Winter above the Arctic Circle is all about catching a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights. In summer, however, the focus turns to the phenomenon that's alien to all of us that don't live there - the midnight sun.
On this magical 15-day full-board cruise, you'll experience the endless daylight for yourself as you enjoy all the highlights of Norway's spectacular coastline: from exploring the UNESCOlisted port of Bergen, the city of Tromsø and the ancient Viking trading post of Trondheim, to crossing the Arctic Circle, seeing the remote and beautiful Lofoten Islands and visiting North Cape, Europe's most northerly point.
You'll travel to nine ports on the magnificent Regal Princess, upon which you'll feel welcomed the moment you step aboard. The ship's team prides itself on its attentive hospitality and friendly service, and you'll experience the spacious suites and wonderful amenities. Prima readers will receive a free room upgrade and exclusive onboard credit.
Other highlights of your cruise will include a visit to the uninhabited island of Skjoldungen, where you might see bearded seals, killer whales and rare birds. You'll also take a memorable trip to the Jostedalsbreen Glacier and picturesque Olden nearby.
Board your incredible floating home for a fortnight, Regal Princess, and depart Southampton at 4pm today.
Enjoy sweeping views from one of more than 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess or stroll on the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship. From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, you'll find diversions for every mood.
This quaint town perched on the North Sea boasts dual personalities. While renowned as the site where Viking king Harald Hårfagre united Norway as a kingdom in the 9th century, it's also one of the country's most popular modern destinations thanks to the annual Sildajazz Festival and Norwegian Film Festival. There's also the thriving town center with hundreds of shops and cultural diversions, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery. Optional excursions today include island, farm, medieval church and waterfall visits, and the Ryvarden Lighthouse Walk.
Situated in the heart of the Norwegian fjords, the port of Skjolden-Sognefjord is your gateway to thundering waterfalls, two UNESCO sites and miles of ice-blue fjords hemmed in by sky-reaching mountains. From walking the ruggedly handsome mountains in Jotunheimen National Park to a driving visit of the humble stave churches that dot the landscape, this captivating area is yours to discover in a range of optional activities available.
By the mid-19th century, European travelers were cruising the waters of the Nordfjord and visiting the village of Olden. Continue the intrepid tradition today, with glacier hikes and a rural motorcoach tour on offer.
Trondheim is the third largest - and second oldest - city in Norway. As it commands the trade routes linking Southern Norway with the fjord lands to the north, Trondheim quickly became a major commercial and cultural center and even served as Norway's royal capital. Enjoy Trondheim's old city with broad avenues and attractive 17th-century wood buildings and choose to hike, visit the Open-Air Folk Museum or the Archbishop's Palace in today's optional activities.
Enjoy sweeping views from one of more than 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess or stroll on the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship. From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, you'll find diversions for every mood.
Honningsvag is your gateway to Norway's North Cape on Magerøya Island. This is the northernmost point in Europe, and the true land of the midnight sun. From mid-May to July, the full disc of the sun never dips below the horizon. In winter, the days barely lighten to a spectral gloom. To the north lies only the remote Svalbard Archipelago, Jan Mayan Island, and the polar ice cap. From the cliffs of North Cape, perched 1,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean, one stares into the arctic silence and during the summer months, vast reindeer herds roam Magerøya Island's treeless, central plateau. Enjoy a King Crab tour, an ATV safari or even a helicopter tour of this stunning location.
Lying north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has been a departure point for Arctic explorers and hunters since the 18th century. Today, this town of some 50,000 individuals is home to the northernmost university in the world, which gives Tromsø a lively cultural and street scene, highlighted by the annual Midnight Sun Marathon. Ride the cable car to the summit of Mt. Storsteinen for dramatic views of Tromsø city and Troms Island. Enjoy refreshments at the panoramic restaurant.
Gravdal serves as your gateway to the Lofoten Islands, the western remnants of great mountains that were worn away by glaciers. Lying entirely above the Arctic Circle, the islands' dramatic natural architecture of rocky peaks along with picturesque villages places this archipelago in a league of its own. Head to the Ice Bar or the Lofotr Viking Museum as an optional excursion.
Enjoy sweeping views from one of more than 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess or stroll on the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship. From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, you'll find diversions for every mood.
Following a massive fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in the then-popular Art Nouveau style known as Jugendstil. The result is one of the prettiest ports in Norway. Buildings with elegant turrets and spires can be seen lining the streets of the city center. Today, the city is one of Norway's most important fishing harbors and the world's largest supplier of stockfish (Klippfisk) - dried cod. Stroll the town, visit the surrounding islands or enjoy a cruise on Hjorundfjord today.
Bergen has played a crucial role in Norwegian history and culture since Olav the Good founded the city in 1070. Norway's second-largest city, Bergen is perched between the sea and seven hills. In the Middle Ages, its old port was a major trading hub for the Hanseatic League, today the old wharf boasts picturesque colorful wooden houses. Enjoy a ride today on the Fløibanen Funicular which goes up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views and hiking trails. You could alternatively opt for a scenic cruise or a waterfall visit.
Enjoy sweeping views from one of more than 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess or stroll on the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship. From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, you'll find diversions for every mood.
Arrive back in Southampton this morning and disembark Regal Princess after breakfast.
Joining the fleet in May 2014, Regal Princess is elegant and comfortable and offers a fantastic range of entertainment options
Sister ship to the popular Royal Princess, Regal Princess measures 330 meters and accommodates 3560 guests on 19 passenger decks. This ultra-modern cruise liner oozes class and offers a range of attractions, entertainment and dining options. You'll find Hallmark Princess innovations such as Movies Under the Stars® giant poolside film screen and the ScholarShip@Sea special interest programme, and now the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, and the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show. A fitness centre and youth club as well as Broadway-style production shows in the Princess Theatre keep you busy at sea. Although there are no Oceanview rooms, 80% of the cabins feature a balcony and there are 36 accessible rooms.
Dress code: casual during the day, resort-casual in the evening, with one or more formal dress nights depedning on the length of your cruise.
To view Princess Cruises’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.