Luxury Expedition Cruise

Northern Norway, Northern Lights + Orcas

This extraordinary five-day journey begins in Tromsø, a lively Arctic city where modern life and Nordic traditions coexist under glowing winter skies. After a night at the stylish Dock 69°39 Hotel, guests board the Captain Arctic, a next-generation, low-impact expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the far north in comfort.

Sailing deep into the remote fjords above Tromsø, this voyage is timed to coincide with the seasonal arrival of orcas, who come to feed on the herring-rich waters. Days are spent observing these peaceful giants from quiet electric-powered Zodiacs, with the rare opportunity to snorkel alongside them for those who wish. Nights are dedicated to the aurora, with the ship positioned far from light pollution, guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

The expedition is active and immersive, with options to hike, snowshoe or paddleboard in pristine wilderness. Onboard, the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, with just 36 guests and an expert polar team. Dining is thoughtful and elegant, with locally inspired menus and all drinks included.

This is an off-grid Arctic adventure for the curious and well-travelled, a chance to connect deeply with nature, far from the ordinary.

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KEY FACTS

Dates

3rd - 7th December 2026

PRICE

From GBP £8,650 USD $11,650 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

5 day cruise + travel

FLIGHT TIME

3 hours 40 mins from London
11 hours from NYC

CURRENCY

Norwegian Krone

LANGUAGE

Norwegian

Where you'll go
Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø

Norwegian Fjords

Remote Norwegian Fjords

Northern Norway

Arctic Fishing Villages

Northern Norway

Mountain Landscapes

When to go

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Best time to visit
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Snorcaling

Norway is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible, and safe, to snorkel with orca. These highly intelligent creatures are focused on hunting herring and are remarkably calm and curious around respectful swimmers. Outfitted with drysuits and guided by experienced professionals, the brave can witness their grace and power up close, in a controlled, low-impact way that doesn’t disturb the pod.

Itinerary Highlights

Tromsø

Tromso, Norway

Tromsø, perched above the Arctic Circle, is a surprisingly vibrant city where Nordic tradition meets modern life. Surrounded by mountains and sea, it’s known as the gateway to the Aurora Zone. In winter, its cosy cafés, lively restaurants and cultural sites provide a warm contrast to the icy landscapes, making it the perfect place to begin an Arctic adventure.

Norwegian fjords

Norwegian fjords

The remote fjords north of Tromsø are wild, silent and spectacular. In December, they become a haven for orcas feeding on herring. Exploring these icy waterways by electric-powered Zodiac allows for peaceful, close-up encounters with wildlife. Snow-dusted peaks rise dramatically from the sea, and the absence of light pollution makes them an ideal setting for Northern Lights sightings.

Swim with orcas

Orca in Northern Norway

Swimming with orcas in Arctic Norway is a rare and unforgettable experience. In December, these peaceful giants gather in the fjords to feed, undisturbed by humans. Outfitted in drysuits and snorkelling gear, if you’re feeling brave enough, you can safely enter the water alongside expert guides, drifting silently as orcas pass by, curious, calm and entirely at ease in their natural environment.

Northern lights

Aurora in Northern Norway

Aboard the Captain Arctic, the Northern Lights can feel impossibly close. With no light pollution and only 36 guests, you can step straight from your cabin onto the deck to watch the aurora ripple across the sky. Wrapped in silence and framed by towering fjords, it’s one of the most magical and intimate ways to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.

Specialist guides

Norwegian Arctic Guide

The guides onboard the Captain Arctic are seasoned polar experts with years of experience in Arctic expedition travel. Warm, knowledgeable and deeply passionate about the region, they join guests for daily activities and meals, sharing stories and insight along the way. By the end of the journey, they often feel less like guides and more like old friends.

Hike into the mountains

Hiking in Northern Norway

This journey offers the chance to explore Arctic landscapes not just by sea, but also on foot. Using Zodiacs, the expedition team leads guests ashore to remote spots for guided hikes and snowshoeing. It’s a rare opportunity to walk through silent valleys and along snowy ridgelines, with breathtaking views across the fjords and a real sense of solitude.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Let us plan your perfect trip to The Arctic

YOUR TRIP
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YOUR DETAILS
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Our tailor-made journeys include:

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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