Explore Tromso, situated north of the Arctic Circle in Troms County, Norway. Often dubbed the "Paris of the North" by locals, Tromso boasts a wealth of neoclassical architectural treasures. Among them stands the Arctic Cathedral, a significant landmark whose architectural elegance mirrors the silhouette of the surrounding mountains.

Explore Narvik, situated beyond the Arctic Circle and nestled amidst imposing mountains descending into the Ofotfjord. It is on the brink of earning the "sustainable destination" designation, a national recognition awarded to destinations dedicated to long-term sustainable tourism practices. Marvel at its breathtaking landscapes. From Narvik, embark on the Ofoten Line towards Sweden. This historic railway once connected the mineral-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik. Encounter extraordinary experiences, including interactions with the Sami people—traditional reindeer herders preserving ancestral customs while embracing contemporary life.

Excursions:

1. Ofoten Railway & Sweden: Experience a 1-hour train journey to Sweden on the historic Ofoten Railway, offering stunning views of frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains. Explore battle locations from World War II and enjoy a snack in Björkliden before returning.
2. Journey to Polar Park: Travel to Polar Park, the northernmost wildlife park globally, encountering Arctic mammals like wolves, lynxes, and reindeer. Walk along a 2½-mile-long path to observe the animals in their enclosures and enjoy a light lunch before returning to the ship.

Way beyond the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world." A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies, and fjords of deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.

Excursions: 

1. Vestvagoy & Lofotr Museum: Visit the Lofotr Museum in Borg to explore a Viking chieftain’s farmstead and the largest Viking building ever discovered. Enjoy a photo stop at Flakstad church on Flakstad Island before returning to Reine.
2. Charm of Lofoten: Discover the maritime history and architecture of the Lofoten Islands with visits to the Å open-air museum, Flakstad Bay's 18th-century red church, and the Fishery Museum and Smithy in Sund.
3. Aurora Borealis Hunt: Venture out at night to witness the elusive aurora borealis over Reine. Expert guides will lead you to viewpoints in Leknes to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, weather permitting.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Hammerfest, located on the north-western coast of the island of Kvaloya, beyond the 70th parallel, is often considered the northernmost town in the world. Conserved in an immaculate natural setting, this charming fishing port enjoys a rich history, as is evidenced by various vestiges dating back to the Stone Age, the Napoleonic Wars, or the Second World War. During your port of call, you can have the opportunity to discover the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching across Europe from Hammerfest to the Black Sea and the first technical and scientific object to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Excursions: 

1. Panoramic Hammerfest & Polar Bear Club: Explore Hammerfest, the world's northernmost town, on a panoramic tour. Visit the unique Polar Bear Club and discover the town's highlights, including Mount Salen and the Museum of Reconstruction.

2. History of Hammerfest: Learn about Hammerfest's history on a tour that visits the Museum of Reconstruction. Discover the town's resilience after World War II and explore exhibitions showcasing pre-war life, refugee experiences, and post-war reconstruction efforts. Enjoy scenic views of Salen before returning to the pier.
 

Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, sail not far from the coastlines of Bjornoya and the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then look for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjornoya shelters a meteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds: skuas, guillemots, puffins, tridactyl gulls, petrels, gulls, and little auks all coexist here.

If you feel like you have arrived at the end of the world in Honningsvag, it is because this is the case. Halfway between Oslo and the North Pole, it competes with Hammerfest for the status of “the northernmost town in Continental Europe." Colorful houses light up this charming and typically Norwegian fishing port nestled in the hollows of the region’s mountainous terrain. Travelers come to stay in the village to go to the North Cape. At the end of the road, you can see the globe, which indicates that you are at the very end of Europe. At this point, only the Svalbard archipelago separates you from the North Pole. There is a sea as far as the eye can see. The Northern Lights, the view of the immense cliff plunging into the sea, the thousands of puffins, gannets, and cormorants that spin around you—everything here is grandiose.

Excursions: 

1. Scenic Nordkapp: Experience Europe's northernmost shores with stunning vistas at Nordkapp. Meet your coach at the berth for a one-hour transfer to Magerøya Island. Upon arrival, explore the towering cliffs and visit North Cape Hall for a glimpse into the region's history. Participants must wear winter clothes and flat shoes.

2. Kamoyvaer Fishing Village: Discover the rich fishing heritage of the region at Magerøya Island's scenic fishing village. Visit the "Gallery East of the Sun" to see island-inspired art and handicrafts. Enjoy coffee in a lavvo at the tiny village of Sarnes. Participants must wear winter clothes and flat shoes.
 

Beyond the Arctic Circle, Alta, in the far north of Norway, is the biggest city in Finnmark County. Alta will reveal itself to you at the end of the eponymous fjord, Altafjorden. The region offers a mix of forest, mountainous, and coastal landscapes. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. Alta invites you to experience unique moments, whether meeting the Sami people—reindeer herders who have ancestral traditions and yet embrace modernity—or during walks, snowshoe hikes, or dog sledding, depending on the season.

Excursions: 

1. Sami Camp Discovery: Journey to Máze, a Sami village near Alta, for a cultural experience. Ride a reindeer-pulled sled along a frozen river and enjoy traditional specialties in a lavvu while learning about Sami traditions. Participants must wear winter clothes.

2. Aurora Borealis Hunt: Meet expert Trygve onboard for a briefing on the northern lights phenomenon and photography tips. Board a local coach to the observation spot, where you'll await the aurora borealis. Warm facilities are available nearby. Wear warm, waterproof clothes.

In the north of the Arctic Circle, discover Tromso, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the North." Discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic Cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.

Excursions: 

1. Arctic Cathedral Private Concert: Experience an intimate concert at Tromsø's Arctic Cathedral. Enjoy classical music in the cathedral's stunning interior. Minimal walking involved. Wear comfortable shoes.

2. Tromso, Arctic Capital: Explore Tromsø on a city tour. Visit the Science Centre of Northern Norway for an Aurora film, then the Polar Museum to learn about Arctic expeditions. See the Arctic Cathedral before returning to the pier. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers.
 

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Tromso.