Astronomy Voyages 2020
CORONAVIRUS STATUS UPDATE: From January 2021 there are 5 ships sailing the Norwegian coastal voyage route for local access and freight transport. Further sailings for other ships are being considered to start in early 2021. The size and scale of the restart is dependent on national and international travel restrictions, government support and other external factors outside of Hurtigruten's control. As of 03/08/2020 Hurtigruten has temporarily suspended all expedition sailings only on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Spitsbergen until further notice. All Antarctica expedition sailings departing in Winter 2020-21 are also cancelled.
These Astronomy Voyages follow the full Hurtigruten Norway coastal route itinerary in the company of a renowned astronomer who will give a series of exclusive onboard lectures and presentations. Discover fascinating insights about the Northern Lights, Arctic constellations and the cosmos on this science-focused voyage along the mesmerising Norwegian coast. Day 5 includes a special excursion to the Northern Lights Planetarium. Scroll down for more information about your on-board lecturers.
Price from: €2824 pp sharing
Activities: On board lectures included. Optional excursions available.
Destinations: Arctic, Norway
2020 Dates: 17 Sep, 12 Oct, 11 & 14 Nov, 06 Dec
Types: Northern Lights Cruise, Astronomy Holiday, Couples, Groups, Solo Travellers
December 2021 Solar Eclipse Cruises in Antarctica – on sale now!
See Hurtigruten’s online brochures to discover more about their destinations, their ships and life on board during a Norwegian voyage.
Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise applies. If you don’t see the Aurora on an 11-night voyage taken between October and March, you will be given a second chance with a FREE 6 or 7 day voyage next winter. (T&Cs apply).
Note: we will update prices and offers on this site when regular sailings resume. In the meantime, please ask us for a quotation.
Day 1: Fly Dublin to Bergen. Stay one night B&B in a quality central Bergen hotel.
Day 2: [breakfast, dinner] Day at leisure to explore Bergen. At 4pm catch the free transfer from central Bergen to the quayside to board your ship. Stay 11 nights full board in the cabin category of your choice.
Days 3 – 12: [breakfast, lunch, dinner] Experience the beauty of the Norwegian coastline and enjoy the Astronomy lectures on board. Topics may include: The Northern Lights, A Tour of the Planets, Eclipses of the Sun and Moon, Comets, Life on the ISS. On day 5 your lecturer will take you on an exclusive visit to the Planetarium at the Science Centre in Tromso. Optional shore-based excursions are also available throughout the voyage (may be booked in advance or on board).
Day 13: [breakfast, lunch] Your ship docks in Bergen after an early lunch and you disembark. Free transfer to central Bergen. Stay one night B&B in a quality central Bergen hotel.
Day 14: [breakfast] It’s an early start back to Bergen Airport for your flights home.
These are the dates the ship departs from Bergen. You will have to leave Ireland the day before to suit flight schedules. You will also have to stay one additional night in Bergen after your 11 night voyage. Project Travel includes these nights in Bergen and your flights in the cost of the package.
| Date | Ship | Unspecified Inside Cabin per person sharing from | Unspecified Outside Cabin per person sharing from |
| 17 Sep 2020 | MS Trollfjord |
€3860 | €4225 |
| 12 Oct 2020 | MS Midnatsol |
€3683 | €4021 |
| 11 Nov 2020 | MS Trollfjord |
€3288 | €3567 |
| 14 Nov 2020 | MS Midnatsol |
€3288 | €3567 |
| 06 Dec 2020 | MS Midnatsol |
€3019 | €3257 |
Single supplement priced on request. Prices correct at time of print (Jul 2020). E&OE. Subject to availability at time of booking. As they are a natural phenomenon, seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed.
- Return flights Dublin / Bergen including taxes
- One 20kg checked bag per person
- 2 nights B&B in twin room in a quality, central Bergen hotel, 1 before and 1 after the voyage.
- Transfers to/from ship in Bergen (pick up/drop off in central Bergen).
- 11 night full board voyage in a shared cabin category of your choice.
- Astronomy Lectures and night sky guiding on board.
- English speaking Tour Leader on board.
- Guided tour, including transfers, to Tromsø Planetarium.
- Entry to Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarkness.
Hurtigruten’s “Northern Lights Promise” applies. If you don’t see the Aurora during an 11 night Round Trip voyage on travel dates between 01 Oct & 31 March then you will be given a second chance with a FREE 6 or 7 day voyage the following winter. (T&Cs apply. Free ‘Promise’ voyage is on B&B basis and covers voyage only. Flights and any extra hotel nights required are not included).
- Meals & beverages other than as stated
- Airport transfers in Bergen (easy coach or taxi, full details provided)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional excursions and tours
- Upgrade to a higher category cabin. Additional cost will apply.
- Extend your stay by adding extra nights in Bergen or Oslo before and/or after your voyage. Changes to the cost will apply.
These astronomy voyages have been specially timed during a moonless period to give you optimal viewing conditions of the night sky. The ships, MS Trollfjord & MS Midnatsol, are some of the best suited for viewing the sky out on deck and for comfortable leisure facilities. The departure dates shown are the dates the ship leaves Bergen. You will have to leave Ireland at least one day before to suit flight schedules. Project Travel will price the entire package for you to include flights, hotels & voyage on the date of your choice.
Your Lecturers On Board
Dr John Mason, MBE
Departures:
MS Trollfjord – 17 Sep, 11 Nov 2020. MS Midnatsol – 12 Oct 2020
An Applied Physicist, Dr John Mason’s main interests are Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Technology. He is Principal Lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and is a member of the International Astronomical Union. He is also a frequent broadcaster on radio and television. He has appeared many times on BBC TV’s “The Sky at Night”.
Graham Bryant
Departures:
MS Midnatsol – 14 Nov & 06 Dec 2020
Graham is Chairman of the Clanfield Observatory in Hampshire. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and part-time presenter at the South Downs Planetarium. He also mentors at the University of Portsmouth.
Testimonials
A really marvellous trip. Let me also say all the staff on MV Lofoten were excellent. Please pass on our sincere thanks to them for giving us such a special holiday.
- Mr D E, Down (2017)
Thanks for all of your work. I would recommend your agency with little hesitation.
- E&M O'M, Dublin (2020)
We had a simply great time. From the moment we landed in Oslo the organisation was perfect.
- Ms V W, Dublin
Thank you very much for your excellent organising of our fantastic adventure to Norway. Everything was so easy for us ... 8 every step of the way. We are very impressed.
- Ms D M, Clare (2017)
A big thank you for arranging all the details for our wonderful holiday in Norway. Your local information and brochures were really helpful and so well written.
- Ms CM, Wexford (2019)
Norway is drop dead gorgeous. I really enjoyed the trip with its perfect and professional organisation. Brilliant!
- Mr F B, Dublin
Thanks a million for all your help with my trip to Norway – it was truly the trip of a lifetime! Everything about it was superb.
- Ms P N, Cork
We had a marvellous Hurtigruten trip.Your attention to detail, information pack, and guidance on cabins was particularly appreciated.
- Mr D R, Wicklow (2019)
Project Travel are Norwegian experts and they were very good, I must say. I’d recommend them to anybody.
- George Hook, Newstalk
A wonderful holiday. Thank you so much for organising it all so well. I will be recommending Hurtigruten and Project Travel to my friends and family.
- Mrs M O'D, Cork (2019)
I want to thank and congratulate you on the superb job you did in organising my trip to Svalbard. I have been recommending Project Travel to anyone who will listen.
- Ms MD, Dublin (2020)
We had a fantastic holiday in northern Norway. I would certainly recommend you.
- Mr S G, Dublin (2019)
We had a fabulous time. The itinerary was perfect, everything went so smoothly. We even made it onto the Kirkenes Snowhotel Instagram page for Paddys day!
- Ms K M, Dublin (2019)
The Hurtigruten experience was wonderful. We will definitely be recommending you to anyone who wants to do a similar trip.
- Mr & Mrs S M, Dublin (2017)
We had a fabulous time in Norway. Really spectacular holiday. Thank you so much for all your organising – it was seamless and very easy for us.
- Ms A C, Dublin (2017)
We returned from our wonderful trip to Norway, the complete package was perfect. Thanks for the guidebooks and extra local tips.
- Mr & Mrs B C, Dublin (2017)
I had a very enjoyable time in Norway thanks in no small way to your excellent preparation and guidance. Sincere thanks to you both for all your assistance.
- Mr CM, Dublin (2019)
Guy Tominaga of Project Travel is unique. In these days of impressionism and spin he shines out as a true professional. I would unreservedly recommend Project Travel.
- Mr F B, Dublin
I had the most wonderful time on the Hurtigruten cruise to Antarctica. From start to finish everything was handled very professionally.
- Ms S J, Wicklow
I had the absolute best trip ever. I want to compliment you on your advice and the extra care you clearly take of clients.
- Ms K C, Kildare (2017)
We had a brilliant time. Norway was beautiful, quaint, awesome! Thank you for arranging it all so efficiently, thoroughly and pleasantly. It couldn’t have been better.
- Ms S H, Westmeath (2019)
Everything went well on our Tromso holiday and we had a great time. Thanks for your help in organising the trip for us. I would highly recommend it.
- Mrs C N, Wicklow (2019)
I enjoyed every part of the Icelandic Hurtigruten cruise: accommodation, excursions, variety of food, lectures and very helpful crew.
- Ms A O'D, Dublin (2019)
Last night we were treated to another fantastic night of Aurora Borealis. It really is something everybody should see.
- Jonathan McCrea, Futureproof, Newstalk (2014)
Thank you for a truly remarkable holiday. It was fantastic. We both appreciate the level of attention that Project Travel put into organising the trip.
- Mr & Mrs J O'F, Cork
My Antarctic trip was superb in every aspect – comfort of ship and hotels, quality of service in same. I can recommend it without reservation.
- Ms A O'D, Dublin (2016)
I did all trips you recommended. The “aurora” is my passion and Tromsø was the best trip so far.
- Ms M O'G, Offaly
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Image credits: Laurent Patin / Hurtigruten, Project Travel, Paul Halton
