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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 $12,595

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Description

Arctic Winter Wonderland at Christmas Setting out from Tromsø, explore four spectacular regions and experience a magical Christmas with snow covered landscapes . As we spend an exciting week witnessing the glacial majesty of the Lyngen Alps, the dramatic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, the forested mountains of Vesterålen and the serenity of Senja, you’ll see snow-frosted mountains, deep blue fjords, cosy villages decked with twinkling Christmas lights  and – with luck – the ethereal Northern Lights overhead. This time of year can be fully dark in the north, making it a magical time to enjoy an intimate Scandinavian voyage and a unique festive onboard experience.  
Set a Course for Adventure with the True Norway Experts We’ve been sailing Norway’s coast since 1896, and nobody knows the region like we do. Using our expertise and with a flexible itinerary, we’ll head out in our small expedition boats to the best and most beautiful islands and beaches. Here you’ll enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, hiking and kayaking. What’s more, three unique and bespoke adventures mean you’ll experience a beach bonfire under the stars, a Nordic sauna and polar plunge, and an after-hours heritage dinner at a museum reserved exclusively for us.  

Trip Name
Ultimate Norway at Christmas - Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
Days
8
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 TromsøBacked by snowy mountains, lively Tromsø is the perfect place from which to set out on an adventure. It was the base for many a historic Arctic expedition, 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’. 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, cafes 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.
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, 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. The Lyngen Fjord is over a hundred miles long, and we’ll spend the day going on a nature landing, with hikes, snowshoe walks and – if conditions allow – kayaking.  Later, it’s time for a real treat. After our active day we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. With hot drinks in hand, Norwegian foods 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. Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.  
Day 3 - Day 3 Senja
Discover Norway in miniatureSenja 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’ll visit a local community and experience some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about the Sámi culture, and  life in remote villages during the winter months.  During this Christmas season, 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.  Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above. 
Day 4 - Day 4 Vesterålen
Enjoy an exclusive adventureVesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes – the perfect place for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and morning kayaking. In the afternoon we enjoy another bespoke adventure when we spend an evening at the Hurtigruten Museum. Here, we’ll enjoy an exclusive opening and be served a Christmas themed dinner in this very special heritage setting. Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above. 
Day 5 - Day 5 Lofoten
Get to know Lofoten in more detailSailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær to, we aim to cruise through the Raftsunde strait to Trollfjord, passing between towering cliffs. As we do so, you’ll enjoy great views from the deck, and we sail so close to the sides it feels like you can almost touch them! In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal for a small ship like MS Spitsbergen. Embark on a fishing trip from Svolvær, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge – sure to revitalise you!  Get a taste of Svolvær when our ship stays late into the night here. It’s a small town, but it’s the biggest you’ll find in these islands, and there are a few cosy restaurants and bars here if you fancy trying a Lofoten snack or brew. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights – wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere. Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above. 
Day 6 - Day 6 Exploring Lofoten
A Christmas Eve to rememberIn 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.  Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Day 7 - Day 7 Towards Tromsø
Enjoy Christmas Day in serene Norwegian beautyToday 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 most likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, perhaps enjoying another cinnamon bun or mug of hot chocolate as the sublime Arctic scenery glides past. Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above. 
Day 8 - Day 8 Return to Tromsø
Another opportunity to explore Tromsø Your 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
19-12-202726-12-2027AUD $12,595Polar Inside. From
19-12-202726-12-2027AUD $14,035Polar Outside. From
19-12-202726-12-2027AUD $15,594Arctic Superior. From
19-12-202726-12-2027AUD $19,762Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Magical white Christmas in Norway. Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure, with snow-covered landscapes, traditional Norwegian food and onboard yuletide cheer.
    • Flexible-itinerary Arctic Norway expedition during the ‘winter wonderland’ season – the best time to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities.
    • Three unique and bespoke experiences: Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours; Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge; and Into the Night – Dinner at the Museum.

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