Northern Norway Whale and Aurora Cruise

On arrival at Tromso airport make you way to the city centre either by the regular Flybus coach service, stopping at Scandic Ishavshotel or directly by taxi to the harbour (payable locally). Those travelling on the Rembrandt van Rijn board in the late afternoon as the vessel departs in the evening on day 1.

Passengers travelling on the Noorderlicht also board early evening for dinner. Afterwards, take an evening walk in the town and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this Arctic city before returning to ship which remains in the harbour overnight.

Early in the morning the Noorderlicht will leave Tromso, while the Rembrandt van Rijn will already be at sea. The exact itinerary depends largely on the weather conditions, the amount of daylight during the voyage and the location of the whales. The route may take you clockwise or counter clockwise around the mountainous island of Senja.

Early in the morning the Noorderlicht will leave Tromso, while the Rembrandt van Rijn will already be at sea. The exact itinerary depends largely on the weather conditions, the amount of daylight during the voyage and the location of the whales. The route may take you clockwise or counter clockwise around the mountainous island of Senja.

In pictures

The next few days will be spent around the north coast of Senja and in Andfjorden, where whales have been gathering in recent years. Besides orca and humpback whales, there are also chances to see sperm whale. Near Andenes, along the edge of the Continental Shelf, these large whales dive into the depths of the ocean where they feed on giant squid. Furthermore, there are good chances to spot white-tailed eagle, as they also want a share of the herring frenzy. This magnificent bird of prey is one of the largest birds of Europe and a resident in Northern Norway.

In the afternoon, before it gets too dark, the captain will find a place for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages such as Skrolsvik, Andenes and Gryllefjorden. When the sun sets, you can take small hikes along the coast and hope for some clear sky so you can see the aurora. The journey continues with the circumnavigation of Senja, heading north to the small island of Sammaroy.

The next few days will be spent around the north coast of Senja and in Andfjorden, where whales have been gathering in recent years. Besides orca and humpback whales, there are also chances to see sperm whale. Near Andenes, along the edge of the Continental Shelf, these large whales dive into the depths of the ocean where they feed on giant squid. Furthermore, there are good chances to spot white-tailed eagle, as they also want a share of the herring frenzy. This magnificent bird of prey is one of the largest birds of Europe and a resident in Northern Norway.

In the afternoon, before it gets too dark, the captain will find a place for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages such as Skrolsvik, Andenes and Gryllefjorden. When the sun sets, you can take small hikes along the coast and hope for some clear sky so you can see the aurora. The journey continues with the circumnavigation of Senja, heading north to the small island of Sammaroy.

In pictures

The morning is spent exploring the lovely island of Sammaroy with its small bays and white beaches and try to climb to the top of the 211 metre high Mount Hillesoya. From here there are excellent panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Sail back to Tromso, arriving about midday where the last night is spent on board the vessel.

The morning is spent exploring the lovely island of Sammaroy with its small bays and white beaches and try to climb to the top of the 211 metre high Mount Hillesoya. From here there are excellent panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Sail back to Tromso, arriving about midday where the last night is spent on board the vessel.

In pictures

After breakfast say goodbye to your fellow travellers, perhaps venturing into the city if you decide to extend your stay. Or make your way to the airport by taxi or Flybus coach service for your flight home (payable locally).