Search for the Northern Lights
Aboard the Island Princess With Pre Cruise Stay in London
16 Days | October 2024
Starting At $CUSTOM
Experience the starry, limitless sky, and the unbelievable colors that move across the Arctic sky, few places on earth offer more ways to witness the northern lights than Norway. Sail past snow covered mountains, fjords and forest-lined valleys. Between the rugged terrains and the Viking history, these lands echo the promise of adventure.
Highlights
Cruise Price Includes:
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Ports of Call:
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*Tour conductor stateroom based on double occupancy.
Itinerary
October 4- Arrive London
This morning arrive into London. Transfer from the airport to your hotel for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is on your own to explore.
October 5– London/Board the Island Princess
This morning after breakfast, transfer to Southampton by motorcoach to board the Island Princess. The Island Princess is your own private retreat on the sea. Whether you crave relaxation or exhilaration, you’ll find the soothing Lotus Spa, live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, casino gaming and more. And for a special treat, try the Bayou Café and Steakhouse, which features New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine. (B,D)
October 6 – Day at Sea
Today is a fun filled day spent at sea. (B,L,D)
October 7 – Stavanger, Norway
Norway’s fourth largest city, Stavanger lies at the mouth of the Gandsfjord. The old port, attests to the sea’s enduring role in Norwegian history. Here, Vikings once sailed on voyages of conquest and exploration. In later centuries, the port served as a major hub for Norway’s mercantile and fishing fleets. By the mid-20th century, however, Stavanger had fallen on hard times as the fishing grounds dwindled. In 1969, the discovery of North Sea oil opened a new chapter in Stavanger’s history.
At the “Sword in the Rock” Monument, three giant crossed Viking swords commemorate King Harald Fair Hair’s unification of Norway in 872 following his victory at the Battle of Hafrsfjord. (B,L,D)
October 8 – Day at Sea
Today is a full day at Sea. (B,L,D)
October 9 – Day at Sea
Today is a full day at Sea. (B,L,D)
October 10 – Tromso, Norway
Lying north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has been a departure point for Arctic explorers and hunters since the 18th century. Today, this town of some 50,000 individuals is home to the northernmost university in the world, which gives Tromsø a lively cultural and street scene, highlighted by the annual Midnight Sun Marathon.
Ride the cable car to the summit of Mt. Storsteinen for dramatic views of Tromsø city and Troms Island. Enjoy refreshments at the panoramic restaurant.(B,L,D)
October 11 – Alta, Norway
Alta is known as the “City of the Northern Lights” and people from around the world come here to watch the spectacular phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis. In 1899, the world’s first Northern Lights observatory was built on Halddetoppen just outside of Alta. But Finnmark’s largest city has more to offer than bright dancing lights. Alta’s the gateway to unspoiled beauties such as the Finnmarksvidda plateau and the Sautso, often called Northern Europe’s Grand Canyon. From the UNESCO-protected rock carvings at the Alta Museum to the fascinating Sami culture, Alta is a tantalizing treasure just waiting to be discovered. Overnight on Ship. (B,L,D)
October 12 – Alta, Norway
Enjoy another full day in Alta. Ship sets sail at 11:00 p.m. (B,L,D)
October 13 – Day at Sea
Today is a full day at Sea. (B,L,D)
October 14 – Lofoten Islands, Norway
Gravdal is one of the largest villages in Vestvågøy and part of the Lofoten Archipelago in northern Norway. Gravdal serves as your gateway to the Lofoten Islands, the western remnants of great mountains that were worn away by glaciers. Lying entirely above the Arctic Circle, the islands’ dramatic natural architecture of rocky peaks along with picturesque villages places this archipelago in a league of its own.(B,L,D)
October 15– Day at Sea
Today is a fun filled day spent at sea. (B,L,D)
October 16 – Alesund, Norway
The island of Giske is the reputed birthplace of the great Viking Rollo, who laid siege to Paris and founded the Duchy of Normandy. William the Conqueror was his grandson.
In 1904, a massive fire destroyed 800 buildings in this fishing port. Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II responded with immediate aid, and Ålesund was reborn. Not surprisingly, the town was rebuilt in the then-popular Art Nouveau style known as Jugendstil. The result is one of the prettiest ports in Norway. Buildings with elegant turrets and spires can be seen lining the streets of the city center. Today, the city is one of Norway’s most important fishing harbors and the world’s largest supplier of stockfish (Klippfisk) – dried cod. Alesund’s major attractions are the surrounding fjords and the stunning Sunnmøre Alps.(B,L,D)
October 17 – Day at Sea
Today is a full day at Sea (B,L,D)
October 18 – Day at Sea
Today is a full day at sea. (B,L,D)
October 19 – Arrive Southampton
This morning arrive back into Southampton and depart for home. (B)