Sweeping open the cabin drapes, it takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the brilliant light.
As shapes and colours come into focus, you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. There’s a towering wall of ice outside, crackling and popping as the glacier creeps over the rocks below towards the sea.
Then there’s a loud bang, and a colossal chunk of the blue-white wall calves, plummeting into the frigid water below. The huge wave spreads in all directions, rocking other icebergs floating nearby, but it fades by the time it reaches the ship. You rub your eyes and look around to see if anyone else caught the moment. But no, the balconies either side of you are empty. You got to enjoy this magical moment all to yourself.
Welcome to Norway, where you have a front row seat to nature’s most incredible sights.
What can I see and do on a cruise in Norway?
There are lots of different routes you can take. Norway is also encompassed within the Arctic Circle, including both the northernmost parts of the mainland and the archipelago of Svalbard. Svalbard is situated in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, and this is where all your Arctic dreams will come true. You’ll find majestic walls of ice at the end of glaciers, the huge splashes as ice falls and forms new icebergs, huge polar bear mamas and fuzzy white cubs, and much more. The best way to explore is by ship, especially if you book one that offers immersive day tours such as kayaking or hiking with local guides.
What are the best ways to cruise around Norway?
The cost of Norway cruises and those that venture into the Arctic can vary widely. Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express has been sailing Norway’s coastline since 1893 and to commemorate its anniversary in 2023, it has launched two new voyages that venture deep into the Arctic Circle aboard a fully refurbished premium small vessel. The Svalbard Express takes a trip to all of the region’s iconic stops, and is a revamp of the legendary Sportsman’s Route last sailed in 1982.
Meanwhile, the North Cape Express is about to make history as the very first Arctic-bound sailing to leave from Oslo, Norway’s buzzing capital. During summer, the Svalbard Express starts at $6049 for a 16-day full voyage sailing under the Midnight Sun.
During Winter, the North Cape Express starts at $4054 for a 16-day voyage with opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Seeing the Northern Lights for the first time – or the second, third, or thousandth time – is unforgettable. This phenomenon, also known as the Aurora Borealis, occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy that forms vivid green, purple, and even red waves of light.
It’s only visible at far northern latitudes, which means the best way to see it is to venture into the Arctic Circle. From September until March, the winter skies are dark enough for the Northern Lights to be visible. And yes, you can definitely see them from cruise ships. In fact, Hurtigruten is so confident guests will see the aurora that it has a “Northern Lights Promise”. If you don’t see the phenomenon during your voyage aboard the North Cape Express, the company will give you a six or seven-day Classic Voyage for free.
What do you wear on a cruise to Norway and into the Arctic Circle?
Packing for a trip to a polar region actually isn’t as difficult as you might think. Start with all the things you would normally bring – smart casual clothing, comfortable shoes, a backpack, and so on.
As for cold weather gear, the key is layers. For example, if you choose to do an optional activity such as dog sledding, you’ll be outside with the wind against your face, so you’ll need to rug up. This should include a warm jacket, fleece or woollen jumpers, long thermal underwear, water-resistant trousers, a beanie, gloves, and warm socks. You’ll also need worn-in walking boots for the shore excursions to ensure you get the most out of each one.
Where can I board a cruise in Norway?
There are lots of different ports from which you can sail to the Arctic. If you want to sail Norway, for example, you can book an unforgettable adventure starting in either Bergen or Oslo. Depending on the exact itinerary, you’ll likely also visit cities such as Kirkenes, Honningsvag, and Longyearbyen, providing a chance to get to know more about the fascinating culture, history, and way of life in northern Norway.
Booking a Norwegian cruise
As you can imagine, cruises to this part of the world are popular, so it pays to do your research and book as far as you can in advance to secure yourself an epic adventure of a lifetime. However, with prices starting at $4054 for a 16-day voyage venturing deep into the Arctic Circle with full board, including drinks with meals and afternoon tea, it’s hard to beat the value aboard a premium Scandinavian-designed small ship.
