Christmas Expedition Cruise from Dover

Setting off from the White Cliffs 

All aboard at Dover! MS Maud is here, ready and waiting to bring you north to Norway´s magical landscapes on the hunt for one of nature's greatest spectacles: The Northern Lights. 

Once on board the ship, you'll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, explore the ship and attend a mandatory safety drill.  

Later in the evening, we'll call on the port of Harwich, which is one of the most important ports on the Essex coast. To celebrate the start of our journey, you'll enjoy a local sea shanty performance before crossing the North Sea. 

Spend two comfortable days at sea and experience Norwegian Christmas  

The holiday season – and your expedition cruise – is in full swing. Over the next two days at sea, you'll have time to ease into your journey. Start by enjoying onboard facilities like the hot tubs, sauna and indoor gym.  

Norwegians celebrate Christmas on 24 December and Lille Juleaften (Christmas Eve) on 23 December. There are many Christmas traditions and every family will have its own. This might include weaving julekurver – heart-shaped paper decorations – building gingerbread houses, decorating the tree or eating risengrynsgrøt – a warm rice porridge served with cinnamon, sugar and butter.  

Your Expedition Team will begin the first in their series of insightful lectures over at the Science Center. Each team member is an expert on different subjects and you'll learn all about the places, Christmas traditions, history, and natural phenomena you're likely to encounter on your expedition cruise.  

Soak up stunning mountain views in Loen 

The festive mood continues today as we sail into Norway's sixth longest fjord, Nordfjord. Norwegians normally open their gifts after dinner the night before Christmas morning, but you might have left yours to unwrap today. Share season's greetings with family and friends or head out on deck to admire the picturesque winter landscapes.  

Thanks to the smaller size of our ship, you'll get closer to the scenery and small communities Norway is famous for. One such place is Loen, a tiny fishing village dating back to pre-Viking times. In the shadow of the mighty Jostedalsbreen glacier, at the very heart of Nordfjord, Loen is the perfect place to explore the gorgeous surroundings. 

Enjoy a restful day at sea and cross the Arctic Circle 

Relax in the ship's Explorer Lounge or enjoy the scenery out on deck as we sail through Helgeland county, home to the Seven Sisters mountain range, and cross the Arctic Circle. 

The Expedition Team continues its onboard lecture series and you can ask the Expedition Photographer for  tips on how to capture the best Northern Lights images. 

You'll experience the Polar Night above the Arctic Circle, when instead of total darkness, the skies turn a dreamy shade of cobalt blue, bathing the fjords and mountains in an ethereal hue. It's known as the ‘blue hour' and is caused by an extended twilight when the winter sun glows just below the horizon. 

Majestic peaks, sheltered bays and pristine beaches  

Today we explore the famed Lofoten Islands. With steep mountains, beautiful beaches and pretty fishing villages, the archipelago is unlike anything you've seen.  

With its iconic red fishing huts, known as rorbuer, dotted against a granite-peak backdrop, Reine is an idyllic place to visit. You'll see why this is one of Norway's most-photographed places! And if the weather conditions aren't quite right, there are plenty of other equally memorable ports in the area to explore, such as Svolvær.  

Welcome to Alta, one of the northernmost towns in the world 

Dubbed ‘The Northern Lights City', Alta is the turning point of your expedition and one of the northernmost towns in the world. It's charming to stroll around, swathed in Christmas lights and snow. 

Lying 70º north of the Arctic Circle, Alta sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval, a zone known for consistent Northern Lights activity. If the conditions are right, you could be in for a show. 

Learn more about the Aurora on a visit to Alta's Northern Lights Cathedral, with its striking Aurora-inspired architecture, and fascinating interactive exhibition on Northern Lights research. 

Discover the rich history and culture of Tromsø 

Today we sail to Tromsø, capital of the Arctic. You'll spend your day discovering its fascinating history, culture and bold architecture. 

The Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. Visit the Polar Museum to learn about Tromsø's fabled explorer history and join the friendly locals in the town's many pubs. Don't miss Ølhallen, Tromsø's oldest pub, with around 70 Norwegian beers on tap. 

Discover one of the world's most northerly towns 

Sitting 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, Narvik enjoys a spectacular setting.  

Developed as an all-year port for the Swedish iron mines, Narvik was a strategic target for Germany during World War II. Today, you can browse the local galleries, shops, and restaurants specialising in local seafood and reindeer meat. 

If conditions allow, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik for breathtaking views. Or go hiking, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord. 

Double expedition day 

The plan for the next two days is that there isn't one! In true expedition style, we'll spend the time getting off the beaten track and heading to wherever takes our fancy. Activities and any landings will be picked at the discretion of the Expedition Team, and they'll draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to bring you to the most exhilarating and naturally beautiful locations.  

There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region, and we'll be sailing in to get a closer look at some of them. Our expedition boats will take us ashore where we'll be on the lookout for the local wildlife in these stunning surroundings. Weather conditions will also play a part in deciding where to explore – so all we can say is expect the unexpected! 

 The City of Seven Mountains is full of history and charm 

Welcome to Bergen, one of Norway's most picturesque cities and perfect for exploring on foot. It was once Norway's capital and you'll see that the city has retained a great deal of its local character, heritage and charm.  

You'll take a funicular ride to the top of Mount Fløyen. At the summit, breathe in the stunning views over the city, surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. 

Once back in the centre of Bergen, stroll around the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its distinctive wooden wharves. Explore the many boutiques, cafés and galleries along its cobbled streets and alleys. 

Bask in the magical atmosphere of this well-preserved town 

You'll love Egersund, with its cosy vibe. The town is famous for its brightly coloured, wooden houses – a real departure from the white-painted dwellings of many of Norway's towns, and a welcome sight as you approach the harbour.  

People have lived around the area of Egersund since the Stone Age. There are several places around the town where you'll find ruins of settlements dating back to the early migrations around 400 – 600 BCE, and ancient runes have been found carved into rocks nearby. It's also one of the best natural harbours in Norway, and it used to be the largest in the country when measured in quantity of fish landed each year.  

Enjoy exploring the bijoux town centre, which has preserved some of the best examples of wooden houses – a few even dating back 160 years. The varied landscape surrounding the town is great for walking.  

Recall the best moments of your expedition cruise 

Make the most of your last full day on board MS Maud. You may want to soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, spend time in the Science Center, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and edit the photos from your trip. 

Join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise to the fjords of Norway. Reflect on all the wonderful experiences you've had, like the sensation of standing in awe under the Northern Lights or the spectacular scenery of the Lofoten Islands. 

Back to England 

We pass the White Cliffs of Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the city's harbour. After breakfast, it's time to leave your home for the past 11 days. As you head home, you'll take with you unforgettable memories of the magnificent fjords along Norway's west coast.  

Dover acts as the gateway to the English countryside, the verdant counties of Kent and Surrey, and beyond to the melting pot of London. But before you rush off, Dover itself has a number of attractions you won't want to miss either.    

No trip here is complete without walking alongside or atop the iconic white cliffs that have become a symbol for England. One of the best places to do so is on a walk to St. Margaret's Bay which offers great views of the chalky coastline from its wide shingle beach.   

You might also like to visit Dover Castle, tipped to be the largest in England. There is a rare Roman lighthouse here, one of only three in the world and reputedly the UK's oldest building. You can also go on a tour of the underground hospital and secret WWII tunnels that run beneath the castle complex.    

Whatever's next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!