No-Fly North Cape & Norwegian Fjords with Seabourn

Your journey begins in Dover, where chalky white cliffs guard the entrance to Europe’s busiest ferry port. If time allows, wander the clifftop paths for sweeping views across the English Channel, or visit Dover Castle, poised above the iconic cliffs, for a glimpse into England’s medieval past.

Once aboard Seabourn Quest, settle into your suite and watch the white cliffs fade into the distance as you depart at 5pm for your Norwegian adventure. Toast the days ahead with the welcome bottle of champagne in your suite, perhaps paired with Seabourn’s signature complimentary caviar, before heading out to dine in one of the ship’s five restaurants. 

The next two days are yours to slow down and savour life on Seabourn Quest as you cross the North Sea towards the Norwegian coast. Start in Seabourn Square, the ship’s ‘living room’, for a coffee and chat with fellow passengers. Claim a lounger by the pool or on the sun terrace, retreat to the spa for an indulgent treatment, or soak in a whirlpool, watching the scenery drift by.

Enrichment lectures invite insight into the destinations ahead, while boutiques offer duty-free shopping. As the sun sets, gather for cocktails in The Club or Observation Bar before dinner, then perhaps a show in the Grand Salon, a flutter in the casino, or dancing beneath the stars on deck. 

A historical gem in the heart of Norway, Trondheim was founded in 997, making it one of the country’s oldest cities and Norway’s first capital. Boasting a scenic location by Trondheimsfjord, it charms with its colourful waterside warehouses and the soaring spires of Nidaros Cathedral, where Norwegian kings were traditionally crowned.

Join a shore excursion to discover the city, whether on a highlights walking tour or by gliding through its streets on a guided bike ride, complete with a trip on the world’s first bike lift. Alternatively, power across the fjord on a RIB adventure to spot seabirds and monastic ruins on Tautra Island, or spend an entertaining afternoon sampling local flavours in the company of artist, chef and musician Bjørn of Hitra. 

Today, you’ll sail into Brønnøysund, a picturesque town on a narrow peninsula midway along Norway’s western coast. Surrounded by fjords, mountains and islets, it has a rich scenic beauty and is steeped in Viking myth and legend. Towering over the town is Torghatten, a dome-shaped mountain pierced by a 160-metre hole that, according to folklore, was created when a troll’s arrow shot through a fallen hat.

Go deeper into the landscape on a guided shore excursion, hiking up to the famous hole or joining a gentle nature walk or bike tour to admire it from below. Alternatively, visit the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre to learn how modern fish farming shapes the region, or discover Norwegian flavours and rural life at the Sømna Open Air Museum. 

Today’s destination is Svolvaer, the largest town in the Lofoten Islands, poised between sea and mountains on the island of Austvaagoey. Located above the Arctic Circle, this archipelago is renowned for its rich natural beauty, traditional fishing villages and unique Arctic light, a combination that’s long inspired artists and photographers.

Discover the town on a guided walking tour, culminating in a craft beer tasting, or immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery on a guided kayak tour or high-speed RIB to Trollfjord in search of soaring sea eagles. Alternatively, delve into Lofoten’s cultural richness with visits to local galleries or a guided exploration of its Viking heritage. 

Arrive in Tromsø, the largest town in northern Norway, often dubbed the Gateway to the Arctic. Located 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, this is the land of the midnight sun in summer and a hotspot for Northern Lights in winter. It’s also home to a rich cultural scene, historic wooden houses, and an eclectic mix of festivals.

If you’re tempted by Nordic adventures, head to a wilderness camp to meet a team of Alaskan huskies and hear stories of their Arctic expeditions, or join a guided hike up Brosmetinden for views over Kvaløya and the Arctic Ocean. An Arctic fjord cruise on a hybrid-electric catamaran offers a gentler way to experience the scenery, while a culinary adventure through Tromsø, introduces you to local flavours and food traditions. 

Today’s destination is the North Cape, or Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost point. Here, sheer cliffs rise from the Barents Sea, drawing travellers to this stark, windswept edge of the continent. You’ll dock in Honningsvåg, the main town, just 21 miles away, with several options for exploring.

King crab is a local speciality, and you can head out by RIB to check the pots before enjoying your catch in a traditional Sami tent. Bird lovers might opt for a safari to the Stappan Islands, home to vast colonies of puffins and other seabirds, plus sea eagles. Or head to the North Cape plateau where you can stand atop these cliffs and soak up the dramatic views. Back on board, your captain will chart a course close to the headland so everybody can admire the North Cape from the water, weather permitting. 

Leaving the North Cape, you’ll begin your journey south towards Nordfjord, home to a wild landscape of fjords, lakes, glaciers and mountains. Over the next two days, settle in and enjoy the luxuries of Seabourn Quest, while watching the scenery change from barren Arctic headlands to deep, glacier-carved fjords and emerald-green valleys.

On board, drift between the spa, pool and whirlpool, or fit in a workout in the fitness studio. Join card games with fellow passengers, or curl up with a book and glass of wine on your balcony or in Seabourn Square. As evening falls, choose a favourite lounge for an aperitif and piano music before dinner, perhaps dining beneath the stars at Earth & Ocean as the fjord light fades. 

Cruise along Nordfjord, Norway’s sixth-longest fjord, stretching some 66 miles from the open sea to Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe’s largest glacier. Find a comfortable spot on deck and gaze in wonder at jagged mountains and green valleys, dropping into serene, ice-blue waters – nature at its most spectacular.

Dock in the tiny village of Olden and immerse yourself in this wondrous landscape. Glide along the fjord by kayak, passing cascading waterfalls and steep mountains, or feel the thrill of a high-speed RIB tour. Hike to Briksdal Glacier or Skredfjellet followed by a return journey on Loen’s famous Skylift, or venture into Jostedal National Park for a closer view of the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier. 

Your final stop in Norway is Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, set between Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, and surrounded by seven mountains. Once an important Hanseatic seaport and briefly Norway’s capital, its picture-perfect Bryggen Wharf still lines the harbour today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join a walking tour to explore the historic wharf and fish market before riding the funicular to Mount Fløien, or hop on the new Ulriken Cable Car as part of a city highlights tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike along the top of Mount Fløien or join a kayak tour around the Øygarden islets, or immerse yourself in the beauty of Hardangerfjord on a scenic drive. 

Enjoy one final day at sea as you leave the Norwegian coast behind and cross the North Sea towards UK shores. Join guest lecturers for a Seabourn Conversation in the Grand Salon, savour a coffee and pastry with a view from the Observation Deck while swapping stories with fellow passengers, or treat yourself to a last indulgent massage in the spa.

As evening falls, cocktails and dinner await, then perhaps try your luck at the casino tables, settle in for a cabaret-style show in the Grand Salon, or share a final dance beneath starry skies. 

Before your voyage comes to an end, there’s time for one final highlight: a day in Amsterdam, a city renowned for its elegant canals, gabled houses, and world-class galleries. Take in two of its star attractions on a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum followed by a 90-minute cruise along the historic waterways that reveal the city’s rich past.

Beyond the city, discover storybook Holland on a choice of countryside excursions. Combine a trip to Delft, famous for its blue pottery, with time in The Hague, administrative centre of the Netherlands, or head out to windmill-dotted villages where clog-making, cheese-tasting and traditional wooden houses offer a glimpse into everyday Dutch life. 

This morning, arrive back in Dover at the conclusion of your trip. We can arrange for transport to the airport for your onward travel, or speak to our specialists about extending your trip in the UK.