Christmas Whale Watching & Northern Lights in Norway

Your Sailing Area

Tromsø, Norway

All voyages for Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht

Guest berths: 20 Rig: Schooner

Originally built in 1910, Noorderlicht has a colourful history and has spent much of her life sailing the Baltic Sea and exploring Svalbard. With various refits, hull extensions and rigging reconfigurations, she now sails as a graceful two-masted schooner taking guests on bucket-list sailing holidays in the Arctic.

With comfortable accommodation for up to 20 guests in private twin cabins, Noorderlicht offers guests whale watching and wildlife expeditions exploring the Arctic waters of Northern Norway & Svalbard. Her size and draft mean she can reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard so she is a great way to discover the hidden gems that this breathtaking part of the world has to offer.

Low impact and environmental travel go hand-in-hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to set sail and explore this part of the world is the best way enjoy the beautiful unspoiled nature.

In the early 90’s she was refitted to become a charter vessel and so her accommodation below decks was given careful consideration. She has ten comfortable twin cabins that all share four bathrooms. The galley and downstairs seating area sits in the middle of the ship with another seating area and bar in the deck-house.

Noorderlicht is sailed by her loving owners along with a friendly crew who are all well trained to sail the wilderness of Svalbard. They invite guests to get involved with sailing Noorderlicht but it is certainly not mandatory!

Deck plan

Life on board Noorderlicht

Sailing and exploring the coasts of Norway with expedition vessel Noorderlicht is an experience of a life-time. Exploring this fascinating landscape from the comfort of your own tall ship is a bucket list holiday, perfect for the adventure traveller.

Sustainable Travel

Noorderlicht has been sailing and exploring Norway and Svalbard for over 10 years so her crew are well versed in the nuances of this remote and wild location. Noorderlicht takes pride in its commitment to sustainable travel practices. The tall ship operates in harmony with the environment, minimizing its ecological impact. By utilizing wind power and reducing fuel consumption, Noorderlicht embraces a greener approach to sailing. This responsible sailing ethos allows passengers to immerse themselves in nature while preserving and protecting the delicate ecosystems of the Arctic. By choosing sustainable travel options like sailing on Noorderlicht, we can contribute to the preservation of these pristine environments for future generations.

Sleeping and Relaxation

The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated giving an informal, cosy and nautical atmosphere below decks. There are spacious seating areas in the upper-and lower deck salon for all the passengers. There is a small board library available filled with informative lecture about the concerning area, but also some fine novels. Besides there is a small, cozy bar in the upper deck salon.

The sleeping area is situated at the lower deck in 10 twin cabins. All cabins have upper and lower berths, a built-in closet, a washbasin with cold and warm water and a mirror. In your cabin you will also find 220V power outlet to charge your electronics. Furthermore the ship has 5 toilets and 4 showers which are for common use.

The food

If we have learned anything from our years of experience on sailing ships, it is the importance of good and nutritious food on a ship! Although the Arctic area gives rise to limitations on the possibilities and supplies of the food onboard, our professional cook will prepare you excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day.

To Note…

Full kit information will be given at the time of booking or can be requested beforehand- please just email us at [email protected]

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the final balance due 90days before departure.

What’s the weather going to be like?!

The average temperature in Tromsø in November for a typical day ranges from a high of 32°F (-0°C) to a low of 25°F (-4°C). Some would describe it as very cold with a gentle breeze! So be sure to wrap up warm – a full kit list will be sent when booking.

What’s included

• All inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. We cannot cater for a vegan diet.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch/English

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew (and can be paid by card or in cash €)!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  10 x Twin Cabins with shared bathrooms

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding is provided but please bring your own wash towels. Micro-fibres are great - quick-drying and lightweight for travelling.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  4 shower rooms and an extra single toilet

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. No children younger than 11. Above aged 16 is fine, but ages 11-16 we must check directly with the boat on a case by case basis.

• When is the best time to see the Northern lights in Norway/Svalbard?

  You have the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis from mid-late September through to mid-March.

• How cold is it in Svalbard?

  Temperatures vary from April through to September. Depending on the time of year you can expect lows of -30 and highs of +10. It is hard to predict.

• Are muck boots (similar to Wellington boots) essential?

  Yes 100%. Without them your Svalbard experience could be limited, as they will absolutely be required for a number of shore landings from the RIB/tender.

• What luggage type is best for taking on a boat?

  Duffel type bag; made with water-resistant material is desirable. If you must take a hard suitcase (though we do not recommend it) it must be kept in your cabin.

• Is there Wi-Fi?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes. There are power points in all cabins. Please bring 2-pin European adaptors.

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: Tromsø

To: Tromsø

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø Airport (TOS) is about a 20 minute bus journey from the marina operated by Troms Fylkestrafikk running every 20 minutes or Bussring hourly into Tromsø. Alternatively a taxi is about 10 minutes.

BY AIR

There are two direct flights a week (mon & fri) in the winter months from London Gatwick to Tromsø with Norwegian Air.

Other, more frequent indirect flights go to Tromsø Airport (TOS) via OSLO from;

• London Gatwick (LGW) w, Norwegian Air
• London Heathrow (LHR) w, SAS airlines
• London Stansted (STN) w, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air
• Manchester (MAN) w, SAS

TAXI

Tromsø Taxi AS – https://tromso-taxi.no/