Norway: Christmas and New Year Arctic Circle Cruise

Fly into Bergen and board the ship. If there is time before you set sail on your New Year Arctic Circle voyage, explore this stunning city. Surrounded by imposing mountains, you can take the funicular railway to the top of one of them for an amazing perspective of the city below and the surrounding fjords.

Today we arrive in Ålesund, a city which was once burned to the ground in a dramatic fire over a century ago. It was rebuilt in an incredible Art Nouveau style which you will see today on the New Year Arctic Circle cruise. If you are feeling energetic, climb the 418 steps up Mount Aksla for stunning views of the surrounding area.

The ship arrives in Trondheim this morning, giving you chance to explore the mystery and magic of this medieval city. Marvel at the country’s only Gothic cathedral, admire Castle Zion and enjoy views across the giant fjord, and take in the pretty sight of the colourful wooden buildings that line the waterfront.

The ship continues to sail north, crossing the Arctic Circle which you will see is marked by a monument of a globe perched on one of the islands. For those crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time, there is the option to take part in a rite of passage known as ‘the Polar Baptism’, where King Njord pours ice down your back!

We arrive in Tromsø in the afternoon of Christmas Eve. You might want to take the opportunity to look around the Polar Museum and Polaria, which will teach you plenty of interesting things about life in these northerly regions. In the evening, celabrate this festive occasion with dinner on board the ship. The Arctic Cathedral is a sight that must not be missed while you are in the city and you may be able to attend a special service on Christmas Day. Its contemporary design is fascinatingly unique.  You also have the option of experiencing a unique dog sledding excursion through the wintry countryside.

Laying claim to being the world’s most northerly town, Hammerfest is also one of Norway’s oldest and most historic settlements. It has become a centre for Sámi culture and you can learn about their extraordinary way of life and how they cope with such harsh climates when the ship calls here. Later, we return past the North Cape./P>

This morning we reach Kirkenes which is the turning point for the New Year Arctic Circle cruise and we begin the voyage south.

The New Year Arctic cruise arrives in Tromsø just in time for you to attend the Midnight concert at the stunnning Arctic Cathedral. Return to the ship as we continue to sail through the night.

Watch from the enormous windows of the ship’s Panorama Lounge, or brave the elements out on deck as you admire the stunning landscapes of the Lofoten Islands. As the ship weaves between the scores of islands, keep watch for whales, seals and some of the many species of seabirds. These are some of the best views you will get on the New Year Arctic Circle cruise. We dock at Svolvær early evening.

You will be rewarded with incredible panoramas of the surrounding mountains as we continue to Rørvik, a colourful port village in the Vikna archipelago. Unwind on board the ship and soak up the enveloping vistas on this leg of the journey.

Tonight we enjoy a special celebratory dinner on board as we sail into Art Nouveau Ålesund. Ring in the New Year with your fellow passengers as we arrive at the picturesque port at midnight.

Arriving once again in Bergen, disembark the ship for the last time as your New Year Arctic Circle adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.