The Midnight Sun, Northern Lights & Other Norwegian Wonders of Nature to Experience on A Fly-Cruise

The Midnight Sun, Northern Lights & Other Norwegian Wonders of Nature to Experience on A Fly-Cruise

Take it from us: a fly-cruise experience to Norway will truly transform you.

With plenty of incredible fjords indented along its rugged coastline, the Scandinavian mountain range and its huge supply of untamed landscapes, Norway is home to the world’s most amazing natural wonders. From the blazing Midnight Sun to the ethereal Northern Lights, Norway’s natural phenomena attract the adulation of many.

Princess Cruises ship under the night sky

Image credit: Princess Cruises

For a truly transformative and once-in-a-lifetime experience, a fly-cruise with Princess Cruises offers you that, and so much more. Hop on a flight to London before embarking in Southampton for either the Land of the Midnight Sun, the Search for the Northern Lights, or the Norwegian Fjords voyages.

Here’s what you can experience on a Princess Cruises fly-cruise across Norway, from fantastical fjords to luminescent lights!

Cruising under the Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun in Norway

Image credit: zen whisk

During the summer months from May to July, a spectacular phenomenon can be experienced in the northern parts of Norway – the Midnight Sun. Admire in awe as the sun teases the horizon but never actually sets, even when you’re well into the night.

Simply experiencing the Midnight Sun is an inexplicably mystifying affair, as you find yourself struggling to reconcile the brightness of day with the time on your watch (or mobile phone!). However, experiencing the Midnight Sun on a cruise is doubly incredible and amazing. While you’re cruising, you’ll witness what seems like endless sunsets and sunrises, with the sun perpetually hovering above the horizon.

A unique phenomenon that only occurs in certain parts of Norway that lie above the Arctic Circle, the Princess Cruises Land of the Midnight Sun voyage will take you on a journey to experience the splendour of the true white night. You’ll start off by docking at Stavanger where you’ll be introduced to Norway’s magnificent fjord landscape, before cruising on to prime viewing spots of the Midnight Sun in North Cape and Tromso.

Stay up all night on the cruise deck

On the Princess Cruise ship

Image credit: Princess Cruises

As you traverse the seas across the ten ports of call, don’t miss out on unobstructed views of the sun kissing the horizon from the top decks, or even from the freshwater pools and hot tubs on the Sapphire Princess. For a little more privacy, you can even retreat to your own Balcony Stateroom and enjoy the Midnight Sun shining down upon you, from your personal sanctuary. There’s no better way to appreciate the romance of cruising with the sea breeze coursing through your hair on your own private balcony; you’ll be in awe of just how beautiful and romantic Norwegian summers can be. Not forgetting you can also enjoy 24-hour room service and order food to your stateroom for free!

As the sun illuminates the night sky, you might be feeling a little more energised than usual during the night. But with Princess Cruises, there’s no need to worry about restless nights with the endless number of onboard experiences available.

Relaxing on the deck of Princess Cruises' ship

Image credit: Princess Cruises

Head over to the top deck of the ship and enjoy the stunning views of this natural phenomenon by the poolside. Soak in the panoramic vistas with a dip in one of several hot tubs to keep warm under the full glory of the Midnight Sun with the gentle ocean breeze caressing your face.

If you are feeling a little peckish, you can also head to the 24-hour International Café in the Piazza where you can enjoy free pastries, donuts, cakes, salads, fruits, cookies and loads more!

Skywalkers nightclub and other onboard entertainment

Image credit: Princess Cruises

Meanwhile, you can even boogie the night (or day) away at the Skywalkers Nightclub propped up 15 decks above the sea, the perfect vantage point boasting panoramic views of the horizon.

As you retreat for the night – or shall we say the day – draw the blackout curtains and lay your head on a Princess Luxury Bed, available across all stateroom categories and scientifically designed to provide the most restful nights at sea.

Ride an ATV around North Cape

Midnight sun at the North Cape in Norway

As your voyage to seek out the Midnight Sun continues, the Land of the Midnight Sun cruise will take you to Honningsvag, where you can embark on exciting shore excursions to North Cape to experience the phenomenon on land! Princess Cruises will take you to North Cape, or Nordkapp, located in the northernmost point of the European mainland and known as one of the best places to view the Midnight Sun in Norway.

For those seeking a little more adventure, the Honningsvag ATV Safari tour is a perfect way to spend the day. Riding around the northernmost parts of Europe’s mainland under the Midnight Sun will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.

On top of that, you can even choose to embark on other off-the-beaten-path shore excursions like visiting the Stappen Island Bird Safari or have a blast on a helicopter ride over Honningsvag.

Travelling with Princess Cruises on their Land of the Midnight Sun tour gives you an incomparable range of enriching and awe-inspiring experiences throughout your 14-day voyage across 10 ports — all with the reassurance of retiring to your comfortable stateroom at the end of the day. Most importantly, you’ll get the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world!

Search for the Northern Lights at sea

Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis

Image credit: Princess Cruises

The spectacular phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis, or more commonly as the Northern Lights, is on most travellers’ bucket lists, with people from all around the world travelling to the far side of the northern hemisphere to catch this coveted sight.

But catching the Northern Lights can be an intense and unpredictable journey – though not impossible. Instead of limiting your search to land, why not expand it out to the sea? As the lights can only ever be seen when the sky is dark, being out at sea increases your chances of seeing it, not to mention against the perfect blank backdrop.

Stargazing on the ship's deck

Image credit: Princess Cruises

Search for these dancing lights atop the open decks on the Sapphire Princess while you enjoy state-of-the-art experiences onboard. Stargaze and spot the various constellations under the guidance of a Princess Stargazing Specialist, one of the exclusive and captivating experiences from the partnership between Princess Cruises and Discovery™.

Watching movies on the ship's deck

Image credit: Princess Cruises

While you’re waiting patiently for the Northern Lights to appear, you can also catch a late-night movie on the top deck with Movies Under the Stars. Snuggle under the blankets provided and recline in the deck chairs while munching on free popcorn and enjoying the sophisticated sound system by the pool.

Forget settling for a conventional vacation, your adventure in search of the Northern Lights can look like a 12-day voyage across four ports on Princess Cruises’ Search for the Northern Lights cruise. But don’t worry about being bored onboard – there’s plenty more to do that’ll have you fully entertained on your voyage. Enjoy Broadway-caliber, Princess-exclusive productions produced by award-winning composers, catch world-class magicians in action or head to the Piazza for pop-up live performances, from acrobats to food carving demonstrations!

Be awed by Alta, the City of the Northern Lights

Sautso Canyon in Alta

Image credit: Andreas Haldorsen

Alta boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway – including Sautso Canyon, the largest canyon in Northern Europe. There are many ways to explore this area, including shore excursions which even include the opportunity to peer into the Sami people’s (indigenous people of Norway) way of life.

Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway

Image credit: Dan

Just outside of Alta is the world’s first Northern Lights observatory, built in 1899, which should clue you in on Alta’s reputation as the City of the Northern Lights.

Along with a late-night stay in Tromso, the Search for the Northern Lights cruise takes a route that maximises your chances of seeing this wonder; including an overnight stay in Alta. Join in on a visit to the Northern Lights Safari At Paeskatun to have a great campfire night experience while you’re at it!

Voyage to the spectacular Norwegian Fjords

Norwegian fjords

Image credit: Princess Cruises

It’s no surprise that the star of the show in Norway is its famous fjords! Head on a specially curated route on Princess Cruises’ Norwegian Fjords cruise which will take you to see the most notable ones in Norway. In just seven days, you’ll travel to Norwegian regions like Bergen and Stavanger surrounded by fjords, and will undoubtedly gain a deep appreciation for Norway’s arresting natural landscape.

Open-air massage at the Sanctuary on Princess Cruises' ship

Image credit: Princess Cruises

On the Sapphire Princess, you’ll be afforded an unparalleled level of serenity as you make your journey along Norway’s tranquil fjords. Enjoy comfortable facilities and attentive service from all ends, including a full pampering on at The Sanctuary where you can receive an open-air massage in your own private cabana.

Marvel at the Geirangerfjord, Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil Falls

Geirangerfjord

Often described as the most beautiful fjord in the world, the Geirangerfjord is a great introduction to those who are new to Norway’s glorious slew of fjords − deep grooves cut into the land that have been flooded by the sea, formed at the end of the Ice Age.

Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil Falls

Image credit: Princess Cruises

At the Geirangerfjord you’ll also find the imposing Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil Falls, which are awe-inspiring sights. Bring out the inner adventurer in you by embarking on shore excursions that allow you to kayak the Geirangerfjord or hop on a high-speed cruise on a Rigid Inflatable Boat.

You can also choose to experience this destination on the Land of the Midnight Sun voyage.

Cruise along the Lysefjord

Lysefjord

There’s no end to Norway’s incredible fjord landscapes. On all three cruise routes including the Land of the Midnight Sun and Search for the Northern Lights cruises, you can sail along on a scenic cruise traversing Stavanger that will give you a glimpse of the majestic Lysefjord. During this 2.5-hour cruise, you’ll encounter craggy mountainscapes, dazzling waterfalls and other natural wonders including the ‘Pulpit’ or Preikestolen, standing at an impressive 604 metres over the Lysefjord.

On the deck of Princess Cruises' ship

Image credit: Princess Cruises

But even if you wish to stay onboard, a Balcony Stateroom on the Sapphire Princess will accord you with a just as magnificent opportunity to admire the fjords, from the comfort of your stateroom and private balcony. Wake up to stunning fjords and azure blue waters while enjoying a romantic breakfast with the free room service every day.

Cruising back home

Image credit: Princess Cruises

Your journey will eventually come to an end back in London but if you still feel like exploring, you can continue your journey on one last shore excursion to catch the Stonehenge or even the Windsor Castle, before catching your flight back home.

As you can see, life-altering trips don’t only have to be solo backpacking trips across Europe or Southeast Asia; they can also happen when you experience mystical wonders of Mother Nature that are much larger than yourself. The best part? You can experience this and more with Princess Cruises.

So what are you waiting for? Embark on your own search of these naturally Norwegian wonders on a Princess Cruises fly-cruise!

Land of the Midnight Sun

14 Days, 10 Ports of Call

Sail date: 15 Jun 2019

Starting from S$3,643.65 per person

Search for the Northern Lights

12 Days, 4 Ports of Call

Sail date: 19 Oct 2019

Starting from S$3,103.65 per person

Norwegian Fjords

7 Days, 5 Ports of Call

Sail date: 18 May 2019

Starting from S$1,888.65 per person


Brought to you by Princess Cruises.

About Author

Sharifah Nur Afiqah
Sharifah Nur Afiqah

Always going from one extreme to the next, Sharifah’s constantly agonising over what to order off the menu, yet she tends to jump head-first into the major things, on the basis of intuition. Catch her at her loudest when she’s on a roller-coaster, cable car, or any other thrill-inducing contraption.

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