Spring Expedition Cruise to Norway’s Fjords from Dover

Description

Norway’s ‘royal’ fjords
This springtime expedition cruise encompasses five of Norway’s most beautiful fjords. Discover why Sognefjord is nicknamed ‘King of the Fjords’ as we explore it and visit the charming village of Flåm. From there, your ship continues to Skjolden at the end of Sognefjord, passing snowcapped mountains and remote settlements along the way. You’ll then soak up the scenery of magnificent Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site hailed as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ among the Norwegian fjords.

High peaks and lush valleys
In Nordfjord, you’ll see high peaks and glaciers, fertile valleys and beautiful sandy beaches. We’ll anchor at Loen, where stunning views await at the top of Mount Hoven. Next, you’ll explore the wild, lush valleys of Hardangerfjord, ‘Queen of the Fjords’, and home to some of the prettiest orchards in Norway. Cap off your spectacular fjord adventure at Lysefjord and take in the iconic Pulpit Rock viewpoint before sailing back to Dover.

Spring is in the air
Sailing in spring, the sun has returned to Norway’s skies, bringing longer, warmer days which awaken local flora and fauna from their winter slumber. Snow still covers the mountains, but as it thaws, meltwater gushes down rock faces, powering beautiful waterfalls and adding a deep colour to rivers. Down in the valleys, pastures are green, fruit trees bloom and idyllic fjord villages emerge from hibernation.

Trip Name

Spring Expedition Cruise to Norway’s Fjords from Dover

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 135,75 m Passenger Capacity: 528 Built: 2003 About the ship MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917. The original 'Maud' got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten Expedition’s 1925 flagship, DS Dronning Maud ('DS Queen Maud'). Ship features This ship has passed stringent tests and has been accredited by the leading independent certification body Bureau Veritas (BV). The strict and thorough safety audit required by BV ensures every ship is in compliance with industry and international health, safety and hygiene best practices. When you see the SafeGuard label, you can feel confident the vessel you’re sailing in meets the highest standards to achieve certification. SafeGuard furthermore ensures that best practice guidelines are being followed with regard to hygiene, sanitation and limiting the spread of infectious diseases on board. Today, MS Maud is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles. Premium expedition comfort Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Channel your inner scientist in the advanced Science Center and enjoy daily lectures in the lecture hall or in the comfort of your cabin with our new streaming service. Sample delicious dishes from local suppliers in the restaurants and enjoy beverages and the spectacular views in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. On deck 9, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor Observation deck. There’s also a gym and a sauna with stunning views. Interior and Cabins MS Maud is well-suited for expedition cruising, with a décor inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Explorer lounge & bar Enjoy the view with a drink in the Explorer lounge & bar. Science Center The hub of onboard learning is our Science Center, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. We stream for your comfort our lectures to cabins. Gym The MS Maud offers a complete gym. Sauna & Ralaxation After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs or the sauna, exercise in the gym, take in the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge & Bar, or browse in the on-board shop. Library The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board. Observation Deck The Observation Deck is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch wildlife with your binoculars. Aune Restaurant Welcome onboard to a culinary journey and our award-winning food sourcing program. On board you find restaurant Aune - our main dining room; Named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim Restaurant The ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Fredheim - with casual fast food and plant based alternatives. Lindstrom Restaurant And our fine dining restaurant Lindstrøm, named after Polar Hero and Amundsen Chef Adolf Lindstrøm. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 Setting sail

Start your cruise to Norway’s famous fjords from the White Cliffs of DoverIf you have time, walk atop Dover’s iconic white cliffs before embarking your comfortable expedition ship, MS Maud.Once on board, you’ll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and attend a mandatory safety drill. Head out on deck and gaze at the fishing boats and seagulls as we bid a fond farewell to Dover. Later in the evening, we’ll call on the port of Harwich, which is one of the most important ports on the Essex coast. To celebrate the start of our journey, you’ll enjoy a local sea shanty performance before crossing the North Sea.

Day 2 - DAY 2-3 Northbound to the fjords of Norway

Settle into the rhythm of life at sea – expedition styleAs we sail to Norway, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the ship. You can work up a sweat in the gym, spot wildlife out on the Observation Deck, soak in a hot tub or indulge yourself in one of our three restaurants.The Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventure ahead by giving lectures on topics ranging from geology to photography. We also support several Citizen Science projects that you can join in. Not only will you be helping the scientific community, you’ll also be getting a better understanding of the world around you.

Day 3 - DAY 4 Spectacular fjord landscape

Welcome to Flåm, the quintessential Norwegian villageSurrounded by steep mountainsides and cascading waterfalls, Flåm couldn’t possess a more scenic backdrop. Experience the natural beauty around you on nature walks, or by biking or kayaking.You’ll want to go up to the Stegastein viewing platform. An architectural masterpiece jutting out from the mountainside, you’ll be standing over 2,000 ft above the Aurlandsfjord.Flåm’s iconic railway is a masterpiece of engineering and one of the steepest railways in the world. You’ll feel the pull of nostalgia as you’re whisked through breathtaking mountain scenery on an hour-long optional excursion.

Day 4 - DAY 5 Idyllic fjord villages and a stave church

Discover Skjolden, the tiny village at the end of the world’s longest fjordSailing deep into Sognefjord, we’ll pass idyllic villages dotted along fertile plains. One of these is Skjolden, home to around 200 residents and our intended base for today.Enjoy a trip to nearby Urnes Stave Church, an outstanding example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture. It’s the oldest stave church in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have the chance to join optional excursions, including hiking or kayaking.In the evening, we may do a scenic cruise of Nærøyfjorden, which has designated UNESCO status and is said to be among the most scenically outstanding landscapes in the world.

Day 5 - DAY 6 Seven wonderful waterfalls

Explore Geirangerfjord - the jewel in the crown of Norway’s fjordsWith fewer visitors and milder weather, spring is arguably the best season to see Geirangerfjord, often referred to as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Norwegian fjords. Cruising along deep emerald-green waters, you’ll discover a fairytale landscape featuring spectacular waterfalls, including the famed Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters.Tender boats will take you ashore to explore the fjord and its many small communities if conditions allow. We’ve picked some fantastic optional activities for you to enjoy. Among them – if conditions are favourable – is the chance to kayak along the fjord.

Day 6 - DAY 7 The view from the top

Soak up stunning mountain views in Loen, the tiny village that has it allSailing to the idyllic village of Loen, you’ll gaze upon dazzling glaciers, fertile valleys and beautiful sandy beaches. Situated at the base of Nordfjord and Mount Hoven, Loen comes with postcard-ready views and a variety of ways to explore.Take advantage of Loen’s Skylift cable car and climb to the top of Mount Hoven. You’ll have spectacular views of the mountains, valleys and the fjord.If the weather allows, you can join guided hikes along alpine trails in optional excursions. The impressive Briksdalsbreen Glacier and the nearby Kleivafossen waterfall are also popular attractions.

Day 7 - DAY 8 Your first fjord in spring bloom

Mountains, glaciers and apple orchards, Hardangerfjord in spring is a paradiseWelcome to Hardangerfjord, the fifth-longest fjord in the world. The climate here is mild, and in spring, the hillsides are blanketed in the white blossom of some of the prettiest apple orchards in Norway.We’ll explore either of the villages of Sunndal or Rosendal, depending on local conditions. From Sunndal, you can explore the area on a scenic hike or go kayaking with the Expedition Team as optional excursions.A small, charming village, Rosendal’s biggest attraction is the 16th century Barony, a manor famous for its beautiful rose garden and landscaped grounds.

Day 8 - DAY 9 On a high at Pulpit Rock

Prepare to see some of the most striking rock formations in the worldPreikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, is perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in Norway and the popular subject of many social media posts. As we approach Preikestolen, we hope to be treated to a fine view of this incredible rock formation from below.If weather conditions allow, you’ll have an optional excursion to do the five-hour guided hike to the Preikestolen viewpoint 1,982 ft above Lysefjord.If you remain on the ship, you can spend time out on deck admiring the magnificent scenery and looking up at the majestic mountains towering around you.

Day 9 - DAY 10 Rest, relax and reflect

Recall the best moments of your expedition cruiseToday is a day at sea. Make the most of your day on board MS Maud. You may want to soak in a hot tub, work out in the gym, relax in the Explorer Lounge or edit the photographs from your trip.Don’t miss the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of our memorable expedition cruise to the fjords of Norway. As we cross the North Sea, you may spot the seabirds and dolphins that like to follow the ship.

Day 10 - DAY 11 Un-fjord-gettable memories

End your expedition cruise in Dover, the gateway to EnglandToday you’ll say farewell to Ms Maud, taking with you unforgettable memories of the magnificent fjords along Norway’s west coast. But before you rush off, Dover has several attractions you won’t want to miss. No trip here is complete without walking alongside or atop the iconic White Cliffs that have become a symbol for England. You might also like to visit Dover Castle, tipped to be the largest in England and home to a rare Roman lighthouse.Whatever’s next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!

Day 11 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Explore five of Norway’s most beautiful fjords on this springtime expedition cruise, sailing direct to the stunning Norwegian coast from Dover.