Whales & Northern Lights in Northern Norway

The best time depends on what you want to experience:

• Winter (November–March): Northern Lights, snowy landscapes.

• Spring (April–May): Blooming fjords, fewer tourists.

• Summer (June–August): Midnight Sun, warmest temperatures, best wildlife sightings.

• Autumn (September–October): Dramatic fall colors, good chances of Northern Lights.

Yes! The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible from late September to March, especially above the Arctic Circle. Some cruises even offer a Northern Lights Guarantee, meaning a free voyage if you don’t see them.

If you travel between May and July, you will experience 24-hour daylight above the Arctic Circle. This means longer excursions, stunning sunsets at midnight, and unique photography opportunities.

Yes, Wi-Fi is available but can be slow or intermittent, especially in remote areas.

Polar Quest ships offer Wi-Fi access, but it's not always free and may have limitations. On M/S Quest, passengers can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi for an additional cost and use vouchers for internet access. On other Polar Quest ships, like the Ocean Nova, you can also access the internet via Wi-Fi, but it's limited by a satellite connection and bandwidth.

Unlike traditional cruise ships, Polar Quest cruises focus on nature and exploration rather than entertainment. Instead of casinos and shows, you'll find:

• Lectures and storytelling sessions

• Cultural and historical presentations

• Photography and wildlife spotting opportunities

Norwegian coastal waters are generally calm, but some areas (like the open sea crossing near Stad) can be rough. If prone to motion sickness:

• Bring motion sickness medication or wristbands.

The onboard currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK), but credit/debit cards are widely accepted. Some ships may offer currency exchange services.

No, the dress code is casual and comfortable. For dinners, smart casual attire is recommended but not required. Warm outdoor clothing is essential for excursions.

Temperatures vary depending on the season and how far north you travel:

• Winter (November–March): Ranges from -5°C to -20°C (23°F to -4°F) in northern Norway, with milder temperatures closer to Bergen.

• Spring (April–May): Between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F), with snow still present in the north.

• Summer (June–August): The warmest time of the year, with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C (50°F to 77°F) in southern regions and around 10°C (50°F) in the Arctic.

• Autumn (September–October): Mild temperatures between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), gradually cooling as winter approaches.

Daylight hours vary dramatically depending on the season and latitude:

• Winter (November–January): The Arctic experiences Polar Night, with as little as 2–4 hours of twilight per day in the north. Southern Norway has around 5–7 hours of daylight.

• Spring (February–April): Days lengthen rapidly, with 8–16 hours of daylight, depending on the month.

• Summer (May–July): The Midnight Sun shines above the Arctic Circle, meaning 24 hours of daylight in the north and very long days further south.

• Autumn (August–October): Days start getting shorter, with 16 hours of daylight in early autumn and around 6–8 hours by late October.

Packing for a Norwegian coastal cruise depends on the season, as weather and daylight hours vary significantly. The key is layering, as temperatures can change quickly.

Clothing & Footwear

• Layering essentials – wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics (avoid cotton).

• Waterproof & windproof outerwear – an insulated jacket and pants.

• Thermal base layers – long-sleeved tops and leggings for warmth.

• Warm mid-layers – fleece jackets and wool sweaters.

• Gloves, hat, and scarf/fleece tube – to protect against wind and cold.

• Warm socks – wool socks to keep feet warm and dry.

• Comfortable indoor shoes – for relaxing onboard.

• Sturdy walking shoes – for shore excursions and exploring ports.

• Sunglasses with UV protection – for bright Arctic and coastal light.

• Sleeping mask – useful in summer when the Midnight Sun is present.

Essential Accessories

• Binoculars – for wildlife spotting (whales, birds, and coastal scenery).

• Camera & extra memory cards – Norway’s landscapes are breathtaking.

• Extra batteries & power bank – cold weather can drain batteries faster.

• Chargers, adapters & converters – Norway uses Type C and Type F plugs (230V).

• Sea sickness medication – for occasional rough seas.

Personal Care & Travel Essentials

• Your passport & a copy of it

• Credit/debit cards – check if your card is accepted onboard. Norway is mostly Cashless

• Sun protection – high-SPF sunscreen and UV lip balm.

• Moisturizer – the cold, dry air can be harsh on your skin.

• Medications & personal essentials – bring extra in case of travel delays.