Norway's Fjords and the North Cape from Dover

Description

Norway boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, with dramatic fjords and awe-inspiring countryside at every turn. On this voyage, we explore some unique towns along the rugged coastline to get close to nature and immerse ourselves in local culture along the way.  Enjoy beautiful Arctic landscape, charming villages and bustling towns. Explore some of the hidden treasures in the area, as well as the best-known landmarks. All hand picked by the experts on Norway. We are excited to show our backyard, the authentic heart of Northern Norway. 

Explore the Norwegian coast in spectacular spring, summer and autumn, and discover the incredible Lofoten Islands and North Cape. Explore hand picked cities and towns that spring to life with the return of the sun and sail into majestic and less-visited Hjørundfjord. These expedition style cruises from Dover to Norway’s North Cape will take in many of the great fights of Norway’s Coast, Fjords and islands.

Included in your voyage
Expedition Cruise
Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune and Fredheim
A la carte restaurant Lindstrom included for suite guests
Complimentary tea and coffee
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
Range of included excursions
Onboard Activities
Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library, biological and geological microscopes and samples
Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym and outdoor gym
Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
Escorted landings using our fleet of small expedition boats or local tender boats
Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings

Trip Name

Norway's Fjords and the North Cape from Dover

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Passengers: 528 Built / Refurbished: 2003 / 2021 MS Maude is designed to explore the magnificent Norwegian coast and polar areas in ultimate comfort, with advanced equipment and a sustainable profile. MS Maude (MS Midnatsol prior to the makeover) is named for the Viking explorer, also known as Eric the Red. He discovered, named and settled Greenland in the 10th century. Like its namesake, MS Maude is a great adventurer, meant to explore the rugged Norwegian coastline all year long. MS Maude has a modern design and progressive environmental profile. The interior’s bright, colourful décor is inspired by Norway's sunny summer days, a motif reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. The vessel's sun deck and hot tub are on deck 9. Key features on MS Maude include a spacious, two-storey panorama lounge above the bow. Its wall-to-wall windows bathe the lounge in natural light and provide extraordinary views. MS Maude is an ice class 1C ship and is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well suited for expedition cruises in Norway. Low impact exploration MS Maude will soon be equipped with a battery pack, allowing it to sail into pristine polar areas without air and water emissions. The ship will also have shore power connections installed, to cut all emissions when docked in ports with shore power facilities. Its engines are being substantially upgraded into low-emission motors, complying with all known and upcoming regulations. A number of other technical upgrades will contribute to greater savings in fuel and emissions. Facilities on board MS Maude Cabins and public areas Norway´s stunning scenery is reflected in the ship´s interior design. Comfortable cabins and suites feature natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool. Our stylish and welcoming public areas create great places to watch the world´s most beautiful coastline pass by. 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. Restaurants Our three onboard restaurants have menus drawn from Norwegian traditions, as well as international cuisine. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you can expect honest and delicious cuisine that reflects our destinations. Wellness and Relaxation After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs, excercise in the gym, take in the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge, surf on the wifi network, or browse the onboard shop. Onboard Expedition Team MS Maude has its own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a virtual university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities indoors as well as out on deck make for exciting and educational journeys. Topics depend on the season and waters we sail in. The Expedition Team hosts a lecture and presentations programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can take part in live points of interest sessions to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter during the cruise. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv’ (outdoor life) and encourage you join in hikes and activities during the journey. We provide the basic gear needed.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Dover

Day 2 - Day 2: At sea

Enjoy a day at sea as we head north to the Norwegian coastline.Meet our Expedition Team, who prepare you for exciting adventures ahead. Listen in on talks by these experienced explorers who share their extensive knowledge.Or maybe you just want to kick back and relax. Admire the views, try some of the ship’s cuisine that caught your eye on the menu, or settle into a good book while enjoying this day at sea.

Day 3 - Day 3: Bergen

In the morning, we get our first glimpse of the Norwegian coast. Small islands and mountains draw closer. We leave the North Sea and enter scenic straits and fjords.After lunch, we arrive in Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities and a great place to explore by foot. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years. The city has retained a great deal of its local character, history and charm, and is a hub for Norwegian travel. Be sure to stroll through the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 14th century.Wander the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this enchanting, compact city. Drop into one of its many cafés or pubs and order a half-litre of local Hansa beer, browse through unique boutiques and visit world-class museums.

Day 4 - Day 4: Molde and Kristiansund

At midday, we reach Norway’s ‘City of Roses’ – Molde where guests can disembark to join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most-visited tourist destinations, spanning eight bridges through picturesque landscapes and across the open sea. The excursion ends in Kristiansund, where you rejoin the ship.Kristiansund's location on four sea islands in the Norwegian Sea has steadily provided livelihoods in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Interested in history? A decisive battle between Danish and Norwegian Vikings was fought near here in 955 and later noted in the famous ‘Lives of the Norse Kings’ by Snorre Sturlasson.Maybe it’s a dry fact, but Kristiansund today is known as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its historic export of dry salted fish, often called bacalao. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of this interesting little city, past old shipyards and marinas, and see what you can find.

Day 5 - Day 5: Brønnøysund & Arctic Circle

Home of Famous TorghattenWelcome to Brønnøysund - a vibrant and pretty little town of 5,000 folks located on a narrow peninsula surrounded by islands and sea. You are now at the halfway mark along Norway’s long coastline. Brønnøysund is near the famous mountain with a hole in the middle - Torghatten.Brønnøysund is also the gateway to Vega Island – a UNESCO World Heritage site which was granted UNESCO status because of how the community demonstrates its centuries-old sustainable way of life. Remarkably, the islanders have thrived by practicing the now unique tradition of eider farming and duck down processing.As we leave Brønnøysund, we sail along the coast of Helgeland and pass the famous mountain range called the Seven Sisters. Legend has it that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, creating the seven beautiful peaks.In the evening, we cross the Arctic Circle.

Day 6 - Day 6: Reine & Svolvær

Discover Amazing LofotenYou won’t soon forget your first approach to Lofoten because of the formidable wall of mountains looming on the horizon.The Lofoten Islands are world famous for their distinctive dramatic peaks, sheltered bays and untouched beaches - and this is your day to explore them. Lofoten is also known for its excellent fishing, picturesque villages and exciting year-round activities.We dock at idyllic Reine in the morning. Fishermen´s huts dotting the shoreline and snowy granite peaks shooting out of the fjord make Reine one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway.After departing Reine, we sail along the massive Lofoten wall to Svolvær. The islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches and bays we pass are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In Svolvær, choose from a number of exciting outdoor and indoor activities. Intriguing shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the town.After a whole day exploring Lofoten, we sail to Trollfjord, an amazing place where vertical mountain walls surrealistically jut out of the sea.

Day 7 - Day 7: Tromso

Looking for Arctic adventure? Tromsø is the place to find it. Set far above the Arctic Circle, it never gets dark during the peak of the summer and the town brims with almost round-the-clock activities. The Midnight Sun shines here from May 20 to July 22. Tromsø is also rich in history and culture. It was the starting point for many Arctic expeditions and the first call when explorers returned to civilization. Today the city is called the Paris of the North because of its cultural diversity. It is home to both the world’s northernmost university and 2nd - most northerly brewery and is known for great restaurants specializing in fresh regional produce.Tromsø’s attractions include amazing views, history, culture and bold architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a landmark and city highlight, featuring an enormous stained-glass window.You can also ride the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of a 424 m high mountain. The summit provides breathtaking views of the city, mountains and fjords. Don’t forget to take sunscreen.Perhaps visit the Polaria Arctic experience centre. Look, feel, experience and understand why life in the sea and on land are entirely dependent on each other.

Day 8 - Day 8: Honningsvåg & North Cape

Edge of the WorldToday we visit one of the northernmost points in Europe, North Cape. This is also as far north as we go on this expedition cruise.Start the day by taking a scenic bus ride from the town of Honningsvåg. We pass small bays and tiny villages, then cross a mountain plateau before arriving at spectacular North Cape. At 71°10’21´N, North Cape is just 2,100 km away from the Geographic North Pole. Stand at the edge of the cliff and gaze out on the sea. Only the Svalbard Archipelago separates you from the North Pole. North Cape feels like the end of the world. It’s also a great place to take stunning photos and there will be enough time to visit the North Cape Hall´s cinema, showing a short film about the North Cape Plateau, and there are several exhibits open to visitors.Back in Honningsvåg, you can opt to stroll about, past charming houses, nice shops and a church that was the only structure left standing at the end of World War II.This is the ship’s turning point and from here we start our return trip southward.

Day 9 - Day 9: Fiinsnes

Hidden Gem of Coastal NorwayToday we dock at Finnsnes, just across a bridge from the remarkable island of Senja.Senja is Norway’s second largest island and counts just under 8,000 inhabitants. As you might guess, fisheries and aquaculture are the dominant industries here. Cod and pollock are traditionally fished in Senja’s waters while salmon is farmed.The island is famous for its diverse landscapes and is often referred to as Norway in miniature. The scenery can dramatically change within the blink of an eye. The outer side of Senja is characterised by lofty mountains plummeting straight into the sea, interspersed with isolated coves and sandy beaches. South Senja is distinguished by rocky coastline and pine forests and is home to Ånderdalen National Park. The eastern side of Senja has a a gentler landscape with rolling hills and birch forests.

Day 10 - Day 10: At sea

Spend time in the ship’s Explorer lounge, soaking in a hot tub, or out on deck enjoying the scenery.The Expedition Team also continues its on-board lecture series, sharing their vast knowledge and experience about the geography, culture and history of Norway’s long and varied coastline.The team also summarizes the voyage so far and lets you know about plans for the exciting days ahead.

Day 11 - Day 11: Hjørundfjord (Urke) & Alesund

Get ready to experience the wow factor - We sail into Hjørundfjord.This natural wonder stands out from other popular fjords in its solitary grandeur - far off the beaten tourist tracks. Hjørundfjord is considered one of the purest and most beautiful fjords in Norway.The fjord is surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps, with peaks soaring as high as 1,700 metres straight up from the sea.The steep mountains have made it impossible to cultivate the land here. Still, a few tiny farms cling to the mountain sides and some small villages reside along the shoreline.We anchor in the fjord and a local tender boat takes you ashore, where you will find hiking opportunities in incredible scenery.MS Maud arrives at Ålesund in the afternoon. This city is a delight to visit. Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, owing to a devastating fire that burned much of the city down in 1904. The entire town was subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau. Enjoy the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of this charming North Atlantic city.

Day 12 - Day 12: Værlandet,

Værlandet is a small island group situated north of Sognefjorden. This unique place hosts hiking possibilities for all levels of fitness. Maybe jaunt up 481-meter high Mount Alden 481 will tempt you. The view is stunning.Stretch your legs on the small islands of Værlandet & Bulandet by hiking or walking around the village or take a bike around the island on your own. You can also learn more about the area´s cultural history at the local museum.

Day 13 - Day 13: Lysefjord

Lysefjord is 40 kilometres long and 422 metres deep at its deepest. Preikestolen, the most famous tourist attraction in Ryfylke, towers an impressive 604 metres over the Lysefjord. This is a flat mountain plateau of approx 600 square metres. We hope to have a fine view of Preikestolen before heading back out of the fjord.As the ship sails down the fjord, mountains tower above us in this imposing fjord. Spend time on deck taking in the scenery, or take a seat and enjoy the views from the comfort of our observation lounge with its enormous windows designed for this very reason.

Day 14 - Day 14: At sea

It’s our final day at sea. As we cross the North Sea, you may spot the giant gas flares atop one of the many oil and gas platforms.You may want to take one last soak in the hot tub, relax in the ship’s lounge, edit your photographs, or join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise to the coast of Norway.During the night, we'll have a technical stop in Calais.

Day 15 - Day 15: Dover

Return to EnglandWe pass the white cliffs of Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the city’s harbour. After breakfast, it’s time to leave your home for the past 14 days.As you head ashore, you’ll take with you the lifetime memories of Norway - wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and cities and friendly people.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Tromso & Bergen Trolfjord Lofoten Islands North Cape