Orcas Humpbacks, & Northern Lights
Arctic Norway
November 10 to 20, 2027
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Embark on an unforgettable ship-based expedition through northern Norway, where Arctic magic comes alive. This journey offers the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across polar skies and observe orcas and humpback whales feeding in the fjords — one of nature’s most powerful spectacles. As conditions allow, venture ashore for exhilarating winter adventures, feeling the rush of snowmobiling across Arctic terrain and exploring the stark beauty of the north on foot with guided hikes. Capture once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photography as you cruise through prime whale-watching locations, guided by expert expedition leader Lizza Boitard-Thomas throughout the journey. Each day’s itinerary adapts to the weather and sea conditions, ensuring a flexible and immersive experience that embraces the wild, ever-changing rhythms of the high north.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Orca & Humpback Whale Watching in Arctic Waters: Watch these magnificent marine mammals feed on herring in the fjords from a Zodiac — encounters simply not possible from larger ships.
- Northern Lights at Peak Season: See and photograph the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky from one of the world’s premier viewing locations.
- Small-Ship, Ice-Strengthened Expedition: Travel aboard a purpose-built polar vessel with just 12 passengers, offering close-up wildlife encounters and outstanding photography opportunities.
- Winter Adventure Activities: Snowmobile across frozen Arctic terrain and unwind in a traditional Nordic sauna after a day of exploration — both included in the trip cost.
- Expert Expedition Leadership: Travel with Lizza Boitard-Thomas, a certified mountain guide and cetologist with deep expertise in Arctic marine wildlife and Norwegian fjords.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: July 2026
Ship Info FAQ
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10–11 | Travel to Tromsø, Norway. Arrive in the Arctic gateway city, ringed by snow-dusted peaks and dramatic fjords, for an overnight stay before the expedition begins. | ||
| Nov 12 | Board Your Arctic Expedition Ship & Embark. Spend a relaxed morning exploring Tromsø — the harbor, Arctic Cathedral, and local markets — before transferring to the port to board your small, ice-strengthened expedition ship and set sail into the fjords. | Aboard our ship | D |
| Nov 13–18 | Fjord Exploration & Wildlife Encounters. Spend six extraordinary days navigating Norway's remote fjords and coastal waters, tracking orcas and humpback whales hunting herring in massive feeding swarms, photographing the Arctic's golden winter light, and watching the Aurora Borealis ripple across the sky each evening — with snowmobiling, sauna, and visits to remote Sami fishing villages along the way. | Aboard our ship | B, L, D |
| Nov 19 | Disembark in Tromsø & Fly Home. Return to Tromsø after breakfast, disembark, and transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward journey. | B | |
| Nov 20 | Arrive Home. Touch down at home with a head full of memories — Arctic wildlife, dramatic fjord landscapes, and the glow of the Northern Lights. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Lizza Boitard-Thomas
Lizza Boitard-ThomasLizza is a mountain guide from France, and her passion oscillates steadily between the mountains and the sea. She particularly enjoys sharing her passion for the Arctic regional lands of Iceland, Norway, and Spitsbergen (Svalbard) and leads groups to discover the great outdoors and nature on the hiking trails of the French Alps. She also organizes cruises as a naturalist in the Mediterranean. Lizza is trained in ornithology by the Bird Protection League (LPO) and also specializes in cetology.
Ship Information
Norway Ship
We’ve selected the most comfortable and capable vessel in the small ship class for your Svalbard expedition. This ship is built for polar exploration, offering both rugged performance and refined comfort. Its ice-strengthened hull and shallow draft allow access to remote areas other ships can’t reach. Narrow channels, hidden coves, and tight inlets become your exclusive playground.
With a maximum of 12 passengers, the experience feels intimate and personal. You won’t be waiting in long lines or rotating shore schedules. Everyone gets onshore together, maximizing time spent in nature.
Zodiacs are onboard and ready for daily adventures. These inflatable boats provide safe and easy access to beaches, glaciers, and wildlife-rich coastlines. Whether cruising through icy waters or landing onshore, the experience feels immersive and close to nature.
Wildlife and scenery take center stage from the large, dual-level observation deck at the ship’s front. Inside, expansive windows in the lounge and dining areas offer panoramic views of the Arctic wilderness. There’s never a bad seat on board.
The social lounge is spacious and welcoming. It’s ideal for reviewing photos, relaxing with a hot drink, or enjoying group discussions. Evening lectures from expert naturalists deepen your connection to this incredible region.
Accommodations are comfortable and private. Lower deck cabins come with private use, while main deck cabins may be shared. All include en-suite bathrooms, offering privacy and convenience throughout the journey.
This ship combines the best of both worlds: the reach of a true expedition vessel and the comfort of a boutique experience. If you're looking for deeper Arctic exploration without the crowds, this is your ideal ship.
More Information
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- FAQ
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Accommodations
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, single occupancy on lower deck | $9,500 |
| Trip Cost, double occupancy on main deck | $9,500 |
Costs are per person, single occupancy for lower deck cabins and double occupancy for main deck cabins, not including airfare. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
We cannot guarantee a specific cabin number, but if changes occur, we will assign a cabin of equal or greater value.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $2,000 |
| Final | June 3, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Refunds are given depending on the time left before departure according to the following table. Through March 31, 2027, the cancellation fee of $300 per person can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable.
| Dates | Forfeited Amount per Person |
|---|---|
| On or before March 31, 2027 | $300 (see terms above) |
| April 1 to April 30, 2027 | 10% of trip cost |
| May 1 to June 2, 2027 | 40% of trip cost |
| On or after June 3, 2027 | 100% of trip cost |
Included
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, hotel recommendations, packing, gratuities, etc.
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, dock and port fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Seven nights on board our ship.
- Meals from dinner on November 12 through breakfast on November 19.
- A group luggage transfer from town to the ship on November 12.
- Guided snowmobiling tour excursion, equipment, and instruction.*
- Evening at a traditional hot sauna with libations.*
*Your participation in these excursions is optional; however, all activities are included in trip cost; please let us know in advance if you do not wish to participate in certain activities so we can plan.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Meals and lodging in Tromsø, before and after the expedition.
- Airport and hotel transfers.
- Gratuities.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic beverages aboard the ship unless noted otherwise in the itinerary, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
You will visit the Arctic at the beginning stages of the polar night season. Due to high mountain ranges, you may not see the sun rise at all as it sits just at or below the horizon line, but there are still a few hours of beautiful pink and golden light that give subtle twilight light. Expect temperatures in the upper 20s°F (-2°C) at night and mid 30s°F (2°C) during the day. Skies are usually variable with a mix of clear and cloudy days. Weather patterns can be highly variable, so bring appropriate gear to handle a mix of conditions including wind, snow, and rain.
Fitness Level
You must be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs from the ship, via a short four-foot rope ladder with wooden rungs spaced about a foot apart, with staff assisting above you from the ship and below you on the Zodiac. Some upper body strength and coordination is required. Once ashore, you must also be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs onto the beach. You’ll have opportunities for a range of activities from easy, short hikes to longer, more vigorous hikes and activities for those interested. There are various roads and trails along the coasts and villages and most terrain is not too technical, however spikes, winter boots, and poles are recommended, and snow depth can affect the level of difficulty. Most walks are less than a mile and often loop. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Tromsø, Norway (TOS) by 11:59pm on November 11.
- Depart from Tromsø, Norway (TOS) after 12:00pm on November 19.
FAQ
Why travel on a small ship?
With just twelve passenger cabins, our ship is significantly smaller than most cruise vessels in Norway, giving us the ability to access narrow inlets and more remote areas. Traveling with a small group allows for greater flexibility, more intimate wildlife encounters, and personalized attention throughout the journey.
Are we guaranteed to see the northern lights?
While we can't guarantee sightings of the northern lights, as they depend on natural conditions beyond our control, being in the right place at the right time significantly improves your chances. Our flexible itinerary allows the ship to adjust course in search of the best nighttime viewing locations. Northern Norway, especially in late November, offers excellent opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, and the Arctic region is considered one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis.
There are also forecasts available and the Kp Index is considered the most reliable. Measured on a scale of 0 to 9 with 0 indicating low auroral activity and 9 being extremely high, the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks offers a website to view auroral activity and up to 27 day forecasts in all the auroral regions of the world, including Europe and the areas of Norway in which you will be.
How do I photograph the northern lights?
Capturing the aurora involves a bit of trial and error, but your leader and professional photographer, Scott Davis, will be there to offer tips and support along the way. Keep in mind that no two aurora displays are the same—each night brings different conditions and variables, which means your camera settings may need to change accordingly. A mindset of curiosity, flexibility, and enjoyment will go a long way in making the experience both successful and memorable.
Accommodations
Land accommodations are not included in the trip cost, and you are welcome to stay at any hotel in the area. This allows for maximum flexibility and freedom of choice in your arrival to Tromsø. We will provide you a list of recommended hotels in your Trip Planning Materials that offer a mix of good value, comfort, and ideal location close to the meet-up location on embarkation day.
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! For all but the most sensitive, seasickness is rarely a problem in this region. It’s a good idea to bring medication if you get seasick or are unsure, but you may find that you do not need it after a couple days once you have your “sea legs.” Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Norway.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.