Home > Land of the Northern Lights Cruise (2013)

Land of the Northern Lights Cruise (2013)

Sail the stunning Norwegian coast and across the Arctic Circle in search of the spectacular Northern Lights. This world famous display of blue, green and pink light dancing across the dark sky is one of nature's greatest wonders.

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Itinerary
Map
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights
Amsterdam
Molde
Svartisen Glacier, Holandsfjord
Svolvær, Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Islands
Entrance to the War Museum, Narvik
Tromso
Arctic Cathedral, Tromso
The enchanting art nouveau town of Ålesund
Ålesund
Bergen, Norway
Bergen
Perhaps visit Hardangerfjord from Bergen?

DAY 1: Tilbury, UK.

Make your own way to Tilbury to join your criuse ship, Marco Polo. Latest embarkation time is 3pm. (L, D)

DAY 2: Amsterdam.

The Dutch capital is a charming and cosmopolitan city with a wealth of sights to enjoy. Famed for its graceful, tree-shaded canals spanned by 1,000 bridges and lined by 17th and 18th century gabled merchant houses, it also boasts numerous world-class galleries and museums, including the magnificent Rijksmuseum filled with Dutch masterpieces, and the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 4: Alesund.

Spread across three islands at the mouth of mighty Geirangerfjord, this bustling fishing port was largely destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in striking Art Nouveau style. With its spires, turrets and ornamental houses, it looks considerably different from other Norwegian towns. Stroll along the canalfront to admire bobbing boats, see Norway's farmhouses of old at the Sunnmore open-air museum or perhaps head up Mount Aksla to capture breathtaking views over the islands and scenery. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Svartisen Glacier.

Enjoy a special navigation along the magnificent Holandsfjord for spectacular views of the awesome Svartisen Glacier, the second largest icecap in Norway. Stretching across part of Saltfjellet National Park, Svartisen Glacier sweeps across a spellbinding landscape, from the mighty Saltfjellet mountains, through glistening valleys and tranquil rivers, to the mirror-like sparkling fjords. Although the name means 'black ice', Svartisen's enchanting icefield plateau is a rich, deep blue and is divided into East and West arms by the picturesque Western Valley. Please note you view the glacier from the ship and not on foot. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Sortland, Vesteralen Islands.

Sortland is located on Langøya island and is the largest town and commercial centre in Vesterålen. With most houses painted blue, Sortland is often referred to as "the blue town". (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Narvik.

Fringing stunning Ofotfjord on Norway's north western coast, Narvik is a modern city framed by wild, unspoiled landscapes, small fjords and dramatic peaks. The city saw fierce fighting during World War II and respectfully hosts a cemetery for British, French, Polish and German soldiers. Perhaps join an optional visit to the cemetery and the fascinating war museum or alternatively ride a cable car to the Narvikfjellet viewpoint for jaw-dropping views over Ofotfjord. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 to 9: Alta.

Alta stands in the county of Finnmark at the head of Altafjord and is known as the 'Town of the Northern Lights' for its 19th century Northern Lights observatory - the first ever built. With most of its centre burnt down in World War II, this modern town still has much to see, including a museum showcasing a series of outdoor rock carvings dating from up to 6,000 years ago. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Tromso.

Norway's most northerly city and gateway to the Arctic, Tromso stands 400km inside the Arctic Circle and has been the launch place for many polar expeditions. On a wooded island backed by snow-capped peaks, it blends old and new and is famed for its nightlife - boasting more bars than anywhere else in Norway. Discover its modern 'Arctic Cathedral', which resembles an iceberg, take a cable car up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views over the city or explore the Polaria Centre, where interactive exhibitions bring the Arctic wilderness to life. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 12: Andalsnes.

Andalsnes, situated south east of Molde, is at the head of the Romsdalsfjord. Dominated by the Andalsnes Mountain, the town lies in a pretty valley between the spectacular mountain and the tranquil waters of the fjord. It is a gateway to some magnificent Norwegian scenery including the Trolls Path, one of Europe's most amazing roads with its eleven hairpin bends. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Bergen.

Known as the 'gateway to the Norwegian fjords' and the 'city of seven hills', charming Bergen was the birthplace of the composer Edvard Grieg. Bursting with history, culture and picture-postcard charm, it sits amongst steep, mountainous slopes that create an amphitheatre effect around the harbour front. Explore at leisure to admire the labyrinth of cobbled streets lined with medieval houses, Rosenkrantz Tower, and Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its brightly painted Hanseatic merchants' houses and animated harbourside cafés. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to spectacular Hardangerfjord or take a funicular railway ride to the summit of Mount Floeyen, whose peaks tower 1,000 feet above the city, to admire spellbinding views over the city. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 15: Tilbury, UK.

Arrive in Tilbury and disembark after breakfast. (B)

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the UK.

Your Holiday Map

Land of the Northern Lights Cruise (2013)

Marco Polo
Marco Polo
Columbus lounge, Marco Polo
Marco Polo Theatre lounge, Marco Polo
Marco's Restaurant, Marco Polo
Captain's Club piano bar
Standard plus twin inside cabin, Marco Polo
Superior twin inside cabin, Marco Polo
Standard twin outside cabin, Marco Polo
Standard plus twin outside cabin, Standard plus twin cabin, Marco Polo
Superior twin outside cabin, Marco Polo
Premium twin outside cabin, Marco Polo
Pool and sun deck, Marco Polo
Whirlpool baths on deck, Marco Polo
Promenade, Marco Polo
Internet centre, Marco Polo

Marco Polo

With broad teak decks, an understated elegance and a charming home-from-home atmosphere, Marco Polo embodies the beauty and efficiency of classic ocean cruise liners. Although traditional in ambience, it is a modern and stylish ship, fully stabilised and air-conditioned, and offering a great range of facilities and entertainment. Compact yet comfortable, Marco Polo accommodates 800 guests in bright and tasteful cabins but children under 16 are not allowed and teenagers must be accompanied by an adult.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Swimming pool; 3 whirlpool baths; promenade; Waldorf Restaurant; Marco's Restaurant; Captain's Club lounge and piano bar; Palm Garden lounge; Columbus lounge; Marco Polo Show Lounge; Scotts Bar; Jade Wellness Centre with fitness centre, sauna, massage, spa and beauty treatments and hairdresser; Nansen card room; Livingston Library; internet centre; shopping arcade; photo gallery; 4 lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Dinner can be taken at one of two fixed sittings in the stylish Waldorf Restaurant or at the casual Marco's buffet restaurant. Open seating breakfast and lunch is available in either restaurant. Menus include a good variety of international dishes and some dietary specific options such as vegetarian and healthy choice. Afternoon tea is available in Marco's Restaurant offering a selection of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; telephone; safety deposit box; hairdryer; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category 1 cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

1 Standard twin inside lower deck cabin

3 Superior twin inside middle/upper deck cabin

6 Standard twin outside lower deck cabin with port hole(s)

8 Standard Plus twin outside lower/middle deck cabin with port hole(s)

9 Superior twin outside upper deck cabin with window

11 Superior Plus twin outside upper deck cabin with window

12 Premium twin outside upper deck cabin with window