Have you ever considered tracing the very edge of the world? Broadcaster Lorraine Kelly recently embarked on an extraordinary journey along the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten, discovering an environment that offers deep cultural immersion at every stage of the journey. With Hurtigruten, you can embark on the same Norwegian Coastal Express itinerary as Lorraine, experiencing the standout moments from Lorraine’s personal odyssey and enjoy the premium, featured experiences when you choose to follow in her footsteps.
The definitive 12-Day Coastal Express itinerary
This itinerary is widely regarded as the ultimate Norwegian voyage. Sailing north from the historic city of Bergen to Kirkenes near the Russian border, and then returning south, the ship calls at 34 distinct ports. This cruise provides genuine insight into the daily lives of coastal communities, combined with the exceptional standards of a luxury vessel.
Over the course of twelve days, you cross the Arctic Circle twice. The northbound journey focuses on daytime exploration of major coastal cities and remote islands, while the southbound return reveals locations that were passed during the night on the way up, so you’ll get to experience deep fjords, towering peaks, and isolated archipelagos.
Standout highlights from Lorraine’s odyssey
Every journey has a moment that stays with you forever. For Lorraine Kelly, the absolute highlight of her odyssey occurred high above the Arctic Circle, under the vast polar sky: she experienced the profound magic of the Northern Lights. Witnessing the aurora borealis is a deeply moving event, and doing so from the deck of a premium ship adds a layer of exclusivity to the occasion.
Another highlight for Lorraine was the exceptional warmth of the local people she met along the way. This is a core part of the experience that will be curated for you on your journey. Hurtigruten can arrange opportunities for you to speak with local historians, artisans, and local fishermen, who offer a level of cultural immersion that goes far beyond a typical tourist visit.
Lorraine’s journey was also a culinary adventure, blending tradition, culture, and community. In Trondheim, Norway’s former Viking capital, now known for its innovative food scene, she sampled waffles with caramel-like brunost (brown cheese). In Vesterålen, a memorable goat massage at Arctic chef Halvar Ellingsen’s farm was followed by a fireside meal with Sámi reindeer herder Biret, the sister of Hurtigruten’s own Sámi Culinary Ambassador. To ensure these culinary experiences are brought directly to you, Hurtigruten operates the Norway Coastal Kitchen concept, which brings the absolute freshest local ingredients directly to your table. The culinary team crafts bespoke menus that reflect the regions you sail through.
Bespoke cultural excursions
Dog Sledding Adventure in Tromsø
This thrilling dog sledding excursion allows you to drive across snow-blanketed valleys, guided by the region’s expert mushers. Pause to warm up in a traditional Sámi gamme with hot drinks and homemade cake, and enjoy connecting with the huskies.
Sea Eagle Safari by RIB in Lofoten
Experience Lofoten’s wild, majestic beauty from the water on a high-speed RIB adventure. Glide between islets and remote beaches, where the stunning landscape reveals itself only to those willing to journey off the regular path. The star of this show is the mighty sea eagle, Norway’s largest bird of prey - watch as they soar overhead, while your skipper shares local stories and secrets.
Kayaking the River Nid, Trondheim
For a fresh perspective on Trondheim - the city where history and innovation coexist - step into a kayak and paddle gently along the River Nid. This guided excursion lets you admire the city’s colourful wharves, pass beneath historic bridges and spot the Nidaros Cathedral from the water.
To experience the same Hurtigruten voyage as Lorraine, get in touch with your Travel Counsellor today.
For the experienced cruiser, the distinction between a standard holiday and a truly exceptional voyage lies in the details. You want exclusive spaces, superior dining, and an environment that caters to a refined lifestyle. Princess Cruises has elevated the standard of ocean travel with the introduction of their Sphere Class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess.
This global voyage from Seabourn is the pinnacle of sophisticated travel. The 2028 Seabourn Cape to Cape World Cruise offers an exclusive opportunity to traverse five continents in comfort and luxury. Sailing aboard Seabourn Quest to mark the 40th anniversary of the cruise line, you’ll cover 26,000 miles of carefully curated destinations. This 120-day expedition from Miami to Dover provides plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local cultures across the globe. There is also a refined 112-day option concluding in Lisbon if you fancy a slightly shorter itinerary.
What could be more magical than a dream holiday with your family? How about setting sail with Disney Cruise Line from Southampton? New for summer 2026, these UK sailings offer the perfect opportunity to add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your summer holidays—with the convenience of departing from closer to home. Fans of Disneyland Paris will discover that a Disney Cruise brings that same magic to the open sea. Whether you're planning your first-ever Disney cruise or you're a seasoned sailor eager for a shorter adventure, these Southampton sailings pack excitement, luxury, and unforgettable family moments into a convenient three-or four-night holiday. Here's why you don't want to miss these new itineraries.
