Norway’s Northern Lights
October 14-31, 2027
Amsterdam to Amsterdam

We’re heading back to Norway for the ultimate lights show in the Arctic Circle! Join us as we head north on Holland America’s luxurious Nieuw Statendam to cruise the fjords of Norway before spending the night in Alta, known as the City of Northern Lights, taking advantage of Aurora season to watch for this spectacular natural phenomenon.

This group voyage is appropriate for:
Solo travelers
Multigenerational families
Travelers celebrating special events
Seniors who enjoy a concierge travel experience
Mobility device users who desire extra assistance when traveling
Caregivers and their loved ones who require a heavily supported travel experience
Travelers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Accessible excursion options may be limited on this itinerary due to the historic destinations. Passports valid through March 31, 2028 are required for all travelers on this voyage.

October 14: 
Welcome to Amsterdam! An Elite Cruises staff member will be waiting at Schiphol Airport to greet you outside baggage claim and escort you to our pre-cruise group hotel. For a fully supported experience we can arrange for an Elite Cruises staff member to accompany your flight from the US to Europe. Enjoy some light exploring with the Elite Cruises tour guides after arriving and be sure to treat yourself with some local Dutch specialties, such as stroopwafels, because you’re on vacation!
 
October 15:
Today we’re exploring the historic city center of Amsterdam. We’ll be taking a boat tour of the canals the city is famous for and visiting the Rijksmuseum to view the Rembrandts and Vermeers on display in this incredible museum. Additional museums and touring options are available by request.
 
October 16:
Welcome onboard the Nieuw Statendam! We will depart our hotel as a group and transfer to the city of Rotterdam where Elite Cruises staff will escort you through the cruise terminal and to your stateroom or suite. You’ll have a chance to relax and freshen up for our first evening onboard where we’ll have a decadent dinner before exploring the entertainment venues onboard our ship..  
 
October 17:
This sea day is devoted to relaxing and enjoying ship amenities before the true adventures begin. Independent travelers can enjoy cultural programs Holland America offers or treat themselves to a spa day to relax any muscles sore from traveling. Caregivers can take part in workshops and support circles while their loved ones enjoy activities with the Elite Cruises crew. At night we’ll all enjoy a lovely dinner together and some live music in venues around the ship before our Norwegian adventures begin in the morning.
 
October 18:
Our first stop is charming Alesund, a fishing town filled with stunning Art Nouveau architecture. We recommend easing into the trip by taking advantage of the Hop On Hop Off tours that depart right from outside our ship and deliver travelers right to the center of town. Follow your nose to the local bakeries to try the cinnamon buns enhanced with cardamom, only made better by a cup of hot coffee to wash them down; a coffee and pastry is the perfect way to experience Norwegian koselig, a feeling of being cozy, contented, and warm that locals try to infuse into their daily lives.
 
October 19:
Andalsnes is a Norwegian postcard with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet into pools, deep green trees clinging precariously to mountainsides, and of course The Troll’s Path, a road with remarkable hairpin turns that take travelers through the mountains for some absolutely spectacular views. This town is also famous for its gondolas that take passengers up the side of the mountain for dramatic views that could only be found in this region of Norway.
 
October 20:
Welcome to the Viking capital of Norway! Trondheim was founding by Viking king Olav, who was sainted and is buried under the majestic gothic cathedral that the old town centers around. This city is not just a history lovers paradise however; as Norway’s third largest city the area hosts a multitude of artists, musicians, and chefs, cementing the city as a cultural hub.
 
October 21:
Today we’re crossing into the Arctic Circle, a milestone for any avid traveler. Keep listening for the captain’s announcement, grab a glass of champagne, head to one of the many outdoor spaces on ship, and toast as the Nieuw Statendam officially crosses into the Arctic. For travelers with verandah staterooms and suites, you’ll notice Holland America blankets to wrap yourself in when you’re sitting outside, enjoying the views from your private outdoor space. To warm up order some Dutch pea soup from the Dutch Café (or a spiked hot chocolate, you are on vacation after all).
 
October 22-23:
Our ship is spending the night in Tromso, giving travelers their first chance to see the Northern Lights. For travelers who are interested in learning more about this natural phenomena there are planetarium shows at the Northern Norwegian Science Center every day; however travelers looking for a more whimsical activity may want to visit the Troll Museum instead! All visitors should be sure to stop at the Arctic Cathedral though as it is one of Norway’s most famous landmarks thanks to the immense stained glass window.
 
October 24-25:
Our second chance to see the Northern Lights will be in Alta, which is known as the City of Northern Lights for good reason. Here you can venture up above the city to play in the snow, meet some sled dogs, and keep an eye out for the shimmers of green running through the night skies. Or settle in for a cultural performance by the indigenous Sami people who are known for their bright, colorful clothing and expert reindeer herding; say cheese because pics with the reindeers are a must here!
 
October 26:
Today we’re heading south from the Arctic Circle and back towards the more well-traveled towns of Norway. After all our late nights looking for Northern Lights this day at sea gives travelers a chance to catch up on sleep, soak in the hydrotherapy spa pool, curl up with a book from the onboard library, enjoy the ship’s European high tea, or continue catching up on sleep before our last two ports.
 
October 27:
Kristiansund was completely destroyed during WWII so the city standing now is modern and vibrant but, like everywhere in Norway, it is surrounded by spectacular natural scenery. Travelers can explore the city on a panoramic sightseeing bus tour or venture around on foot, or take the Atlantic Ocean Road (regularly declared to be the most beautiful highway in the world) outside of the city and back to nature. Keep an eye out for salmon farms along the coast, the fish here is out of this world and thanks to Holland America’s Port to Plate program everyone is guaranteed to eat really, really well.
 
October 28:
Visitors to Bergen are greeted with rows of colorfully painted wooden buildings lining the water ways, the scent of cardamom in the air, the calls of the fish sellers advertising their fresh catch, and the silhouette of one of the best preserved medieval stone fortresses looming over the town. Stay in town to see the historic city sights and do some last minute souvenir shopping, or head out of town for your last chance to see one of the wooden Stave churches Norway is known for.
 
October 29:
One last day at sea gives travelers a chance to relax before we return to Amsterdam. Family caregivers can take advantage of afternoon respite to pack suitcases while their loved ones participate in Social Club with Elite Cruises staff. All travelers can enjoy one last dinner together with a memorable sendoff from Holland America’s culinary team.
 
October 30:
While we do have to leave the ship the fun doesn’t end here. We’re heading back to Amsterdam for one more chance to explore the city, shop for souvenirs for our family and friends, and get a good night sleep before early flights home.
 
October 31:
All travelers will be escorted to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by a member of the Elite Cruises staff. Please ask us about accompanied flights if you would like our assistance in the airport and on the flight home.

Group Amenities.

Each traveler on this group voyage will enjoy amenities including:

• All-inclusive onboard package featuring dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and more.
• Option for shore excursion recommendations and booking assistance.
• Option for car service from your home to local airport or cruise port.
• Airport meet and greet by Elite Cruises staff and escort to group hotel.
• Pre/post cruise group hotel stay for dates of your choosing.
• Transfers from hotel to port and back.
• Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff and Holland America porters.
• Group dinner reservations plus 2 specialty dining experiences. Option for group breakfast and lunch is also available.  
• Elite Cruises staff accompaniment throughout travel. Staff is comprised of travel agents, nurses, lifeguards, concierges, activity therapists, and tour guides to ensure every need is met throughout journey.

Elite Support Services

For travelers who require a robust supported experience as well as their families we provide amenities unique to our travel agency including:

• Staff to family ratio of 1:1.
• Accessible accommodations and excursions and mobility device reservations can be made through our agency. Private accessible transport is also available to/from port. Elite Cruises is a certified accessible travel advocate.
• Daily caregiver respite/break time
• Neuroplasticity focused activities curated by our programming director. These activities are tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of any attendees.
• Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7.
• Option for flights accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
• Shore excursions accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
• Private duty care and daily personal care can be arranged with advance notice.
• Caregiver workshops and support circles on sea days.

Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc. unless travelers prefer to bring their own from home.

Nieuw Statendam offers vacation experiences for every traveler.

Enjoy classic European style seamlessly paired with modern amenities to meet the needs of every traveler when you cruise on the Nieuw Statendam. Lifelong learners can participate in Port Talks and other informative and history-based programs offered at the World Stage. Music lovers can spend their evenings with acoustic guitarists, string quartets, rock bands, dueling pianos, and the incredible house band from BB King’s Blues Club. Foodies will appreciate menus focusing on local, seasonal ingredients reflecting the cuisine of each port alongside classical and comforting choices for the pickiest of eaters. And for those moments of relaxation travelers can enjoy a thoughtfully curated library, myriad of spa services, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, variety of art classes and games, and plenty of cozy corners to just enjoy the views.

Call 219-608-2002 for pricing and availability.