Where can I go for a cold cruise?

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, November 1, 2026

Norwegian cruise operators such as Hurtigruten, Fred Olsen, and P&O Cruises are offering winter voyages designed to showcase the Northern Lights and scenic Arctic coastlines, with itineraries ranging from one to two weeks and prices starting around £1,500 per person. These cruises provide a unique opportunity for travelers to experience Arctic landscapes and cultural traditions, though flights are typically not included in the ticket price and must be arranged separately.

For travelers interested in a winter cruise to colder destinations, Norway emerges as a prime choice, offering opportunities to witness the Northern Lights and explore striking snowy coastlines. Several Norwegian cruise operators provide itineraries specifically designed for those seeking a wintry voyage.

One notable option is Hurtigruten’s week-long “The North Cape Line” cruise, which starts in Oslo and travels along the coast to Tromso. The route includes stops at Lysefjord, Stavanger, Alesund, Rorvik, and the Lofoten Islands, crossing the Arctic Circle after Rorvik. Passengers can enjoy fjord and mountain vistas and have a chance to see the aurora borealis each night. Prices for this all-inclusive journey begin at £1,658 per person in December, excluding flights, which typically cost around £150 for a return trip.

Hurtigruten also operates “The Coastal Express,” a week-long full-board cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes in the far northeast. This voyage visits Trondheim, Tromso, Bodo, and 29 other ports along the Norwegian coast. The cost starts from £1,589 per person in December, with separate flight costs averaging about £350 return.

Fred Olsen Cruises offers a 14-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” cruise departing from Southampton next February. Priced from £2,099 per person, this package includes gratuities, meals (with selected drinks during lunch and dinner), afternoon teas, evening entertainment, and access to facilities such as a pool, hot tub, and gym. The itinerary features stops in Alesund, Narvik, Sortland, Trondheim, and Molde, with excursions like husky sledding available. A notable tradition onboard is the Arctic Circle crossing ceremony, where guests may participate in an optional “baptism” involving a splash of icy water.

For those planning ahead, P&O Cruises offers a 13-day Norwegian round-trip from Southampton starting next November, with prices from £1,549 per person. Additional operators and itineraries can be found through providers such as Iglu Cruise.

These cruises provide a viable option for first-time winter cruise travelers seeking scenic and atmospheric experiences in northern Europe. Passengers should note that flights are generally not included in the cruise price and should be booked separately.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.