In Search of Northern Lights - 30 October 2024
Highlights:
- Have the opportunity to see the magical Northern Lights in Alta
- See remote coastal scenery as Balmoral sails the Tjeldsundet Strait
- Visit a husky yard to learn about local cultures and traditions
Our team have planned this adventure to visit northern Norway during the Northern Lights season, giving you the opportunity to spot the natural phenomenon of dancing lights from the comfort of Balmoral and also ashore in Alta during an extended stay. As well as ticking off the experience of crossing the Arctic Circle, you will get to witness remote coastal scenery as you cruise pass the Seven Sisters mountain range and sail through the Tjeldsundet Strait – this scenic shortcut is only possible on smaller ships like Balmoral. Spending time with a Sámi community in the remote Arctic wilderness and visiting a husky yard offer the chance to learn about local culture and traditions. You'll be joined on this cruise by astronomers and experts from Go Stagazing, who will hold informative sessions out on deck to help you with spotting planets in the night sky.
Price Includes:
DINING & LOUNGES
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
TREATS & PASTIMES
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
RELAXATION & FITNESS
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Itinerary
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30 October 2024 Departing Newcastle
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1 November 2024 Molde, Norway
A picturesque town, known for its love of jazz, Molde is located alongside the Romsdalsfjord. From here, the Atlantic Ocean Road, linking Molde with Kristiansund stretches for eight kilometres through beautiful rocky coastlines, over the sea and through the surrounding mountains, featuring incredible bridges and architecture.
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2 November 2024 Crossing the Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle crosses mainland Norway at Saltfjellet at roughly 66°33’ North Latitude. During the winter, the sun stays below the horizon for most of the day, and in the winter months, light is provided by the moon and stars in addition to the elusive Northern Lights.
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3 November 2024 Tjeldsundet Strait
Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rock faces; and the Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.
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3 November 2024 Alta, Norway
Located deep into the Altafjord, and originally inhabited by the indigenous Sami people, Alta is one of the best places on earth to see the ethereal Northern Lights. As the city had to be rebuilt after the Second World War, many of its buildings are relatively new – one remarkable piece of architecture is the striking Northern Lights Cathedral. The Alta Rock Drawings, dating back to between 4200 and 500 B.C, provide an excellent example of human activity in this area.
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5 November 2024 Tromso, Norway
During winter, the ice-covered seas around Tromso are filled with hundreds of whales, as they go in search of food and breeding grounds. One of the main reasons they visit this area is for the abundance of herring in the waters. Tromso is also well-known for its husky sledding, where these magnificent creatures pull sleds through the snowy countryside. It's also possible to see the other-wordly Northern Lights as they dance and flicker in the skies above northern Norway's largest city.
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6 November 2024 Tjeldsundet Strait
Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rock faces; and the Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.
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7 November 2024 Alesund, Norway
Considered by Norwegians to be Norway's most beautiful city, Alesund in winter is perhaps even more breath-taking than in the summer months, as its bathed in dusky shades of orange and pink. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Art Nouveau town is built on three islands, where panoramic views of the city, archipelago and Sunnmore Alps are best seen from the top of Mount Aksla.
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9 November 2024 Return to Newcastle