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From£1,599pp

In Search of the Northern Lights with Lofoten

L2605

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Northern lights over Tromso, Norway Northern lights over Tromso, Norway
21 Feb 2026
Newcastle
10 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise to Northern Norway to offer you the chance to spot the Aurora Borealis, a natural spectacle that sees the skies adorned in colourful ribbons of light. You can experience the Arctic lifestyle during your time ashore, partaking in activities like husky sledding, snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling; and marvel at Lofoten’s wintery mountain landscapes. Or, for the ultimate cultural experience, spend time with a local Sámi community, who’ll share captivating stories about their traditions and way of life. Explore the scientific aspects of the Northern Lights, uncovering the secrets of this natural phenomenon.

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Highlights

Ship funnels and the Northern lights, Norway

Seek out the Northern Lights

We have meticulously planned this cruise to allow you the best possible chance of witnessing the magnificent Northern Lights at the very best possible time to see them. Arctic Norway’s winter nights are long and dark, creating the perfect environment for the vibrant hues of the Aurora Borealis to dance across the sky. You will have plenty of opportunities both on board and ashore to go in search of Mother Nature’s spectacular light show, with experienced local guides leading the way ashore to take you to the best spots to witness the Aurora.

Sami woman feeding reindeer, Norway

Immerse Yourself in Arctic Life

Throughout this cruise, you will be perfectly placed to experience the rich Arctic culture, with calls into destinations planned to allow you to experience the local way of life. You can meet with the local Sámi community, hearing tales of their traditions and their deep connection with nature as you gather round a fire in a warm lavvu, a traditional Sámi tent. This cruise will also offer you the perfect opportunity to experience the traditional form of reindeer herding, and perhaps even have the chance to feed them too.

Northern Lights

Learn About the Science Behind the Northern Lights  

The vibrant green, blue, purple and red tones of the Northern Lights dance across the dark night sky of the Earth’s polar regions and have captivated and mystified humans for centuries. The bright colours of the Aurora Borealis are caused when highly charged solar particles are emitted from the Sun’s surface and travel through space towards the Earth. Upon colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, these particles travel to the magnetic poles and burst into a colourful display, sometimes appearing to ‘dance’ across the night sky. This movement is caused by fluctuations in the solar winds and the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the particles to create shifting patterns of light.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Balmoral
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

A photo of guest speaker Andy Gray
Photography

Andy Gray

Photographer Andrew Gray will be joining us on your cruise to help you capture your own spectacular images of the destinations we will see on this special sailing.

Go Stargazing Logo
Astronomy

Go Stargazing

Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. Join Catherine Adams on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

A photo of Jeanette Yuile, a guest speaker, sitting in the sun
Norwegian Culture

Jeanette Yuile

Jeanette boasts over 40 years of Upstream Oil and Gas experience, and as a local Norwegian, she splits her time between Norway and the UK. During your cruise, Jeanette will be hosting a series of talks on Norway’s culture and way of life.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 11:00 20/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 11:00 20/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £3,599 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,899 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on Highland deck, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,499 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on Highland deck, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,999 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £6,199 pp
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What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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