In Search of the Northern Lights

On your Northern Lights cruise, you will be perfectly placed to witness the ethereal Aurora Borealis from both the decks of Balmoral and on extended stays in Tromsø and Alta. Journey into the countryside, where light pollution is minimal, with knowledgeable guides who will know where and how to best spot the ribbons of green and pink as they flutter across the skies above you. Located beneath the Aurora Oval, Sortland's chaming fishing villages are in the ideal location for you to have the wonderful chance of seeing the Northern Lights illuminating the skies above the Vesterålen archipelago.

1 Feb 2025
14
Nights
Departing:
British Isles

Cruise Overview

On this two week cruise to Northern Norway, you will be perfectly placed to witness the ethereal lights of the Aurora Borealis illuminating the night sky while cruising in the Arctic Ocean and ashore during extended stays in Tromsø and Alta. Sail past Torghatten, the mountain with a hole through its centre, and enjoy an overnight stay in the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, Tromsø, where you can spend time with a local Sámi community and learn about their daily lives in Northern Norway's harsh winters, before heading to Alta, ideal for joining husky sledding tours through wintry landscapes or going on an exhilarating snowmobile ride. Elsewhere, you will have the chance to explore the rugged Vesterålen archipelago and the hanseatic city of Bergen. Wrap up warm and join astronomers from Go Stargazing, who will enjoy taking you through the many different planets in the night sky, and showing you constellations on a laser-guided session from the decks of Borealis.

On your Northern Lights cruise, you will be perfectly placed to witness the ethereal Aurora Borealis from both the decks of Balmoral and on extended stays in Tromsø and Alta. Journey into the countryside, where light pollution is minimal, with knowledgeable guides who will know where and how to best spot the ribbons of green and pink as they flutter across the skies above you. Located beneath the Aurora Oval, Sortland's chaming fishing villages are in the ideal location for you to have the wonderful chance of seeing the Northern Lights illuminating the skies above the Vesterålen archipelago.

Cruise includes:

Dining & Lounges

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks

Treats & Pastimes

  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes

Relaxation & Fitness

  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

In Search of the Northern Lights

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 - Southampton

Day 2 & 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Alesund

Considered by Norwegians to be Norway's most beautiful city, Alesund in winter is perhaps even more breath-taking than in the summer months, as its bathed in dusky shades of orange and pink. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Art Nouveau town is built on three islands, where panoramic views of the city, archipelago and Sunnmore Alps are best seen from the top of Mount Aksla.

Day 5 - Torghatten

Torghatten is an iconic mountain shaped by the Scandinavian Ice Age and renowned for the huge hole that punctuates its centre. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle, framed by towering cliffs and rugged coastlines, offers a unique view from the perspective of the sea. In winter, the scene transforms into a picturesque wonderland, with snow dusting the mountain’s peak and the surrounding fjords often partially frozen.

Day 5 - Cruising Seven Sisters mountain range

Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship, particularly when snow-covered in the winter months. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!

Day 5 - Arctic Circle

Embarking on the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle is a cherished experience for guests and crew alike. This momentous occasion, often announced by our Captain, invites you to venture out on deck and celebrate. You may choose to participate in a ceremonial ritual, complete with optional 'baptisms', where ice-cold water is poured down your back, or simply delight in the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

Day 6 & 7 - Narvik

Tromsø is renowned as a prime location for seeking out the Northern Lights, and the long, dark winter nights enhance your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural spectacle even further. There will be opportunities to try local delicacies such as reindeer and king crab, to ride the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen, and to visit the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral – a masterpiece of modern architecture. You’ll also be ideally placed for joining an exhilarating dog sledding tour through the wintery landscapes, or to meet the local indigenous Sámi community to learn about their fascinating way of life.

Day 8 - Alta

Alta offers many experiences and sights to savour during the winter months, with the undoubted highlight being the chance to witness the magical Northern Lights. There will be opportunities to partake in thrilling activities, too, such as ice fishing, husky sledding and snowshoeing amidst snow-speckled landscapes, and to visit the Alta Museum. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in Sámi culture by visiting the local camps, sampling traditional cuisine, and learning about handicrafts and reindeer herding practices.

Day 9 & 10 - Tromsø

Tromsø is renowned as a prime location for seeking out the Northern Lights, and the long, dark winter nights enhance your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural spectacle even further. There will be opportunities to try local delicacies such as reindeer and king crab, to ride the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen, and to visit the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral – a masterpiece of modern architecture. You’ll also be ideally placed for joining an exhilarating dog sledding tour through the wintery landscapes, or to meet the local indigenous Sámi community to learn about their fascinating way of life

Day 11 - Sortland

Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland's maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and in the winter months it may also be possible to see the Northern Lights.

Day 12 - Cruising Seven Sisters mountain range

Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship, particularly when snow-covered in the winter months. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone

Day 10 - Bergen

From its picturesque location, nestled amidst fjords and mountains, to the iconic Bryggen Wharf, featuring colourful timbered houses and cobbled streets, Bergen offers a captivating blend of culture and nature. Views of the city and its surroundings can be seen from atop Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken, reached via funicular railway and cable car, respectively, while the vibrant fish market is ideal for sampling fresh seafood and Bergen staples such as warming fish soup.

Day 11 - Torghatten

Torghatten is an iconic mountain shaped by the Scandinavian Ice Age and renowned for the huge hole that punctuates its centre. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle, framed by towering cliffs and rugged coastlines, offers a unique view from the perspective of the sea. In winter, the scene transforms into a picturesque wonderland, with snow dusting the mountain’s peak and the surrounding fjords often partially frozen.

Day 12 - Molde

The Atlantic Ocean Road links Molde with Kristiansund, and stretches for eight kilometres through rocky coastlines, over the sea and through the surrounding mountains. Often described as the world's most beautiful road; in winter the twisting and winding road leads over bridges linking islands, and through snow-capped mountains, seeming to drop off the earth into the sea

Day 13 & 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Portsmouth

About this Vessel

Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.

Overview

The sister ship to the flagship Bolette, Borealis joined the fleet in 2020 and was designed for scenic cruising along the world's lesser-known waterways. It offers the opportunity to explore remarkable landscapes and historical sites while capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Upon joining the fleet, Borealis was redecorated and refurbished to align with the Olsen family's high standards. It boasts an impressive array of lounges, bars, sophisticated restaurants, and spacious deck areas, along with 702 stunning cabins and suites, all perfectly tailored to the Fred. Olsen cruising experience.
Indulge in one of Fred. Olsen’s Signature Experiences, aptly named “Scenic Discoveries.” From the beautifully designed Observatory, where guests can admire breathtaking natural landscapes and famous landmarks, to the insightful commentary from the onboard teams. Alternatively, savour delightful local Treats of the Region in the Auditorium, where the skilled chefs will craft dishes inspired by the vibrant destinations you're exploring. The attentive crew will be available throughout your cruise, offering the exceptional personal service for which they are renowned.

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Dining

Borealis features spacious, elegantly decorated two-tiered main restaurants that serve as the heart of onboard dining. Indulge in exquisite five-course, à la carte menus showcasing expertly crafted dishes, all prepared and cooked by skilled chefs, and served by the attentive, dedicated waitstaff. All menus boast perfectly cooked steaks and seafood, freshly made soups, pasta, and salads. Additionally, you can savour delightful homemade bread, freshly baked overnight in the onboard bakery.
Here at LuxuryCruiseTickets, we strongly encourage you to sample the Treats of the Region dishes, crafted to reflect the destinations you will be exploring during your cruise.

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Accommodation

The most spacious accommodations on Borealis are the beautifully designed Olsen Suites. In addition, the vessel offers a variety of other suites, including Terrace cabins, Picture Window cabins, Porthole cabins, as well as Inside and adapted cabins.

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Entertainment

Settle into the sophisticated, two-tiered Neptune Lounge and enjoy an unforgettable performance by the exceptional Show Company. The lounge will also host guest comedians, singers, and magicians who are sure to entertain and amuse you. Don't miss the Captain's Welcome and Farewell parties! During the day, the Neptune Lounge transforms into a hub for “Signature Experiences”, featuring guest speakers who will share their extensive knowledge through captivating talks and activities, aimed at enriching your understanding of the destinations on your itinerary. Additionally, the Neptune Lounge is an ideal venue for the 'Audience with...' sessions, where you can discover the effort that goes into the onboard shows or gain insights into life as a ship's Captain.

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Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

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