The unusual offer was developed by agency owner Max Barbera during a visit to Boreal Yachting in Tromsø: Sailing through the islands and fjords north-west of Tromsø in the Nordic winter. The timing in winter, when the days in Norway are short and the temperatures are frosty, may come as a surprise, but there is an important reason for it: "At this time of year, the orcas and even larger whales are out and about in the region, so the chances of seeing the animals are greatest then!" says the organiser.
In addition, the northern lights are also pronounced at this time of year, so there is a much better chance of experiencing both, something that many people and sailors dream of. And the Norwegians are experienced in dealing with the low temperatures: the ships even have two heaters to keep things cosy and warm below deck, large sprayhoods on deck and cake stands for the entire cockpit in the harbour. On request, the participants are provided with thermal overalls, which the locals take for granted at this time of year. The yachts available are a Hanse 458, a Bavaria 50 and 51 Cruiser, a 40- and 47-foot Delphia and an Ovni 445.
What the Norway cruises cost and have to offer
And Norway has even more to offer than just the Northern Lights and whales: the programme for the one-week cruise from 16 to 23 November also includes a visit to the glacier in Joekelfjord, which still calves into the waters in winter. Of course, you can also try typical Norwegian specialities such as the enormous king crab, cod or salmon. Another speciality is a visit to the northernmost whiskey distillery, the Aurora Spirit Distillery in Lyngseidet.
On the day of arrival and departure, the crews can also explore Tromsø, a picturesque harbour town nestled between mountain ridges and, with a population of almost 60,000, big enough to offer sights, restaurants and bars that are well worth discovering. If you like, you can take the cable car up the mountain for a breathtaking view over the bay and harbour town. The route of the cruise goes from Tromsø to Nordlenangen, then on to Lyingseidet, Skjervøy, into the Jockelfjord, then to Akkavika and back again. A whale safari with inflatable boats can also be booked there if guests want to get even closer to the animals.
Interested parties can book either a single berth (2099 euros) or a double berth for two (2399 euros) for the cruise. The boats are either booked bareboat by the crews and sailed by themselves or, if desired, driven by a professional skipper. On the Website of Barbera Yachting you will find further information and photos of the flotilla and, of course, the booking details.
