Ready for a Northern Lights adventure?
Ready for a Northern Lights adventure? How YOU could escape on a magical (and sustainable!) journey of a lifetime this winter
Ad Feature by Hurtigruten Expeditions
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Northern Lights on a Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise this winter
Winter is a magical time of year – particularly when there’s snow! But unfortunately in the UK, white winters aren’t always a guarantee.
So, for a truly sensational seasonal experience, it’s best to head north – and there’s one way you can do this which is guaranteed to dazzle and amaze.
Hurtigruten Expeditions, a world leader in exploration travel, is offering a holiday with a difference with its Northern Lights and Fjords expedition. Voyagers can expect everything from snow-dusted wonderlands to the famous Northern Lights as they sail through the remote Nordics – and all with environmentally-friendly travel in mind.
Intrigued? Here’s everything YOU need to know about this magical (and sustainable!) adventure of a lifetime, and how to get involved.
A holiday with heart
Join Hurtigruten Expeditions’ experienced Expedition team on excursions throughout your cruise, from snowy coastal walks to collecting research samples with the onboard scientists
With winter on the horizon and international travel back on the cards, there has never been a better time to plan a magical seasonal getaway. And with the Northern Lights and Fjords expedition, you can do it in style.
From nature hikes through the snow in pine-filled Tromsø to breathtaking views on the North Cape, one of Europe’s northernmost destinations – and not forgetting tours through snow-capped villages nestled between the mountains in Brønnøysund – this is a truly magical way to spend winter.
But if the past 18 months or so has taught us anything, it’s the importance of being mindful when it comes to travel, and making choices that minimise our carbon footprint. This way, we can enjoy some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes and the creatures that inhabit them for many years to come.
This is the ethos behind Hurtigruten Expeditions.
For over 125 years, they’ve been traversing the seas in some of the most remote polar locations in the world, enabling keen adventurers to visit mesmerising locations far off the beaten track.
Wild reindeer are just some of the beautiful animals Hurtigruten Expeditions hope to introduce you to during your cruise. Also keep your eyes peeled for Arctic foxes and more!
But it’s not just experience they have under their belts. As the first major travel company to have removed all single-use plastics from its fleet and hotels, they are unique in providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will only leave their mark in your memory and photographs; they strive to minimise their impact on the icy wildernesses they know so well.
Book with confidence
In a time where we all need a little more flexibility, Hurtigruten Expeditions’ booking policy is here to offer peace of mind to all adventurers this winter.
Book any cruise departing before June 30, 2022 by December 31, 2021 to receive free rebooking credits. So, if life throws a curveball your way, you can reschedule your holiday without losing money (regardless of whether it’s Covid-related or not).
Read more about Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Book with Confidence conditions here.
In fact, they already have two hybrid-electric ships (MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen), so one of your Hurtigruten Expeditions could be less emissions!
For the Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition, winter travellers can look forward to a quiet cruise aboard MS Maud, a small but perfectly formed cruise ship equipped with shore power connections. This ship caters for 500 people – ideal for those looking to ease back into travelling without the crowds.
While on board, you’ll have all the mod-cons at your fingertips, including a gym, sauna and hot tubs – all of which have Covid safety measures in place to keep all sailors safe.
But explore a little further and you’ll also find Maud’s Science Centre, a facility home to a library and microscopes, so you can examine samples taken from the environments you visit on your cruise.
You see, this isn’t just any old cruise. Sailing with you is Hurtigruten Expeditions’ very own Expedition Team, who you can assist as they conduct scientific research and monitor the waters, lands and creatures you encounter during your adventure. So, if you want to play your part in live research which could help travel be more sustainable, this is your chance.
As you can see, you’ll be supporting change while being well catered for as you sail into the Arctic Circle – but what other experiences will your voyage have in store for you? Let’s find out…
Set sail for the Aurora Borealis
Pack your thermals and your camera, because with Hurtigruten Expeditions you’ll be venturing north past Norway’s rugged coastline and into the polar regions – home of the stunning Aurora Borealis – AKA, the Northern Lights.
Heat things up while you’re out in the Arctic Circle with an activity that’ll get the blood pumping, such as kayaking – watch out for whales and seals!
On day one of the magical 15-day Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition, you’ll meet the crew and your fellow adventurers at Dover, where you’ll then sail past its famous white cliffs as you head north.
On your way to Norway, you’ll be invited to talks with Hurtigruten Expeditions’ onboard Expedition Team, who can tell you about the adventures they’ve had – and, more importantly, the ones they’ll be taking you on once you reach land.
From laid-back tours through Ålesund’s cobblestone streets to dog-sledding through the snow, as well as the chance to spy polar bears and seals, every day of your trip guarantees an adventure. And don’t forget, with every day that passes, you’ll sail closer and closer to the beautiful Northern Lights. Visit the website to see what excursions are included in your package, and which come at an extra cost.
Then, after two days of getting your sea legs, eating scrummy food and chilling out with a book in MS Maud’s lounge with its panoramic views, the excursions can begin.
Starting in cosmopolitan Stavanger, you’ll slowly wind your way up the coast into increasingly remote territories, stopping off at Helgeland, the Lofoten islands with their dramatic snow-topped peaks and pretty villages, and the old town of Tromsø, the perfect place for a spot of winter sports (and fantastic beer!).
Ride off into the Aurora Borealis on a dog sleigh through the powdery white snow of Tromsø
However, the jewel in the crown of the whole voyage has to be the excursion to Senja – what the locals fondly refer to as ‘fairytale island’.
The island is Norway’s second largest, and has everything from dramatic, rocky landscapes to isolated coves, and even a national park, Ånderdalen.
But all of this pales into insignificance come nightfall. Thanks to the absence of light pollution here and it’s northerly location, Senja is the ideal spot to see the Aurora Borealis. Lay down and gaze up as the dancing green lights fall down upon you from the stars in this peaceful winter wonderland.
And don’t worry – in the unlikely event you don’t see the Northern Lights during your cruise, Hurtigruten Expeditions Northern Lights Promise means you’ll be gifted a FREE classic 6 or 7 day cruise to make up for it*.
Winter just got a little more magical…
Book YOUR adventure to winter wonderland today!
All aboard MS Maud for a magical winter adventure!
Set sail on MS Maud for the most magical getaway ever with Hurtigruten Expeditions.
There are 12 15-day cruises available between October 2021 and March 2022 – available from £2,999pp!
All Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition packages come with breakfast, lunch and dinner included and set sail from Dover, UK.
Click here to book.
*Nothern Lights Promise subject to the following ‘Terms and Conditions’ 2021/22. You will be able to take a 6 or 7 days Classic Voyage cruise, departing 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 in an unspecified inside twin cabin on a full board basis, (you may upgrade to another grade of cabin subject to additional costs and availability). This offer applies to all new bookings on the Classic Round Voyages and select Expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast, departing from 1 October 2021 to 31 Mar 2022. Hurtigruten reserves the right to withdraw or amended the offer at any time . Please check at the time of booking as to current status of offer The offer cruise must be booked within 28 days from your return date. A choice of departure dates will be given. ‘Exclusions’ Offer excludes flights, transfers, all on board expenses, excursions, luggage handling. Offer does not apply to re-scheduled or cancelled cruises. Bookings are non-transferable, non-changeable and have no cash value.
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