Ports visited today: Tromsø, Skjervøy
Many of the epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point;
the famous explorer Roald Amundsen sourced both crew and supplies here.
With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented
its position as the polar capital of Norway. Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic
Cathedral, is the most famous landmark with its modern design and
extraordinary stained glass window. Tromsø is also home to the world’s
northernmost university and the large number of people arriving here has
created a vibrant cultural scene with numerous restaurants and cafés
constantly teeming with life. (D)

Ports visited today: Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg,
Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevåg
Following the scenic sailing through Magerøysund and after an early stop in
Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg. This small port is the gateway to the
wonders of the spectacular North Cape which rises 300m from the ocean, and
at 71° 10’ 21” north it puts you a mere 2,000 kilometres from the Geographical
North Pole. Standing atop the North Cape Plateau you’ll get the eerie feeling
of being at the end of the world. This evening, as you approach Kjøllefjord,
you pass a rock formation that is sacred to the indigenous Sámi people and
now the site of an impressive light show, Finnkjerka. (B, D)

Ports visited today: Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes, Vardø,
Båtsfjord and Berlevåg
The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes. And at longitude 30 east,
you are actually further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg.
The well-policed Russian border and the Kola peninsula are both close by
which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.
The terrain, culture and geography of Kirkenes offer the opportunity to take
part in some fabulous Arctic excursions. Departing Kirkenes at lunchtime,
you reach Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port, later in the afternoon and
continue along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord before reaching
Berlevåg in the evening. (B, D)

Ports visited today: Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Havøysund,
Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy, Tromsø
Your first major stop of the day is Hammerfest. Founded in 1789 to develop
trade with Russia, Hammerfest reconfirmed its position as Norway’s polar
capital of its time, acting as a base for hunting expeditions to the high Arctic.
In Hammerfest the Meridian Column, erected in 1854, commemorates the
first precise measurement of the globe, an achievement so important that it’s
become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As early as 1891, wave energy
provided power to the first electric street lighting in Northern Europe,
and energy innovation is still a signature for Hammerfest with its large
Liquid Gas Plant just outside town. From here, your next major stop will
be Tromsø where your voyage comes to an end. (B, D)

Extend your stay in this lively and colourful city, surrounded by the dramatic Lyngen Alps. Tromsø has many things to offer, including Arctic history, architecture, culture and exciting excursions. Try our Aurora Safari with Dinner excursion by cable car, visit a coastal farm and enjoy reindeer sledging or perhaps visit the Polaria centre. An extra day in Tromsø will give you time to enjoy this beautiful city and more time to watch out for the Northern Lights.

A full day in Tromsø with optional excursions available. (B)

1st December departure has one night pre and one night post voyage in Tromsø.

3rd December departure has two nights post voyage in Tromsø.