Norway's Land Of The Northern Lights Cruise
- Duration: 15 days
- Board Basis: Full Board
- Tour Ref: D2TNEW99383
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Make your own way to port
14 nights. October 2021. From £2069.00.
AN ENCHANTING ARCTIC CRUISE
Join much-loved Marco Polo on a classic voyage in search of the Aurora Borealis, calling at some stunning ports-of-call along the beautiful coast of western Norway, and heading deep into the Arctic Circle and towards Europe’s outer reaches. Sailing out of Portsmouth, Marco Polo cruises via Harwich to Norway and the colourful fjordland capital, Bergen. From here she continues north to the pretty town of Åndalsnes on spectacular Romsdalfjord, before heading further into the Arctic Circle for an ever-higher chance of catching a glimpse of the bewitching Northern Lights. Call at striking Tromsø, gateway to the pristine wilderness of Norway’s northern interior, and remote Honningsvåg. Marco Polo then turns south, and cruises back toward the UK, calling at the Arctic port of Alta, pretty Alesund and prosperous Stavanger en route.
What's Included
14 nights' accommodation in your choice of cabinDelicious cuisine and full-board dining
Afternoon teas and late-night snacks
Captain’s Cocktail Party (cruises of six nights or more)
Self-service tea and coffee (6am to midnight)
Big-show entertainment, cabarets and classical interludes
Daytime activities and leisure facilities
Guest speakers and arts-and-crafts groups (cruises of five nights or more)
Luggage porterage from port to cabin
Port taxes
Holiday Highlights
Nine marvellous ports of callSearching the skies for the Northern Lights
Heading to Honningsvåg at the very tip of Europe
Historic Bergen, the delightful capital of the fjords
Romsdalfjord’s beautiful Åndalsnes
Tromsø’s striking Arctic Cathedral
Alta and Finnmark – home to the Sami reindeer herders
Wandering Stavanger’s cobbled old town
Pretty Alesund's Art Deco houses
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Portsmouth, UKDepart: 1600hrs Board Marco Polo in Portsmouth, today, settle in to your cabin and relax as your cruise begins.
Day 2
Harwich, UKArrive: 0800hrs Depart: 1600hrs This morning, Marco Polo calls in the Essex port of Harwich. As some more cruise passengers join you on board, you'll have time to discover the long military and naval history of the town, whose very name comes from the Old English for "army settlement", or perhaps head to the charming market town of Colchester.
Day 4
Bergen, NorwayArrive: 0800hrs Depart: 1400hrs Marco Polo's first Norwegian port is Bergen, an ancient city of medieval houses, cobbled streets, and the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg. Visit the vibrant harbour and the fish market, stroll past historic Bryggen’s wooden warehouses and take the Fløibanen funicular to the summit of Fløyen.
Day 5
Åndalsnes, NorwayArrive: 0800hrs Depart: 1700hrs Today, Marco Polo cruises into Romdalsfjord. Step ashore in Åndalsnes for the chance to join excursions into some of Norway’s most majestic mountain scenery, and perhaps to enjoy the peace and beauty that surrounds the ancient stave church in fjord-side Rodven.
Day 7
Tromsø, NorwayArrive: 0900hrs Depart: 1800hrs This morning Marco Polo calls in Tromsø, instantly recognisable thanks to the magnificent Arctic Cathedral that rises proudly from its bustling centre. Explore the daily market and fascinating Polarmuseum, which chronicles the lives and exploits of the likes of Amundsen and Nansen.
Day 8
Honningsvåg , NorwayArrive: 0800hrs Depart: 1900hrs Marco Polo cruises still further beyond the Arctic Circle, today, docking in Honningsvåg. Join an optional shore excursion to the Nordkapp Visitor Centre and the northern tip of the whole of Europe.
Day 9
Alta, NorwayArrive: 0700hrs Depart: 0030hrs Marco Polo’s next port of call is remote Alta. Spend the long hours of darkness here sky-gazing – the stars and Northern Lights are at their most astounding here. Spend the clear hours of daylight exploring the Arctic region of Finnmark (home to the indigenous Sami people and the prehistoric rock carvings at Hjemmeluft) on exciting optional shore excursions.
Day 12
Alesund, NorwayArrive: 0700hrs Depart: 1400hrs Alesund, with its natural harbours lined with pastel-painted, gabled and turreted buildings, is an unexpectedly beautiful port. Don't miss the town's fascinating Sunnmore Museum, which offers insight into life in this part of the world through the ages and boasts a fine boat collection.
Day 13
Stavanger, NorwayArrive: 1000hrs Depart: 1700hrs The prosperous former fishing capital of Stavanger, its sleek modern buildings (especially the striking Norwegian Petroleum Museum) contrasting with the white-painted, clapboard houses of its waterfront and old town, is Marco Polo’s final Norwegian port. Step ashore to explore, before enjoying a breathtaking passage though beautiful Boknafjord.
Day 15
Arrive Portsmouth, UKArrive: 1200hrs Bid farewell to Marco Polo and all your fellow travellers, today, as you disembark at the end of your Northern Lights cruise. Back to top
Further Information
Passport requirements
British Citizens will need a full, 10-year passport to travel on this cruise. Since some countries require visitors to be valid for at least six months after the return date of the cruise we recommend that all customers ensure that this is the case. Holders of non-British passports should check with the relevant embassies to see if any requirements and restrictions exist for any countries visited during the cruise.Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas. Back to top