I share my stories of living in Norway and top travel tips with guests aboard cruise ships heading to the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic region. Here's how to join me.
For more than a decade, I’ve been living in Norway, writing and making videos about its culture and breathtaking landscapes. But one of my favourite ways to share this amazing country is from the deck of a cruise ship.
These cruises sail through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth: deep blue fjords framed by snow-capped mountains, charming fishing villages, and the wild Arctic coastline.
While on board, I give talks that bring Norway to life, mixing personal stories of everyday life here with travel tips you can use right away. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes guide to Norway, told as you experience the country for yourself.
Cruising is such a social way to travel, and I love meeting readers and viewers who decide to join me at sea.
Whether you’re dreaming of the midnight sun in the north, the colourful streets of Bergen, or the dramatic fjords of western Norway, you’ll have the chance to see it all, while also getting an insider’s perspective from someone who calls Norway home.
Below, you’ll find details of my upcoming speaking cruises. If you’d like to be part of the adventure, you can book directly using my links. Some of them are affiliate links, which earn Life in Norway a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Just a quick note: These are my confirmed bookings right now, but cruise lines can change plans from time to time. I’ll keep this page updated if anything shifts.
Chasing the Aurora with Wil
16-25 October 2025 on Ambassador Ambition from Liverpool: If you love the night sky, this is the cruise for you. Timed to coincide with one of the best windows for the northern lights, this Arctic sailing offers the chance to witness nature’s most magical spectacle without moonlight interference and during the equinoctial effect, when auroras are at their most vibrant.
Alongside the thrill of chasing the aurora with seasoned expert Wil, who has helped thousands witness the lights at their most dynamic, you’ll enjoy everything you’d expect from a modern cruise: entertainment, leisure facilities, and exciting port calls in the Faroe Islands and Shetland, in addition to Norway.
Add in the possibility of whale sightings, professional photography workshops, talks from astrophysicists, and even the Orionids meteor shower lighting up the skies, and this truly is a celestial voyage to remember.
Get more info on this unique trip and then book this cruise directly with Ambassador Cruise Line.
In Search of the Northern Lights
13-27 November 2025 on Fred Olsen Balmoral from Southampton: Venture deep into the Arctic during peak northern lights season on this unforgettable 14-night sailing. With long, dark nights and calls into Alta and Tromsø, you’ll have some of the best chances to witness the aurora both ashore and from Balmoral’s wide decks at sea.
Along the way, marvel at natural wonders like the Seven Sisters mountains and Torghatten, and immerse yourself in Arctic life by meeting Sámi communities, hearing stories around the fire in a traditional lavvu, and learning about reindeer herding and joiking.
There’s also the chance to visit a husky yard, try dog sledding, or snowshoe across the snowy wilderness. On board, experts will help you uncover the science behind the aurora, making this voyage as enriching as it is spectacular.
Book this cruise directly with Fred Olsen (affiliate link)
In Search of the Northern Lights
4-14 January 2026 on Fred Olsen Borealis from Portsmouth: This 10-night winter voyage aboard Borealis is timed for prime northern lights viewing, with long Arctic nights offering the best chance to see the aurora shimmer across the skies.
After crossing the Arctic Circle, the highlight is an overnight stay in Narvik—the only port of call above the Arctic Circle on this itinerary—giving you extra time to seek out the lights both ashore and at sea. In Narvik, you’ll also have the chance to meet Sámi communities, feed reindeer, and hear stories around the fire in a traditional lavvu tent.
Elsewhere, the cruise takes you to Ålesund, where colourful Art Nouveau streets and a lively fishing culture await. With plenty of time on deck under northern skies, this itinerary offers a wonderful balance of aurora chasing, Arctic culture, and Norwegian charm.
Book this cruise directly with Fred Olsen (affiliate link)
In Search of the Northern Lights
3-13 March 2026 on Fred Olsen Balmoral from Newcastle: Sailing round-trip from Newcastle, this 10-night adventure takes you deep into Arctic Norway at one of the best times to see the northern lights.
In March, the long nights still provide excellent chances of witnessing the aurora, while the daylight hours are longer than midwinter, giving you wonderful snowy landscapes to enjoy by day.
Calls into Tromsø and Narvik open the door to husky sledding, snowshoe hikes, and snowmobiling through pristine wilderness, while encounters with Sámi communities offer a glimpse into centuries-old traditions of reindeer herding and storytelling around the fire in a lavvu tent.
On board Balmoral, expert talks will unravel the science behind the aurora, enriching a journey that blends natural wonder with Arctic adventure.
Book this cruise directly with Fred Olsen (affiliate link)
Scenic Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords
22-30 April 2026 on Fred Olsen Borealis from Southampton: Sailing in late April, this 8-night itinerary offers an intriguing early glimpse of Norway’s fjord season.
What makes it special is the mix: you’ll visit one of Norway’s biggest cities, Bergen, with the chance to ride the Fløyen Funicular for sweeping views, alongside tiny fjord villages where daily life still revolves around the water.
Borealis will venture into narrow waterways like the Lysefjord and the Lustrafjord, where steep mountains frame picture-perfect villages. Along the way, you can experience the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and soaking up the raw beauty of the great outdoors.
Book this cruise directly with Fred Olsen (affiliate link)
More Norway Cruises in 2026-27
I have several fjords itineraries planned for 2026. Watch this space for announcements!