Day 1: Welcome Aboard!

Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. If you have time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisan’s shops, complete with cobblestone streets. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along the Hjeltefjord. You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experience Team, who will be your guides as we sail Norway’s coastline. They’ll organize lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

Day 2: Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then you’ll sail past the West Cape for your approach to Ålesund. Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re traveling in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town. 

In the summer, from June to August, set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. This is a protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliffs and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord. In spring, from April to May, and in fall, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.

And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidify Molde’s nickname as the ‘City of Roses’.

Day 3: City of Kings and Palaces

This section of the voyage brings you to the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.

Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population. You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights, either on your own or on one of the optional excursions.

In the afternoon, the ship will sail northwest, passing the ochre-colored Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, you’ll head towards charming Rørvik.

Day 4: Into the Arctic

Above the Arctic Circle in summer, you can enjoy the sun 24 hours a day, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

At 10 a.m., you’ll dock in Ørnes, near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. Then you’ll sail to Bodø, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom.

The ship enters the Lofoten Archipelago in the afternoon. The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall, is a stunning sight on the horizon. Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, which is busiest between January and April, when the Arctic cod—known locally as skrei—swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn. This evening, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the pretty harbor of Svolvær when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer. This is the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Day 5: Capital of the Arctic

Dock in Harstad just after 7 a.m. Feel free to have a peaceful early morning stroll around town. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes, which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby.

Then you’ll sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø, where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, you’ll head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On your way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps, which rise majestically from the sea.

Day 6: Norway's Northern Frontier

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In the summer, herds of reindeer migrate to the island by the thousands. You’ll know you’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøygavlen wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

In the mid-morning, you’ll arrive at Honningsvåg, the portal to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe.

Near the entrance of the Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their reindeer-herding life, and listen to joik folk songs.

You’ll reach the northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If you’re visiting during the months of February and March, you might spot cod drying on outdoor wooden racks, called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, you’ll pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the planet’s northernmost mainland lighthouse.

Day 7: Norway's Eastern Edge

Call at Båtsfjord and Vardø during the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning. The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for Hooded Crows and Sea Eagles.

By the time you reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have traveled farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! You’ll have many optional excursions to choose from to explore the area. Kirkenes is where the Norwegian Coastal Express changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places you stopped at during the night you’ll now see during the day.

Back in Vardø, visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains in use by the military to this day. You’ll return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg in the late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.

Day 8: From the Top of Europe

Make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early-morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.

You’ll continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then continue to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. If you’re visiting in the winter, you might spot the orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring. As you make your way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps, which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.

Dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, stroll the still-busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

Day 9: High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

On this day, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, true highlights of this scenic Norwegian route. After a call at Finnsnes in the early morning, the ship calls at Harstad. Next you’ll stop at Risøyhamn, the smallest port of call. Then it’s off to Sortland, where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to mountains towering over 3,280 feet high.

Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into the tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. The mountain walls will look so close, you’ll think you can reach out and touch them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees in a single spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here, too.

You’ll reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the ‘Svolvær Goat’, due to its supposed resemblance. The ship then sails to Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

Day 10: A Landscape of Trolls

The ship will call at Bodø in the wee hours of the morning and then at Ørnes at 7 a.m. Then, you’ll cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. You’ll commemorate the moment with the time-honored tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil! Next, you’ll make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.

Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks stretching up to 3,600 feet. Don’t miss the distinctive hole passing straight through Torghatten Mountain! You’ll reach Brønnøysund in mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. 

Your last stop of the day is the cozy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna Archipelago.

Day 11: Coastal Communmities and Klippfisk

You’ll spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde. 

Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Then visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, the resting place of St. Olav. Walk to the Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over the Nid River. Perhaps treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés. Then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for sweeping views of Norway’s third-largest city.

Dock at Kristiansund’s harbor in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ (called klippfisk in Norwegian) for the salted cod that’s dried out on the surrounding cliffs. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for lovely panoramic views.

The second-to-last port of the day is Molde, where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Flowers should be in bloom in this ‘City of Roses’ between mid-June and late August.

Day 12: Until Next Time

Your voyage will reach its end today. During the previous night, you’ll have called at Ålesund and Torvik. 

You’ll have the chance to glimpse the Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest. The ship then docks at Florø in the morning. There, you can take in the harbor and marina.

Leaving Florø, you’ll see Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite subject for photographers. Enjoy stunning views as you cross the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in all of Norway. As you reach your final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of this scenic route, and sail down the Hjeltefjord into Bergen.