Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
On this two week cruise to Northern Norway, you will be perfectly placed to witness the ethereal lights of the Aurora Borealis illuminating the night sky while cruising in the Arctic Ocean and ashore during extended stays in Tromsø and Alta. Sail past Torghatten, the mountain with a hole through its centre, and enjoy an overnight stay in the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, Tromsø, where you can spend time with a local Sámi community and learn about their daily lives in Northern Norway's harsh winters, before heading to Alta, ideal for joining husky sledding tours through wintry landscapes or going on an exhilarating snowmobile ride. Elsewhere, you will have the chance to explore the rugged Vesterålen archipelago and the hanseatic city of Bergen. Wrap up warm and join astronomers from Go Stargazing, who will enjoy taking you through the many different planets in the night sky, and showing you constellations on a laser-guided session from the decks of Borealis.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Experience the awe-inspiring Northern Lights
On your Northern Lights cruise, you will be perfectly placed to witness the ethereal Aurora Borealis from both the decks of Balmoral and on extended stays in Tromsø and Alta. Journey into the countryside, where light pollution is minimal, with knowledgeable guides who will know where and how to best spot the ribbons of green and pink as they flutter across the skies above you. Located beneath the Aurora Oval, Sortland's chaming fishing villages are in the ideal location for you to have the wonderful chance of seeing the Northern Lights illuminating the skies above the Vesterålen archipelago.
Friluftsliv in winter
The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv means to spend time outdoors, connecting with nature in all seasons. In Alta and Tromsø, discover Norway's wintry terrain by experiencing an exhilarating husky ride through snow-covered landscapes, and then spend time with the dogs to learn about their daily lives; or enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling through the countryside to an inland plateau with the absence of light pollution, to witness the Aurora Borealis. Visit a lavvu tent to spend time with local Sámi communities and hear their stories about their lives as reindeer herders, and immerse yourself in reindeer herding, where you may be able to help feed the animals.
Life On Board
Introducing Borealis
Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Borealis
Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you to see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Hiking Aksla
Enjoy a rewarding hike up Mount Aksla, offering breathtaking views of Ålesund’s town center, the archipelago, and the Sunnmøre Alps. Start from the quayside, traverse the town, and ascend to the Rundskue Lookout Tower and Fjellstua Viewpoint.
££££
Ålesund
Hjørundfjord Cruise
The Hjørundfjord cuts through some of the wildest mountain ranges in Norway, known as the Sunnmøre Alps. From the comfort of a vintage boat, admire views of mountains and fjords at their most spectacular.
££££
Ålesund
Introduction to Bergen & Mount Fløyen
Embark on a scenic drive through Bergen, passing King Håkon’s Hall, Rosenkratz Tower, and Bryggen Wharf to the lower funicular station of Mount Fløyen. Board your carriage that ascends to the summit, 400m above sea level in just eight minutes.
££££
Bergen
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.
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 Jo & Pete Richardson on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
Harry Read
An award-winning nature photographer, Harry Read will be joining us on this sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by, including the possibility of capturing the mesmerising Northern Lights.
Trevor Rulton
Trevor left the UK 45 years ago, initially for six months but never looked back, and since 2020 has resided in Norway, in the Arctic Circle. Join him as he provides an insight into life as an Ex-pat in Northern Norway the Arctic Circle.
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.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 01:00 24/01/2025, 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 01:00 24/01/2025, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Saver Balcony Suite (LBS)
These suites have a sitting area, picture windows, balcony & bathroom with shower.
| Saver Fare | From £3,199 pp |
|---|
Saver Terrace Cabin (LTC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins have sliding glass doors onto the Lower Promenade deck.
| Saver Fare | From £2,999 pp |
|---|
Saver Ocean View Cabin (OS)
This cabin type could be a D, E or F grade, based on Saver Fare price.
| Saver Fare | From £1,399 pp |
|---|
Saver Interior Cabin (IS)
IS Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on decks Marina, Coral & Promenade deck.
| Saver Fare | From £999 pp |
|---|
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,959 pp |
|---|
360°
Saver Balcony Suite (LBS)
These suites have a sitting area, picture windows, balcony & bathroom with shower.
| Saver Fare | from £3,999 |
|---|
Saver Terrace Cabin (LTC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins have sliding glass doors onto the Lower Promenade deck.
| Saver Fare | from £3,749 |
|---|
Saver Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed (SCO)
Borealis' CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed view.
| Saver Fare | from £1,799 |
|---|
Saver Interior Cabin (IS)
IS Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on decks Marina, Coral & Promenade deck.
| Saver Fare | from £1,499 |
|---|
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,959 |
|---|
360°
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.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- 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.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will be advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.