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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Arctic Circle Explorer from Tromsø

The Arctic Circle Explorer from Tromsø

From AUD $4,395

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Description

Set out on a circular Arctic Circle cruise from Tromsø into Norway’s far north, where frosty fjords, snow-covered peaks and Northern Lights skies await. Experience Lofoten’s rugged beauty, visit Alta and the North Cape, and discover the serene power of the Arctic in its purest season.

Trip Name
The Arctic Circle Explorer from Tromsø
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 135.75 m Passenger Capacity: 500 Built / refurbished: 2002 / 2023 MS Trollfjord is a premium expedition cruise ship that combines modern comfort with classic Norwegian maritime style. Built in 2002 and refurbished in 2023, the ship accommodates 500 guests across a variety of cabins and suites, ranging from private balcony owners’ suites to triple outside cabins. Interiors feature natural wood and stone, reflecting the beauty of Norway’s fjords, while public spaces include three restaurants, the 1893 Bar, a panoramic lounge, sauna and fitness facilities, lecture hall, and meeting rooms. Life on board blends contemporary amenities with timeless elegance, offering fine dining, inclusive activities, and immersive experiences both on deck and ashore. Designed for expedition and exploration, MS Trollfjord sails the Norwegian coast and Svalbard, guided by an expert expedition team. Guests can participate in lectures, guided hikes, and seasonal excursions, or enjoy onboard activities such as morning yoga, film nights, and cooking demonstrations. Dining highlights include the Flora main restaurant, Bistro Árran, and Røst fine-dining restaurant, each showcasing local Norwegian ingredients and culinary traditions. The ship offers panoramic observation decks, inclusive beverage service, and thoughtfully appointed cabins with en-suite facilities, minibars, and internet access, ensuring comfort while exploring Norway’s fjords, islands, and Arctic landscapes.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Gateway to the Arctic
Welcome to Tromsø, Norway’s vibrant Arctic capital and gateway to the far north. Nestled between mountains and sea, this lively city has long been the departure point for polar adventurers and explorers bound for the edge of the world. Today, it’s your turn to follow that same call of the north as you embark on your explorer voyage into the Arctic Circle. Before boarding, if you have some spare time, why not explore some of Tromsø’s charms. Visit the striking Arctic Cathedral, whose angular form mirrors the surrounding peaks, or ride the cable car up Mount Storsteinen for sweeping views of the city and its icy fjord. The Polar Museum offers fascinating stories of courage and survival from Norway’s golden age of exploration, or simply stroll around Tromsø’s very walkable centre, perhaps indulging in a few Norwegian treats. Later, join your ship and meet your Expedition Team – the onboard experts who’ll guide you through the landscapes, nature and culture of Norway’s far north. We set sail in the evening, so watch as Tromsø’s lights fade astern and enjoy your first evening meal on board. Ahead lies a voyage of snow-clad mountains, deep fjords and coastal wonder as we head further north into Arctic Norway.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Fjords, peaks and Arctic history
Wake to the sight of Narvik, a city cradled by fjords and encircled by snow-clad peaks. Founded as an ice-free port, Narvik played a pivotal role in Arctic exploration and World War II history, its harbours once alive with Allied convoys and iron ore ships. Today, the town offers both quiet beauty and a rich cultural story. Explore the War Museum, where powerful exhibits reveal Norway’s wartime resilience, or take the cable car to the top of Mount Narvikfjellet for sweeping views of Ofotfjord and the mountains that frame it. In winter, the light here feels almost otherworldly – a soft blue radiance that glows across the snow and sea. Whether you choose to learn, wander, or simply stand still and take in the landscape, Narvik offers a perfect blend of history and Arctic grandeur.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Where Lofoten meets the sea
The Lofoten Islands appear on the horizon like something from a dream as jagged peaks rise straight from the sea, their flanks dusted with snow. In Svolvær, the lively heart of the archipelago, brightly painted rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) line the waterfront, and the twin peaks of the so-called Svolvær Goat stand watch above the harbour. Step ashore to explore art galleries inspired by Arctic light, or simply take in the rhythm of harbour life over a cup of coffee. As the day unfolds, we sail through the serene waterways of Lofoten and Vesterålen, passing inspirational landscapes of fjords and mountains. By evening, we enter the narrow and fast-moving Raftsundet channel – one of Norway’s most dramatic stretches of water – before reaching Stokmarknes, birthplace of Hurtigruten itself. Here, the Hurtigruten Museum tells the story of how we bound Norway’s coast together more than a century ago, a legacy that still guides us today.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Everyday life in the north
Harstad sits sheltered among fjords and islands, a place where northern tradition meets striking natural beauty. Once a Viking stronghold and later a hub for Arctic trade, the town still feels deeply connected to its coastal roots, a meeting point of the sea routes, history and culture that have shaped life in the far north for centuries. Step ashore to explore Trondenes Church, one of Norway’s oldest stone churches dating back to the Middle Ages or visit the Trondenes Historical Centre for fascinating insights into Harstad’s long maritime and cultural heritage. Wander the harbour, where fishing boats rest against snow-dusted quays, or browse local galleries and shops showcasing local arts and craftsmanship. For a wider view, follow trails to the surrounding hills for sweeping panoramas of the fjords below. Warm, authentic and full of northern charm.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Where the mountains meet the tundra
Today’s sailing carries you through some of Norway’s most awe-inspiring Arctic landscapes, including past the Lyngen Alps, a jagged spine of ice-tipped peaks rising against the skyline. These are wild, living waters shaped by aeons of geology and restless weather, where the light shifts moment to moment and Sea Eagles can sometimes be spotted tracing wide circles overhead. Every curve of the coast feels sculpted by the rawness of nature. By evening, we arrive in Alta, gateway to the vast wilderness of Finnmark where frozen rivers wind through wide tundra and silence seems infinite. You might choose to travel inland toward Karasjok or Kautokeino, heartlands of Sámi culture, or remain in Alta for a night of quiet reflection beneath the Arctic sky. Alternatively, you can choose to stay overnight in the Igloo Hotel, which is rebuilt each winter from just ice and imagination. In this area, we also find the UNESCO-listed Alta rock carvings that tell stories of life and beliefs thousands of years ago. For those not staying at the Igloo Hotel, you’ll spend the night on board the ship right here in Alta, with the ship docked alongside the quay.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Adventures in Alta
This morning, you’ll wake to the quiet magic of Alta. Outside, the world is hushed under snow, the light soft and pearly against frozen landscapes. This is the perfect place to embrace the season’s spirit of adventure, so why not head out an optional excursion to take advantage of this. You might find yourself being pulled along behind a team of huskies, trying snowmobiling across the open tundra, or heading out on a thrilling whale-watching trip along the icy coast. In town, warmth and culture await. Step inside the strikingly modern Northern Lights Cathedral, its spiralling design echoing the aurora that so often paints the night sky. Otherwise, visit the Alta Museum to uncover stories of early Arctic life and nature. For a moment of reflection, stroll along the river, where frost clings to the banks and silence stretches far and wide.
Day 7 - Day 7 - At the edge of the world
Few moments in travel match the feeling of standing at the North Cape, considered western Europe’s northernmost point. From Honningsvåg, you can choose to journey across the Arctic tundra to reach the edge of the continent, where a sheer cliff drops 300m into the restless ocean below. The air here feels charged, the silence vast, a meeting place of the elements. Returning to Honningsvåg, you’ll find a softer side of the Arctic. Wander around its colourful harbour, visit the North Cape Museum, or linger in a café watching fishing boats drift in and out. Life here moves at its own steady rhythm, a warm, human heart of the far north.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Closing the Arctic circle
Your Arctic voyage comes full circle as we arrive back in Tromsø this morning. The city’s lights shimmer beneath the mountains, a welcome sight after days among fjords, islands, and icy horizons. If time allows before your onward journey, explore what you may have missed before departure. Stroll along the harbour, visit the aquarium at Polaria, or simply enjoy a final coffee while watching the ships come and go. As you disembark, take a moment to reflect on the landscapes you’ve seen: the fjords, peaks, and frozen plains that make Arctic Norway one of the most stirring places on Earth. We look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure with us!
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-01-202818-01-2028AUD $4,395Polar Inside
11-01-202818-01-2028AUD $5,054Polar Outside
11-01-202818-01-2028AUD $7,032Arctic Superior
11-01-202818-01-2028AUD $10,987Expedition Suite
08-02-202815-02-2028AUD $4,550Polar Inside
08-02-202815-02-2028AUD $5,233Polar Outside
08-02-202815-02-2028AUD $7,280Arctic Superior
08-02-202815-02-2028AUD $11,375Expedition Suite

Inclusions

    • Enjoy longer stays in port and superb dining in multiple restaurants with unlimited selected drinks.
    • Stand at the legendary North Cape where ocean, wilderness and sky meet at the land’s edge.
    • Join unforgettable excursions – husky sledding, snowshoeing and visiting the wilderness of Finnmark.
    • Stay in Alta with Igloo Hotel option, explore Sámi heartlands and gaze skywards for the aurora.
    • Rugged peaks and icy fjords: enjoy a scenic winter cruise taking in the magical Lofoten Islands

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