Northern Lights Expedition Cruise From Amsterdam

Embarking on your adventure 

Your winter expedition cruise begins in Amsterdam. Before boarding MS Maud, take some time to enjoy a stroll beside Amsterdam's famous canals and across the old bridges between the rivers Amstel and Ij, or admire the charming townhouses that line the canals of the Grachtengordel, now protected by UNESCO.  

Once on board the ship, you'll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, locate your cabin, explore the ship and attend a mandatory safety drill.  After leaving port, the captain will welcome you aboard and your adventure can truly begin.  

 Before heading for the North Sea, we'll have a short stop in Den Helder, a strategically located and historic town where Napoleon constructed the naval dockyards, Willemsoord. 

Easing into the journey 

This day at sea will give you plenty of time to find your sea legs and enjoy the onboard facilities, such as our hot tubs, sauna and gym. You'll also dine on delicious seasonal produce in our restaurants.  

The Expedition Team will begin the first in their series of lectures over at the Science Center. Each member of the Expedition Team is an expert in their field. They'll share fascinating insights about the places, history and nature you may encounter on your Norwegian coast adventure.  

Find out about our Citizen Science projects, where you can contribute to important scientific research. Or pick up pointers on improving your wildlife and landscape images from our expedition photographers. 

Explore lively Stavanger 

Today, we'll explore the picturesque city of Stavanger – Norway's fourth largest city. 

With an international ambience and a lively cultural scene, Stavanger is a cosmopolitan city set in stunning surroundings. Discover the architectural relics of Old Stavanger, including a magnificent 12th century cathedral. You can also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, pop into a local boutique or simply enjoy a beer on the waterfront.    

Looking towards the harbour is the statue of the former mayor and well-known author Alexander Kielland. The pedestrian street leads you to the Valberg Tower, situated on a small hill and overlooking the central part of the city and harbour. 

Visit one of the Norway's best preserved fishing villages 

We'll dock at the little fishing village of Kalvåg after breakfast, situated far out on the coastline with the open North Sea to the west. Its name literally means ‘Frozen Bay' in the Old Norse.  

If conditions allow, we'll go ashore here and discover one of the best kept secrets of the Norwegian coast. Admire and walk around Kalvåg's collection of old waterfront buildings, from restored wooden wharfs to herring salting warehouses.  

Cosy-looking houses cluster together around the bay, the reflections of their lights shimmering like candles in the waters below. The wonderful wintery atmosphere is even more captivating when the village is coated with a snug blanket of snow.  

Approaching the Arctic Circle 

Today you can spend time in the ship's lounge, soaking in a hot tub, or out on deck. Whatever you do, don't take your eyes off the scenery as we sail through Helgeland County, with its pointed mountains and abundant islands.  

Pick out the peaks of the Seven Sisters Mountain range, thought to be the petrified bodies of seven troll sisters caught out at sunrise. And spot the Torghatten mountain with its distinct hole through the middle. Local legend states that the mountain was in fact the troll-king's hat which turned to stone when it was pierced by an arrow.  

The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures, covering everything from local folklore and wildlife to the history of navigation along the coast. 

Visit one of the world's most spectacular destinations 

Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten with about 4,800 residents, many of whom work as fishermen. There are shops and art galleries to browse along the seafront promenade and rows of rorbuer to admire.   

You might spot wooden racks called hjell dotted around the shores of the town too. Locally caught cod is dried on these racks and later turned into tørrfisk, or stockfish in English, and prized as a local delicacy. Fishing is clearly an important way of life in Lofoten and the lectures for the day may focus on how cod effectively helped to build Norway into a country.   

Encounter the fascinating history and culture of the gateway to the Arctic 

It's time to explore Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. We'll reach the city of Tromsø before noon and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring its fascinating history, culture and bold architecture.  

Historically, Tromsø was a frontier town for returning hunters and explorers and acted as a launch point for several Arctic expeditions. Compared to the barren tundra they experienced, Tromsø was like Paris because of the fashion and food they found there. Hence the nickname, ‘Paris of the North'.  

The Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. It features an attractive, huge stained-glass window that is well worth seeing up close. 

Experience the spectacular North Cape and the best seafood in Europe 

In the morning we'll arrive at Honningsvåg and visit one of the northernmost points in Europe - the North Cape. At 71°10'21´N, it's just 2,100 kilometres away from the Geographic North Pole, with only the Svalbard archipelago in between.     

Stand at the cliff's edge and gaze out across the sparkling sea. There's the obligatory selfie at the Globe Monument to snap before visiting the North Cape Hall for several exhibits and a short film that chronicles the history of the cape.    

Back in Honningsvåg, enjoy a stroll by the pretty harbour, browsing the charming shops, houses and church. The local restaurants offer fresh fish and seafood, with king crabs available all year round. This is the ship's turning point and from here, we start our return trip southbound. 

Spend a day exploring ‘Norway in miniature' 

Today, we dock at Senja, one of the most ruggedly beautiful and lesser-visited islands in Norway.  

Sometimes referred to as ‘Norway in miniature', the island boasts diverse landscapes and weather that seem to change in the blink of an eye. The wild Atlantic side boasts towering, rocky mountains that plunge into the sea, while the tranquil southern side is home to lush, green farmland. 

While you're here, explore the striking landscape on a guided hike, or kayak around the crystal-clear waters that reflect the mountains like glass. Top your visit off with a tasting experience and sample delicious local produce. 

Dabble in science or simply relax and watch the world go by 

Enjoying the moment and taking time to reconnect with nature and the world around you is part of being on an expedition cruise. So, during a day at sea, relax on a sofa in the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar and reflect on your experience so far. Or why not soak in a hot tub out on deck, or simply sit back and take in the serenity of the Norwegian coast. 

There's more to learn in lectures from the Expedition Team, and you can dabble in science in the onboard Science Center. You can also participate in Citizen Science projects and contribute to important global research. 

Adventure among Norway's little-known islands 

There's no set plan for today – so expect the unexpected! In true expedition style, we'll spend the time heading off the beaten track and making the most of the conditions. Your Expedition Team will draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to bring you to the most exhilarating activities in 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.  

Learn all about glaciers and how they shaped the Norwegian landscape 

In the morning, we plan to cruise deep into Sognefjorden, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, to the tiny hamlet of Fjærland. Only 300 people live in this idyllic village with its many charming old buildings and picturesque second-hand book shops. This is also the place where Sognefjorden meets Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent. 

A visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the included activity of the day. There you can learn why glacier ice is blue and how the fjords were formed. You can even perform a few experiments with 1,000-year-old glacier ice and watch a panoramic film about Europe's largest glacier. 

Experience stunning mountain views, and explore the charming city of Bergen 

Bergen, one of Norway's most beautiful cities, was Norway's capital for many years. Your included activity is an excursion to Mount Fløyen. From the ship, we'll hop on buses and drive to the Fløibanen funicular. At the summit, 1,049 ft high, bask in stunning views over the city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. 

Back in Bergen, you can explore the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this thriving, compact city. Also, be sure to stroll through the historic Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs. The area dates back to the 14th century and now houses boutique stores selling a range of Norwegian arts and crafts. 

Take the time to relax with friends and look back on your adventures 

On the return journey, you can spend time chatting with new friends, perhaps recalling the best moments of your expedition together. Enjoy drinks in the Explorer Lounge & Bar while swapping friendly banter and stories of past adventures. You might even catch a couple of the crew and Expedition Team members here too.  

Make the most of your day on board MS Maud. You may want to soak in a hot tub, work out in the gym, relax in the Explorer Lounge, or edit the photographs from your trip. Don't miss the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise along the beautiful coast of Norway. 

A creative, cosmopolitan city known for the arts 

Your winter expedition cruise to Norway comes to an end back in Amsterdam. After a final breakfast, it'll be time to say a fond farewell to the ship, the crew and any new-found friends you've made. As you head ashore, you'll take with you special memories of Norway in winter - spectacular scenery, majestic fjords, fascinating towns and cities, and welcoming people. 

As you might remember from the start to this voyage Amsterdam is a wonderful city for a walking tour. Stroll along its cobbled streets, admiring the canals and architecture. Enjoy a canal trip, visit the Anne Frank House or relax in quirky cafés.  

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