Last updated on June 27th, 2024
Featured image: The Northern Lights in Svolvar, Norway| Photo provided by Hurtigruten
Celebrate our 30th anniversary in Norway in December 2024
The Northern Lights are the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience, and there’s no better place to see them than Norway, during the darkest month of the year. In honour of our 30th anniversary, JourneyWoman is offering a special excursion to Norway with Hurtigurten, on its most classic route, the Coastal Express, on the MS Midnatsol. On this seven-day trip, we’ll sail from the southern city of Bergen, across the Arctic Circle, up to Kirkenes, where you’ll see some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.
Norway’s world-famous fjords will be on full display, dotted with farms and charming fishing villages. Admire the mountains and discover the myths of the Helgeland Coast and brace yourself for the sheer beauty of the idyllic Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. Along the way, there are stops at 34 coastal communities, big and small, day and night, in villages and towns. Hurtigruten has sailed the Norwegian coast since 1893, faithfully serving communities and showing international guests Norway for over 130 years.
Read More: Chasing the Northern Lights in Norway
Bergen, Norway, our starting point on the cruise / Photo provided by Hurtigrurten
JourneyWoman 30th anniversary Northern Lights cruise: The Coastal Express North
When: December 7 – 14, 2024
Where: From Bergen, Norway to Kirkenes, Norway (7 days)
Itinerary: Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. You’ll explore the finest cities on the Norwegian coast, such as Trondheim and Tromsø, and charming towns such as Ålesund and Bodø. The journey ends at Kirkenes, just a few miles from the edge of Norway’s territory. You’ll have traveled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.
Want to stay longer? You can also take the return voyage back to Bergen, for an incremental cost. Find out more here.
Hurtigruten is so confident that passengers will be the Northern Lights that it has a Northern Lights promise on its voyages during the auroral season between September and March on a voyage of 11 days or more. If the Northern Lights do not occur, the company will give guests a 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage free of charge.
Reduced pricing from June 25- July 15
Hurtigruten is offering this trip and others at a significant discount for both solo travellers and those who want to share a room. Do not wait – these rooms will go quickly. Prices are in USD, per person based on two people traveling together sharing a cabin. Use code JW127337 when you book and get a US$100 on-board coupon from Hurtigruten.We have a small allocation of rooms set aside just for JourneyWoman readers.
How to book
- Mention code JW127337 when you book. This trip cannot be booked through travel advisors or agents.
- Email Hurtigruten directly to book: [email protected]
- Call Hurtigruten at 1-877688-0984 between 9 AM and 5 PM EST Monday to Friday. Ask for Adam or Ben and mention the JourneyWoman 30th Anniversary trip to Norway.
- Accessible rooms are also available
- Remember to purchase travel insurance. Check insurance rates here.
- Bookings with this special rate close on July 15, 2024. Book before then to ensure your spot!
Click here to find a hotel in Bergen, Norway, before departure. Find a flight to Bergen from anywhere in the world on Skyscanner here.
Rooms on the MS Midnatsol
The MS Midnatsol is named after the Midnight Sun, the phenomenon that occurs in northern Norway every summer when the sun doesn’t set for 24 hours. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year.
There are four types of cabins, including Polar Inside, Polar Outside, Arctic Superior and Expedition Suite, with a range of prices to suit your budget. An accessible room is also available.
Polar Inside Rooms* / *Photo not representative of all options
Polar Outside Rooms* / *Photo not representative of all options
Arctic Superior* / Photo not representative of all options
Expedition Suite
How to Get to Norway
From North America: All of the major airlines offer flights to Norway. Once there, you can hop on SAS to other destinations in Norway. Check for flights here!
Returning: This trip ends in Kirkenes, near the Russian border. Hurtigruten offers an additional excursion to the SnowHotel Kirkenes for an additional cost. Please inquire when booking. From Kirkenes, you should be able to get a connecting flight back to a major city in Norway. If you say in Oslo, take the Airport Express to Oslo Central Train Station and try the Amerikalinjen Hotel.
Where to stay: Want to extend your stay before or after the expedition? Click here to find a hotel in Bergen.
Tip: When flying in this part of the world, choose SAS or a local airline with a major hub in Norway.
What to pack: Bring layers and essentials. Our recommendations: a Helly Hanson (Norwegian brand) puffy jacket, merino wool, arctic boots, wool socks, wool hat, gloves and liners and a turtleneck. Bring your own mini-binoculars. Don’t forget to bring medication, contact lenses, and any other health supplies that might be hard to get.
Gear to get started: Celestun 15 x 70 Astronomy binoculars, SkyView App, 2023 Night Sky Almanac: A Month-by-Month Guide to North America’s Skies from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s included in the cost of the voyage?
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the ship’s main restaurant, Torget
- Unlimited selection of tea and black filter coffee (1)
- Choice of dining time (1)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship and in your cabin (1)
- Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
- Daily themed lectures
- Not included: optional seasonal excursions to enhance your coastal experience
2. Is there flexibility with pricing and cancellation?
We recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations. Check insurance rates here.
3. How do I book a room with a friend/partner/spouse/family?
Please tell Hurtigruten when you book your place who you’d like to room with!
4. Are there pre and post trips offered?
Not at this time, but we invite you to consider arriving early in Bergen. You can also check our Women’s Travel Directory for options.
5. Does the price include airfare?
No. The price does not include transportation to and from the arrival and departure city.
6. Can women with mobility issues, a walker or a wheelchair come on this ship?
Absolutely. Please inquire about accessible rooms when you book.
7. Will there be Wi-Fi?
Yes, there is free Wi-Fi available but it will be intermittent, and better on land.
More about our 30th Anniversary
Celebrating JourneyWoman’s Anniversary and 30 Years of Women’s Solo Travel
JourneyWoman readers, partners, family and friends gathered to honour founder Evelyn Hannon at JourneyWoman’s 30th Anniversary in Toronto.
30 of the Best Solo Travel Tips from Readers (April 2024)
JourneyWoman readers share their best solo travel tips from April 2024, including packing, safety and inspiring places to visit as a 50+ woman.
JourneyWoman’s 30th Anniversary Kicks Off in Toronto on June 14
Celebrations for JourneyWoman’s 30th anniversary start on June 14 at Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum, honouring Evelyn Hannon and her red boots.
JourneyWoman Staff
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