Norway's Land of the Northern Lights

The Norway's Land of the Northern Lights is a 17-night Europe cruise aboard Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line. Departing Bristol on October 16, 2026, the voyage visits 10 ports.

Length: 17 nights
Departs: Oct 16, 2026
Returns: Nov 2, 2026
Ports of call: 10
Days at sea: 7

Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 16, 2026 Bristol Departs 17:00 From the clock over the historic Exchange with dual minute hands – for Greenwich Mean Time and local meridian time – to a street so steep that locals tie up their parked cars when it gets icy, Bristol is a city you won’t soon forget. Birthplace of renowned graffiti artist Banksy, Bristol displays the anonymous artist’s work on buildings and landmarks and in museums alongside the work of other graffiti artists, as the city nurtures this unconventional expression. After shopping along Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft, said to be the largest collection of independent shops in Europe, quench your thirst with a craft beer or cider at a local pub. Bristol port guide Search cruises visiting Bristol

Day 4 Oct 19, 2026 Andalsnes 09:00 – 17:00 8.0 hrs ashore Åndalsnes is located at the mouth of the river Rauma, at the shores of the Romsdalsfjord, one of the fjords protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Famous in the 19th century for salmon fishing, the Rauma flows through the Romsdalen Valley widely considered some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Norway. Although the river’s salmon stocks are now being replenished, today Andalsnes is better known as a centre of excellenece for Norwegian alpine sports. Mountaineering, climbing, hiking and even base jumping are all readably accessible. A newly opened Norwegian Mountaineering centre boasts Norway’s highest indoor climbing wall. Some 15 kms out of Andalsnes is the Trollstigen (Troll Road), a mountain road that climbs the pass between the Isterdalen and Valldal valley. It’s one of Norway’s major attractions due to the steep inclines and eleven hairpin bends, only open in the summer months. Equally exciting is a three hour round rail trip from Andalsnes to Dombas on the Rauma Railway line. A feast for the eyes from the comfort of a carriage, mountains, valleys and waterfalls come into sight, as the route follows the Rauma river. Trains thoughtfully slow down at the most photogenic spots. A feat of civil engineering the track passes over countless bridges and through tunnels, the train even performs a 180 degree turn underground. Easily missed, look out at the train station in Andalsnes for a chapel converted from an old red "Intercity Special" railway carriage. The only train chapel in Norway and perhaps the world! Andalsnes port guide Search cruises visiting Andalsnes

Andalsnes photo — Day 4 Oct 19, 2026 Andalsnes 09:00 – 17:00 8.0 hrs ashore Åndalsnes is located at the mouth of the river Rauma, at the shores of the Romsdalsfjord, one of the fjords protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Famous in the 19th century for salmon fishing, the Rauma flows through the Romsdalen Valley widely considered some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Norway. Although the river’s salmon stocks are now being replenished, today Andalsnes is better known as a centre of excellenece for Norwegian alpine sports. Mountaineering, climbing, hiking and even base jumping are all readably accessible. A newly opened Norwegian Mountaineering centre boasts Norway’s highest indoor climbing wall. Some 15 kms out of Andalsnes is the Trollstigen (Troll Road), a mountain road that climbs the pass between the Isterdalen and Valldal valley. It’s one of Norway’s major attractions due to the steep inclines and eleven hairpin bends, only open in the summer months. Equally exciting is a three hour round rail trip from Andalsnes to Dombas on the Rauma Railway line. A feast for the eyes from the comfort of a carriage, mountains, valleys and waterfalls come into sight, as the route follows the Rauma river. Trains thoughtfully slow down at the most photogenic spots. A feat of civil engineering the track passes over countless bridges and through tunnels, the train even performs a 180 degree turn underground. Easily missed, look out at the train station in Andalsnes for a chapel converted from an old red "Intercity Special" railway carriage. The only train chapel in Norway and perhaps the world! Andalsnes port guide Search cruises visiting Andalsnes

Day 5 Oct 20, 2026 Alesund 08:00 – 17:00 9.0 hrs ashore Visiting Ålesund on an MSC cruise of Northern Europe means plunging into a fairytale atmosphere. After a devastating fire, the town was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century in art Amazing venue on the sea nouveau style. The streets of Ålesund are filled with turrets, spires and splendid decorations that make it truly unique; if you enjoy this style, you should visit the Jugendstilsenteret, the National Art Nouveau Centre. You can admire the centre of Ålesund from above by climbimg up the 418 steps that lead you to the panoramic heights of Mount Aksla with a view of the islands that surround the town and of the Sunnmøre Alps. In alternative you can reach the Sukkertoppen, the “sugar peak”, by taking a walk that starts from Hessa, just above the port where your MSC cruise ship is anchored. To get a closer look at the traditional architecture you should instead go the island of Godøy, where you can visit Alnes, a picturesque fisherman’s village built very close to the beach where you find local crafts and food sold in the courtyards. Book an excursion to the characteristic lighthouse from where you have a wonderful view of the ocean. You cannot claim to have visited Norway on an MSC cruise if you haven’t visited a fjord, so don’t miss an excursion to Geirangerfjord. Dropping from the tall mountains that surround it are wonderful waterfalls like the Brudesløret (the Bride’s Veil) and the De syv søstrene (Seven Sisters) or the Storseterfossen, behind which you can take a walk. And if you like more challenging paths you could climb up the Ørnevegen (the Eagle’s Path), twisting up from sea level to 620 metres above in just 11 hairpin bends! Alesund port guide Search cruises visiting Alesund

Day 7 Oct 22, 2026 Tromso, Norway 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore When vacationing in Norway on an MSC Cruise, you can visit the largest complex of wooden buildings north of Trondheim, just four kilometres from the port, in the centre of Tromsø. One of the first attractions to visit during your MSC cruise of Northern Europe is Polaria. In this Arctic aquarium, you can watch the feeding, twice a day, of the sociable, peaceful bearded seals, and also admire the great variety of fish species that live in the Barents Sea and on the Svalbard. The most handsome building in Tromsø is undoubtedly the Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965. Its triangular prism shape, with its glass mosaics, mirrors the landscape of this remote region of Norway. Another excursion during your MSC cruise of Northern Europe will take you to the top of the mountain above Storsteinen with the Fjellheisen funicular to enjoy the view, 420 metres above, of the city and the lovely surrounding landscape. Here one also finds the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, where there are species of plants that, due to their climatic fragility, cannot grow at any other latitude, such as, for example, the Hymalayan blue poppy. Tromsø also hosts the northernmost university in the world, where you find a museum to give you an insight into northern Norway’s culture and environment, with particular attention to the Sami, to archeology, sacred art, geology and the phenomenon of the northern lights. The polar museum instead shows visitors the harsh life of Arctic explorers. It is fitted in the dock of an old construction built in 1830. For those who like a good beer, there’s a pub like the Ølhallen, which has remained unchanged since 1928. A site not to miss is the Lyngen, an incredible wooden church in the village of Lyngseidet. Tromso, Norway port guide Search cruises visiting Tromso, Norway

Tromso, Norway photo — Day 7 Oct 22, 2026 Tromso, Norway 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore When vacationing in Norway on an MSC Cruise, you can visit the largest complex of wooden buildings north of Trondheim, just four kilometres from the port, in the centre of Tromsø. One of the first attractions to visit during your MSC cruise of Northern Europe is Polaria. In this Arctic aquarium, you can watch the feeding, twice a day, of the sociable, peaceful bearded seals, and also admire the great variety of fish species that live in the Barents Sea and on the Svalbard. The most handsome building in Tromsø is undoubtedly the Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965. Its triangular prism shape, with its glass mosaics, mirrors the landscape of this remote region of Norway. Another excursion during your MSC cruise of Northern Europe will take you to the top of the mountain above Storsteinen with the Fjellheisen funicular to enjoy the view, 420 metres above, of the city and the lovely surrounding landscape. Here one also finds the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, where there are species of plants that, due to their climatic fragility, cannot grow at any other latitude, such as, for example, the Hymalayan blue poppy. Tromsø also hosts the northernmost university in the world, where you find a museum to give you an insight into northern Norway’s culture and environment, with particular attention to the Sami, to archeology, sacred art, geology and the phenomenon of the northern lights. The polar museum instead shows visitors the harsh life of Arctic explorers. It is fitted in the dock of an old construction built in 1830. For those who like a good beer, there’s a pub like the Ølhallen, which has remained unchanged since 1928. A site not to miss is the Lyngen, an incredible wooden church in the village of Lyngseidet. Tromso, Norway port guide Search cruises visiting Tromso, Norway

Day 8 Oct 23, 2026 Alta, Norway Arrives 09:00 Think glorious white nights, expansive Scandinavian landscape and an extraordinary sense of adventure and you have Alta. This pretty town 375 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle is everything you expect from Norway. Despite Alta being located in Finnmark, Norway’s most northern region, the summer climate is very mild. This is largely thanks to its location on the inner part of the Alta fjord and the Gulf Stream. The fjord itself stretches for 38 kilometres in total and splits into two before pouring into the Norwegian Sea. Alta is truly the epitome of Norway – forests, mountains and traditional red wooden huts to one side, fjords, coastal landscapes and abundant marine life to the other. However, there is more to Alta than just meets the eye. The village is home to some 6,000 plus year old rock carvings. These exceptional examples of rock art prove the existence of humans in the far north in the prehistoric era. The carvings are so important that they were granted in 1985, and remain the only prehistoric monument in the whole of Norway. Other sights in the village are the striking Northern Lights Cathedral, and the Alta Museum (and why not enjoy a deliciously fresh crab salad in the café while you are there, as the view is one of the most spectacular you are ever likely to see). The indigenous Sami people still thrive in the region, and a chance to spend the day trying traditional food and activities such as dog sledging will be a blessing those who like to immerse themselves in local cultures. Alta, Norway port guide Search cruises visiting Alta, Norway

Alta, Norway photo — Day 8 Oct 23, 2026 Alta, Norway Arrives 09:00 Think glorious white nights, expansive Scandinavian landscape and an extraordinary sense of adventure and you have Alta. This pretty town 375 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle is everything you expect from Norway. Despite Alta being located in Finnmark, Norway’s most northern region, the summer climate is very mild. This is largely thanks to its location on the inner part of the Alta fjord and the Gulf Stream. The fjord itself stretches for 38 kilometres in total and splits into two before pouring into the Norwegian Sea. Alta is truly the epitome of Norway – forests, mountains and traditional red wooden huts to one side, fjords, coastal landscapes and abundant marine life to the other. However, there is more to Alta than just meets the eye. The village is home to some 6,000 plus year old rock carvings. These exceptional examples of rock art prove the existence of humans in the far north in the prehistoric era. The carvings are so important that they were granted in 1985, and remain the only prehistoric monument in the whole of Norway. Other sights in the village are the striking Northern Lights Cathedral, and the Alta Museum (and why not enjoy a deliciously fresh crab salad in the café while you are there, as the view is one of the most spectacular you are ever likely to see). The indigenous Sami people still thrive in the region, and a chance to spend the day trying traditional food and activities such as dog sledging will be a blessing those who like to immerse themselves in local cultures. Alta, Norway port guide Search cruises visiting Alta, Norway

Day 9 Oct 24, 2026 Hammerfest Departs 18:00 Laying claim to being the world’s most northerly ‘town’, Hammerfest in Norway is also one of the country’s oldest, but has undergone extensive modernisation, resulting in a colourful town on the island of Kvaløya. Thanks to its location within the Arctic Circle, Hammerfest experiences the ‘midnight sun’ phenomenon between May and July, during which the sun never sinks below the horizon. These long days throughout summer provide the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s rugged landscape, with hiking and fishing popular activities to enjoy. The town itself has some interesting sights, including The Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Northern Troms, which details the town’s colourful history, and The Polar Bear Society, which, in addition to housing stuffed polar bears, provides information on the town’s early life. Hammerfest is also home to one of 10 monuments that form the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of markers that stretch from Norway down to the Black Sea. These UNESCO-recognised monuments helped astronomers Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve to work out the size and shape of the planet. Hammerfest port guide Search cruises visiting Hammerfest

Hammerfest photo — Day 9 Oct 24, 2026 Hammerfest Departs 18:00 Laying claim to being the world’s most northerly ‘town’, Hammerfest in Norway is also one of the country’s oldest, but has undergone extensive modernisation, resulting in a colourful town on the island of Kvaløya. Thanks to its location within the Arctic Circle, Hammerfest experiences the ‘midnight sun’ phenomenon between May and July, during which the sun never sinks below the horizon. These long days throughout summer provide the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s rugged landscape, with hiking and fishing popular activities to enjoy. The town itself has some interesting sights, including The Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Northern Troms, which details the town’s colourful history, and The Polar Bear Society, which, in addition to housing stuffed polar bears, provides information on the town’s early life. Hammerfest is also home to one of 10 monuments that form the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of markers that stretch from Norway down to the Black Sea. These UNESCO-recognised monuments helped astronomers Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve to work out the size and shape of the planet. Hammerfest port guide Search cruises visiting Hammerfest

Day 11 Oct 26, 2026 Harstad, Norway 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The port of Harstad is situated on Norways largest coastal island, Hinnøya. The diverse region around Harstad offers stunning coastal mountains, sublime fjords, and the northernmost strawberry farming on the planet. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are all popular local pastimes and the port is a great place to witness both the midnight sun and the Northern Lights.There are historical and military secrets to be found in Hardstad. The 12th century Trondenes Church plus the awesome, German-built Adolfkanonen at Trondenes – one of the largest battleship cannons on land in Europe during WW2 – are both worth uncovering. The port is also the gateway to the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands. The 70-mile-long mountainous archipelago of the Lofoten island chain is made up of some of the world's oldest rocks. Divided by fjords created during the Ice Age, its sheer cliffs rise from the sea to over 3,000 feet in some places. Harstad, Norway port guide Search cruises visiting Harstad, Norway

Day 12 Oct 27, 2026 Leknes, Lofoten 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The fishing life used to be harsh and brutal on Norway’s wind-whipped Lofoten archipelago. Boats would head out from the town of Leknes in search of cod and risk never returning, but today visitors follow a well-paved road that skirts small farms below craggy, snowcapped peaks and twists around bogs and lakes and over precipitous bridges that link one rocky islet after another. In summer, fish hang on wooden drying racks at every turn. With its airport and cruise terminal, Leknes, on Vestvågøya in the middle of the archipelago, is the gateway to a series of sheltered fishing hamlets with traditional houses perched on the rocky seafront. Just minutes down the road at the tip of the island, Skottinden is a 671-meter-high (2,200-foot) sort of mini-Matterhorn—an iconic landmark that sets the tone for countless peaks to come. With their art galleries and cafés, Henningsvær and larger Svolvær are two destinations from which Zodiacs launch to get visitors closer to orcas and sea eagles. Surprisingly for such a rugged realm, even beachcombers will find places to enjoy here: The coastal temperatures are remarkably mild despite the location north of the Arctic Circle.

Day 13 Oct 28, 2026 Narvik 08:00 – 02:00 18.0 hrs ashore Slap bang in the middle of Norway’s fjords, islands and northern wonders, Narvik, is an ideal base from which to explore this magical region. A city since 1902, it sits on the coast of Ofotfjorden inside the Arctic circle. This northerly latitude means Narvik bathes in the midnight sun during summer's months and is witness to the dazzling displays of the northern lights, which enchant as they spill across the stars. View less Crisp, clear skies make Narvik a prime destination for northern lights viewing, and the natural setting of spiky mountains and soaring fjords generates a truly glorious spectacle amid incredible staging. Gondolas sway up to the slopes of Narvikfjellet ski resort, which can tempt with fantastic skiing, but also provides a prime spot for views of the lights flashing above. Look out over the vast panorama of the town curving along the fjord's banks, the Fagernesfjellet mountain, and - hopefully - the emerald spread of the natural light display. Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre grants Norway’s wildest animals - including wolves, bears and lynx - with a protected haven. Elsewhere, a vast railway, which once transported iron ore to the Swedish border, now provides a dramatic rumble through the best of Norway’s mountain scenery and is one of the country’s most mesmerising rail journeys. Narvik was heavily affected by the Second World War, and the city's museum explains north Norway's strategic importance and explores the German occupation here, as well as the decisive battle for the city's liberation.

Day 14 Oct 29, 2026 Bodo 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore Located just north of the Arctic Circle, mountainous Bodo is the starting point for the true north. Whether enjoying a Nordic beer or a glass of wine while watching sea eagles soar across the horizon, Bodo has a wealth of activities right on its doorstep, from kayaking and golfing to fascinating boat tours through the stunning archipelago and fishing in the world’s strongest tidal current, Saltstraumen. Discover the many natural wonders Bodo has to offer such as Red Beach at Mjelle, which according to locals has gemstone-infused particles, or explore the Norwegian Aviation Museum and Gothic Bodo Cathedral, which sounds its melodious church bells over the town every hour. Of course, the main attraction is Bodo’s backdrop of prominent peaks – excellent for hiking and climbing. Bodo port guide Search cruises visiting Bodo

Bodo photo — Day 14 Oct 29, 2026 Bodo 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore Located just north of the Arctic Circle, mountainous Bodo is the starting point for the true north. Whether enjoying a Nordic beer or a glass of wine while watching sea eagles soar across the horizon, Bodo has a wealth of activities right on its doorstep, from kayaking and golfing to fascinating boat tours through the stunning archipelago and fishing in the world’s strongest tidal current, Saltstraumen. Discover the many natural wonders Bodo has to offer such as Red Beach at Mjelle, which according to locals has gemstone-infused particles, or explore the Norwegian Aviation Museum and Gothic Bodo Cathedral, which sounds its melodious church bells over the town every hour. Of course, the main attraction is Bodo’s backdrop of prominent peaks – excellent for hiking and climbing. Bodo port guide Search cruises visiting Bodo

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Show all 47 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Balcony Cabin (Aft - Deck 9)	BAL09AFT	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	BAL10AFT	Balcony
Balcony	BALG	Balcony
Balcony	BALSG	Balcony
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 7)	INS07AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 7)	INS07MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 7)	INS07MIDS	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 8)	INS08AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 8)	INS08FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 8)	INS08MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 9)	INS09AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 9)	INS09FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 9)	INS09MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 9)	INS09MIDS	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	INS10AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	INS10AFTS	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 12)	INS12AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 12)	INS12AFTS	Inside
Inside	INSG	Inside
Inside Guarantee	INSSG	Inside
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 7)	OUT07AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin - Obstructed View (Midship - Deck 7)	OUT07MIDO	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin - Obstructed View (Midship - Deck 7)	OUT07MIDSO	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 8)	OUT08AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 8)	OUT08FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 8)	OUT08MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 8)	OUT08MIDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 9)	OUT09AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 9)	OUT09FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 9)	OUT09MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 9)	OUT09MIDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	OUT10AFT	Oceanview
Outside	OUTG	Oceanview
Outside	OUTSG	Oceanview
Deluxe Suite (Aft - Deck 7)	DLX07AFT	Suite
Deluxe Suite (Aft - Deck 8)	DLX08AFT	Suite
Premium Suite (Aft - Deck 7)	PRM07AFT	Suite
Premium Suite (Aft - Deck 8)	PRM08AFT	Suite
Premium Suite (Aft - Deck 9)	PRM09AFT	Suite
Premium Suite (Aft - Deck 10)	PRM10AFT	Suite
Premium Suite (Aft - Deck 12)	PRM12AFT	Suite
Suite (Forward - Deck 10)	SUI10FWD	Suite
Suite (Midship - Deck 10)	SUI10MID	Suite
Suite (Midship - Deck 10)	SUI10MIDS	Suite
Suite (Aft - Deck 12)	SUI12AFT	Suite
Suite	SUIG	Suite
Suite	SUISG	Suite