Have an eco-minded cruise among Norway’s fjords with Discover the World

A cruise around Norway’s spectacular coast tops many travel wish lists. Think cascading waterfalls, serene landscapes, cultural treasures, colourful fishing villages – and you can experience them all while on board one of Havila Voyages’ sustainably focused ships. If you’re looking for an immersive way to soak up this scenic stretch of coastline, a Discover the World voyage promises an unforgettable adventure…

With stylish interiors reflecting the Nordic nature that you see all around you, Havila’s fleet of four ships take a more sustainable approach to cruising. If you’re feeling peckish, the food whipped up by its chefs is firmly focused on locally sourced ingredients. Then, if you fancy a post-dinner dip, you can stargaze with a sundowner in one of the ship’s hot tubs, powered by surplus heat from the engines. Having said that, there’s no better spot on board than a seat in the glass-roof lounge, where you can gaze up at the golden midnight sun. It’s the perfect low-impact experience. It’s also the best place to catch a glimpse of the spellbinding northern lights.

Whether searching for white-tailed sea eagles on a boat excursion or visiting Europe’s most northerly point at North Cape, there are plenty of activities to immerse you in the Nordic world around you. A host of excursions can be added to your voyage to tailor it to your needs.

For example, you can enjoy a guided walk in the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund or try your hand at king crab fishing, depending on the season. You can even experience Arctic life with a visit to the famous Snowhotel in Kirkenes, where the interior of your room is made from ice and snow (don’t forget your winter gloves!).

Whether you want to explore the colourful fishing villages this region is known for or chase the northern lights, voyages with Discover the World promise to let you dive deep into the destination. As one of the UK’s leading tailor-made travel specialists since 1984, you can look forward to some memorable experiences.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to explore towering peaks and traditional villages through a labyrinth of fjords, Discover the World’s 13-night Havila Norwegian Coastal Voyage gives the majesty of the Norwegian coast the full widescreen treatment. Take in the magic of the northern lights, midnight sun and the red-and-white fisherman’s cabins (rorbuer) of the Lofoten Islands on a trip to remember.
Your journey begins in the city of Bergen, home to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, whose colourful warehouses are a reminder of when this was a vital port for the powerful Hanseatic League. Then sail on to the grandeur of Ålesund, whose fairy-tale streets are closer in appearance to Paris than other Norwegian towns.
From there you will cruise the spectacular mountains and waterfalls of Geirangerfjord before journeying to the colourful city of Trondheim, where its impressive Nidaros Cathedral offers the chance to gaze on Scandinavia’s largest medieval building.
Next, the voyage to the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø sees you finally cross the Arctic Circle, as the days dramatically contract or lengthen depending on which season you’re there. During the winter months, the hazy glare of summer’s midnight sun is a sight that every traveller should see at least once. By then, you’re not that far from the North Cape, the perfect spot to seek out the northern lights, before Kirkenes marks the most easterly point of your voyage and the return to Bergen.

Short but sweet

Ready to embrace the Norwegian fjords but lacking the holiday time? Experience one of Discover the World’s shorter voyages instead. Northbound Bergen to Kirkenes sets sail across eight nights, or you can cruise a similar journey in reverse on the seven-night Southbound Kirkenes to Bergen trip.

When it comes to planning your perfect Norwegian fjords cruise, Discover the World has you covered. With unrivalled destination knowledge and decades of experience planning awe-inspiring adventures, the team can match your interests to create the best voyage and itinerary to suit your needs. They’ll also run you through the wide range of cabin options and excursions available, and the possibilities to add land arrangements to your voyage.

What’s more, Discover the World are also offering Wanderlust readers two special offers. Firstly, solo travellers can save up to 50% off the Havila Norwegian Coastal Voyages cruise*. Secondly, readers can receive up to £360** onboard credit per cabin with Havila Voyages, when booking by 21 November 2024.

*When you book and travel within 100 days of booking (terms and conditions apply).
**Terms and conditions apply.