Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! In Search of Northern Lights (England, Scotland, Norway) 13 Days

London (Tilbury), England
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Situated on the north bank of the Thames, Tilbury is steeped in history. The town is most famous as the site of a fortress built by Henry VIII to defend London from invasion by ships coming up the Thames. Upriver, the city is home to iconic power centers—Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey—from which the fate of the British Empire rose and wavered. Today, the city thrives amid a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation—from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to West End musicals, from Tower Bridge to the London Eye.

Sail the North Sea
Cross the North Sea, where Vikings sailed as they established colonies on Scottish islands, coastal France and beyond. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, despite the fact that the Union of the Crowns moved it to London in 1603. There is no capital quite like Edinburgh, with its gorgeous setting on green rocky hillocks and splendid views of the sea. Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and countless medieval treasures, overlooks the city from Castle Rock. The Royal Mile unfurls Edinburgh’s architectural gems in all their finery, from the Canongate to St. Giles’s Cathedral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of British royalty.

Shore Excursions – Edinburgh Highlights & National Museum of Scotland
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Venture into the heart of Scotland’s capital during a panoramic drive and visit the National Museum. Board your motor coach and set out to discover the city. Travel through the New Town, which originated in the 18th century as a residential district composed of a grid five streets deep and seven streets wide, with grand squares at each end. See its characteristic Georgian architecture as you traverse Princes Street, the main shopping boulevard and heart of the city, and journey along the medieval Royal Mile. One of the most iconic streets in Scotland, the Royal Mile links the famed Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Later, call at the National Museum of Scotland, where you will explore exhibits and displays spanning Scottish history, world cultures, science and technology, nature and more. After, return to your coach for the journey back to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Edinburgh & the Forth Bridge
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Embark on a panoramic journey through Edinburgh and view the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge. Begin your excursion with a scenic drive through Scotland’s capital. Travel through the elegant Georgian-style New Town, once a residential district for Edinburgh’s upper-class and now a cultural hub and thriving commercial district. See the medieval Royal Mile, linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, one of the King’s official Scottish residences, and pause for photographs at West Princes Street Gardens. Continue to South Queensferry, set on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, where you can take in the views of the Forth Bridge. This Victorian cantilever railway bridge was one of the longest in the world at the time of its completion in 1890 and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Enjoy time for photographs, then return to your ship.

Sail the North Sea
Stretching between mainland Europe and Great Britain, the floor of the North Sea once formed a land bridge that connected the two during the last Ice Age. It was home to nomadic peoples, whose artifacts provide key insights into the Mesolithic Era. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Bergen, Norway
Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bergen
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the main sights of Bergen during a panoramic drive and a leisurely walk. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen features many historic sites, including the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower, the bustling fish market and the Nordnes Peninsula, with its 19th-century white painted wooden houses. During a scenic drive, see these and more, pausing to take a photo stop at Nordnes to admire the views over Bergen Harbor. At the National Stage, disembark your motor coach and walk downhill to Festplassen, passing the statue of Ole Bull before arriving in Bryggen. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you admire the picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you may return to your ship via motor coach, or explore the district and return independently on your own.

Shore Excursions – Bergen on Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore Bergen’s historic sights during an invigorating walking excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s best-preserved fortifications. Pass the Rosenkrantz Tower and arrive at Bryygen to admire its picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you get acquainted with this Hanseatic town. Formerly the capital of Norway, Norwegian kings once resided here. Bergen owed its wealth and prominence to the fish export trade, which has been at the heart of the town since the Middle Ages. Head to Festplassen to its music pavilion, and continue your walk, pausing to see the old telegraph, the historic post office and to admire the quaint residences. Afterward, walk back to your ship.

Bergen, Norway
Bergen, an ancient city with deep Viking roots, is located in the heart of western Norway, nestled between seven gargantuan mountain peaks. It is also the gateway to the country’s magnificent fjords, including the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. Founded in 1070 on what was a Viking settlement, Bergen was Norway’s capital during the 13th century; today, it is the second-largest city in Norway. Not to be missed is a stroll through the picturesque outdoor fish market, Fisketorget, where the fresh catch of the sea awaits—from cod and prawns to local caviar and icy oysters.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bergen
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the main sights of Bergen during a panoramic drive and a leisurely walk. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen features many historic sites, including the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower, the bustling fish market and the Nordnes Peninsula, with its 19th-century white painted wooden houses. During a scenic drive, see these and more, pausing to take a photo stop at Nordnes to admire the views over Bergen Harbor. At the National Stage, disembark your motor coach and walk downhill to Festplassen, passing the statue of Ole Bull before arriving in Bryggen. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you admire the picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you may return to your ship via motor coach, or explore the district and return independently on your own.

Shore Excursions – Bergen on Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore Bergen’s historic sights during an invigorating walking excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s best-preserved fortifications. Pass the Rosenkrantz Tower and arrive at Bryygen to admire its picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you get acquainted with this Hanseatic town. Formerly the capital of Norway, Norwegian kings once resided here. Bergen owed its wealth and prominence to the fish export trade, which has been at the heart of the town since the Middle Ages. Head to Festplassen to its music pavilion, and continue your walk, pausing to see the old telegraph, the historic post office and to admire the quaint residences. Afterward, walk back to your ship.

Scenic Sailing: Norwegian Inside Passage
The Norwegian Inside Passage is a protected shipping lane that runs from Norway’s capital of Oslo, down the Skagerrak coast and around the country’s southern tip. It continues north along the coastline of the Norwegian Sea, before eventually terminating in the Russian waters of Siberia. It has been used by mariners for centuries, its channels protected from the dangers of the open water by countless skerries and the rugged coastline presenting opportunities for shelter in its many natural bays and inlets.

Narvik, Norway
Narvik is situated on the innermost shores of the Ofotfjorden, within the Arctic Circle. The small town enjoys a dramatic backdrop, encircled by mountains and a glacier that spills right to the water’s edge. The town served as a port city for the early Viking settlers. Much later, the discovery of iron ore in the nearby Swedish town of Kiruna forever shaped Narvik. Kiruna needed a year-round ice-free port from which to ship its new discovery, and so a rail link was built directly to the water. Still today, Narvik is a major exporter.

Shore Excursions – Narvik’s Industrial Past & Present
Duration: 2 hours 
Learn about Narvik’s industrial heritage and the navigational engineers that transformed the city. With your guide, set off on a city drive, admiring the views of the Arctic Ofot Fjord. See some of Norway’s most majestic scenery as you listen to tales of this stunning Arctic region and its history, culture and strategic position for trade. At the train station, you will hear the story of the construction of the Ofoten railway line, built in 1902 to transport iron ore from Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, to Narvik’s year-round, ice-free harbor. Continue your journey to the Ankenes church, where you will be greeted by members of a local choir, who will perform an array of navvy songs. Admire its wooden exterior and learn more about life in Narvik as you gaze over the LKAB complex. From here, an impressive 20 million tons of iron ore are transported each year.

Harstad, Norway
Hinnøya Island is Norway’s largest coastal island and is famed for its diverse landscapes and natural beauty. Harstad’s history is showcased at the Trondenes Historical Center, tracing the lives of locals from the Stone Age to the present day. The town lies 155 miles above the Arctic Circle and is known as the “Pearl of Vågsfjorden,” providing a gateway to explore the nature of northern Norway. Visitors can discover stunning fjords, admire majestic mountains and during the winter months, set out in search of the wonderous aurora borealis as she graces the nighttime skies.

Shore Excursions – Historic Harstad
Duration: 2 hours
Delve into Harstad’s medieval history and Viking heritage during a narrated excursion to view its main sights. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to the Harstad TV Tower, a lofty viewpoint that offers panoramic views over the city. During the winter months, the tower is illuminated in all its glory. After time for photos, continue to the Trondenes Historic Center for a glimpse into Harstad’s history from its prominence during the Viking Age to the medieval era and the Nazi occupation. Some of the largest battleship cannons were erected along the Atlantic Wall in Harstad during World War II. View exhibits, paintings and artifacts, and enjoy storytelling about notable figures, including Viking chieftain Thorir Hund. After your visit, walk to Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, celebrated for its religious art. Afterward, return to your ship.

Alta, Norway
Resting on the stunning shores of Altafjord, Alta is the gateway to some of Europe’s most magnificent natural beauty. With its frequent clear skies, it is an ideal place from which to see the northern lights. Alta is perhaps most known as the site of ancient rock carvings dating back as far as 4200 BC. These fascinating depictions of hunters, gatherers, rituals, animals and geometric symbols are Norway’s only primitive UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alta Museum was built around the largest concentration of the carvings.

Shore Excursions – The “City of Northern Lights”
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore Alta’s storied history, from its archaic past to the present, through its rock art and native culture. Embark your motor coach for a scenic tour of the “City of Northern Lights.” At the Alta Museum, located in a field of rock carvings, step inside to see relics recovered from this prehistoric settlement that lay undiscovered until 1973. Your local guide will lead you on a museum tour to showcase its permanent and temporary exhibitions, covering a variety of topics related to local history and nature including the northern lights, salmon fishing, and local Sami and Christian religions. Enjoy free time to explore the museum independently and perhaps stop at the museum café for light refreshments. Continue your tour to Alta’s cathedral to visit the Borealis Alta, an interactive exhibition on the science and history behind the northern lights. Afterward, return to your ship.

Alta, Norway
The small town of Alta lies in Norway’s largely unspoiled county of Finnmark and is considered one of the world’s northernmost cities. Here, pristine woodlands spill into the stunning Altafjord, which stretches some 24 miles. Perhaps, however, one of Alta’s most striking sights is not natural at all; the boldly designed Northern Lights Cathedral in the center of town is a vision in titanium, with its circular exterior spiraling upward into a narrower cylinder and a breathtaking belfry.

Shore Excursions – The “City of Northern Lights”
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore Alta’s storied history, from its archaic past to the present, through its rock art and native culture. Embark your motor coach for a scenic tour of the “City of Northern Lights.” At the Alta Museum, located in a field of rock carvings, step inside to see relics recovered from this prehistoric settlement that lay undiscovered until 1973. Your local guide will lead you on a museum tour to showcase its permanent and temporary exhibitions, covering a variety of topics related to local history and nature including the northern lights, salmon fishing, and local Sami and Christian religions. Enjoy free time to explore the museum independently and perhaps stop at the museum café for light refreshments. Continue your tour to Alta’s cathedral to visit the Borealis Alta, an interactive exhibition on the science and history behind the northern lights. Afterward, return to your ship.

Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is Norway’s most northerly city and has long been considered the gateway to the Arctic. During the summer months, pretty wooden houses exude an air of sophistication as they bask beneath the glow of the midnight sun. Winter brings pristine landscapes surrounded by snowcapped peaks and the aurora borealis, whose magical lights dance across the nighttime skies. World-renowned explorers have set sail from Tromsø’s shores; Roald Amundsen, Norway’s first son and the first explorer to reach both poles, is commemorated with a bronze statue in the city.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Tromsø
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Witness the unique structures and natural beauty of Tromsø amid its stunning island setting and winter landscapes. Meet your local guide and drive through the city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”—a starting point for many Arctic expeditions. Tromsø boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway, built here until 1904 at which point wood construction was banned for fear of fire. Throughout the city, you will see classic architecture mingling with modern buildings, including the stunning Arctic Cathedral. With its soaring white roofline, it has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. Admire its triangular interior, a stunning vision in white and icy blue, then continue to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, in the darkened planetarium, marvel at the northern lights during a breathtaking documentary. Afterward, return to your ship via the Tromsø Bridge.

Shore Excursions – Tromsø on Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Take a walk around Tromsø and enjoy the sights of the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Stroll along the waters’ edge to take in the picturesque sites. Admire the mix of architectural styles, blending old with new, and get a glimpse of the modern facade of the Arctic Cathedral, nicknamed the “Opera House of Norway” due to its resemblance to the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Skansen and view Tromsø’s oldest house, and stroll down Storgata, the city’s pedestrian street, where you can browse the windows of the boutique stores. Pass the iconic Raketten, a quaint establishment and one of Norway’s smallest bars, and stop to see the statue of the Norwegian polar explorer, Roald Amundsen. Pause to admire the outside of Tromsø Cathedral, Norway’s only wooden cathedral, and walk past the MS Polstjerna, a ship from Tromsø’s past, en route back to your ship.

Tromsø, Norway
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.