AIDA Cruises, Svalbard and North Cape from Kiel, May 12, 2024

Cruising from: Kiel, Germany;

Departure Date: 12 May, 2024;

Cruise Line: AIDA Cruises;

Cruise Ship: AIDAluna;

Duration: 14-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Kiel, Shetland Island, Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen, Honningsvag, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Tromso, Leknes, Bergen, Hamburg;

Day 0 Kiel, Germany

Kiel is a port on both sides of the Kiel Fjord, an inlet of the western Baltic Sea, and lies at the eastern end of the Kiel Canal. Kiel has a long shipbuilding and naval tradition but today it is characterised by its vibrant student scene, laid-back lifestyle and urban flair. The city features shipping and ethnography museums, and the Institute of Marine Biology contains an aquarium. The main tourist attraction is the Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) at the end of June, an international regatta and cultural festival.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 Shetland Island, Scotland

Shetland Islands or Shetland is a subarctic archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland, situated in the Northern Atlantic, between Great Britain, the Faroese Islands and Norway. Shetland's natural landscape is among the most dramatic in the world. It is also teeming with wildlife: from orcas and puffins to the famous Shetland ponies and dolphins. Its rugged landscape is ideal for rearing livestock, in particular, Sheep which provide a bountiful supply of exceptionally soft wool used by local weavers to create Shetland's world-famous Fair Isle patterned knitwear.

Day 3 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 4 Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is the country's capital and largest city. It is the centre of culture and life of the Icelandic people as well as being one of the focal points of tourism in Iceland. For passengers spending time in the city there is a wide choice of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Shooping is a must too and the ultimate relaxation experience is a trip to one of the city's thermal baths and pools.

Day 5 Isafjordur, Iceland

The port of Isafjordur is the largest of all harbours located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. Isafjordur has a range of accommodation, restaurants and recreation for all budgets and tastes. A golf course, hiking- and biking trails, horse riding, bird watching, skiing and kayaking are all within an easy reach.

Day 6 Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri is a lively and energetic town and important port and fishing centre is nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland. Akureyri is great base for exploring the north's green pastures, fishing villages, mudpots, waterfalls, ski fields and whale-filled bays. The Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular shows on earth and can frequently be seen in Akureyri and surroundings from September through April on clear and crisp nights.

Day 7 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 8 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 9 Spitsbergen, Norway

Spitsbergen is the largest and only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway. The landscape is very varied because of the geology and the climate. Near the west coast of Spitsbergen, the landscape is very alpine with pointed mountains, which gave Spitsbergen its name. The island has an Arctic climate, although with significantly higher temperatures than other places at the same latitude. The flora benefits from the long period of the midnight sun, which compensates for the polar night. Svalbard is a breeding ground for many seabirds, and also supports polar bears, the iconic symbol of Spitsbergen and one of the main tourist attractions.

Day 10 Spitsbergen, Norway

Spitsbergen is the largest and only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway. The landscape is very varied because of the geology and the climate. Near the west coast of Spitsbergen, the landscape is very alpine with pointed mountains, which gave Spitsbergen its name. The island has an Arctic climate, although with significantly higher temperatures than other places at the same latitude. The flora benefits from the long period of the midnight sun, which compensates for the polar night. Svalbard is a breeding ground for many seabirds, and also supports polar bears, the iconic symbol of Spitsbergen and one of the main tourist attractions.

Day 11 Honningsvag, Norway

The Port of Honningsvag is a very small port, the most northernmost city in Norway and gateway to Nordkapp (North Cape). All cruise docks are just a few minutes walk from the main street of Honningsvag, near shopping, restaurants and activities. Tunneled into the rock behind the cliffs sits Nordkapphallen, a visitor center with a souvenir shop, a post office, and a restaurant/cafe.

Day 12 Honningsvag, Norway

The Port of Honningsvag is a very small port, the most northernmost city in Norway and gateway to Nordkapp (North Cape). All cruise docks are just a few minutes walk from the main street of Honningsvag, near shopping, restaurants and activities. Tunneled into the rock behind the cliffs sits Nordkapphallen, a visitor center with a souvenir shop, a post office, and a restaurant/cafe.

Day 13 Hammerfest, Norway

The World's northernmost city with over 9,000 inhabitants, Hammerfest, is a municipality in Finnmark county, Norway. The square in Hammerfest (Sommertorget) is at the heart of the town centre, a few minutes' walk from the express liner quay and the quay area where cruise ships and express ferries berth. Streets are buzzing with life and there is a great deal of activity here in the summer, both from local residents and travellers.

Day 14 Tromso, Norway

Tromso, a city in Norway, is a major cultural hub 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. It's famed as a viewing point for colorful Northern Lights, with a season that last from September throughout March. The city's historic center, on the island of Tromso, is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses. Here you find art, history, sophistication, good food and an infamous nightlife in a bustling, tiny city.

Day 15 Leknes, Norway

Located in the Lofoten Islands, Leknes is known as the trading and shopping center of the islands and can cater to a variety of interests. The natural surroundings of the town are regarded to be among the most stunning in Norway, with mountains, peaks, cliffs and white sandy beaches.

Day 16 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 17 Bergen, Norway

Bergen, situated between the longest fjord Sognefjord and the beautiful Hardangerfjord is a popular cruise destination and the leading cruise port in Norway. This stunning destination is home to some of the country's top museums and galleries, so it's a fantastic place to learn more about the colourful characters that helped shape Norway's history and culture.

Day 18 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 19 Hamburg, Germany

Straddling the Rive Elbe, Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and is affectionately known as the Gateway to the World, thanks to its rich maritime history and its privileged position as one of the premier sea ports in Europe. The best way to take in the Hamburg's culture and history is to hop aboard the Maritime Circle Line, a shuttle service which connects all of Hamburg's most important maritime attractions.