North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail
Admire the Northern Lights on this trip to Northern Norway aboard the Rembrandt van Rijn Arctic Cruises
Length
8 Days
Ship category
Classic
Ship type
Small Ship
Capacity
33 Passengers
North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail
6 Reviews
Trip highlights
The coasts and fjords of Norway
Discover the "Paris of the North", Tromsø
Photograph polar wildlife
Spot whales in their natural habitats
The Polartours experience
Be under the northern lights!
Two hiking options to choose from
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project
Polar experts to answer all your questions
Join us on a true expedition cruise adventure to a world of immense scope and truly unique landscapes. Visit Norway's most picturesque fjords, villages and natural sites, watch whales in their natural habitat and experience the mystical atmosphere of the Aurora Borealis. This 8-day expedition will take you to the unforgettable "Gateway to the Arctic".
Your ship: Rembrandt van Rijn
Sailing vessel Rembrandt Van Rijn has a wonderful history. She was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947. In 1994 she was rebuilt as a three-masted passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands. She then sailed in Spitsbergen between 1994 and 1996 and in the Galápagos from 1998 to 2001. She then underwent another complete rebuild and interior refurbishment before her relaunch in 2011. Her communication and navigation equipment has always been updated according to the latest SOLAS regulations. She is a well-traveled and beautiful intimate arctic cruise vessel.
An arctic cruise aboard … Read more about Rembrandt van Rijn
Cabins
Amenities
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Food & Drinks
Three simple and tasty meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and prepared by our cook.
Map
Itinerary
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
Adventure options during the cruise
Day 1
Your adventure begins in Tromsø, nicknamed the “Paris of the North”
Your adventure begins in Tromsø, nicknamed the “Paris of the North,” located in an area rich with Norse and Sámi history. Enjoy exploring this sub-Arctic Norwegian town, said to have been inhabited since the last ice age. We aim at departing from Tromsø in the evening, sailing through Grøtsundet and Ullsfjorden toward the northeast. All passengers are kindly asked to board the vessel by 17:00.
Day 2
Lighting out toward Lyngen
You arrive in the Nord-Lenangen fjord, just under Lyngsfjella (Lyngen Alps), and the ship may stay there for the night. If conditions permit, you may also make a walk along the coast of the fjord, after which evening glimpses of the northern lights may appear, if the sky is clear enough.
Day 3-6
Sail into the Nordic fjords
You then sail along the base of the Lyngen Alps, across the Lyngen fjord, and may stay for the night in Hamnnes, on the island of Uløya. Hamnnes is an ancient trade and fishing settlement originating in the 17th century, with typical wooden warehouses where residents store dried cod. (In fact, the town still exports this cod for the traditional Mediterranean dish, Bacalhau.) Uløya offers good hiking, often on snowshoes.
From Hamnnes, you sail farther northeast into the Kvaenangen Fjord. Part of the day you sail through the fjords, and in the afternoon you find a harbor to spend the night in one of the scenic fishing villages, such as Skjervøy, Seglvik, Reinfjord, or Burfjord. There are good hiking possibilities in the area, for example on the Island of Spildra, where we might climb the 240-meter-high (788 feet) Staurhammaren, with expansive views over the fjord. Great hikes can also be made in Burfjord, just 50 km (31 miles) from the northerly town of Alta. During the evenings and nights, there are fine opportunities to see auroras if the sky is clear enough.
Day 7
Under the northern lights!
Your next objective is to sail back toward the southwest, staying for the night in Finnkroken, a tiny hamlet that gives you a solid chance of seeing the northern lights. In the morning you embark on a final hike, hopefully with snowshoes, to the 315-meter-high (1,033 feet) Småvasshaugen. On day seven, you sail back to Tromsø and arrive around midday. You will have enough time to shop for souvenirs in town, visit a museum, or simply take a walk in the fresh winter air. After spending the last night on board, you disembark on day eight (Saturday) with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Day 8
Your incredible Arctic adventure comes to an end in Tromsø
Disembarkation in the port of Tromsø at 9:00 a.m. at the latest. Transfer to the airport on your own (not included). Individual journey home with scheduled flight via Oslo back home (flights not included in the cabin price).
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.
What's included
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Free use of snow shoes.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
What's not included
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Reviews
FAQ
Should I Cross the Drake Passage by Ship or Fly to Antarctica?
When it comes to traveling to Antarctica, one of the first questions that often arises is, "Can I fly to Antarctica?". The answer is: Yes, you can. Most trips start in Patagonia (Ushuaia and Punta Arenas) and cross the Drake Passage by ship, but there are also trips that use planes to cross that infamous sea passage. Here are the Pros and Cons for each method:
Flying to Antarctica:
Pros: Flying to Antarctica is the quickest way to reach the continent. It offers convenience and is often the choice for those with very limited time.
Cons: There are limited commercial flights to Antarctica, and these are primarily reserved for research and expedition purposes. Tourist accessibility is limited, and it can be costly. Also, as not many trips include flights, you'll be limiting your choice a lot if you decide to only look for such trips.
Crossing the Drake Passage by ship:
Pros: If you choose to cross the Drake Passage by ship, you embark on an incredible adventure. This journey is not just a means of transportation; it's an expedition in itself. The crossing takes 1.5 - 2 days, which are filled with scientific lectures that prepare you for the experience. You'll witness diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales, as your anticipation starts building up. To us, the crossing is a quintessential experience of a true Antarctic explorer.
Cons: Crossing the Drake Passage takes some time, and the seas can be rough. It's not the quickest way to reach the continent, and you need to allocate more time for your expedition.
In conclusion, when it comes to traveling to Antarctica, you have these two choices. Flying offers efficiency and direct access, perfect for specific purposes. Crossing the Drake Passage by ship provides an unmatched adventure and connection with Antarctica's unique environment. Consider what truly matters to you, and you'll find the Antarctic transportation choice that suits your goals and spirit of exploration.
What activities can I expect on a Polar Cruise?
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
- Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
- Dinghy rides
- Kayaking
- Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
- Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
How to choose the right ship?
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
- Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
- Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
- Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
- Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
- Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
- Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
What is the booking process for a Polartours Cruise?
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
When is the best time to book?
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
What can i do to avoid seasickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail
5.0
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Price
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