Northern Lights Voyages

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WINTER NORWAY

View movie of the Northern Lights

Climate and daylight
Temperatures in northern Norway can be consistently below freezing and with wind chill they can easily reach -20ºC. However all Norwegian hotels (excluding the Alta Igloo hotel!) and the ships are very well heated. Having a good outer jacket over normal clothes is useful in order to adjust to snug indoor temperatures.
In the period from mid November to the end of January the sun does not rise above the horizon in the area above the Arctic Circle, but the region is not entirely without light. Instead we are treated to the magical Arctic twilight during the daytime. This reflection of the light against the snow set against the magnificent coastal scenery is often a highlight for many travellers.

Witnessing the Northern Lights
As a natural phenomenon, a sighting of the Aurora Borealis cannot be guaranteed. It is principally dependant on the level of activity on the sun’s surface and the amount of cloud cover locally. All our trips operate in the region where sightings are most likely - Tromsø is a major research centre for the Aurora Borealis since the region experiences regular displays in winter. On board our ships, if requested, we are often able to alert passengers, 24 hours a day, should the Lights appear.

YOUR HOLIDAY

Travelling group & Tour Manager
All of the set northern Lights itineraries described on our website, unless otherwise mentioned, will be accompanied in Norway by a Tour Manager who will be on hand to ensure the smooth operation of your tour. In most cases you will be joined by other travellers from the UK, but groups are usually very informal. This allows us to share transport and participate in excursions together, but allows the freedom for an independent holiday, if that is what you are looking for.

Our ships
On most of our trips, travellers will spend at least one night on the Hurtigruten ships of the beautiful Norwegian Coastal Voyage. For more detail and images of ships and cabins please speak to one of our advisors.

Your cabin and upgrades
Prices are based on best available outside, twin cabins with en-suite facilities. Most travellers do not spend much time in their cabins, enjoying the views from the observation lounges or on deck, but should you wish to upgrade to a suite – some of which offer double beds, balconies or bay windows – then let us know when you book and we will contact you approximately 4 weeks prior to your departure with availability. Supplements from: £85 per person. Cabin numbers will be advised on embarkation.

Excursions
If you are keen to participate in any excursion, we recommend you prebook as only remaining places will be sold locally. Snowmobile excursions are usually based on two people per vehicle and the guide would usually swap drivers half way through. Alternatively you may pay a small supplement to drive your own for the duration of the tour.

Meal plan
The meal plan for these trips is outlined in the price panels of the tour pages, but generally includes breakfast and dinner.

Dietary requests
Special diets can be catered for as long as we are advised in good time. Please advise your sales consultant at the time of booking and also add this to the booking form. Clients on strict diets, e.g. vegans, may find that the food offers limited variety. We will always do our best to meet dietary requests but can not guarantee to do so and in no circumstances will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of our contractual agreement. It is essential that you advise us, in writing, of all special requirements at the time of booking.

Currency & prices
The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country and on board the ships.

Clothing
The weather in most of our destinations can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily. For all voyages we advise that you take breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf and thermal clothing can be useful, together with thermal underwear. On land it can be icy, so sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful. You should pack a pair of UV protective sunglasses, as the reflections of snow and ice can be harmful to the unprotected eye. An additional list of recommended clothing and equipment is sent out on selected departures. Many ships offer a Jacuzzi on board, so take your swimsuit just in case! Where necessary excursions include use of appropriate clothing.

Wildlife
The brochure includes pictures and descriptions of wildlife which may be seen from the ships and during excursions. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of sightings.

Hotel accommodation
The standard of the hotels we use is equivalent to 3 or 4-star. There is no official hotel rating system in Norway, so we have applied our own grading based on the overall standard of the hotel and the facilities available. All rooms have shower or bath and w/c (except the Alta Igloo Ice Hotel). Note that single rooms are sometimes inferior in both size and location.