This post is sponsored by Hurtigruten Cruises. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine, and you know this is my kind of trip! I hope you’ll click on the sponsored links because this cruise sounds awesome!
I’ve been talking a lot about bucket lists the past few days and, although I’ve admitted I don’t like to add items until I can actually check them off, I do have one big one that I’ll put out there right now.
I want to see the Northern Lights.
As I shared with you after the New York Times Travel Show, I learned that this is the year to see them. NASA predicts we’re on the peak of an 11-year cycle for dazzling displays, so it’s time to start planning a winter trip now.
Hurtigruten is well-known for their cruises to Norway, and they’ve been an active part of the country’s coastal waterways for 120 years. Steeped in Viking heritage and the roots of its culture and history, Hurtigruten has the inside knowledge to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Because you get the best views the closer you are to the Earth’s magnetic poles, they travel to Tromsø, Norway, which is situated right in the middle of the Magnetic North Pole, following the celebrated “Hurtigruten Route” from Bergen to Kinkiness. I’ve heard people try to describe the way they feel when viewing the Northern Lights and it sounds magical. Almost spiritual.
What makes Hurtigruten so special is that they authentically bring to life the nature and enchantment of Norway and its people. Guests get a rare opportunity to participate in unique, natural and active experiences immersed in culture and history. You get to explore stunning Fjords and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and can also go dog sledding and snowmobiling across this untamed land.
Each departure is a purposeful voyage of exploration, providing an unrivaled blend of local encounters and spectacular scenery. You don’t just visit Norway as a tourist, you become part of it.
I SO want to do this.
Spend a little time on the Hurtigruten website which, I guarantee, will have you figuring out when you can book a trip to see the Northern Lights. They’re offering some great deals right now so don’t wait.
Imagine visiting the gorgeous land of Frozen. I’m thinking the song should be changed from “Let It Go” to “Let’s Go!”
I’m ready! Aren’t you?
That looks amazing!
It looks fabulous and I hope you get to go. Beautiful photos.
Now you’ve got me all excited to see the Northern Lights and go dogsledding. It really does seem like a dream destination.
It sure does. I would love to go, too!
Count me in for three, I’d love this too! Every time I read about the area, I want to go.
i’d like to do this, too. We’re doing Alaska again this summer & can sometimes see the NL there, but I am into the fjords. One day!
Oh wow this looks like a blast for sure! I will have to add this to my vacations list!
That looks gorgeous. I’m generally not a fan of cold weather, but for this I’ll make an exception.
This is a fabulous sounding cruise. Will discuss it with hubby and seriously think about it. Thanks for the info.
Wow! To see the Northern Lights would be the trip of a lifetime. Maybe, one day.
Seeing the Northern Lights has always been a HUGE desire of mine. My husband’s, too. I’ve got my fingers crossed that one day it’ll truly happen.
That looks cold but oh so beautiful. Off topic, I am always amazed at the history of dog sledding.
Color me spoiled!
I spent eight years up north and got to see the northern lights dance every single winter.
they are absolutely amazing to watch…when you go on your cruise whistle When you see the northern lights and see what happens I’m sure it will surprise you!
We got to see the northern lights here in MA earlier this fall because of a solar flare or something. It was awesome.
I am soooo ready! My husband and I had already booked a Scandinavian cruise when we left for our 2 week Mediterranean cruise many years back, but plans changed when we came back pregnant with C, our favorite Italian souvenir. 😉 That cruise remained on my bucket list until I read this post–it has now been bumped for this new and improved version. Looks simply amazing!
Wow, these pictures of Norway are absolutely astounding! I never thought twice to visit, but now it is on my radar!
If I had a real bucket list the Norther Lights and Norway would be on it for sure.
Oh I wanna go. This sounds spectacular.
I think that would be a once-in-a-lifetime event! I would love to see the Northern Lights and have now added this to my very own bucket list!
What an amazing experience it would be, I am with you, I have always wanted to experience the Northern Lights. I do hope you make this trip happen Lois, I can imagine you in everyone of these photos.
PS If you guys want company…Jimmy and I will go with you guys! This is 100% something we would love to do too!
oh my I think this is going on my bucket list too! I would love to take that cruise.
My husband has always wanted to see the Northern Lights. I’m sure he would love to go on one of these cruises.
Looks amazing!
this has been on my bucket list for a while. I can’t wait to cross it off!
I have not thought of this type of cruise but we just booked a cruise to Alaska, probably a little warmer.
This cruise does sound awesome! My kind of cruise. I don’t really like to cruise but I much prefer the cold weather cruises. Loved our Alaska cruise and I know I would love this one. It would be amazing.
Dog sledding, did you mention dog sledding? What a blast… with the northern lights as a bonus!
Wow what an amazing sounding place, I can only imagine how awesome it is to see the Northern Lights.
I would love to see the Northern Lights but even more would love to travel by dog sled. Mush!
This is on my list too. I’d love to see the northern lights.
To a Florida girl — I must admit I’ve never considered this. But it is truly so beautiful and unearthly, what an experience of a lifetime. Seeing those mountains and all that snow. Unbelievable.
This looks like a fabulous trip. I thought it would be more expensive but looking through the web site, there are some great deals!
Wow, I want to add this to my bucket list! I’m not a fan of the cold but this seems like it would be an amazing experience!
I just ran across an article that showed pictures of one of Norway’s little coastal towns and now I HAVE to go. Plus after learning about their fishing culture, I’m all over that. 😀
What a beautiful place! I really love northen lights and it’s a spectacular sight, but sadly here in Canary Islands we are too close to equator and can’t see them. I remember watching them in Estonia during the winter though.
Oh my, Lois! I want to go to the land of Frozen, too! It does sound amazing and I’m praying you check it off the list ASAP!
Well now that is on my bucket list. I would love to see them!
Wow what a trip that would be! The Northern Lights are a dream for me to witness.
Now you have got me dreaming.. I so want to do this trips.. Beautiful
Seeing the Northern Lights is definitely on my bucket list!
Wow, what an adventure! My hubby would love this.
OMG I have never thought about going to Norway but those pictures make me want to go on this cruise.
I would love to see Norway. I grew up in the Northwest Territories of Canada, so the northern lights hold a sacred place in my heart.
Oh wow! The Northern Lights are definetly on my bucket list as well, GORGEOUS!
I would love to go and see the northern lights. I bet it would be a wonderful experience.
I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights. I hear they are beautiful.
Looks like a fantastic place to visit. I can see why you added it to your bucket list.
This is going on my bucket list as well. Spectacular photos! And I didn’t know that about the lights being more vivid closer to the poles. Good info.
I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights. It is on my bucket list too!
If you look at my bucket list on my pin boards you will see I have it there. I love bucket list and reading what everyone else has on their list
This looks beautiful. It’s on my bucket list too!
Looks like a great trip and it’s on my bucket list too! Teresa from NanaHood.com