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Northern Lights Knitting Cruise

4th December – 12th December 2021

9 days from £2,495pp

Join Julie Dubreux for an exciting voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline with a chance to experience the magic of one of nature’s most amazing phenomenon - a breathtaking performance against the Arctic sky of the dazzling Northern Lights.

Enjoy inspirational knitting workshops with expert Julie Dubreux
Spend 6 nights on board MS Nordlys
Explore the highlights of Bergen on a sightseeing tour
Visit Norway’s third largest city, Trondheim and the lovely quilt shop here
Visit a shop specialising in Norwegian and Nordic arts and crafts in Alesund
Enjoy a memorable lunch at the famous Snow Hotel

Northern Lights Knitting Cruise

There’s plenty of time for workshops with Julie as MS Kong Harald cruises amongst the fjords, islands, islets and skerries that make up a coastline considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Though days may be short, Norway’s remarkable landscapes take on a special beauty at this time of year. Each day you can step-ashore and explore, as well as relaxing and simply taking in the snow-cloaked scenery and wintry lifestyle of Norway’s remotest coastal communities.

A message from our expert:

My Oslo-Paris poncho design is the perfect project for our Norwegian adventure. The design features both French and Norwegian garment traits and brings both cultures toGether in a casual-chic piece.

The poncho is a 2-skein project that I designed in collaboration with Norne Yarn; a Norwegian indie dyer from Oslo. Norne Yarn indie dyer Tuva Hoen and her friends Lotte and Ebba were the most delightful guides when I first taught at the Oslo Knitting Festival. They took me to the Folk Museum where they shared their extensive knowledge of traditional Norwegian costumes. Tuva even showed me her own bunad, which she wore on her wedding day. This is why the Oslo-Paris poncho features a silver-brooch shaped brioche pattern: it is my tribute to Norwegian traditions and gorgeous costumes. As to the French touch, well, what could be more French than a striped jersey top?

Oslo-Paris is worked in the round from the top down and includes short-row shaping so that the front of the garment remains shorter than the back, for both stylish and practical purposes. This poncho is a great introduction to top-down sweater construction, as well as a stimulating brioche-knitting project. - Julie Dubreux

DAY 1: London – Bergen
Meet your Tour Manager at London Gatwick airport for the flight to Bergen where we’ll transfer to our hotel. This evening a welcome dinner is a chance to get to know Julie and your fellow knitters.
DAY 2: Bergen
This morning’s guided sightseeing tour of Bergen introduces the highlights of Norway’s charming second city known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. There will then be time at leisure for you to enjoy lunch, explore the traditional handicraft stores on historic Bryggen waterfront and even visit Bergen’s traditional Christmas market! In the late afternoon we embark MS Kong Harald to start our northbound coastal voyage. This evening’s dinner is a buffet of delicious Norwegian dishes served as we sail north along Hjeltefjord, the same route taken by the Vikings as they ventured to the Shetland Islands and beyond.
DAY 3: Alesund
Our day starts in the breathtakingly beautiful Nordfjord and a delicious breakfast. Knit with Julie as we sail past West Cape into the open sea before navigating through skerries and islands to reach Ålesund.

Today is a chance to admire the highly ornate buildings decorated with turrets, spires and gargoyles in Norway’s art nouveau town. Following a devastating fire in 1904 that razed much of the town to the ground, Ålesund was rebuilt in the art nouveau style that was fashionable at the time. You may like to shop for yarn or visit Husfliden, a store specialising in Norwegian and Nordic arts and crafts.
DAY 4: Trondheim
This morning we have the opportunity to explore Trondheim seeing the imposing gothic spired Nidaras Cathedral that is the centerpiece of this ancient city founded by Norway’s Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997. Today it is Norway’s third largest city and there are a number of yarn stores for us to visit here. In the afternoon we continue knitting with Julie as the ship sets a northwest course passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops. After passing through the narrow Stokksund Kong Harold sails towards charming Rorvik.
DAY 5: Lofoten
Today we cross the Arctic Circle, look for Trolls in the steep-sided mountains at the entrance of Trollfjord, step-ashore in Bodo and cruise alongside the magnificent granite peaks of the Lofoten Wall. And there’s still time to knit and natter with Julie and your fellow knitters!
DAY 6: Tromsø
During the morning hours, we briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad and Finnsnes. The ship then continues to Tromsø, `Capital of the Arctic´, for a longer stay. Many epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point and you may like to take your own mini polar expedition on an optional husky dog ride. After a day in Tromsø, we continue our northbound journey. The ship is now sailing into waters where, as you knit with Julie, you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
DAY 7: At sea
Knit at ‘the top of the world’ before calling in Honningsvag. This small, remote town is the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. The ship then continues north sailing into the heartland of the indigenous Sami people. We’ll pass their ancient sacred site, Finnkirka rock formation, as we approach the tiny fishing village of Kjollefjord.
DAY 8: Kirkenes
At 30° East, which is further east than both Istanbul and St. Petersburg, Kirkenes lies just a few miles from the Russian border. The town marks the end of this wonderful voyage and after disembarking the ship we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the area where local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. We’ll make a stop at the Russian border before returning to Kirkenes for lunch in the famous Snow Hotel. In the afternoon we check into our hotel where this evening’s farewell dinner is served.
DAY 9: Kirkenes - London
This morning we bid farewell to Norway as we board our return flight to London.

Included in our package:

Flights from London to Bergen and Kirkenes to London (via Olso) with 1 piece of hold luggage
Airport transfers
1 night 4* accommodation on a half board basis in Bergen
6 night full board cruise aboard MS Kong Harald in your chosen cabin
1 night 4* accommodation on a half board basis in Kirkenes
Tea and coffee on board
Lunch at the Snow Hotel
Half-day Bergen sightseeing tour
Half day tour of Kirkenes including the Russian border
A full programme of workshops with Julie Dubreux, kit included
The services of an experienced tour manager throughout

Julie Dubreux

Julie Dubreux is a French knitwear designer and knitting instructor. Her enthusiastic love for the knitting community translates into colourful collaborations with indie dyers from all around the world.

Her designs have been published in Pom Pom Quarterly, Laine Magazine and Knit Now UK, as well as in books such as I Knit Paris, My Favourite Things and Homecoming.

Julie is a very out-going, dynamic instructor. Her experience as a high-school teacher allows her to manage groups of knitters with different levels of ability so that no one feels left out, and everyone gets to learn something new.

Fly from London Gatwick

Return flights from London Gatwick are included in our package on our specific arrival and departure dates plus one item of checked in luggage, per person.

Transfers will also be included on our specific arrival and departure dates to take you to your holiday destination. If you choose to arrive or depart on a different day, there may be an additional supplement charged to cover your transfer costs.

Meet us at the ship

For complete flexibility, make your own transport arrangements to and from the ship. We will provide you with times and locations as well as some useful information for you to make your own arrangements to join your cruise.

If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Dates:

4th December 2021: 9 days

Prices:

All prices listed below are per person

Twin/double share cabins: from £2495

Sole occupancy cabins: from £3109

Non-crafter discount: £50

Deposit: £500

Cabin Grades

I2 – Twin/double share polar inside: £2495

I2 – Single occupancy polar inside: £3109

N2/N3 – Twin/double share polar outside, middle deck: £2789

N2/N3 – Single occupancy polar outside, middle deck: £3545

O3 – Twin/double share polar outside, middle deck: £2839

O3 – Single occupancy polar outside, middle deck: £3619

P2D – Twin/double share arctic superior, upper deck: £2945

P2D – Single occupancy arctic superior, upper deck: £3779

Please note: All single cabin prices include single rooms at the hotels in Bergen and Kirkenes. Cabin category can be chosen when booking and actual cabin number will be allocated by Hurtigruten & advised on boarding.

Our 'Stitch Together' Programme

Our ‘Stitch Together' Programme helps our guests with the costs of a single occupancy room. If you are a single traveller but would be willing to share a room with a fellow crafter, please let us know and we will get in touch if anyone else joins the programme for the same tour.

Your Accommodation

Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen

★★★★

This 4-star hotel, which welcomes its first guests in 1984, is housed in old warehouse buildings that date back to 1904. The hotel is located in central Bergen and enjoys fantastic views of the harbour, the famous Bryggen, and the mountains. Rooms feature classic design and comfortable beds and are equipped with a minibar, kettle, desk, chair, iron and ironing board, and toiletries.

Thon Hotel, Kirkenes

★★★★

This 4-star hotel is perched on the quay in central Kirkenes, with unimpeded views of the fjord. The bright and modern guest rooms come equipped with hairdryer, TV and wifi.

MS Nordlys

In May 2019 MS Nordlys was completely refurbished, and both the name and interior design on MS Nordlys are inspired by the Aurora Borealis. The art, décor and colours employed aboard this ship are all inspired by the northern lights. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique on-board ambience. Passengers are invited to relax after a long day experiencing Hurtigruten´s various excursions and activities in comfy reclining chairs in the one of the ship’s lounges.

The ship, which carries a maximum of 590 passengers, has large panorama and observation lounges, a shop, bar, café, library, fitness room and sauna, and outdoor explorer deck. Meals are taken in the main restaurant, which offers a Norwegian smorgasbord buffet breakfast and lunch, and a set 3-course evening meal. It is possible to book on board and dine in the a la carte restaurant for a supplement.

Click here to see the deck plan >

Cabin Facilities & Amenities

Choose our standard cabin type for an enjoyable stay in comfortable surroundings, or upgrade to add a little extra luxury to your holiday. Please check ‘dates and prices’ to confirm available cabin types for each holiday.

Cabin I - Polar Inside Cabin - Decks 3, 5 & 6

These cosy inside cabins are 8 - 11 m2 and are situated on the middle decks. They have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa.

Category L - Polar Outside Cabin - Decks 2 & 3

These comfortable outside cabins are 8 - 12 m2 with porthole windows, some with limited or no view. They have a bathroom with shower and WC, and separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.

Category N - Polar Outside Cabin - Decks 3 & 5

These comfortable outside cabins are 8 - 12 m2 with picture windows. They have a bathroom with shower and WC, and separate beds.

Category O - Polar Outside Cabin - Decks 3 & 6

These comfortable outside cabins are 8 - 12 m2 with picture windows. They have a bathroom with shower and WC, and separate beds.

Category P - Arctic Superior Outside Cabin - Deck 5

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of the Arctic superior cabins. Situated on upper decks, they all have picture windows. Category P2D have double beds.

Category U - Arctic Superior Outside Cabin - Deck 6

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of the Arctic superior cabins. Situated on upper decks, they all have picture windows and double beds.

Northern Lights Knitting Cruise

4th December – 12th December 2021

9 days from £2,495pp

Made for Knitters

Northern Lights Knitting Cruise

A message from our expert:

Your Accommodation

Your Accommodation

Your Accommodation

Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen

Thon Hotel, Kirkenes

MS Nordlys

Cabin Facilities & Amenities

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