Spring Expedition Cruise to Svalbard from Dover

Description

Norway’s beautiful coast
Sailing from Dover, you’ll head straight for the Norwegian coast and explore dramatic and enchanting fjords like Trollfjord, Hjørundfjord and Sognefjord. You’ll visit remote fishing villages in the Lofoten Islands, and the historic cities of Bergen and Tromsø to learn more about Norway, its history, people and culture. You’ll also marvel at the breathtaking mountains and glaciers which serve as the perfect backdrop along the way.

Wild and remote Svalbard archipelago
We have unmatched experience in Svalbard, dating back as far as 1896. You’ll see a range of Arctic birdlife on Bear Island and be on the lookout for elusive polar bears at Hornsund. Isfjord boasts dramatic landscapes while Bellsund offers history and beauty in equal measure.

On this exciting expedition cruise, sea ice and weather conditions may make certain landings a challenge. That’s an authentic part of being on an adventure but rest assured that we’ll always take you to the best places available for the best experience possible.

Trip Name

Spring Expedition Cruise to Svalbard 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 The journey begins

Set sail from the White Cliffs of Dover to the historic port of HarwichAll aboard at Dover! MS Maud is ready to take you north toward Norway and Svalbard – the realm of the polar bear. Once on board the ship, you’ll meet your expert Expedition Team, your hosts and guides throughout the voyage.When the ship sets sail, we’ll pass the white cliffs of Dover and head up the North Sea, calling at Harwich, one of the most important ports on the Essex coast and the point of departure for many historic explorers. In keeping with Harwich tradition, and to celebrate the start of your journey, you’ll enjoy a local sea shanty performance before crossing the North Sea.

Day 2 - DAY 2 Norway bound

Enjoy the ship’s superb facilities and learn about the places you‘ll visitThe next day at sea will give you time to enjoy onboard facilities, such as the hot tubs, sauna, and indoor gym. The Expedition Team, experts in their respective fields, will begin their series of insightful lectures over at the Science Center. You’ll find them to be walking, talking treasure troves of stories and information.They’ll share their extensive knowledge about the places, history, nature, people, and natural phenomena we are likely to encounter during this cruise along the Norwegian coast. Today’s topics might include Norway's climate, the weather of the North Sea or the history of travel along the Norwegian coast.

Day 3 - DAY 3 Picturesque town of wooden houses

Call in at delightful Egersund with its brightly coloured housesEgersund is famous for its brightly coloured, wooden houses – a welcome sight as you approach the harbour. People have lived around the area of Egersund since the Stone Age, and ancient runes have been found carved into rocks nearby. It’s also one of the best natural harbours in Norway, and it used to be the most important in the country in terms of the quantity of fish landed each year. Enjoy exploring the delightful town centre, which has preserved some of the best examples of wooden houses – a few even dating back 160 years. The varied landscape surrounding the town is great for walking.

Day 4 - DAY 4 City of Seven Mountains

Experience stunning mountain views, and explore the charming city of BergenBergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, was Norway’s capital for many years. Your included activity is an excursion to Mount Fløyen. From the ship, we’ll hop on buses and drive to the Fløibanen funicular. At the summit, 1,049 ft high, bask in stunning views over the city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea.Back in Bergen, you can explore the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this thriving, compact city. Also, be sure to stroll through the historic Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs. The area dates back to the 14th century and now houses boutique stores selling a range of Norwegian arts and crafts.

Day 5 - DAY 5 Exceptional natural beauty

Walk amid breathtaking scenery, then spend the evening in beautiful ÅlesundSurrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps, Hjørundfjorden is one of the most scenic fjords in all of Norway and still undiscovered by most other cruise lines. After we anchor close to a settlement in the fjord, a local boat will take you ashore. There’s an optional guided walk taking in villages along Hjørundfjorden, or you can opt for more exhilarating excursions such as a mountain hike or kayaking.In the evening, we’ll call at Ålesund, a small town with cobblestone streets, numerous spires, and highly ornate architecture. Look closely and spot the variety of stone statues carved into the buildings. As Norway’s fishing capital, Ålesund is also the site of the Atlantic Sea Park.

Day 6 - DAY 6 Expedition day

Embark on a day of adventure among Norway’s little-known islandsOur plan today is to explore the islands off the coast of central Norway. As part of an authentic adventure, the weather will determine our exact route and activities. If the weather is pleasant, we can stay out among the islands; otherwise, we can head into one of the sheltered bays.Once the elements have helped us decide on our destination for the day, we’ll drop anchor and use our small exploration boats to get to shore. If conditions are right, you’ll be able to pick optional excursion hikes or kayaking, or possibly even both. Frøya, one of the islands we may explore, is rich in wildlife.

Day 7 - DAY 7 ‘Black ice’

View the dark ice of Norway’s second biggest glacierSailing the Holandsfjord off the Helgeland Coast, we arrive at Svartisen (‘Black Ice’), Norway’s second largest glacier. The characteristically deep colour of the ice includes turquoise and dark blue, but never quite black. Surrounded by the Saltfjell mountain range, Svartisen is actually made up of two separate glaciers separated by the long Vesterdalen valley.Our aim for the day is to land on the local jetty and visit the Svartisen Glacier Museum. You’ll also have opportunities to take optional excursions near the glacier and its surroundings. From Svartisen you’ll also see the Engen glacier, which can be reached on an extended optional excursion hike.

Day 8 - DAY 8 Iconic Lofoten landscapes

Visit idyllic Reine and the historic fishing village of ÅAlong a coast of distinctive peaks, sheltered bays, untouched beaches, and picturesque fishing villages, we’ll aim to land in idyllic Reine in the morning. As part of an included activity, you’ll board a bus to the historic fishing village of Å, with its well-preserved houses, smithy, old cod liver oil press, and bakery. The local museum explains how cod fishing has been key to establishing Norway as a country.From Reine, we sail to Trollfjord, a narrow waterway where vertical mountain walls loom above. Depending on weather conditions, you might get to experience the ship sailing so close to the cliff walls that you’ll feel you could reach out and touch them.

Day 9 - DAY 9 Gateway to the Arctic

Encounter the fascinating history and culture of the gateway to the ArcticArriving in Tromsø early in the morning, you get to spend the entire day and evening exploring its fascinating history, culture and bold architecture. Historically, Tromsø was a frontier town for returning hunters and explorers, and a launch point for several Arctic expeditions. Today you can browse the shops, sample the region’s fresh produce, or visit the world’s northernmost brewery.Your included activity in Tromsø is a visit to the Polar Museum, and optional excursions include nature hikes and scenic bus rides.

Day 10 - DAY 10 To the top of the world

Experience the spectacular North Cape and the best seafood in EuropeStarting the day by arriving at the small town of Skarsvåg, you’ll now visit one of the northernmost points in Europe as part of an included excursion. The scenic bus ride passes small bays and tiny villages, then crosses a mountain plateau before arriving at spectacular North Cape.Take a selfie at the Globe Monument before visiting the North Cape Hall for several exhibits and a short film chronicling the history of the cape. Your included visit to the North Cape can also be combined with experiences on the island of Magerøya, where the local restaurants have the best seafood dishes, and king crabs are available all year round.

Day 11 - DAY 11 'Bear Island’ without the bears

Island nature reserve with a spectacularly scenic coastAbout midway between the mainland and Spitsbergen, we arrive at Bjørnøya, or Bear Island. The island is actually more renowned for birdlife than for sightings of polar bears! Except for a small meteorological station, the entire island is a nature reserve. It’s mainly flat and dominated by shallow lakes, but the landscape starts to get more mountainous in the south.The coast is spectacular with its striking rock columns and caves, and tall cliffs dominate the southern tip of the island, making for fantastic views. If conditions allow, we may go ashore for hikes and do small boat cruising. You may even get to go kayaking as an optional activity.

Day 12 - DAY 12 South Spitsbergen National Park

Watch for bears and other animals at this polar national parkToday we explore the wonderfully varied landscape of Hornsund, part of the South Spitsbergen National Park and one of the most spectacular natural corners of the world. On a clear day, you may see Hornsundtind towering 4,695 ft above sea level. The possibility that we might see polar bears makes a visit to Hornsund so special. Other animals to watch for are walruses, seals, reindeer and Arctic foxes.Our custom-made explorer vessels allow us to attempt landings where other ships can’t, giving you a better chance of seeing 15-mile-long Hornsund up close. Depending on weather and sea ice, there are also optional excursions such as hiking, kayaking and small boat cruising.

Day 13 - DAY 13 Second-longest fjord in Svalbard

Prepare for a day of exploration in this glacier-carved regionGet into explorer mode as we sail into the second-longest fjord in Svalbard. A lush and beautiful system rich in wildlife and vegetation, it has immense valleys carved out by glaciers some 10,000 years ago. Remains of Svalbard’s whaling and hunting heritage can be found along the beaches and bays.South of the fjords lies the famous Isfjord Radio station, a former radio and weather station that now serves as one of the most beautifully situated hotels in the world. The landscape of the inner parts of Isfjorden changes constantly, so we will decide where to go and what to do based upon weather and ice conditions when we arrive.

Day 14 - DAY 14 Beauty and history in one

Look out for reindeer and historic ruins at beautiful BellsundA 12-mile-long sound, Bellsund derives its name from the bell-shaped mountain Klokkefjellet at its mouth. You might catch sight of migrating Svalbard reindeer grazing the lush vegetation that is richly fertilised by droppings from the seabirds above – just the circle of life at work!Cultural remains from other periods can be seen throughout Bellsund. Ruins of 1900s mining settlements are still visible, and you can see them as we spend the day exploring the area with landings, hikes and optional kayaking activities, if weather conditions allow.

Day 15 - DAY 15 Heading south again

Wind down after your exciting Svalbard experienceAfter our Svalbard adventure, we start our journey southward, crossing the Barents Sea. It’s named after the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz, who discovered Spitsbergen and Bear Island. Unwind in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, soak in a hot tub or enjoy the vastness of the never-ending horizon.The Expedition Team continues its onboard lecture series, possibly talking about the battle of the Barents Sea during WW2. Spend some time in the Science Center and learn some useful hints on expedition photography from our onboard expert.

Day 16 - DAY 16 Norway in miniature

Spend a day exploring the diverse landscapes of a ‘miniature Norway’Today, we dock at Senja, one of the most ruggedly beautiful and lesser-visited islands in Norway. Optional excursions may include guided hikes or kayaking. Sometimes referred to as ‘Norway in miniature’, the island boasts diverse landscapes that seem to change in the blink of an eye.Senja’s northern coastline is characterised by lofty mountains plummeting straight into the sea, interspersed with isolated coves and sandy beaches that fringe crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Southern Senja is distinguished by its rocky coastline and pine forests and is home to Ånderdalen National Park. The eastern side of Senja has gentler, more forgiving landscapes with rolling hills and birch forests.

Day 17 - DAY 17 Far out at sea

Enjoy an excursion to a 400-island archipelago on the Arctic CircleSailing along the Helgeland coast, with nothing but sky and sea ahead, mountains rise from the horizon. This is Træna, an archipelago of over 400 islands right on the Arctic Circle. We plan to go on a scenic walk around the village of Husøya where most of Træna’s 454 inhabitants live.Optional excursions might include hiking, island hopping, enjoying a sauna, observing sea eagles, tasting local fish dishes or bathing in the Norwegian Sea.There’s also Kirkhellern ‘Cathedral’ Cave on the island of Sanna. The acoustics make it ideal for outdoor concerts, but the main draw is evidence of human life in the cave as far back as 9,000 years ago.

Day 18 - DAY 18 Rest and relaxation

Dabble in science or simply relax and watch the world go byPart of being on an expedition is knowing how to enjoy the moment and just taking time out to reconnect with nature and the world around you. So, settle into a sofa in the panoramic Explorer Lounge, soak in a hot tub out on deck, or sit back and simply take in the serene scenery.There’s more to learn in lectures from the Expedition Team. and you can dabble in a bit of science in the onboard Science Center. We also support a number of Citizen Science projects that you can join in.

Day 19 - DAY 19 The longest fjord of Norway

Learn all about glaciers and how they shaped the Norwegian landscapeIn the morning we plan to cruise deep into Sognefjorden, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, to the tiny hamlet of Fjærland. Only 300 people live in this idyllic village with its many charming old buildings and picturesque second-hand book shops. This is also the place where Sognefjorden meets Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent.A visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the included activity of the day. There you can learn why glacier ice is blue and how the fjords were formed. You can even perform a few experiments with 1,000-year-old glacier ice and watch a panoramic film about Europe’s largest glacier.

Day 20 - DAY 20-21 Relax and unwind

Take the time to relax with friends and look back on your adventuresOn the return journey you can spend time chatting with new friends, perhaps recalling the best moments of your expedition together. Enjoy drinks in the Explorer Lounge & Bar while swapping friendly banter and stories of past adventures. You might even catch a couple of the crew and Expedition Team here too. 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 your memorable expedition cruise to the Svalbard archipelago and the coast of Norway.

Day 21 - DAY 22 Return to England

Say farewell to your ship, its Captain and crew, and the Expedition TeamWe arrive at Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the town’s harbour. After breakfast, it’s time to leave your home for the past 21 days. Before you rush off, you might to like to visit Dover Castle, said to be the largest in England. There is a rare Roman lighthouse here, one of only three in the world and reputedly the UK’s oldest building.You can also go on a tour of the underground hospital and secret WW2 tunnels that run beneath the castle complex. Whatever’s next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!

Day 22 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

Witness spectacular fjords, pristine glaciers, and thrilling wildlife on an expedition cruise from Dover to Norway and the Svalbard archipelago.