Experience the magic of winter Norway aboard Fred Olsen's Balmoral. I'll be joining this special 14-night voyage in February and March 2027 as a guest speaker, and I'd love you to come along.
There's something rather special about cruising along the Norwegian coastline in winter.
Advertising disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to The Cruise Globe Agency. I may earn a commission if you book through my links. I'll be joining the cruise as a guest speaker.
Snow-covered mountains, colourful coastal communities, and the extraordinary Arctic light create a completely different experience from a typical summer fjords cruise. And, of course, there's always the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
I've been working as a guest speaker with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines since January 2023. In fact, my first two cruises with the company were both winter Northern Lights voyages.
Both were truly memorable experiences, and they've left me with a particular fondness for this time of year. There's a reason I always look for Northern Lights itineraries first when considering my next speaking assignments!
So, I'm delighted to be returning to Northern Norway aboard Balmoral in early 2027. And this time, I'd love to invite you to join me.
Interested in joining me? My friends at The Cruise Globe Agency can help you explore cabin options and find out the latest prices. Contact The Cruise Globe Agency for a personalised quote. Ask about Fred Olsen cruise L2705.
Why I Love Cruising Norway in March
When many people think about winter in Northern Norway, they often imagine darkness.
That's certainly a feature of December and January, when the sun doesn't rise at all for several weeks in places north of the Arctic Circle. But by March, things have changed dramatically.
Daylight returns surprisingly quickly at these latitudes. By early March, there's plenty of time to appreciate the spectacular Arctic landscapes, while the nights remain dark enough to offer excellent opportunities for Northern Lights hunting.
For me, this makes late winter one of the most rewarding times to explore Norway.
There's also typically plenty of snow in Northern Norway, particularly away from the immediate coastline. That opens up opportunities for traditional winter experiences such as dog sledding, visiting Sámi cultural attractions, or simply enjoying the remarkable scenery.
You don't even need to leave the ship to appreciate it. Watching snow-covered mountains and tiny coastal settlements drift past from the warmth of an observation lounge can be every bit as memorable as an organised excursion.
What If You Don't See the Northern Lights?
It's an important question, because the aurora is never guaranteed.
Even during periods of strong solar activity, cloud cover can prevent a display from being visible. That's simply the nature of travelling in search of a natural phenomenon.
But I firmly believe a Northern Lights cruise should offer much more than the Northern Lights themselves.
There's something magical about seeing Norway in its winter clothing. The contrasting colours, the low sunlight illuminating the mountains, and the atmosphere in the small coastal communities all contribute to the experience.
And when the Northern Lights do appear? Well, that's the icing on the cake.
I'll never tire of the buzz around the ship when those little ribbons of green first appear and sometimes go on to turn into something very special indeed!
Interested in joining me? I'll be aboard Fred Olsen's Balmoral for the 14-night voyage departing Southampton on 28 February 2027. My friends at The Cruise Globe Agency can help you explore cabin options and find out the latest prices. Contact The Cruise Globe Agency for a personalised quote. Ask about Fred Olsen cruise L2705.
A Fascinating Northern Norway Itinerary
One of the things that particularly appeals to me about this voyage is the itinerary itself.
Of course, there are some familiar Norwegian destinations, including Ålesund, Trondheim and Molde. But the itinerary also includes several places that aren't especially common on mainstream Norwegian fjords cruises.
The standout is Narvik, where Balmoral is scheduled to spend two days, including an overnight stay.
This gives passengers plenty of time to explore the surrounding region. One possibility is a journey on the famous Ofoten Railway, which climbs from the fjord into the mountains towards the Swedish border.
Another is Polar Park, a wildlife park outside Narvik where visitors can learn about Arctic animals in spacious, natural surroundings.
An overnight stay also provides the flexibility to consider an evening Northern Lights excursion away from the town's artificial lights.
The itinerary continues to Harstad, on the island of Hinnøya, and Sortland, the distinctive ‘Blue Town' of Vesterålen. These are wonderful opportunities to experience parts of Northern Norway that many international visitors overlook.
There are also some appealing scenic cruising sections, including Ofotfjord, the narrow Tjeldsundet Strait, the Seven Sisters mountain range and the unusual Torghatten mountain, famous for the enormous hole right through it.
And, of course, we'll be calling at Trondheim, the city I've called home for many years! It's also home to Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, and a thriving student population.
Trondheim isn't super common on Fred Olsen trips, so I'm thrilled to get the chance to share my thoughts about my home city with guests.
Although I won't be giving guided tours, I'll be happy to answer any questions on how you should spend your time in Trondheim.
Interested in joining me? My friends at The Cruise Globe Agency can help you explore options and find the best deal for you. Contact The Cruise Globe Agency for a personalised quote. Ask about Fred Olsen cruise L2705.
What Is Balmoral Like?
Now, I should say something about the ship itself. Balmoral isn't for everyone, and I think it's important to be upfront about that.
She's an older vessel, and that comes with a few quirks. You may notice some noise or vibration in certain parts of the ship, and her relatively modest size means you can feel some movement if the seas become lively.
If your ideal cruise involves a brand-new ship packed with high-tech attractions, enormous entertainment venues and endless restaurant choices, Balmoral probably isn't the right fit.
But there's a great deal to like about her. She's a traditional cruise ship that has been well looked after, with comfortable public spaces and a relaxed atmosphere. And above all, Fred Olsen has an absolutely fantastic crew.
Having sailed with the company many times, it's the warmth and friendliness of the people on board that continues to impress me.
For a voyage focused on Norway's landscapes, fascinating destinations and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, I think Balmoral offers a very appealing setting.
I'll Be Speaking On Board, Too!
One final reason I'm particularly excited about this sailing is that I'll be delivering a series of talks throughout the voyage.
If you've followed Life in Norway for a while, you'll know I love sharing stories about Norwegian life, history, geography and culture. My talks are designed to entertain as well as inform, bringing some extra context to the places we're visiting and the landscapes we're sailing through.
I can't tell you yet exactly which talks I'll be doing on board, as that will be decided closer to the time. But you can be sure that I'll be sharing plenty of stories about Norway, with perhaps a surprise or two thrown in too!
And of course, I'd love the opportunity to meet some Life in Norway readers in person.
Join Me in Norway in 2027
Fred Olsen's 14-night In Search of the Northern Lights cruise aboard Balmoral departs Southampton on 28 February 2027, returning on 14 March 2027.
For me, this is about much more than chasing the aurora. It's an opportunity to experience the remarkable beauty of winter Norway, explore some lesser-known destinations, and enjoy a traditional cruising experience along one of the world's most spectacular coastlines.
Interested in joining me? I've partnered with The Cruise Globe Agency, whose travel agents can help you find the right cabin, check availability and obtain a personalised quote. Contact The Cruise Globe Agency for a personalised quote. Ask about Fred Olsen cruise L2705.
If that sounds like your kind of holiday, I'd love you to come along. I hope to see you on board!
Note: Although at the time of writing I am booked as a guest speaker on this cruise, things can always change, whether that's the itinerary or even the speakers!
