Hurtigruten The Coastal Express - Northern Lights

• Visit Atlanterhavsparken, one of Europe’s largest salt-water aquariums
• Cross the Arctic Circle
• Regional flights to Bergen included

• Return charter flights from a range of regional airports
• 12-day Coastal Express cruise
  • Choice of cabin type
  • Choice of cabin location
  • Cabin with ensuite bathroom
  • Full board dining in the ship’s main restaurant
  • Unlimited tea and filter black coffee*
  •  Complimentary with throughout ship and in cabin*
  • Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
  • Daily themed lectures
• Transfers between airport and ship

Day 1: Bergen
Fly to Bergen, and depending on arrival time, explore the city before boarding the ship. After boarding, enjoy a tasty dinner buffet, showcasing local coastal ingredients. The ship sails north along the Hjeltefjord.

Day 2: Ålesund
Those awake early can expect brilliant views of the Nordfjord. Sail past the West Cape onto the open sea to sail to Ålesund. Here, you’ll find the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium which you can visit on a tour to see its resident penguins. Following this, the tour will take you up to Mount Aksla. In the autumn, the ship then sails to Hjørundfjord, a secluded fjord home to green meadows and small villages. The last stop of the day is at Molde known as the ‘City of Roses.’ From here, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of 222 mountain peaks.

Day 3: Trondheim
This morning, explore the medieval city of Trondheim. Join an optional excursion to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine and its only Gothic cathedral. While in the city, you can also join excursions such as kayaking in the river Nid or a carriage ride on the world’s northernmost tram. In the afternoon, the ship leaves Trondheim, and sails through the narrow Stokksund to Rørvik.

Day 4: Arctic Circle & Lofoten
Today the ship crosses the Arctic Circle, an event marked by a ceremony on deck. In Bodø, join an excursion to Saltstraumen, where you can witness the world’s most powerful tidal current and get the chance to spot sea eagle. In the afternoon, the ship passes the immense Lofoten Wall. Stopping at Stamsund, join a trip to the Lofotr Viking Museum, for an immersive experience in a chieftain’s house. Having entered the Arctic, you’re chance to see the Northern Lights increases, and tonight you can enjoy a multimedia show on the phenomenon before the ship stops at Trollfjord where you’ll enjoy fresh fish cakes on deck.

Day 5: Tromsø
After brief stops this morning, arrive in Tromsø, the starting point of many historical arctic expeditions. Join a Polar History walk to learn more about the explorers. Or perhaps take part in one of the other activities on offer including a husky-sledge ride or cross-country skiing.

Day 6: The North Cape
Journey to one of the northernmost points on the European continent today. After a stop in Hammerfest early in the morning, arrive in Havøysund where you can take part in an expedition to see the North Cape from the sea before going ashore to the northernmost fishing village in the world. The ship sails onto Honningsvåg. From here, an optional excursion takes you to the North Cape plateau. Alternatively, join a bird-watching safari to see Finnmark’s largest flock of puffins. Sail further north to Kjøllerfjord.

Day 7: Kirkenes
Arrive in Kirkenes today, the turning point for your cruise. Before returning south, spend some time in the town, where you can join several optional excursions that let you explore the Arctic wilderness. Leaving around lunch time, call at Vardø, Båtsfjord and Berlevåg in the afternoon.

Day 8: Hammerfest
Return to Honningsvåg where you can join an excursion for breakfast at the North Cape. Enjoy an ‘energy coffee’ and an introduction to Melkøya, the world’s northernmost natural gas terminal. The ship then sails to Hammerfest, where you can see the Meridian Column. The final stop of the day is in Tromsø, where you arrive at around midnight.

Day 9: Stokmarknes
Travel through the stunning Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos today. Stop at Harstad in the morning where you can join the Taste of Vesterålen excursion where showcases the region’s history, scenery, and landmarks. Sail to Sortland and then onto Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded. Head ashore and visit the dedicated museum before the ship sets sail southwards through the Raftsund to Trollfjord. Depending on conditions, the captain may make a detour into the fjord.

Day 10: Brønnøysund & the Seven Sisters
Sail back over the Arctic Circle and continue heading south. Pass the unique Torghatten, known for the distinctive hole through the middle of the mountain. You’ll also pass the Seven Sisters Mountain range. After a short stop is Nesna, stop in Sandnessjøen. During the summer, you can join an optional excursion to the Vega Islands, home to many eider down ducks.

Day 11: Trondheim
Explore Trondheim again this morning. The ship then sails into the majestic Trondheimsfjord. Back on the coast, the ship visits Kristiansund, Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’. Here you can join an optional excursion to the Atlantic Road or to the Bergtatt marble mine. Those staying on the ship will experience the journey across the open sea to Molde.

Day 12: Bergen
Enjoy miles of fantastic scenery today as you journey to the Nordfjord, below the enormous Jostedal Glacier. In the morning, call briefly at Florø before sailing past the mouth of Sognefjord and continuing to Bergen where you disembark.

MS Kong Harald

MS Nordkapp

MS Nordnorge

MS Nordlys

MS Polarlys

MS Richard With

MS Vesterålen (traditional ship)

MS Midnatsol