In Search of the Northern Lights
Overview
In Search of the Northern Lights
Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Cruising far north in Norway’s winter, witness what few others see: wondrous snow-dusted landscapes, cities hushed in slumber and the luminous aurora borealis dancing in the sky. Sami legends, a sled dog ride and mysterious rock carvings bring you close to your destination. Join us on this truly illuminating cruise.
What's Included:
- 12 night cruise
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (subject to certain usage policies)
- Complimentary enriching shore excursions in each port of call, led by knowledgeable local guides
- Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with on board dinner and lunch service
- Complimentary 24-hour speciality coffees & teas
- Speciality restaurants without extra charge
- Complimentary self-service laundry facilities on multiple decks
- All port charges & government taxes included
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
Hand Picked By
"Well known for their river cruises, Viking are also specialists in ocean cruising. Sleek, stylish and built for pleasure, Viking ocean ships set a new standard in on-board Scandi-chic and innovation. Dine in a different restaurant every night for free, enjoy the privacy of your own veranda and lap up the views from the first infinity pool at sea. Everything you need is included in the price. Call myself or one of my colleagues and start planning your Viking Cruise journey."
Alison Saunders
Additional Information
- Departure Date: January, February & March 2022 & 2023
- Duration: 12 nights
- Highlights: Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night.
Ship Overview
Viking Venus
Expand your horizons on this comfortable, award-winning ship, intimate and thoughtfully created by experienced nautical architects and designers to enrich your interaction with your destination in every way. Our intimate, all-veranda ships offer a wide variety of staterooms for your selection. From Veranda Staterooms to the abundance of extra perks and amenities in our spacious Explorer Suites, there’s no finer way to travel. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known.
Viking Venus Profile
- Guests: 930
- Length: 745 feet
- Beam: 94.5 feet
- Class: Small ships
- Year built: 2021
Full Itinerary
Day 1 - London (Tilbury)
Arrive in Tilbury, a historic town on the north bank of the Thames River. Settle in to your veranda stateroom and take time to explore your ship, perhaps enjoying a proper English tea in the Wintergarden.
Day 2 - Cruise the North Sea
The North Sea has long been central to Europe’s history. From Viking settlement and medieval trade to international war and modern-day oil production, some of the continent’s most pivotal moments have unfolded on its stage. Learn more about this body of water during an enriching lecture. Relax on board with tea in the Wintergarden or find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck.
Day 3 - Stavanger
From the heart of the Old Town, where your ship berths, you will have the morning and early afternoon to explore. Start here in the old quarter, Gamle Stavanger, which has Europe’s highest concentration of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Or consider a cruise along the Lysefjord to see the famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, jutting out nearly 2,000 feet above—it is one of Norway’s most famous natural attractions. Offshore oil drilling is an important industry for the local economy, and the award-winning Norwegian Petroleum Museum tells the story of the dangers faced in extracting this precious fuel. While ashore, don’t forget to indulge in waffles with cream and sweet jams with a steaming cup of hot tea.
Day 4 - Cruise the Norwegian Sea
As you cruise to our next port, spend the day savoring the amenities of your elegant ship. Indulge in Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa or find your inner calm with some yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, dine on thoughtfully prepared cuisine that connects you to the flavors of Scandinavia and end your evening with a nightcap at Torshavn.
Day 5 - Bodo
Explore the lovely city of Bodø today, home to a masterful cathedral. Bodø lies just north of the Arctic Circle, and was rebuilt to what you see today after its destruction in World War II. On an included tour, see the Customs House, Norwegian Aviation Museum and Gothic Bodø Cathedral with its ten glorious tapestries from Nordlund and detached steeple. Its melodious church bells ring out over the town every hour. Rønvikfjellet mountain affords magnificent views over snow-covered roofs. Bodø’s greatest natural landmark, the Saltstraumen maelstrom, can be viewed year-round.
Days 6 & 7 - Tromso
Enjoy the lovely setting of Tromsø’s historic center, spread over a scenic island surrounded by snowcapped peaks. On an included tour along heated sidewalks, installed to keep the snow at bay, admire its blend of wooden structures and neoclassical buildings. You’ll see the stunning Arctic Cathedral with its striking triangular shape, the city’s most recognizable symbol. In winter, the spectacular surroundings can be explored by sled, pulled by reindeer or dogs. You can learn about this long-held wintertime tradition at the Tromsø Wilderness Center, home to more than 100 huskies.
Another day to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of Tromsø. You might set off into Norway’s pristine wilderness on a glacier trek in the Alps. Alternately, learn about the aurora borealis and the indigenous cultures of northern Norway from experts at the Tromsø University Museum. Or pay a visit to the world’s northernmost brewery.
Days 8 & 9 - Alta
Resting on the stunning shores of Altafjord, Alta is the gateway to some of Europe’s most magnificent natural beauty. Its frequent clear skies make it an ideal locale from which to view the northern lights. In Alta, fascinating rock carvings tell stories of primitive cultures; you may view them, as well as fascinating exhibits on salmon fishing and the northern lights, at the excellent Alta Museum. Or you may opt to visit the nearby Sami community of Máze for an authentic lunch of local dishes and an exciting ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh.
Enjoy another day amid the breathtaking setting of Alta. You may wish to explore the town on your own, perhaps visiting the Northern Lights Cathedral. Admire its fascinating steeple designed to resemble a flame and enjoy the ethereal strains of its organ. Or venture to the spectacular Sautso, a canyon carved over millennia by the Alta River. At 7.5 miles long and up to 1,380 feet deep, it is the largest in Northern Europe.
Day 10 - Narvik
Home to a former Viking settlement, Narvik is situated on the innermost shores of the Ofotfjorden. The small town enjoys a dramatic backdrop, encircled by mountains in every direction and the glacier that spills right to the water’s edge. During your visit, you will learn how the ice-free port helped the town prosper as an exporter of Swedish iron ore. At the Polar Park, you can view some of the residents of the far north, including Arctic wolves. You might also enjoy the wilderness during a sleigh ride or meet the native Sami people.
Day 11 - Cruise the Norwegian Sea
As you sail the scenic coast of Norway, delve into the Nordic-inspired amenities of your ship. Treat yourself to a traditional Norwegian waffle at Mamsen’s gourmet deli. Tour your ship with our Viking Art App installed on your mobile device, learning about the onboard Scandinavian-inspired art and streamlined design. This evening, savor a romantic dinner at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant.
Day 12 - Bergen
Encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, Bergen was home to Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO Site, easily stroll along its waterfront. See the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses, and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Perhaps take an excursion to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s famous composer. Or take a trip to the top of Mt. Ulriken, where you can savor an Ulriken bun, a cinnamon pastry, with a view that is equally as indulgent. Gain an insider’s view of Norway’s shipbuilding culture and fish farming industry on our optional excursion. This evening, dine ashore and mingle with the locals, as we will be spending the night in port.
Day 13 - Bergen
Awake in Bergen, where you will be departing your ship. If you wish, you may explore more with Viking: Stay on in this fascinating old mercantile city, visit Norway’s cosmopolitan capital of Oslo or journey to Iceland.
Additional Information
- Departure Date: January, February & March 2022 & 2023
- Duration: 12 nights
- Highlights: Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night.
Cabin and Fares
Cabin Type | Guide Price | Additional Info |
---|---|---|
Inside Cabin | £1,899pp | Choice of Free Drinks or £280pp on board spend |
View CabinInside CabinAverage size 183 sq ftThe Interior cabins can be found on Decks 1, 2 and 3, and are approximately 183 square feet in size. The room consists of two single beds which can be converted into a queen-size bed. The bathroom features a shower only. | Enquire Now | |
Ocean View | £2,299pp | Choice of Free Drinks or £280pp on board spend |
View CabinOcean ViewAverage size 214 sq ftThese Ocean View cabins can be found on Decks 1 and 2 and are approximately 214 square feet and feature a porthole window. The room consists of two single beds which can be converted into a queen-size bed. The bathroom features a shower only. | Enquire Now | |
Balcony Cabin | £3,799pp | Choice of Free Drinks or £280pp on board spend |
View CabinBalcony CabinAverage size 218 sq ftOur Terrace Cabins can be found on Deck 3, midship and are approximately 218 square feet. The bedroom features two single beds which can be converted into a queen-size bed. The bathroom has a shower. Sliding glass doors lead onto the walk-around Lower Promenade Deck. | Enquire Now | |
Single Cabin | £3,199 | Choice of Free Drinks or £280pp on board spend |
View CabinSingle CabinAverage size 183 sq ftOur Single Interior cabins can be found on Deck 1 and are approximately 183 square feet in size. Each room features two single beds which can be converted into a queen-size bed and shower. | Enquire Now | |
Veranda Stateroom | From £3,690pp | |
View CabinVeranda StateroomApprox. 270sq. ft. including verandaThese cabins include luxury robes, slippers & premium Freyja® toiletries, large bathroom with oversize glass-enclosed walk-in shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirrors,spacious closet & drawer, 42" flat-screen LCD TV, king-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linens, safe, hair dryer, 110/220 volt outlets & ample USB ports direct dial satellite phone service, mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks, purified water refilled daily, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi. | Enquire Now |