Ever been curious about the skies above us? Want to learn more about the Northern Lights, star constellations and space missions? Havila Voyages has announced details of new astronomy-themed cruises for 2024, accompanied by insightful lecturers from the Royal Astronomical Society.
Sail into the Stars
The cruises, which have been designed to deepen guests’ understanding of the universe, depart in March, and October 2024, sailing for 11 nights from Bergen to Kirkenes, and back to Bergen. John Zarnecki, a distinguished English space scientist and former President of the Royal Astronomical Society, will be joining the voyage departing on 2 March 2024. John’s lectures will cover an array of fascinating subjects such as spacecraft and cosmic creatures as well as ask ‘Are we alone?’.
Meanwhile, Ian Ridpath Editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy will guide the 30 October cruise. During the voyages, Ian will give exclusive lectures on a wide range of subjects including the Northern Lights, Comets, the Stars and the Apollo space missions.
While there are a plethora of lectures to attend, some key ones to highlight on the March 2nd voyages include Red Giants, White Dwarfs, Clusters, and Other Strange Cosmic Creatures, where John Zarnecki observes and explores the sky’s strange and exotic objects, many visible to the naked eye or with small binoculars, and Comets – From Mythology to Reality, where the lessons of great these enigmatic objects is pondered.
The October 30th Voyage also has some fascinating lectures led by Ian Ridpath, covering an array of important topics. One lecture is titled Fantastic Northern Lights, where the wonders of the auroras are explored, alongside their visual splendour, associated legends, and the scientific explanations behind these natural displays. Another is concerned with the stars and the stories they tell, aptly named Stories of the Stars, which investigates the constellations, their significance in myths, and art, and their positions in the night sky. These are perfect accompaniments to the wonderful astrological phenomenon that is the Northern Lights.
Stargaze in Luxury
In addition to enriching lectures that deepen the mind on talks of astronomy and space, Havila Voyages also offers a space that relaxes the spirit and body with luxurious cabins and amenities. All ships come loaded with Cabins and suites ranging from 16m2 to 45m2 and can accommodate up to four people, with an utter emphasis on quality and comfort.
There are also different spaces provided for relaxation, such as the Port-to-Port Lounge which has reclining chairs, TV, and other amenities. The vessel includes saunas, a gym, a jacuzzi, shopping, luxurious dining, and above all, gorgeous spots for viewing the scenery. No matter the ship, Havila Voyages strives to make each journey feel like home along the Norwegian coast.
Even More to Offer
When not listening to the fascinating lectures, you can sample the best that the Norwegian coast has to offer on an array of guided excursions ranging from dog sledding to visiting the North Cape or exploring the snow hotel in Kirkenes.
A highlight excursion that takes place during the Northern Lights sailing is the journey to the North Cape Plateau, a true point of interest like no other. The North Cape Plateau rises a steep 307 metres straight up from the Arctic Ocean and offers one of the most desirable vantage points. This Plateau is the European Continent’s most northerly point, which offers a view of a horizon so long that you see the Earth curve. The surrounding area has much to offer as well, including the iconic globe, which has become a symbol of the North Cape, as well as a restaurant with endless views, a souvenir shop in the mountain wall, a chapel and even a Thai museum.
Of course, no Norwegian coastal cruise would be complete without spending the winter evenings searching for the Aurora Borealis. John and Ian will offer hints and tips on spotting the phenomenon and be on hand to explain more about the spectacle as it happens.
Northern Lights Promise
Havila is so confident that the aurora will be visible from their ships that they offer a Northern Lights Promise for all winter cruises (including the Astronomy departures). If the spectacular green light show doesn’t appear on an 11-night voyage between August and March, guests can enjoy a free 6 or 7-night cruise the following winter. There’s no better experience to observe star constellations and phenomena like the Northern Lights without the interference of light pollution than a chance to do so on the luxurious Havila cruises.
All Astronomy departures ( 2 March and 30 Oct) currently cost from £1,058 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin on full board basis.
Discover More at havilavoyages.com
View this post on Instagram
All imagery courtesy of Havila Voyages.