Why go on a cruise with 565 other guests? When you can go on a small Arctic cruise in Norway. An adventure cruise starting in Tromsø, seeing Lofoten, Senja, Troms, Lyngen Alps, and Alta with the Nansen Polar Expedition.
The Small Arctic Cruise I’m talking about is the Adventure Cruise of Nansen Polar Expedition, which takes around 12 lucky guests on a private cruise along the best part of Northern Norway above the Arctic Circle. Being only 12 guests, you will have plenty of space on board. Best of all, easy and fast access to the Zodiacs. Often, it only took 10 – 15 minutes before we were on the water looking at the whales.
I used to work at Up Norway, one of the best travel companies in Norway for bespoke journeys. I was lucky to be invited on a voyage to explore the wonders of the small Arctic cruise in Norway.
Day 1: Embarking the Small Arctic Cruise
Arriving in Tromsø, the Arctic Capital of Norway, embarking on MS Villa and meeting the dedicated expedition team. If you have time before embarking, maybe stop by the Polar Museum to immerse yourself in the polar history of Norway. Tromsø is the Gateway to the Arctic in Norway. Or have coffee at Kaffebønna, a place to be when wandering in Tromsø.
Day 2 – 4: Expedition Mood on the Small Arctic Cruise
Every morning, the expedition team will tell you the plan for the day. Still, it always includes looking for whales, when possible, putting the zodiacs in the water, getting closer to nature, and sometimes even having unique close encounters with the whales. Often, we spotted the whales and were in the Zodiac in less than 15 minutes.
Lofoten Islands & Trollfjorden
Depending on your voyage, you may be lucky to wake up at Lofoten Islands, and seeing Lofoten in winter is even more pleasing than the summer. Why? The peaks are covered in snow and are more dramatic than ever. Also, the light is different, and the air is so crisp and clean; most of all, the energy is calm and inviting. See yourself in this blog post: Lofoten in April.
Senja
It is the second largest island in Norway after Svalbard. It is a stunning place to be cradled between fjords, snow peaks, and pristine arctic water with clean air. Senja is an excellent spot for white-tailed eagles, seals, and Northern Light. Senja is a secluded area that lacks light pollution. If you are lucky, you may see the Northern light all four days on the cruise, as I did. Also, you may get a challenge for an Arctic Plunge, which is highly a thing to get on your bucket list. When was the last time you swam in -0,7 Celsius degree water? Less than 32 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Troms & Lyngen Alps
One of the highlights of the small Arctic cruise in Norway was sailing through the Lyngen Alps with the most bedazzling mountain peaks. Also, in this area, you are close to Skjervøy, where the Orcas and humpbacks love to hang out during the winter months in Norway. One time, one of the photographers could not capture the whales with the camera because he was so close he had to enjoy it with his eyes. Seeing the whales in their natural habitat is a transforming experience, and you genuinely admire the wonder of Mother Nature.
The Aurora Distillery
The Northernmost distilleries are great places to connect with local ingredients and culture and understand the pure melt waters to create some of the best award-winning whiskey. The fun part is the tasting.
Day 5: Disembarking in Alta
All good things must end; luckily, that does not mean that the adventure has to stop. After our breakfast, we went to the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta. We went on an incredible snowmobile adventure. We saw the vast landscape of Alta & Finnmark. Including the awe-inspiring view of Alta Canyon, a famous and important landmark. One of Northern Europe’s largest canyons and one of the best salmon rivers in the world. You can have lunch either at Jotka Moutain Lodge or Sorrisniva Lavvu restaurant. Spend the night at the Igloo Hotel or one of the rooms at the Lodge of Sorrisniva.
Being Onboard the Small Arctic Cruise
Onboarding MS Villa is an ocean retreat where you can closely encounter nature. Spending four nights onboard the MS Villa is true tranquility and time to enjoy the art of just being. Sitting right next to the captain and looking at the villages and fjords passing by is perfectly acceptable without doing anything more than only being. Sometimes, the captain even borrows his chair from you. MS Villa is a treat with only 12 guests, comfortable cabins, and outstanding food. Best of all, it is packed with stunning scenery and jaw-dropping adventure. Sometimes, there is a dazzle of Northern Lights and Whales cruising past in the fjords. What more do you need in a small Arctic cruise in Norway?
Packing for Small Arctic Cruise in Norway
Yes, you will need warm winter clothes and wool lawyers. Yes, bring several jackets to lawyer up. I used wool t-shirts, a fleece jacket, a down jacket, and my parka jacket on top of all those lawyers that kept me warm for the zodiac adventures. Other than that, the atmosphere is relaxed. You are more than comfortable walking around inside slippers and casual outfits on the boat.
Photo Credit: Anna Vdovenko, Sales on Nansen Polar Expedition. Pauline from Up Norway & Caroline from Sorrisniva in Alta.
Nansen Polar Expedition
If you would like a small Arctic cruise in Norway, I highly recommend Nansen Polar Expedition; you can look at their booking page to find your adventure: Adventure Cruise in Arctic Norway.
