In Search of the Northern Lights: From London to Bergen with Viking Ocean Cruises
Picture this: You’re gliding through the icy waters of the Norwegian Sea on board a luxury cruise liner. The sun has set, leaving you with nothing but the faint twinkle of stars in an ebony sky overhead. Toast held in hand and anticipation brewing, you suddenly spot it – a ripple of neon emerald green that erupts from thin air and sparkles across your view like tiny diamonds thrown into darkness.
It is your introduction to one of nature’s most remarkable displays – witnessing one of life’s great wonders – the dazzling Northern Lights! Join us as we tell our story about chasing after this amazing marvel aboard Viking Ocean Cruises’ “In Search of The Northern Lights” voyage from London (UK) to Bergen (Norway).
Read on to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights and experience a special journey that will take you from London to Bergen, taking in some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery, culture, and history on the way.
About the Ship
Viking Venus is a beautiful and elegant cruise ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet. The ship was launched in 2021 and boasted modern and luxurious amenities that cater to the needs of its guests. With a length of 227 meters and a capacity of up to 930 guests, Viking Venus offers a spacious and intimate experience for those looking for a more refined cruising experience.
Viking Venus has a staff of approximately 465 dedicated crew members who provide personalized service and attention to detail to ensure guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience on board. The ship features a total of 464 staterooms and suites, all of which are elegantly decorated and well-appointed with modern amenities.
Accommodation On Board
Viking Venus offers a variety of staterooms and suites to accommodate different preferences and budgets. The standard staterooms on board are the Veranda and Deluxe Veranda staterooms, both of which feature a private veranda, a king-size bed, and a spacious bathroom with a shower.
The Penthouse Veranda suites are larger and come with additional amenities, such as priority check-in, a welcome bottle of champagne, and a sitting area with a sofa bed.
For those looking for more space and luxury, the Explorer Suites are a great option. These are located at the front of the ship and feature a separate living room and bedroom, a private wraparound veranda, a king-size bed, and a marble bathroom with a bathtub and a shower.
In addition, Explorer Suite guests enjoy several exclusive amenities, including priority reservations at the ship’s restaurants and shore excursion priority access.
The top-tier accommodations on Viking Venus are the Penthouse Junior Suites and the Owner’s Suites. These spacious and luxurious suites feature a separate living room and bedroom, a dining area, a private veranda, and a large bathroom with a bathtub and a shower.
Guests staying in these suites enjoy additional perks, such as complimentary mini-bar and laundry services, priority restaurant reservations, and priority access to shore excursions.
Activities & Entertainment
Viking Venus offers a variety of activities and entertainment options for guests to enjoy during their voyage. It features a main theater where guests can enjoy live performances, concerts, and lectures. The ship also has a cinema showing movies and documentaries throughout the day.
In addition, the ship has various leisure facilities, including a fitness center, a sauna, and a pool. Guests can also participate in onboard activities, such as shuffleboard, table tennis, and board games. The ship offers a range of shore excursions for those looking to explore the destinations, including guided tours of historic sites, hiking, and wine-tasting tours.
Dining Options
The ship’s main restaurant, The Restaurant, serves a variety of cuisine, including regional specialties and international dishes. The World Café offers a more casual dining experience, with a buffet-style selection of dishes inspired by the destinations visited during the voyage.
For those looking for a more intimate dining experience, the ship offers several specialty restaurants, including Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, which serves classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, and The Chef’s Table, which offers a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
The ship also has several bars and lounges, including the Explorer’s Lounge, where guests can enjoy panoramic ocean views while sipping on cocktails, and the Wintergarden, which offers a selection of teas and pastries in a tranquil setting.
Itinerary
Viking Venus offers a variety of itineraries, ranging from 7-day cruises to extended voyages of up to 21 days. This “In Search of the Northern Lights” itinerary takes guests on a journey from London to the Arctic Circle, stopping at various ports.
The cruise begins in London and takes you to Amsterdam on the second day, where you can explore the city’s many attractions, such as the Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace.
On day three, you’ll be sailing the whole day, and on day four, you’ll sail through Norwegian Inside Passage to the town of Navik, Norway. Here, on day five, you’ll have a chance to explore the city’s historical sites and taste its famous seafood dishes.
The next two days will be spent in Tromsø, Norway, where you can experience the stunning beauty of the Arctic Circle and take part in excursions, such as whale watching, reindeer safaris, and snowmobile tours.
Day eight and nine, you’ll spend in Alta, Norway, where you can visit the Lyngen Fjord and take part in activities such as dog sledding and ice fishing.
The next two days you’ll again be sailing through Norwegian Inside Passage, before arriving in Bergen, Norway on day twelve. Here you’ll have a chance to explore the city’s cobblestone streets and visit its many museums and galleries.
Excursions
Viking Venus offers a variety of shore excursions, ranging from guided tours to active activities.
London, England
This city offers many cultural attractions, such as the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Here, you can visit iconic landmarks, explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and sample traditional English fare.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is the place to go if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. Here, you can explore its many museums, take a canal cruise, and visit the Anne Frank House.
Navik, Norway
Located on the shores of the Barent Sea, Navik is the perfect place to explore the Arctic wilderness. If you want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Norway, you can take part in excursions such as kayaking and reindeer safaris.
Tromso, Norway
Tromso is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Arctic Circle. Browse the Polar Museum, take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Storsteinen, or go on a whale-watching tour.
Alta, Norway
Alta is known for its stunning scenery, which can be seen from the region’s many fjords. Here, you can explore the Lyngen Fjord, take part in a dog sledding tour, or go ice fishing.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is the ideal place to explore Norway’s stunning scenery. Climb Mt. Ulriken for breathtaking views or journey to the home of renowned composer Edvard Grieg! Or explore the city’s charming cobblestone streets and vibrant culture.
Bottom Line
Viking Venus is the perfect ship for travelers seeking an unforgettable cruise experience. This ship has something for everyone, from its luxurious accommodations to its exciting shore excursions.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous journey, Viking Venus will surely make your vacation one to remember! And this Northern Lights itinerary is the perfect way to explore Norway’s stunning scenery!
Book your voyage with Viking Venus today and embark on an unforgettable experience!
