Welcome to the newest cruise line in the Norwegian Coastal cruise market: Havila Cruises. With brand new environmentally friendly ships and with levels of on board comfort, coastal cruising has been raised to another level.
Sailing all year round, the main options are northbound from Bergen to Kirkenes, southbound from Kirkenes to Bergen or the circular voyage taking in 34 ports along the say. versa. If you prefer something shorter, then try the two or three day option taking in the fjords, the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands for the cruise around the North Cape. Whichever cruise you choose, the experience is the same – cruising one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world.
The décor of the ships is inspired by nature – by the sea, sky, mountains and glaciers whilst the cuisine draws inspiration from the traditional dishes of the local towns and villages along the route.
Could you see yourself under a glass roof, seated in a comfortable lounge chair with drink in hand and gazing up at a sky filled with Northern Lights or Midnight Sun? Or could you picture yourself in a heated jacuzzi enjoying the views as you sail by? This is Havila.
On the northbound voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, you’ll visit some of the world’s most beautiful fjords, cross the Arctic Circle and sail around the North Cape plateau, at the very top of Europe, during the daytime.
Please note that excursions will differ dependant upon the season of travel.
*Geiranger visited 01.06–31.08
*Hjørundfjorden visited 01.09-31.10
The journey starts in Bergen, the capital of western Norway, with the colourful and UNESCO-listed warehouses in Bryggen. Take the funicular railway, Fløibanen, up to one of the lookout points, sample the seafood at the fish market or take a stroll through the narrow streets and along the quays of the lively harbour. Bergen is the gateway to the Norwegian fjords and the start of your coastal adventure.
After the first night on board, you can start your day by waving to the Havila Voyages headquarters just off Torvik. Ålesund, is renowned for its art nouveau architecture with beautiful brick houses and warehouses. In the summer, you can continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord, which has steep mountainsides and dramatic waterfalls.
*Geiranger visited 01.06–31.08
**Hjørundfjorden/Urke visited 01.09-31.10
Optional Excursions
Geiranger and Trollstigen, Geiranger*
E-biking in Norangsdalen, Urke**
Unique paddling experience Hjørundfjord, Urke**
Guided cultural walk in the fjords, Urke**
Hike to a mountain farm, Urke**
Art nouveau walk, Ålesund
Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium, Ålesund
Kayaking in Alesund, Ålesund
Hiking at Sukkertoppen, Ålesund
Winter cruise to the world heritage area of Geiranger, Ålesund
Fishing Adventure in Ålesund
The Mountaineering Capital of Norway, Ålesund
Idyllic walk in a living, historic factory, Ålesund
It is morning when we dock in the historic city of Trondheim, which was founded over a thousand years ago. Nidaros Cathedral is the landmark of the city; it is Norway’s national shrine and one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. After our visit here, the voyage continues out into the fjord, into an abundant archipelago and heads for northern Norway.
On this stretch, we mark crossing the Arctic Circle with a ceremony and continue onward into the Arctic regions. It means midnight sun in the summer, while winter days are merely a shade less dark than night-time and, possibly, Northern Lights in the evenings. Nature is powerful with northern Scandinavia’s largest glacier, the world’s strongest tidal current and encounters with the majestic sea eagle. In the evening, Lofoten’s fishing villages, steep mountains and Vikings await.
Optional Excursions
Svartisen Glacier, Ørnes
Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen,Bodø
Taste the arctic outdoor, Bodø
RIB-safari to Saltstraumen and the sea eagles, Bodø
Feast with the Viking chieftain, Stamsund
Meet and greet Lofoten, Stamsund
The voyage continues on through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions and courage. Now you have also reached the land of the Sami, Norway’s indigenous people. Meeting the Sami and their reindeer while hearing about the Sami culture is a unique experience you will remember.
Optional Excursions
Tromsø – Capital of the Arctic, Tromsø
Dog sledding and huskies, Tromsø
Visit huskies in the wilderness of Tromsø
Reindeer sledding and Sami visit
Walking theater in Tromsø
As far north as you can get – by land and sea. For many, the visit to the North Cape is a high point and a goal for voyages along the Norwegian coast. Up here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and most desolate, but between bare plains and rugged cliffs people cling on and reap nature’s bounty. You can also have a taste of the catch. How about some king crab?
Optional Excursions
The North Cape plateau , Honningsvåg
Magerøya Island ATV Summer Safari, Honningsvåg
Magerøya Island ATV Winter Safari, Honningsvåg
Snowshoeing and ice fishing in the Arctic, Honningsvåg
Birdwatching near North Cape, Honningsvåg
Visiting a Sami family, Kjøllefjord
Autumn visit to the Sami, Kjøllefjord
Snowmobiling under the Polar sky, Kjøllefjord
Birdwatching near North Cape, Honningsvåg
You are now as far east on your voyage as you can go. The border with Russia is only a few kilometres away, and the road signs in Kirkenes are in Norwegian and Russian. You can go as far as the border on one of our excursions, or how about a visit to the Snowhotel where everything is made of ice and snow?
Optional Excursions
Snowhotel Kirkenes
King crab with a snowmobile on the frozen fjord, Kirkenes
Dog sledding in the Arctic, Kirkenes
Snowmobile safari in the Arctic, Kirkenes
The Russian border, Kirkenes
King crab fishing in a RIB, Kirkenes
