Norway: northern lights fjord cruise

Ports visited today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.

Trondheim was Norway’s first capital. The warehouses along the river built on wooden stilts are a colourful contrast to the pure white snow that usually covers the city during winter.

Optional Excursions today:

• 3B Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

• 3D Trondheim City Walk

Overnight: MS Richard With (BLD)
27 JAN 2015:

Ports visited today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.

As we cross the Arctic Circle the hunt for the Arctic light begins. This occasion is marked with an Arctic Circle baptism on deck. You have the chance to learn more about the Aurora Borealis and to experience an authentic Lofotr Viking Feast

(optional excursion). Later we enter the dramatic and narrow Raftsund. If the weather and ice conditions allow it, we also sail to the entrance of the famous Trollfjord, where you can enjoy freshly made fishcakes on deck.

• 4E Lofotr Viking Feast

Ports visited today: Stokmarknes, Sortland, Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø, Skjervøy. After a morning stop in Finnsnes, we continue to Tromsø. Perhaps take part in a husky sledging excursion or a trip to the

Polaria centre. As we sail along the coast there is a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. We gather on deck for a glimpse of this breathtaking phenomenon.

Optional Excursions today:

• 5A The Arctic Capital Tromsø

• 5B Dog Sledging

• 5D Polar History Walk

• 5E/5F Wilderness Adventure Camp

Overnight: MS Richard With (BLD)
29 JAN 2015:

Ports visited today: Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg. Honningsvåg is the nearest port to the North Cape. An excursion to this breathtaking site puts you at 71° 10’ 21”N, only 2,000 kilometres from the Geographical North Pole. Afterwards, join the presentation on the Sámi culture and history in pictures, words and music. Later on we pass a rock formation that is sacred to the Sámi people, Finnkirka, where you can enjoy a spectacular light display. Sometimes King Crab-fishermen share their catch of the day with us on board here. At the next port, Kjøllefjord you can join an optional snowmobile trip to Mehamn, where you might see the Northern Lights on the clear, starlit sky.

• 6A The North Cape

• 6D Snowmobile Trip in Lapland

Overnight: MS Richard With (BLD)
30 JAN 2015:

Ports visited today: Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes.

The turning point of our Coastal Voyage is just 10 kilometres from the Russian border. Kirkenes is home to the fantastic Snow Hotel and the base for several exciting excursions, including dog sledging and the King Crab Safari. Kirkenes also boasts several fascinating small museums recounting the history and heritage of this remote frontier. The polar nights extend from 21 November to 21 January. It is not completely dark during this time though; the light and colour in the sky are amazing when the weather is nice.

Optional Excursions today:

• 7A The Russian Border

• 7C Snowmobile Safari

• 7D Kirkenes Snow Hotel

Disembark in Kirkenes and transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight to Oslo. (B)