5 Night Classic Voyage South Kirkenes to Bergen Cruise from Kirkenes

Start your Classic Voyage South in the far northern town of Kirkenes (which, surprisingly, lies further east than Istanbul). The region has many wintertime activities, including snowshoeing, dog-sledging, and snowmobiling. You can also visit an Arctic Ice Dome. Interested in history? Kirkenes has many small museums detailing the region's rich heritage. Southbound and down: After departing Kirkenes, we head due north, arriving at Vardo in the afternoon. Weather permitting, the brave may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!). We now head due west, cruising along the Varanger peninsula to Batsfjord and Berlevag, home to Norway's most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen. TIME IN PORT: Kirkenes: 9 am-12:30 pm; Vardo: 4:05 pm-5 pm; Batsfjord: 8 pm-8:30 pm; Berlevag: 10:25 pm-10:35 pm.

Around midnight, we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the aurora. North Cape breakfast: We again dock at Honningsvag, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at the North Cape. The ship continues to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrom. We continue south to Oksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervoy. Midnight adventures: We then dock at Tromso, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also explore Tromso under the midnight sun by boat in summer. You may want to drop by Olhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer. Time in port: Mehamn: 1:20 am-1:30 am; Kjollefjord: 3:25 am-3:35 am; Honningsvag: 5:45 am-6 am; Havoysund: 8 am-8:15 am; Hammerfest: 11 am-12:45 pm; Oksfjord: 3:50 pm-4:05 pm; Skjervoy: 7:30 pm-7:45 pm; Tromso: 11:45 pm-1:30 am.

History and culture: This morning, we arrive at Harstad, where you can join one of the classic excursions - A Taste of Vesteralen. Discover history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites on this tour that rejoins the ship at Sortland. Those who stay on the ship experience a passage through the Risoyrenna, a shallow channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s. Lofoten and Trollfjord: Get ready now for some amazing scenery as we sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesteralen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wild nature, and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight sailing route through the region is the voyage highlight for many. After a short stop at the tiny village of Risoyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes - where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years ago. You can visit the Hurtigruten Museum here. Continuing south, it will look like we're headed into a mountain wall, but don't worry. We are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000 meters out of the sea. We now arrive at amazing Trollfjord. If conditions allow, we will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It's an unforgettable experience! Next we arrive in Svolvaer, where you can choose from several excursion options. Go horseback riding along a beach at sunset, head out on spectacular hikes, join a fast-boat tour on the fjord, or relax in town at one of many cafes, pubs, and restaurants. TIME IN PORT: Tromso: 11:45 pm-1:30 am; Finnsnes: 4:20 am-4:40 am; Harstad: 8 am-8:30 am; Risoyhamn: 10:45 am-11 am; Sortland: 12:30 pm-1 pm; Stokmarknes: 2:15 pm-3:15 pm; Svolvaer: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Stamsund: 10:15 pm-11:30 pm.

Trolls and mountains: Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important 'rite of passage'. Today, we celebrate the occasion on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition - a spoonful of cod liver oil. Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten (258 m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole through its center. The hole is 160 meters long, 35 meters high, and 20 meters wide, and was formed during the ice age. Participate on a hike up the mountain. Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops. From ducks to salmon: Next, we briefly stop at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjoen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islanders and eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihood of making down-filled duvets. In Bronnoysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April through October. Even though we're south of the Arctic Circle, there are still good chances to see the Northern Lights in winter. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer. TIME IN PORT: Bodo: 2:30 am-3:30 am; Ornes: 6:25 am-6:35 am; Nesna: 10:25 am-10:35 am; Sandnessjoen: 11:45 am-12:15 pm; Bronnoysund: 3 pm-5:25 pm; Rorvik: 9 pm-9:30 pm.

Trondheim: Today, you have a chance to explore the wooden city of history: Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028. Spectacular scenery and life of the sea: As we sail along the coast, you will realize the importance of fishing to Norway's coastal communities. Kristiansund is regarded as Norway's 'dried cod capital' because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8-kilometer stretch of highway spans eight bridges, crosses picturesque landscapes, and is surrounded by open sea. Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which takes you inside a mountain and across an illuminated subterranean lake before serving you a meal in the mine's 'Grand Hall'. Norwegian alps: Those who remain aboard at Kristiansund will experience the ship's open sea crossing towards Molde - Norway's 'City of Roses'. From there, you can see the distant pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord, called the 'Molde Panorama'. TIME IN PORT: Trondheim: 6:30 am-9:30 am; Kristiansund: 4:30 pm-5:30 pm; Molde: 9:15 pm-9:45 pm.

Night-time stops: During the night, the ship calls at Alesund, Torvik, and Maloy, as our voyage draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to see, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 kilometers inland. Approaching Bergen: In the morning, we dock at Floro, Norway's westernmost community. A few nautical miles south of Floro, we cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen with unforgettable memories of a truly unique part of the world. More adventures in Norway: If you would like to see more of Norway, a Bergen City Sightseeing excursion (only sold onboard) is highly recommended, or various post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture, and scenery. TIME IN PORT: Alesund: 0:30 am-1:20 am; Torvik: 2:35 am-2:45 am; Maloy: 5:45 am-6 am; Floro: 8:15 am-8:30 am; Bergen: 14:45 pm.