Hurtigruten has introduced new astronomy-themed voyages on its North Cape Line, featuring the world’s only Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss.
The new itineraries offer unique Northern Lights viewing experiences, including a special Finland extension.
The 15-day North Cape Line astronomy voyage, led by Kerss, will debut with two sailings in early 2026, departing January 30 and February 13. This marks the first astronomy-led sailing on Hurtigruten’s Signature voyage. Prices start at $4,644 per person aboard the refurbished MS Trollfjord. Hurtigruten will also continue its popular 12-day astronomer-led itineraries on the original Coastal Express, with eight departures during the 2025-26 winter season.
Additionally, the new 14-day Savor the Northern Lights itinerary combines Norway’s North Cape Line experience with exclusive stays in Finland. Guests will spend nights in a Glass Igloo and a Glass Villa for uninterrupted Northern Lights viewing and take part in activities such as an icebreaker adventure, optional Arctic sea dip, husky safari, snowmobiling, and a scenic train journey. The itinerary includes two nights in Helsinki, with six departures from January through March 2026. Prices start at $7,052 per person.
Both voyages are covered by Hurtigruten’s 10-year-old Northern Lights Promise, which offers a free cruise if guests don’t see the Northern Lights.
“Seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky is an incredible experience that is on many people’s bucket list, so we’re making it easier for North Americans by now offering more premium options,” said Carly Biggart, head of Hurtigruten in the Americas.
“These new itineraries spend several days in Arctic Norway, one of the best spots in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, and they are timed around the absolute best time to go. Our guests are in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with these two new itineraries, whether they are joining our Chief Aurora Chaser Tom Kerss or combining our cruise with overnights in panoramic glass houses and so much more in Finland. They also get to enjoy the very best of Norway and Hurtigruten onboard our premium ship, MS Trollfjord, ensuring they also get to taste their way through our Norway’s Coastal Kitchen program, which sources almost all our food items from more than 50 local partners along the Norwegian coast, serving fjord-to-table.”
Kerss added: “I’m excited to bring my astronomy voyages to Hurtigruten’s signature ship and the North Cape Line, providing Northern Lights chasers with an elevated experience onboard MS Trollfjord. We are currently in a solar maximum period, with all signs pointing to another superb season ahead, exceeding the performance of the last maximum in 2014. There will be ample opportunities to witness dramatic, spellbinding displays of the Northern Lights as choppy space weather, churned up by the Sun, frequently arrives at Earth.
“Now is the perfect time to plan your aurora-chasing adventure in Arctic Norway. Being always on the move, and with the expertise on board to give you a heads-up, the chances are you won’t just cross the Northern Lights off your bucket list, but also add several unique aurora experiences to the top of the list and cross them all off in a single voyage! Now’s your chance to experience the unmatched beauty of the Arctic sky, safe in the knowledge that with the Northern Lights Promise, you really can’t go wrong.”
