Important

• All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The on-board expedition leader determines the final itinerary. Itineraries may mention places that require permission to land, which must be granted by the relevant national authorities. Such permission is not granted prior to the publishing of these itineraries. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board of a historic traditional sailing vessel. Important information about the sailing program: the boat is equipped with sails and these will be used in good conditions (open sea, water depth, appropriate wind conditions, time availability). This is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. There is no claim to one or other propulsion method. If sails are used, they are operated by the crew. Guests follow the safety instructions of the team. Average cruising speed for s/v Noorderlicht is 5 knots.

• Tromsø is the base and gateway in which our voyages start and end. These voyages focus on viewing the aurora borealis and whales, and the expedition leader determines the final itinerary to be introduced during the welcome briefing on day one. The map shows two possible routes that we may take in order to raise our chances for wildlife sightings:

  The main route (bold line) heads north to the Kvaenangen fjord, very likely to be visited during November to mid-January.

  The alternative route (dotted line) heads south around the island of Senja, mainly in the period from mid-January till February.  The expedition leader will determine the final route.

  Because of the seasonal occurrence of herring and whales in these fjords, the whale safari cruises take place in winter, when the Northern Norway days are short and the nights long. Whale watching (orcas and humpbacks) is highly dependent on the variable herring stocks in the area, and this is ultimately unpredictable. Other whales (i.e., sperm whales) are not dependent on herring, which is why we have a good chance of seeing them in specific areas, such as along the south route near Andenes. The expedition leader will adapt the sailing plan to maximize your chances of seeing whales.

  Other highlights of these trips: Arctic Norway (mountains and fjords) and Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In the winter the daylight hours are limited, but during the dark hours we have the opportunity to see the northern lights. These amazing phenomena are only visible when it is dark and the sky is clear, and without other disturbing light sources. The trip will provide ample opportunity to admire the Aurora Borealis in the remote fishing towns and bays where we spend the night at the pier or at anchor. In some places the ship will also sail at night.

Dies ist eine organisierte Seekreuzfahrt, Luxuskreuzfahrt oder Expedition: Sie werden an Bord des Schiffes essen und schlafen. Dies sind kleinere Schiffe und es sind nie mehr als 200 Passagiere an Bord. Der Kreuzfahrtanbieter legt die Reiseroute, die Ziele, die Dauer und die Abflugdaten sowie den Preis pro Kabinentyp / Deck fest. Ausflüge können inklusive oder optional sein. Sie können sich anderen Menschen anschließen, sie genießen und sie kennenlernen.