Cruise Overview
Norway cruise – Ultimate Norway at Christmas – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
Magical white Christmas in Norway. Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure, with snow-covered landscapes, traditional Norwegian food and onboard yuletide cheer.
Flexible-itinerary Arctic Norway expedition during the ‘winter wonderland’ season – the best time to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities.
Three unique and bespoke experiences: Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours; Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge; and Into the Night – Dinner at the Museum.
Arctic Winter Wonderland at Christmas
Setting out from Tromsø, explore four spectacular regions and experience a magical Christmas with snow covered landscapes . As we spend an exciting week witnessing the glacial majesty of the Lyngen Alps, the dramatic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, the forested mountains of Vesterålen and the serenity of Senja, you’ll see snow-frosted mountains, deep blue fjords, cosy villages decked with twinkling Christmas lights and – with luck – the ethereal Northern Lights overhead. This time of year can be fully dark in the north, making it a magical time to enjoy an intimate Scandinavian voyage and a unique festive onboard experience.
Set a Course for Adventure with the True Norway Experts
We’ve been sailing Norway’s coast since 1896, and nobody knows the region like we do. Using our expertise and with a flexible itinerary, we’ll head out in our small expedition boats to the best and most beautiful islands and beaches. Here you’ll enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, hiking and kayaking. What’s more, three unique and bespoke adventures mean you’ll experience a beach bonfire under the stars, a Nordic sauna and polar plunge, and an after-hours heritage dinner at a museum reserved exclusively for us.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Departures
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Adults
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Depart from Tromsø
Day 1
Depart from Tromsø
Lap up the Christmas atmosphere in Tromsø
Backed by snowy mountains, lively Tromsø is the perfect place from which to set out on an adventure. It was the base for many a historic Arctic expedition, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’.
If you arrive early in Tromsø we recommend exploring the city before joining your cruise. This time of year is enchanting, with bustling Christmas markets, cafes serving gløgg (hot mulled wine) and twinkling lights in every window. From the Fjellheisen cable car, you’ll have an amazing view over the snowy city and its festive decorations. Make sure to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral – with its huge stained-glass window. For those who’d like a little extra adventure, why not take a look at our Pre-Programme.
Exploring Lyngenfjord and Alps
Day 2
Exploring Lyngenfjord and Alps
Approaching the scenic Lyngen Alps via the Lyngenfjord
For the next seven days we’ll be exploring four distinct regions, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen.
The scenic Lyngen area is a landscape of jagged, snowy mountains, and a magnet for winter activities. The Lyngen Fjord is over a hundred miles long, and we’ll spend the day going on a nature landing, with hikes, snowshoe walks and – if conditions allow – kayaking.
Later, it’s time for a real treat. After our active day we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. With hot drinks in hand, Norwegian foods cooked by our onboard chefs, you’ll really feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display for us.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Senja
Day 3
Senja
Discover Norway in miniature
Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, and it’s sometimes called Norway-in-miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free-roaming reindeer wander around the island, so keep an eye out for them.
We’ll visit a local community and experience some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about the Sámi culture, and life in remote villages during the winter months.
During this Christmas season, we’ll sometimes be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day – but this will only enhance our experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Vesterålen
Day 4
Vesterålen
Enjoy an exclusive adventure
Vesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes – the perfect place for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and morning kayaking.
In the afternoon we enjoy another bespoke adventure when we spend an evening at the Hurtigruten Museum. Here, we’ll enjoy an exclusive opening and be served a Christmas themed dinner in this very special heritage setting.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Lofoten
Day 5
Lofoten
Get to know Lofoten in more detail
Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær to, we aim to cruise through the Raftsunde strait to Trollfjord, passing between towering cliffs. As we do so, you’ll enjoy great views from the deck, and we sail so close to the sides it feels like you can almost touch them!
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal for a small ship like MS Spitsbergen. Embark on a fishing trip from Svolvær, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge – sure to revitalise you!
Get a taste of Svolvær when our ship stays late into the night here. It’s a small town, but it’s the biggest you’ll find in these islands, and there are a few cosy restaurants and bars here if you fancy trying a Lofoten snack or brew. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights – wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Exploring Lofoten
Day 6
Exploring Lofoten
A Christmas Eve to remember
In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. We’ll enjoy a lovely day as we sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks.
Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Towards Tromsø
Day 7
Towards Tromsø
Enjoy Christmas Day in serene Norwegian beauty
Today is Christmas Day, and we’ll continue to enjoy the uniquely festive onboard atmosphere, but with added adventure. We’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø – at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way we have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in our small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.
The scenery continues to be stunning as we pass through these inner waters, with the magical winter light playing softly on the sea and mountains. We also pass through areas where we’re most likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, perhaps enjoying another cinnamon bun or mug of hot chocolate as the sublime Arctic scenery glides past.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Return to Tromsø
Day 8
Return to Tromsø
Another opportunity to explore Tromsø
Your Christmas expedition cruise ends back in Tromsø. If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, make sure you do now. There’s so much to see and do here.
We’re sure that you will have enjoyed your winter expedition in Arctic Norway, and for those who’d like a little extra adventure, why not take a look at our Post-Programme.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
- Included unique and bespoke experiences
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Depending on your flight arrival, an additional overnight might be needed
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
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