Day 1 to day 16

22^nd December – Depart from Southampton

3 days sailing

26^th-27^th December – Arrival in Narvik, Norway

Due to its location far north of the Arctic Circle, the small town of Narvik is seen as one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. Situated on the banks of the Ofotfjorden, with snow covered mountains and dense forests surrounding Narvik, the Northern Lights dance in the skies overlooking the town.

28^th December – Leknes, Norway

One of the first destinations inside the Arctic Circle, Leknes in the Lofoten Islands, is full of Viking history and Arctic nature. The striking landscapes are covered in snow, and transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland with the red houses a beautiful contrast against the soaring mountains that have been turned white, making it one of the most picturesque regions in Norway. The area around Leknes is also home to many Arctic bird species, including Velvet Scooters, Eider ducks and Whooper Gulls.

29^th – 30^th December – Alta, Norway

During the winter months, it is possible to witness the Northern Lights as they dance across the skies above Alta, in colours of green, blue, red and violet. Produced by powerful electromagnetic waves during solar geomagnetic storms, they illuminate the towns and cities below in a hauntingly beautiful light. Alta is also ideal for enjoying city walks, husky or reindeer sledding and viewing mountain plateaus and coastal landscapes.

31^st December – 1^st January – Tromso, Norway

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, and marvel at the spectacular fireworks display from the decks of your ship, before you depart shortly after for your next destination.

2^nd January – Cruising Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway

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!

2^nd January – Cruising Torghatten, Norway

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.

3^rd January – Alesund, Norway

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.

2 days sailing

6^th January – Arrival in Southampton