Home to the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, Alta is also the site of the world’s first Northern Lights observatory, built in the late 1800s. This is one of the spots you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of the unpredictable polar light show, earning Alta the title, ‘ The Town of the Northern Lights’.

Other sights of interest include the rock carvings at Hjemmeluft – the first of which was discovered just 60 years ago. The site is now UNESCO protected due to its significance and size and comprises carvings and paintings made between 1800 to 6200 years ago.

Please note snow-based shore excursions are not available on autumn cruises.

It is easy to make the most of a day in Norway’s most northerly city and cruise port Tromsø because, in summer, the ‘midnight sun’ shines around the clock. The best way to see its full glory is to take a cable car 480 metres up to the top of Mount Storsteinen, which affords spectacular views out over the city to the surrounding mountains. You’re just 400km from the Arctic Circle in Tromsø, but there’s no need to get out your polar gear. Thanks to its position on the Gulf Stream, this lively city (said to have the greatest number of bars per capita in Norway) is relatively mild for its latitude.

If you’re fascinated by the world of snow and ice, the city’s Polaria Science Museum is the place to find out all about it. Within its iceberg-shaped walls, you can meet the local wildlife at a vast aquarium, experience an Arctic snowstorm or take a virtual trek through the frozen wilderness to encounter polar bears and see the mystical Northern Lights.

Tromso also has a centuries-old heart and some impressive modern architecture, including the beautifully austere, peaked Arctic Cathedral with its icy shards of concrete and glass.

Please note snow-based shore excursions are not available on autumn cruises.

It is easy to make the most of a day in Norway’s most northerly city and cruise port Tromsø because, in summer, the ‘midnight sun’ shines around the clock. The best way to see its full glory is to take a cable car 480 metres up to the top of Mount Storsteinen, which affords spectacular views out over the city to the surrounding mountains. You’re just 400km from the Arctic Circle in Tromsø, but there’s no need to get out your polar gear. Thanks to its position on the Gulf Stream, this lively city (said to have the greatest number of bars per capita in Norway) is relatively mild for its latitude.

If you’re fascinated by the world of snow and ice, the city’s Polaria Science Museum is the place to find out all about it. Within its iceberg-shaped walls, you can meet the local wildlife at a vast aquarium, experience an Arctic snowstorm or take a virtual trek through the frozen wilderness to encounter polar bears and see the mystical Northern Lights.

Tromso also has a centuries-old heart and some impressive modern architecture, including the beautifully austere, peaked Arctic Cathedral with its icy shards of concrete and glass.

Please note snow-based shore excursions are not available on autumn cruises.

A visit to Stavanger is like a step back in time, with its rich landscape, enchanting fjords and wonderful mixture of old against new. Littered with 19-century buildings, its beautiful old quarter is the perfect place to transport yourself back in time to the historic days of prosperity. Situated in the heart of the city is Stavanger’s 12th century cathedral, the only church to have retained all its original features since its construction in the Middle Ages. Discover Pulpit Rock, hanging 1,800 feet above the Lysefjord below – when you step out to admire the views, you’ll feel on top of the world.

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.