Norway : Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage

Northern Lights Astronomy Cruise in Arctic Norway

Venture on an epic Northern Lights Astronomy Cruise in the remote regions of the most northerly part of Norway. You will cruise across the Arctic Circle which is the prime destination to increase your chances of seeing the mesmerising Northern Lights.

 

The astronomy voyage will be hosted by renowned astronomer Dr John Mason who is a frequent broadcaster on the BBC‘s The Sky at Night Show. He will give a series of night lectures on the deck of the ship explaining the cause’s ands myths surrounding the alluring Northern Lights and other astronomy phenomena.

The Northern Lights are regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and are often referred to as the Aurora Borealis. They have been described as the greatest lightshow on earth and offer a truly unforgettable holiday experience. Our astronomy cruise is the perfect way to learn about this natural phenomenon whilst holidaying within picturesque locations.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 26 February 2009

Arrive in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. Tromsø is a lively university town and has been the starting point of many polar expeditions. It is blessed with a girdle of peaks reminiscent of Switzerland making it one of the most pleasant coastal towns in the region. In the afternoon you will join the MS Trollfjord for a four day voyage to Kirkenes and back.

Day 2 - 27 February 2009

An early morning call brings you to Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town. Hammerfest was built on fur trade and fishing. Remaining largely ice free during the winter months due to the effect of the Gulf Stream, it was an ideal base during WWII for the German Navy. From Hammerfest you will continue to Honningsvåg, from where you can join an excursion to Europe’s northernmost point, the North Cape. Honningsvåg, the largest fishing village in the region of Finnmark, was completely rebuilt after the Second World War and is the nearest port of call to the North Cape at 71° north.

Day 3 - 28 February 2009

The vistas become more dramatic as the ship approaches the most northerly port of call, Kirkenes. Just 10 kilometres from the Russian border, this vibrant little town survives quite well in these remote regions on the proceeds of mining, sawmills and by catering for the Russian fishing fleet. Take the opportunity to join an excursion to the Russian border or try your hand at snowmobiling before we bid farewell to Kirkenes and start our return voyage to Tromsø.

Day 4 - 01 March 2009

Enjoy another day sailing along the dramatic Arctic coastline. Along the way we will make stops at remote settlements and re-visit Honningsvåg and Hammerfest enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. You will reach Tromsø just before Midnight where you will be transferred to a comfortable centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5 - 02 March 2009

In the morning there is the option of joining a thrilling dog sledging excursion across the open plains of Tromsø. Alternatively you can visit the Polar Museum or Polaria, a centre that enables you to explore Arctic life. In the afternoon your transfer brings you back to Tromsø airport for the return flight to the UK.

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Prices

Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
26/02/2009 - 02/03/2009	£999
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
Supplements
26/02/2009 - 02/03/2009: Upgrade to outside: £100

What's Included?

• Return economy flights between London Heathrow and Tromso (via Oslo)
• Voyage Tromso-Kirkenes-Tromso in chosen cabin type
• Half board on voyage
• 1 Night in Tromso including breakfast
• Transfers as applicable

What's NOT Included?

• Travel Insurance
• Optional Excursions
• Luggage Handling
• Optional carbon balancing fee (£5)
• Flights from Manchester are also available. Departing on the 25th Feb 09 including one extra night in Tromso pre voyage. Supplement from £60 per person

Optional Excursions

Barants safari, Snowmobile - Kirkenes

Drive a snowmobile across the frozen sea (instructions given). On your return relax in a traditional dwelling and enjoy an introduction to the everyday life of the Sami. Warm clothing is provided.

2 hours 30 min, driving licence required

Item	Price	Available From	Available To
Barants Safari	£110.00	26 Feb 2009	02 Mar 2009

Dog Sledging - Tromso

Complete your holiday with a thrilling ride by Husky dog sledge across the open plains of Tromsø. Eager Huskies are harnessed to our sledge waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape. At the end of the trip a warm meal will be served in a lavvo (Sami tent). An exhilarating trip!

5 hours

Item	Price	Available From	Available To
Dog Sledging	£125.00	26 Feb 2009	02 Mar 2009

North Cape - Europe's Northenmost Point - Honningsvag

HONNINGSVÅG From Honningsvåg a coach will take you to the North Cape Plateau where you may enjoy unsurpassed views towards the North Pole, a potentially incredible backdrop for experiencing the Northern Lights.

3 hours 30 mins

Item	Price	Available From	Available To
North Cape	£68.00	26 Feb 2009	02 Mar 2009

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Lectures on board

During the voyage a range of fascinating lectures will take place. Below you can see some of the topics that may be covered during the trip. Most of them will take place in the conference room on board while others will take place on the deck of the ship with the night sky being our screen. There will also be a question and answer session for those who want to find out more.

Discovering the Arctic Sky

In Search of the Northern Lights Postcard from Mars A fascinating guided tour of the sights of the Arctic night sky, from the deck of the ship. We’ll cover the brightest stars, constellation patterns and the myths and legends linked to them. Perhaps a brilliant meteor will flash across the sky, and if the Northern Lights are on view, expert guidance and commentary will be on hand.

In Search of the Northern Lights

For as long as humans have witnessed the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights they have been mesmerised by their extraordinary beauty, colour and movement, as they shimmer against the backdrop of a star-studded Arctic sky. Join our on-board expert to understand what causes the Northern Lights, explore the myths and legends associated with them, their varying colour and form, and how best to observe them.

Postcard from Mars

Mars is a dynamic world with giant volcanoes, vast canyons, polar ice caps, dust storms and just possibly habitats suitable for primitive life. Scientists have recently confirmed the existence of deep caverns on Mars. Cave systems would be an ideal habitat for life if it exists there. Two rovers have been gathering information about the planet, confirming that although Mars is dry and bitterly cold today, water once flowed on the surface. Please note that topics may vary and the outdoor lecture is of course weather permitting. During the voyage a range of fascinating lectures will take place. Below you can see some of the topics that may be covered during the trip. Most of them will take place in the conference room on board while others will take place on the deck of the ship with the night sky being our screen. There will also be a question and answer session for those who want to find out more.

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