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Peregrine Travel Centre

Ultimate Norway at Christmas – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

Ultimate Norway at Christmas – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

From AUD $9,216

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Description

A Northern Norwegian Christmas Welcome to a quieter kind of Christmas, set against the stillness of the Arctic. Travelling aboard a purpose-built HX expedition ship, you’ll journey through Northern Norway’s wild coast — from the Lyngen Alps and Senja to the islands of Vesterålen and Lofoten. With flexibility to follow nature’s lead, each day is shaped by opportunity: snowshoeing through quiet forest trails, cruising among icy inlets, or simply admiring the coastal communities in their magical Christmas lights. 
Live the Nordic Winter Life On shore and on board, experience a season steeped in Norwegian customs — and shaped by the rhythm of the Arctic winter. Warm up with spiced gløgg and gingerbread, learn the stories behind local decorations and seasonal dishes, and join in festive traditions as Norwegians have for generations. You might step into a centuries-old stave church, dine by candlelight in the Hurtigruten Museum, or raise a toast by a beach bonfire beneath the Northern Lights. 

Trip Name
Ultimate Norway at Christmas - Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 100 metres Passenger Capacity: 335 Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016 MS Spitsbergen is an intimate expedition vessel named after the largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, designed for deep exploration of remote polar and subpolar regions. Rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025, the ship combines modern expedition capability with Scandinavian simplicity and elegance. With capacity for just 150 guests, enhanced manoeuvrability, and a compact size, she can access narrow fjords, secluded coastlines, and landing sites beyond the reach of larger ships, offering a highly immersive style of exploration supported by an experienced Expedition Team of naturalists and guides. Life onboard is calm, functional, and closely connected to the surrounding environment, with panoramic windows, open decks, and interiors inspired by the sea. Facilities include an Explorer Lounge and Bar, a central Science Centre for lectures and workshops, regionally inspired dining venues, and wellness spaces such as a panoramic sauna, fitness room, and outdoor hot tubs. Accommodation ranges from comfortable cabins to spacious Expedition Suites with private balconies, balancing practicality with understated comfort. MS Spitsbergen operates as a true floating basecamp, prioritising access, education, and meaningful engagement with some of the world’s most remote landscapes.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Depart from Tromsø
 Lap up the Christmas atmosphere in Tromsø Backed by snowy mountains, lively Tromsø is the perfect place from which to set out on an adventure. It was the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’.  Just like the legendary explorers, now it is your turn to set a course for the Arctic. If you arrive early in Tromsø, we recommend exploring the city before joining your cruise. This time of year is enchanting, with bustling Christmas markets, cafés serving gløgg (hot mulled wine) and twinkling lights in every window. From the Fjellheisen cable car, you’ll have an amazing view over the snowy city and its festive decorations. Make sure to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral – with its huge stained-glass window.  
Day 2 - Day 2 Exploring Lyngenfjord and Alps
 Approaching the scenic Lyngen Alps via the LyngenfjordFor the next seven days we’ll be exploring four distinct regions in depth, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen. The scenic Lyngen area is a landscape of jagged, snowy mountains, and a magnet for winter activities. Lyngenfjord is over a hundred miles long, and we’ll spend our time here going on nature landings, hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking and, if conditions allow, spotting whales from our small expedition boats or the ship’s deck. Later, it’s time for a real treat. Inspired by Norway’s friluftsliv, or deep love for the great outdoors, we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on our Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours experience. With hot drinks in hand and Norwegian treats cooked by our onboard chefs, you’ll really feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display for us.  
Day 3 - Day 3 Senja
 Discover Norway in miniature Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, and it’s sometimes called Norway-in-miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free-roaming reindeer wander around the island, so keep an eye out for them. We plan to visit the historic settlement of Tranoya for a unique experience with some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about ancient Viking culture and modern life in the remote villages of Arctic Norway during the winter months.In December and January, we’ll sometimes be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day – but this will only enhance our experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight.   
Day 4 - Day 4 Vesterålen
 Enjoy an exclusive adventureVesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and kayaking. We plan to spend two days in this region.   It’s here that we have our special Into the Night – Dinner at the Museum experience at Hurtigrutemuseet, the Hurtigruten Museum. You’ll enjoy an exclusive opening of this heritage setting and dine amid historical artefacts in the old dining room of the ship, MS Finnmarken.  
Day 5 - Day 5-6 Lofoten
 Get to know Lofoten in more detail Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær, your Captain and Expedition Leader will chart the day’s route based on conditions and opportunities, ensuring we make the most of what the region has to offer. If conditions allow, we’ll venture into Trollfjord, where narrow waters are framed by sheer-sided cliffs, Or we’ll cruise between rugged peaks through the Raftsundet Strait. Whatever route we take, you’ll be immersed in striking scenery. And as we navigate dramatic fjords, the mountains rise so close to the ship you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch them.In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fishing communities are all ideal to visit with a small ship like MS Spitsbergen.  One such community is Svolvær. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights – wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere. To top it off, you’ll also get to enjoy your second special experience, a Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge. Embrace a revitalising Norwegian tradition as you relax in the warmth of a sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge. 
Day 6 - Day 7 Christmas in Lofoten
 A Jul to remember In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. We’ll enjoy a lovely day as we sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks. Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.  
Day 7 - Day 8-9 Towards Tromsø
 Enjoy Christmas Day in serene Norwegian beauty Today is Christmas Day, and we’ll continue to enjoy the uniquely festive onboard atmosphere, but with added adventure. We’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø – at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way we have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in our small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities. The scenery continues to be stunning as we pass through these inner waters, with the magical winter light playing softly on the sea and mountains.  We also pass through areas where we’re likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna or join the Expedition Team to listen to talks and attend discovery sessions in the Science Centre.
Day 8 - Day 10 Return to Tromsø
 Another opportunity to explore TromsøYour Christmas expedition cruise ends back in Tromsø. If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, make sure you do now. There’s so much to see and do here. 
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-12-202727-12-2027AUD $9,216Polar Inside. From
18-12-202727-12-2027AUD $10,783Polar Outside. From
18-12-202727-12-2027AUD $12,903Arctic Superior. From
18-12-202727-12-2027AUD $15,668Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Experience a magical white Christmas in Northern Norway with snow-covered landscapes, traditional Norwegian food and true yuletide cheer.
    • Embrace a flexible itinerary, seek out the ethereal Northern Lights, and go beyond the usual highlights to discover the real Arctic Norway.
    • Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure filled with winter activities, from kayaking and snowshoeing to whale-spotting and expedition boat cruising.
    • Immerse yourself in the Norwegian way of life with three special experiences designed to bring you closer to the country’s iconic culture, nature and heritage.

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