Savor the Northern Lights - Finland & Norway

There are trips that take you somewhere. And then there are journeys where the landscape, the light and the experiences change around you with every mile.

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the Arctic, beginning in the elegant Finnish capital of Helsinki and continuing north through the snow-covered landscapes of Finnish Lapland before boarding HX's Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

We'll begin in Helsinki, where Nordic design, cozy cafés, Christmas lights and Finnish traditions set the mood for our adventure. After two nights exploring the city, we'll board the train and head north — watching Finland gradually transform from city to forest to Arctic wilderness.

Then comes the magic of Lapland.

We'll spend time in the Rovaniemi region, where the Arctic Circle meets a winter wonderland of snowy forests, huskies, reindeer and the possibility of dancing Northern Lights. We'll trade ordinary hotel rooms for a stay beneath the Arctic sky in a glass igloo or Aurora cabin, with a Finnish sauna and hopefully a spectacular show overhead.

From here, the journey continues north to Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic," where we'll have time to settle into Norway's far north before stepping aboard our expedition ship.

And this is where the adventure changes again.

For the next seven nights, HX takes us into the heart of Arctic Norway. We'll explore the dramatic Lyngen Alps, Senja, the Lofoten Islands and Vesterålen, traveling aboard a purpose-built expedition ship with an experienced Expedition Team. Rather than following a rigid sightseeing schedule, the journey unfolds according to the weather, sea conditions, wildlife and opportunities that the Arctic gives us each day.

We'll venture ashore by expedition boats, explore snowy landscapes, look for whales and wildlife, and have opportunities for activities such as snowshoeing, kayaking and nature walks. Along the way, we'll sail through deep fjords and dramatic Arctic waters, with snow-covered mountains rising from the sea around us.

And, of course, we'll be watching the sky.

This is the season of the Polar Night, when darkness creates some of the best opportunities for Northern Lights viewing - and when the Arctic feels especially mysterious, quiet and otherworldly.

From Helsinki's Christmas lights to a glass cabin in Finnish Lapland. From huskies and reindeer to snow-covered fells. From Tromsø to the towering mountains and fjords of Northern Norway.

This isn't simply a pre-cruise stay.

It's the journey into the Arctic.

Come with us as we follow winter north - one unforgettable experience at a time.

Our adventure begins in Helsinki, where we'll soak up the magic of Finland's capital during the Christmas season. Then we'll board the train and head north, watching the landscape transform from city to snow-covered forests as we make our way into Finnish Lapland.

In Rovaniemi, we'll experience the magic of the Arctic Circle with opportunities to meet huskies and reindeer, explore the snowy wilderness, and hopefully catch the Northern Lights. We'll also spend a night beneath the Arctic sky in a glass igloo — complete with the possibility of watching the Aurora from bed.

We'll then continue north toward Tromsø, trading the forests of Lapland for the mountains and fjords of Arctic Norway.

Land Package Inclusions:

• 2 Nights in Helsinki, breakfast included daily, group dinner
• 2 Nights in Rovaniemi, Lapland Winter Park - Deluxe Chalet, breakfast & dinner included daily
• 2 Nights in Tromso, breakfast included daily, group dinner
• All transfers
• Train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
• Flight from Rovaniemi to Tromso

This is not a coastal cruise. It's an expedition through Norway's wild north, led by experts. Travelling aboard a purpose-built HX expedition ship, you'll explore the Lyngen Alps, Senja, Lofoten, and the Vesterålen Islands with the flexibility to respond to nature, light, and wildlife. Our Expedition Team designs each day in real time, using their deep knowledge of the region to seek out the best landing sites and winter experiences, from kayaking past scenic shores to snowshoeing through the stillness of Arctic forests.

What sets this journey apart is a series of bespoke HX experiences offering deeper insight into Norwegian life and landscape. Share a fireside moment on the beach under the stars. Step into a traditional Nordic sauna before a polar plunge into icy Arctic waters. Enjoy an exclusive evening inside the historic Hurtigruten Museum, exploring the preserved MS Finnmarken. And with late-winter darkness still falling each night, you'll have some of the best chances to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights.

Expedition Cruise Inclusions:

• Your choice of cabin onboard MS Spitsbergen
• Use of all Ship Facilities: Sauna, Hot Tub, Fitness Room and more
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Unlimited coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits throughout the day & evening
• HX Expedition Gear

  • Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
  • Complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Onboard Activities

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our Expedition Team
  • The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research 
  • Daily briefing with the Expedition Team
• Included Activities & Excursions

  • Svolvær - Svolvær Fishing Heritage Walk
  • Svolvær - Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge
  • Into the Night – Evening at the Museum
  • Hiking Above the Arctic Circle
  • Nature Landings and Friluftsliv
  • Small Boat Cruising in Arctic Norway
  • Snowshoeing in Arctic Norway
  • Winter Kayaking in Arctic Norway
  • Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles, headlamps, spikes for boots... all will be provided on loan
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Gratuities included