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Peregrine Travel Centre

Astronomy Voyage | Northern Lights Expedition from London

Astronomy Voyage | Northern Lights Expedition from London

From AUD $6,728

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Description

Aurora adventures with Tom Kerss
November is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights along the Norwegian coastline. Spending five nights above the Arctic Circle offers even better odds of seeing one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy a host of winter activities against the backdrop of Norway’s breathtaking scenery.

You’ll be joined by renowned astronomer Tom Kerss F.R.A.S, who will be leading onboard helping you to better understand the Northern Lights, Arctic sky, and the solar system. Tom is an astronomer, astrophotographer, author, and consultant. Having previously worked at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, he now travels the world to help stargazers experience extraordinary skies, and has published numerous bestselling books.

Tradition and charm
You’ll cruise along enchanting Norwegian fjords visiting charming towns and cities, and exploring up close and in comfort aboard MS Maud. Discover Norway’s coastal communities and local culture with our Expedition Team.

Trip Name
Astronomy Voyage | Northern Lights Expedition from London
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 135,75 m Passenger Capacity: 528 Built: 2003 About the ship MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917. The original 'Maud' got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten Expedition’s 1925 flagship, DS Dronning Maud ('DS Queen Maud'). Ship features This ship has passed stringent tests and has been accredited by the leading independent certification body Bureau Veritas (BV). The strict and thorough safety audit required by BV ensures every ship is in compliance with industry and international health, safety and hygiene best practices. When you see the SafeGuard label, you can feel confident the vessel you’re sailing in meets the highest standards to achieve certification. SafeGuard furthermore ensures that best practice guidelines are being followed with regard to hygiene, sanitation and limiting the spread of infectious diseases on board. Today, MS Maud is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles. Premium expedition comfort Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Channel your inner scientist in the advanced Science Center and enjoy daily lectures in the lecture hall or in the comfort of your cabin with our new streaming service. Sample delicious dishes from local suppliers in the restaurants and enjoy beverages and the spectacular views in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. On deck 9, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor Observation deck. There’s also a gym and a sauna with stunning views. Interior and Cabins MS Maud is well-suited for expedition cruising, with a décor inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Explorer lounge & bar Enjoy the view with a drink in the Explorer lounge & bar. Science Center The hub of onboard learning is our Science Center, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. We stream for your comfort our lectures to cabins. Gym The MS Maud offers a complete gym. Sauna & Ralaxation After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs or the sauna, exercise in the gym, take in the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge & Bar, or browse in the on-board shop. Library  The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board. Observation Deck The Observation Deck is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch wildlife with your binoculars. Aune Restaurant Welcome onboard to a culinary journey and our award-winning food sourcing program. On board you find restaurant Aune - our main dining room; Named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim Restaurant The ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Fredheim - with casual fast food and plant based alternatives. Lindstrom Restaurant And our fine dining restaurant Lindstrøm, named after Polar Hero and Amundsen Chef Adolf Lindstrøm. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Depart from London
Set sail for winter sights and Northern LightsYour Arctic expedition cruise to see the Northern Lights starts in Tilbury. Perched on the North shore of the Thames with Essex to the North and Kent to the South, Tilbury has a long and proud seafaring history. If you have time, why not explore Tilbury’s historic fortress that has defended the river since the 16th century. Soon it's time to board MS Maud, your home for the next 15 days. Pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and meet your Expedition Team. Sail out of the mouth of the Thames as you head for your first stop in historic Harwich. Your adventure has begun.
Day 2 - DAY 2-3 Norway bound
Ease into your journey and relax on board The next two days at sea will give you plenty of time to enjoy the onboard facilities, such as our hot tubs, sauna and gym. You'll also dine on delicious seasonal produce in our restaurants. The Expedition Team will begin the first in their series of lectures over at the Science Center. Each member of the Expedition Team is an expert in their field. They’ll share fascinating insights about the places, history and nature you may encounter on your Norwegian coast adventure. Find out about our Citizen Science projects, where you can contribute to important scientific research. Or pick up pointers on improving your wildlife and landscape images from our expedition photographers.
Day 3 - DAY 4 Views from Mount Hoven
Enjoy the glacial beauty of Nordfjord In the morning, we’ll enter Nordfjord. We’ll pass Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff – look out for it if your cruise is passing in daylight – and head towards Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier. As we cruise past picturesque inlets, you'll spy old fishing communities dating back to pre-Viking times. One of these is Loen, where we'll land if conditions are right. In the shadow of the mighty glacier, there's much to discover. After a short boat ride to the floating jetty, you'll take the Loen Skylift to enjoy spectacular views from the summit of Mount Hoven. After, why not join exciting activitiessuch as snowshoeing, sledding or winter kayaking.
Day 4 - DAY 5 Cruising towards the Arctic
Enjoy a restful day at sea and cross the Arctic Circle Relax in the ship’s Explorer Lounge or enjoy the scenery out on deck as we sail through Helgeland county, home to the Seven Sisters mountain range, and cross the Arctic Circle. The Expedition Team continues its onboard lecture series and you can ask the Expedition Photographer for tips on how to capture the best Northern Lights images. You’ll experience the Polar Night above the Arctic Circle, when instead of total darkness, the skies turn a dreamy shade of cobalt blue, bathing the fjords and mountains in an ethereal hue. It’s known as the ‘blue hour’ and is caused by an extended twilight when the winter sun glows just below the horizon.
Day 5 - DAY 6 Idyllic island life
Majestic peaks, sheltered bays and pristine beaches  Today we explore the famed Lofoten Islands. With steep mountains, beautiful beaches and pretty fishing villages, the archipelago is unlike anything you’ve seen.  With its iconic red fishing huts, known as rorbuer, dotted against a granite-peak backdrop, Reine is an idyllic place to visit. You’ll see why this is one of Norway's most-photographed places! And if the weather conditions aren’t quite right, there are plenty of other equally memorable ports in the area to explore, such as Svolvær.
Day 6 - DAY 7 On the lookout for the Northern Lights
Welcome to Alta, one of the northernmost towns in the world Dubbed ‘The Northern Lights City’, Alta is the turning point of your expedition and one of the northernmost towns in the world. It’s charming to stroll around, swathed in Christmas lights and snow. Lying 70º north of the Arctic Circle, Alta sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval, a zone known for consistent Northern Lights activity. If the conditions are right, you could be in for a show. Learn more about the Aurora on a visit to Alta’s Northern Lights Cathedral, with its striking Aurora-inspired architecture, and fascinating interactive exhibition on Northern Lights research.
Day 7 - DAY 8 Gateway to the Arctic
Discover the rich history and culture of Tromsø Today we sail to Tromsø, capital of the Arctic. You’ll spend your day discovering its fascinating history, culture and bold architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. Visit the Polar Museum to learn about Tromsø’s fabled explorer history and join the friendly locals in the town’s many pubs. Don't miss Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub, with around 70 Norwegian beers on tap.
Day 8 - DAY 9 Historic Narvik
Discover one of the world's most northerly towns Sitting 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by three fjords, Narvik enjoys a spectacular setting. Developed as an all-year port for the Swedish iron mines, Narvik was a strategic target for Germany during World War II. Today, you can browse the local galleries, shops, and restaurants specialising in local seafood and reindeer meat. If conditions allow, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik for breathtaking views. Or go hiking, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjord.
Day 9 - DAY 10-11 At sea
Double expedition dayThe plan for the next two days is that there isn’t one! In true expedition style, we’ll spend the time getting off the beaten track and heading to wherever takes our fancy. Activities and any landings will be picked at the discretion of the Expedition Team, and they’ll draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to bring you to the most exhilarating and naturally beautiful locations. There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region, and we’ll be sailing in to get a closer look at some of them. Our expedition boats will take us ashore where we’ll be on the lookout for the local wildlife in these stunning surroundings. Weather conditions will also play a part in deciding where to explore – so all we can say is expect the unexpected!
Day 10 - DAY 12 Beautiful Bergen
The City of Seven Mountains is full of history and charm Welcome to Bergen, one of Norway’s most picturesque cities and perfect for exploring on foot. It was once Norway's capital and you’ll see that the city has retained a great deal of its local character, heritage and charm. You’ll take a funicular ride to the top of Mount Fløyen. At the summit, breathe in the stunning views over the city, surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. Once back in the centre of Bergen, stroll around the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its distinctive wooden wharves. Explore the many boutiques, cafés and galleries along its cobbled streets and alleys.
Day 11 - DAY 13 Cosy Egersund
Bask in the magical atmosphere of this well-preserved town You’ll love Egersund, with its cosy vibe. The town is famous for its brightly coloured, wooden houses – a real departure from the white-painted dwellings of many of Norway’s towns, and a welcome sight as you approach the harbour. People have lived around the area of Egersund since the Stone Age. There are several places around the town where you’ll find ruins of settlements dating back to the early migrations around 400 – 600 BCE, and ancient runes have been found carved into rocks nearby. It’s also one of the best natural harbours in Norway, and it used to be the largest in the country when measured in quantity of fish landed each year.  Enjoy exploring the bijoux town centre, which has preserved some of the best examples of wooden houses – a few even dating back 160 years. The varied landscape surrounding the town is great for walking.
Day 12 - DAY 14 Heading home
Recall the best moments of your expedition cruise Make the most of your last full day on board MS Maud. You may want to soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, spend time in the Science Center, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and edit the photos from your trip. Join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise to the fjords of Norway. Reflect on all the wonderful experiences you’ve had, like the sensation of standing in awe under the Northern Lights or the spectacular scenery of the Lofoten Islands.
Day 13 - DAY 15 Return to England
Unforgettable memories of Norway in WinterComplete your voyage across the islands of the North Atlantic in Tilbury, the gateway to the U.K.’s cosmopolitan capital city, London. Before beginning your onward journey, why not visit some of London’s iconic sites, and absorb the atmosphere of this vibrant and cultural city. The city’s world-renowned restaurants rub shoulders with myriad markets, so take some time to discover this foodie’s paradise. Why not explore historic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, or experience culture at London’s many world-famous museums and galleries. A perfect way to end your adventure.
Day 14 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-10-202311-11-2023AUD $6,909Polar Inside. From
28-10-202311-11-2023AUD $7,462Polar Outside. From
28-10-202311-11-2023AUD $8,774Arctic Superior. From
28-10-202311-11-2023AUD $19,622Expedition Suite. From
11-11-202325-11-2023AUD $6,728Polar Inside. From
11-11-202325-11-2023AUD $7,266Polar Outside. From
11-11-202325-11-2023AUD $8,544Arctic Superior. From
11-11-202325-11-2023AUD $14,599Expedition Suite. From
25-11-202309-12-2023AUD $8,544Arctic Superior. From
25-11-202309-12-2023AUD $14,599Expedition Suite. From
25-11-202309-12-2023AUD $6,728Polar Inside. From
25-11-202309-12-2023AUD $7,266Polar Outside. From
09-12-202323-12-2023AUD $6,728Polar Inside. From
09-12-202323-12-2023AUD $7,266Polar Outside. From
09-12-202323-12-2023AUD $8,544Arctic Superior. From
09-12-202323-12-2023AUD $14,599Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • On this 15-day sailing from London (Tilbury), explore the Norwegian coast under the Northern Lights and spend five magical nights above the Arctic Circle, visiting beautiful coastal destinations including Tromsø, Lofoten, and Narvik along the way.

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