Should You Cruise Norway with Havila in Winter?

Editorial Summary

The creators document a 12-day winter voyage on the Havila Pollock, traveling the Norwegian Coastal Express from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. The journey involves navigating the Arctic Circle, experiencing the polar night, and visiting various coastal ports. The creators detail several logistical challenges, including a weather-related disruption that required them to fly to Tromso to begin their trip instead of Bergen. They describe various shore excursions, such as an ATV expedition in Honningsvåg, a reindeer cultural experience in Tromso, and a visit to the Coastal Express Museum in Stokmarknes. Throughout the trip, they encounter extreme weather, including heavy snow and gale-force winds, which occasionally led to canceled excursions or shortened port stays. A major highlight of the voyage was the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. In their conclusion, the creators weigh the benefits of winter cruising, such as seeing the snow and the aurora borealis, against the drawbacks of limited daylight and cold temperatures. They ultimately recommend the experience as a privilege, though they express a desire to return during a season with more sunlight.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.