Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who trained with the Met Office, has been presenting the weather for more than 20 years, has a regular slot on BBC Breakfast and danced with Pasha Kovalev in the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Exclusive Cruise
Experience the Northern Lights with Carol Kirkwood

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Watching the night sky light up with dancing flickers of green and purple is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has always been intrigued by this "weather from outer space", and will be joining readers on an exclusive 12-day voyage beyond the Arctic Circle to see the aurora.
As you sail around the stunning Norwegian coastline she will give an exclusive talk and Q&A about the incredible natural phenomenon, as well as her TV career and time on Strictly Come Dancing. Carol will also join you on Hurtigruten's 'A Taste of Vesterålen' excursion, where you'll explore Herstad, and sail across a magnificent fjord with her, enjoying delicious freshly baked cakes along the way.
Your ship, the MS Polarlys, is an elegant, modern vessel that combines Scandinavian style with excellent facilities. You'll discover the magnificent coastline from the UNESCO World Heritage port of Bergen up through the city of Tromsø to the remote and beautiful Lofoten Islands and North Cape, Europe's most northerly point, before sailing back via the ancient Viking trading post of Trondheim. En route, you'll have to option to go on additional Arctic excursions including snowmobiling, husky dog sledding, sea eagle spotting and taking part in a traditional Viking feast.**
This is an unmissable opportunity to journey along the Norwegian coast and gaze at the star-filled Arctic skies and ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights with one of our most popular weather presenters.
Book your place with just a 5% deposit before the end of July.
"As a meteorologist, I'm fascinated by the huge range of natural phenomena that weather systems can throw up, from the extraordinarily beautiful to the truly violent. The aurora borealis are among the most stunning displays that can ever be viewed in our skies and I'm thrilled to be returning to see one of the wonders of the natural world."
Carol Kirkwood
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Reasons to book

Learn about the aurora borealis

Exclusive talk by Carol Kirkwood

Sailing on MS Polarlys

Fantastic onboard facilities

Northern lights promise

Excursion with Carol
Your expert guide

Price includes
- Exclusive talk and Q&A with Carol Kirkwood
- A Taste of Vesterålen excursion with Carol Kirkwood
- Return scheduled flights
- 11 nights' full-board accommodation on the MS Polarlys
- Full expedition team to give general lectures on a selection of subjects on Norway throughout the sailing
- All port taxes and fees
- Our Northern Lights Promise***
- Low deposit: only 5% of total cruise price
*** Occurrences of the Northern Lights, which can last from between a few minutes to several hours, will be logged by the ship's officers and announced to all passengers on board. Click here for more details on Hurtigruten's Northern Lights promise.
Availability
Itinerary
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Day1BergenBergen, Norway
Fly to Bergen, Norway's historic port town, also known as 'the gateway to the fjords'. Here you'll board your fantastic ship, MS Polarlys, and be welcomed with a ttasty dinner buffet made from fresh coastal produce and a talk from Hurtigruten's expert guides.
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Day2ÅlesundÅlesund, Norway
Discover art-deco Ålesund, the Norwegian city made up of seven islands. Crusising towards the Unesco-listed Geirangerfjord, you'll pass spectacular waterfalls and 800-metre cliffs.
Spend the afternoon admiring Ålesund's famous architecture and taking part in a range of optional excursions.
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Day3TrondheimTrondheim, Norway
Journey north and visit the royal city of Trondheim, Norway's first capital, which originally established itself as a Viking trading post.
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Day4Crossing the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten IslandsLofoten Islands, Norway
Crossing the Arctic Circle, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Tonight, learn about the legends and the science behind the dancing northern lights.
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Day5TromsøTromsø, Norway
Explore the attraction town of Tromsø, one of the best places from which to spot the northern lights. Here there are a range of optional activities on offer, such as husky sledding and sea-kayaking.
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Day6North Cape visitHonningsvåg, Norway
Today you'll visit the North Cape, getting to know the real Arctic, the most northerly point of Europe. Enjoy a talk and Q&A tonight with meteorologist and Strictly contestant, Carol Kirkwood.
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Day7KirkenesKirkenes, Norway
Explore Kirkenes independently today, taking part in optional activities such as husky sledding should you wish!
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Day8HammerfestHammerfest, Norway
Today's highlights will include the pretty waterfront buildings of colourful Hammerfest and a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy.
Optional excursions: a midnight concert in Tromso's Arctic Cathedral.
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Day9Harstad and Lofoten IslandsLofoten Islands, Norway
Today you arrive in Harstad, where Carol will join you on the excursion A taste of Vesterålen.
You'll also explore the wild, natural beauty of the Lofoten Islands today, spotting wildlife and visiting deserted Arctic beaches and historic fishing villages.
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Day10Arctic CircleTrondheim, Norway
Sail back across the Arctic Circle, giving yourself another fantastic opportunity to spot the Aurora Borealis dancing in the night sky.
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Day11TrondheimTrondheim, Norway
Explore the historic city of Trondheim, soaking up the Viking culture and finding out the myths that may have slipped passed you on your last visit. Tonight you'll enjoy a departing dinner of local delicacies.
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Day12BergenBergen, Norway
Your fantastic journey ends here with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation


MS Polarlys
Hurtigruten's refurbished MS Polarlys is takes its name from the Norwegian for `polar light´
MS Polarlys was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of the two hot tubs. There's a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, the expedition team, conference room and shop.
MS Polarlys has her own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities inside as well as out on the sun deck of the ship make this an exciting and educational journey.
Special features:
- Expedition Team
- Refurbished in 2016
- Three restaurants
- Multe bakery and ice cream bar
- Explorer bar lounge
- Wi-Fi
- Sauna
- Fitness room
- Lift
- Conference room
- Car deck
- Hot tub
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