For a festive season to remember, revel in the winter wonders of Europe’s spectacular northernmost region. In Northern Norway, you can get closer to dramatic Arctic landscapes and sample life amongst them; embark on exhilarating adventures; and even go in search of the spellbinding Northern Lights. The journey will be unforgettable throughout, beginning with chances to witness the Seven Sisters mountains and Torghatten, a mountain with a hole through its centre, whilst enjoying Christmas Day festivities on board. For a memorable Boxing Day, a visit to Narvik is an opportunity to explore majestic, mountainous landscapes on thrilling husky sledding excursions. Then there’s Alta, considered one of the best places on earth to see Aurora Borealis; your overnight stay here could be the highlight of your holiday. With luck on your side, you may be fortunate enough to see Mother Nature’s remarkable light show illuminate the clear night sky with dancing ribbons of colour. There will be time to connect with Sami culture and see the UNESCO-listed rock carvings of Hjemmeluft at the fascinating Alta Museum too. Spending a day in Tromsø will also afford time to uncover the abundant attractions of a city known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. Explore and you’ll find everything from Neoclassic architecture to the Mack Brewery and the iconic, iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral. Be sure to ride a cable car up Mount Storsteinen here – the views of Tromsø and its stunning scenery from the top are not to be missed. Finally, after a scenic shortcut through the Tjeldsundet Strait – a navigation made possible by Balmoral’s smaller size – you visit Ålesund to perhaps admire the town’s pretty art-nouveau architecture and take in the panoramas available from atop Mount Aksla, before seeing in the New Year in style watching the a fantastic New Year’s Eve fireworks display. To start 2024, enjoy scenic cruising by Nordfjord’s might Hornelen sea cliff as you head for home too.