, you can opt to stroll about, past charming houses, nice shops and a church that was the only structure left standing at the end of World War II.This is the ship’s turning point and from here we start our return trip southward. Keep looking skyward!
Day 10 - Day 10. Finnsnes - Half day
Dock at Finnsnes, just across a bridge from the remarkable island of Senja.Today’s included activity is a coach journey to Senja, which Norwegians call the ‘fairytale island’ because of its spectacular nature. Our road trip takes us to the outer side of the island along the Norwegian Scenic Route.Senja is Norway’s second largest island and counts just under 8,000 inhabitants. As you might guess, fisheries and aquaculture are the dominant industries here. Cod and pollock are traditionally fished in Senja’s waters while salmon is farmed.The island is famous for its diverse landscapes and is often referred to as Norway in miniature. The scenery can dramatically change within the blink of an eye. The outer side of Senja is characterised by lofty mountains plummeting straight into the sea, interspersed with isolated coves and sandy beaches. South Senja is distinguished by rocky coastline and pine forests and is home to Ånderdalen National Park. The eastern side of Senja has a a gentler landscape with rolling hills and birch forests.There is little light pollution here, increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Day 11 - Day 11. At sea
Today you can spend time in the ship’s Explorer lounge, soaking in a hot tub, or out on deck watching for the aurora. Our Expedition Team and on-board photography expert can help you locate the Northern Lights and take good pictures.The Expedition Team also continues its on-board lecture series, sharing their vast knowledge and experience about the geography, culture and history of Norway’s long and varied coastline.The team also summarizes the voyage so far and lets you know about plans for the exciting days ahead.
Day 12 - Day 12. Ålesund - Half day
Arrive in the charming small city of Ålesund - renowned for its beautiful art nouveau architecture. This owes to a devastating fire that burned a large part of the city to the ground in 1904. The entire town was subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable art nouveau style of the time.Take the opportunity to wander Ålesund’s charming cobblestone streets and admire the numerous spires, towers and highly-ornate buildings.Norway is a seafood nation and Ålesund is its fisheries capital – so it’s only natural your included activity today is a visit to the Norwegian Aquarium. Built directly into the rocky coastline, the aquarium is also an architectural marvel. Due to excellent oceanic conditions along the Norwegian coast, the aquarium features a colourful and exciting range of fish and fauna, including octopus, seals and penguins.You can also choose one of our interesting optional excursions in and around this fascinating coastal Norwegian city.
Day 13 - Day 13. Stavanger - Half day
Welcome to Stavanger – known for its many nearby natural attractions, including famous Pulpit Rock and long sandy beaches along the North Sea.The Stavanger region is on the radar of nearly every visitor to Norway. Many different nationalities are drawn to the area, making it a highly international destination. Its cosmopolitan nature is reflected in the city’s lively, urban ambience, with creative food menus, fun pubs and bars, and a booming cultural scene. If you want to get away from the madding crowd, journey out to the region’s many sandy beaches.Stavanger’s proud history is never far from sight. Old Stavanger has Europe’s best-preserved wooden house area with more than 170 white wooden structures dating back to the 1700s.Stavanger is also Europe’s oil and energy capital. Your included activity today is a visit to the excellent Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Learn more about Norway’s most important industry through modern interactive exhibits. See how oil and gas were formed millions of years ago, as well as how petroleum is found, produced and consumed. Feeling adventurous? You can slide down an escape chute used on offshore oil and gas platforms.You can choose from many other optional excursions in Stavanger, for example, a visit to the Norwegian Canning Museum, which tells the city’s story about its former status as the sardine canning capital of Norway.While its less likely to spot the Northern Light this far south, it does happen. Keep your eyes on northern edge of the horizon.
Day 14 - Day 14. At sea
It’s our final day at sea. As we cross the North Sea, you may spot the giant gas flares atop one of the many oil and gas platforms.You may want to take one last soak in the hot tub, relax in the ship’s lounge, edit your photographs, or join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable winter expedition cruise to the coast of Norway.During the night, we'll have a technical stop in Calais.
Day 15 - Day 15. Dover
We pass the white cliffs of Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the city’s harbour. After breakfast, it’s time to leave your home for the past 14 days.As you head ashore, you’ll take with you the lifetime memories of Norway in winter - wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and cities, friendly people, and the magical Northern Lights.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £3,718Polar Inside
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £3,825Polar Outside
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £4,445Arctic Superior - Accessible
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £4,554Arctic Superior
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £7,396Expedition Suite
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £8,816Suite
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £9,499Grand Suite
06-10-202120-10-2021GBP £13,044Owners Suite
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £4,445Arctic Superior - Accessible
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £4,554Arctic Superior
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £7,396Expedition Suite
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £8,816Suite
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £9,499Grand Suite
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £13,044Owners Suite
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £3,718Polar Inside
20-10-202103-11-2021GBP £3,825Polar Outside
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £3,718Polar Inside
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £3,825Polar Outside
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £4,445Arctic Superior - Accessible
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £4,554Arctic Superior
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £7,396Expedition Suite
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £8,816Suite
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £9,499Grand Suite
03-11-202117-11-2021GBP £13,044Owners Suite
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £4,049Polar Inside
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £4,166Polar Outside
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £4,841Arctic Superior - Accessible
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £4,960Arctic Superior
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £8,055Expedition Suite
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £9,603Suite
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £10,380Grand Suite
17-11-202101-12-2021GBP £14,205Owners Suite
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £4,049Polar Inside
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £4,166Polar Outside
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £4,841Arctic Superior - Accessible
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £4,960Arctic Superior
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £8,055Expedition Suite
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £9,603Suite
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £10,380Grand Suite
01-12-202115-12-2021GBP £14,205Owners Suite
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £4,986Polar Inside
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £5,131Polar Outside
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £5,961Arctic Superior - Accessible
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £6,109Arctic Superior
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £9,919Expedition Suite
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £11,825Suite
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £12,824Grand Suite
15-12-202129-12-2021GBP £17,494Owners Suite
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £4,749Polar Inside
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £4,886Polar Outside
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £5,678Arctic Superior - Accessible
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £5,818Arctic Superior
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £9,446Expedition Suite
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £11,263Suite
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £12,213Grand Suite
29-12-202112-01-2022GBP £16,661Owners Suite
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £4,274Polar Inside
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £4,398Polar Outside
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £5,110Arctic Superior - Accessible
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £5,235Arctic Superior
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £8,503Expedition Suite
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £10,136Suite
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £10,958Grand Suite
12-01-202226-01-2022GBP £14,995Owners Suite
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £4,386Polar Inside
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £4,514Polar Outside
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £5,244Arctic Superior
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £5,244Arctic Superior - Accessible
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £8,726Expedition Suite
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £10,403Suite
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £11,246Grand Suite
26-01-202209-02-2022GBP £15,389Owners Suite
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £4,749Polar Inside
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £4,886Polar Outside
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £5,678Arctic Superior - Accessible
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £5,818Arctic Superior
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £9,446Expedition Suite
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £11,263Suite
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £12,213Grand Suite
09-02-202223-02-2022GBP £16,661Owners Suite
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £4,749Polar Inside
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £4,886Polar Outside
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £5,678Arctic Superior - Accessible
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £5,818Arctic Superior
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £9,446Expedition Suite
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £11,263Suite
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £12,213Grand Suite
23-02-202209-03-2022GBP £16,661Owners Suite
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £4,749Polar Inside
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £4,886Polar Outside
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £5,678Arctic Superior - Accessible
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £5,818Arctic Superior
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £9,446Expedition Suite
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £11,263Suite
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £12,213Grand Suite
09-03-202223-03-2022GBP £16,661Owners Suite

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