We are excited to invite you to an epic ARNE & CARLOS Knitting cruise adventure along the Norwegian coastline - onboard the newly renovated MS Trollfjord! This will be a very special cruise, since for the first time in Hurtigruten’s 130-year history, they will sail from Oslo - Norway’s vibrant capital.

The sailing is called The North Cape Express, and covers most of the long Norwegian coastline, starting in Oslo and sailing all the way up to the North Cape. Expect a magical wintertime cruise, as the Northern Lights dance through the long nights, and immerse yourself in the Norwegian coast. It is the ultimate way to experience the Norwegian coast's compelling culture, wildlife, and beauty in winter. We will cruise around the country’s northern and southern capes, stopping for exclusive excursions at 16 carefully chosen destinations. Your cruise is enhanced by the incomparable onboard experience and exceptional food and drink on the beautiful MS Trollfjord. The Coastal Experience Team will be at your service and organize interesting activities onboard and ashore.

Several excursions are included, and there will be lectures and visits to yarn shops and a local sheep farm. During the cruise, you will enjoy the company of your hosts ARNE&CARLOS, attend their interesting lectures, and take part in the exciting mystery knitalong! The trip of a lifetime – you don’t want to miss this opportunity! The tour starts in Oslo and ends in Bergen, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its famous fish market and colorful wooden wharves.

Highlights:
* 15 days Northern Lights cruise exploring the Norwegian coast
* Pre-cruise program in Oslo
* All meals onboard included, with beverages (house beer, wine and soft drinks)
* Complimentary tea and coffee
* Visit to a local sheep farm in Lofoten
* Lecture by Norwegian knitting expert Annemor Sundbø
* Several excursions are included
* Lectures and mystery knitalong with your hosts ARNE & CARLOS

ARNE & CARLOS

Scandinavians Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrisson are highly regarded fashion designers, textile artists, YouTubers and authors. They are best known for their original, colorful and visually striking designs as well as their knitwear and their books. Their work is influenced by their Scandinavian background and their everyday life in rural Norway. They work under their artist name ARNE & CARLOS, which they established in 2001.

Read more about ARNE & CARLOS here.

Program

PROGRAM

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

Please note the program is subject to changes

Day 1 Arrival Oslo 3 Feb 2024

Arrival in Oslo, Norway from your home destination, by your own arrangement. Check-in at your hotel in the center of Oslo – Clarion The Hub.

Day 2 Oslo City Tour – 4 Feb 2024 (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, we will take a tour of Oslo’s main attractions, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park which is located at the center of splendid Frogner Park. The park features more than 200 visually striking bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures, created by prolific Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. Just outside Oslo is the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, an impressive building with panoramic views over the city, lakes, and fjord. A lovely lunch in a traditional restaurant is included, with fabulous views of Oslo and surrounding areas.

After the tour, the rest of the day in Oslo is yours to spend as you like. With forested hills, lakes, and plenty of world-class restaurants and museums, you won’t be short on options in Norway’s fjord-side capital.

Day 3 Oslo - embarkation - 5 Feb 2024 (B, D)

Today, there will be more time to discover more of Oslo at your own pace before you board the ship. Oslo’s small size makes it an ideal city to explore on foot. The hotel is very centrally located and within walking distance of the famous Opera House, and the new Munch Museum. A bus will take you to the ship for embarkation in the afternoon. MS Trollfjord will depart early evening. Welcome party in the Panorama Lounge with ARNE & CARLOS, where you will receive the mystery knitalong kits. Enjoy the sail away out of the scenic Oslofjord, for the first time ever for Hurtigruten.

Day 4 Kristiansand - 6 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

At the southern tip of the country is Kristiansand, Norway’s fifth-largest city which is built on a very uniform grid plan, with several straight roads running from the harbor all the way through the city. Kristiansand is also the hometown of the well-known knitting expert and author Annemor Sundbø, who is a government grant holder, recipient of the King’s Medal, and ‘The Sweater Detective’. Today we will have the pleasure of meeting Annemor and listening to her lecture about Norwegian knitting traditions. It will be possible to buy signed copies of her books. This will take place in the lovely Norsk Flid store in Kristiansand, where they also have a very good selection of Norwegian yarn and handicrafts, where they also have a very good selection of Norwegian yarn and handicrafts and a workshop for making traditional Norwegian folk costumes “bunad”. The store has a beautiful exhibition of many different Norwegian folk costumes. The ship will have a long stay in Kristiansand so there will be opportinutes to explore this charming coastal town on your own.

Day 5 Haugesund and Hardangerfjord – 7 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Haugesund is called the ‘Home of the Viking Kings’, inspired by sites such as St. Olav’s Church, built in 1250 by King Håkon Hå. Nordvegen Visiting Center, which features exhibitions from the Viking Age, is presented by a fictional Harald Fairhair himself. After Haugesund, it is time for some scenic cruising in Hardangerfjord. At 111 miles it is the second-longest fjord in the country and fifth longest in the world. This stunning waterway is one of Norway’s finest. The mountain scenery is stunning, with white peaks towering over the fjord and reflecting off the shimmering water below.

Day 6 Ålesund - 8 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Ålesund is a picturesque town with distinctive architecture, and the people here claim it is the most beautiful town in Norway. Every detail of the buildings, from the bright colors to the rounded spires, was inspired by the art nouveau style. Almost the entire town received a makeover in the style when it was rebuilt after a major fire in 1904. The ship will dock in the center of town, and as you leave the waterfront, you enter a fairy-tale town, filled with narrow streets lined with unique houses. Do the hike up to Mount Aksla viewpoint, even though the 418 steps leading there might look intimidating, the views are well worth the effort, and you will get some impressive photos of the archipelago from here.

Day 7 Brønnøysund – 9 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Surrounded by islands and water, Brønnøysund sits on a narrow peninsula that juts out from the mainland. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the harbor and stroll along Havnegata. For some extra excitement, you may be able to go kayaking or island-hopping on a RIB safari. From here it is possible to visit the beautiful Vega Islands, which received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2004 in recognition of the sustainable lifestyle led by generations of islanders and their practice of farming eiderdown. South of Brønnøysund, is the Torghatten mountain, recognizable by a natural tunnel that runs through the center. And there is a good yarn store in Brønnøysund!

Day 8 Lofoten Islands - Svolvær and Stokmarknes - 10 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Today is all about exploring the Lofoten archipelago. With its jagged green cliffs rising dramatically from the ocean, it is hailed as one of the most spectacular areas in all of Norway. Pretty fishing villages made up of red-roofed houses on stilts that cling to the edges of mountainous islands. The beating heart of the archipelago is the town of Svolvær, where the ship will be based for most of the day.

Another attraction today, is the visit to Lofoten Wool! We will visit Ragnhild Lie at her sheep farm, and hear all about the process of making this beautiful yarn. We anticipate you will not leave empty-handed from Lofoten Wool…..

MS Trollfjord will call at the historic town of Stokmarknes. This town is special, being the birthplace of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express and where it all began. In 1893, shipping pioneer Richard With founded the Original Coastal Express, revolutionizing both coastal passenger travel and Norwegian shipping. Hurtigruten quickly became a lifeline for Svalbard and Norway’s remote communities and boosted their economies by carrying exports to and from the ports. Stokmarknes is therefore a fitting location for the Hurtigruten Museum at the waterfront, where the retired 1956 ship, MS Finnmarken, proudly stands encased in a glass building. It is well worth a visit with archives, photographs, and artifacts displayed in a range of interactive exhibitions.

Day 9 Tromsø – the gateway to the Arctic - 11 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Tromsø is Northern Norway’s urban Arctic hotspot, boasting impressive architecture, hip restaurants, and the world’s northernmost university. This modern city has a long legacy, with artifacts found dating back to the Ice Age. It became a center of Arctic hunting in the mid-1800s. By the end of the 19th century, Tromsø was an established Arctic trade center. The ship docks here in the morning, with a whole day at your disposal to explore this historic Arctic city and its surroundings. The ship can offer several optional excursions – maybe try dog sledding! There is a yarn store here well worth visiting…

Day 10 Honningsvåg – at the top of Europe - 12 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Arrival Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in mainland Norway, and its landscape is distinctive, with barely any trees or bushes. This far north, winters are long, and the snowfall is high, so prepare for fantastic winter scenery and activities. The city is also the gateway to the North Cape, the famed ‘northernmost point of Europe’. The plateau stands high above the sea and is just over 1,000 miles south of the geographical North Pole. An iconic globe monument stands atop the cliffs, which is

perfect for snapping a quick selfie. Afterward, visit North Cape Hall, which hosts a variety of exhibits and a short film that tells the Cape’s history.

Honningsvåg is where MS Trollfjord will turn around and head south again.

Day 11 Alta - City of the Northern Lights - 13 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Alta is one of the bigger coastal towns we visit, with a population of over 10,000 people. Alta River is a particularly famous part of the town, one of Norway’s best salmon rivers. At 70 degrees north, this town is still far above the Arctic Circle. The area is known for particularly good northern lights visibility. If the skies are clear and the conditions are right, you should be able to snap some amazing shots of the lights dancing above. The Northern Lights Cathedral has an exhibition showing how Alta became the epicenter of ground-breaking research on the aurora borealis between the 19th and 20th centuries. It is possible to visit the world’s northernmost ice hotel, built out of snow and ice every winter and carved with different artistic themes by local sculptors.

Day 12 Lødingen – 14 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Lødingen is a traditional coastal village on Hinnøya island, Norway’s largest island south of Svalbard. Experience the village life atmosphere by wandering the streets near the port and admire the traditional red fishing huts, or rorbuer, that line the shore. The highlight of this visit is definitely the breathtaking fjords and mountains that have made the Norwegian coast so famous. The area is popular among campers, who stay on the campsite or in cabins and fish for cod in the fjord during winter.

Day 13 Rørvik - 15 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

Continuing south, we leave the land of the polar night as we cross the Arctic Circle. Rørvik and its surrounding areas have a long history, with burial mounds that date back to ancient times. At the SalmoNor visitor’s center, join a tour of a modern salmon farm and find out more about the Norwegian aquaculture industry that supplies the world with tasty Nordic salmon. Another major export is cod, and the town even has an annual Cod Festival in March. Cod is especially common in the waters of the archipelago during winter.

Day 14 Molde and Kristiansund - 16 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

These are two coastal towns, with picturesque fjord locations. Both good yarn stores and thrift shops can be found here. The famous Atlantic Road can be visited from here, an icon of the Norwegian coast that often features in Hollywood movies and has been nominated the world’s most beautiful road. To get the best panoramic views of the area, go on a hike up to Varden viewpoint, gaze down at the town and admire the 222 snowy peaks viewable across Moldefjord.

This evening there will be a Farwell Cocktail party with ARNE & CARLOS, followed by a farewell dinner.

Day 15 The home stretch to Bergen and disembarkation - 17 Feb 2024 (B, L, D)

MS Trollfjord arrives in Bergen at 07.00 in the morning and it is time to say goodbye to the ship’s crew, new friends, and ARNE&CARLOS after a wonderful time with lots of lovely memories!

Hurtigruten

MS TROLLFJORD - THE NORTH CAPE EXPRESS

This ship is named after the spectacular Trollfjord in the Lofoten Islands and provides exquisite indoor comfort, modern facilities, and interior design that makes extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone. MS Trollfjord has its own onboard Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations, and activities inside as well as out on the ship´s sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. MS Trollfjord will undergo a complete refurbishment in spring 2023. This ship is an homage to both Norwegian nature and Hurtigruten’s 130-year heritage sailing the Norwegian coast. The décor is classic, timeless, and unique in their fleet. The details flourish and evoke a sense of nostalgia, harking back to a golden era when small ships were the only ships on the seas.

Read about MS Trollfjord here

Cabins

Please note these photos are from before the ship is renovated. All cabins will be fully renovated and upgraded.

After the renovation, we will update with new photos.

Polar Outside cabin cat. J3 and O2 - (standard outside cabin, portholes, twin or dbl beds. J3 has obstructed view)

Artic Superior cabin cat. U2D (larger window, better location, double bed)

Hotels

Clarion hotel The Hub
15 Dronning Eufemias gate, 0510 Oslo

Clarion Hotel The Hub boasts one of the best locations in Oslo right next to the central station. Guests can enjoy stunning views from the Norda restaurant and Calmeyers Hage bar on the 13th floor, and a great urban vibe at the Hub Bar on the 1st floor.

Read about The Hub here.

Tour leader

Lise has many years of experience in the travel industry. She has worked as a travel producer, as well as a tour leader to many exciting destinations and on cruises worldwide. Among her favorite countries are Croatia, Italy, England, South Africa, and South East Asia. Lise has also previously been a tour leader on several ARNE & CARLOS Knitting cruises and she is a very capable knitter! For the knitting cruise, Lise will meet you in Oslo, and she will be assisting the group with all practical matters throughout the tour. She enjoys knitting and other handicrafts and has a keen interest in cooking and baking.

Travel and cancellation conditions

Terms and Conditions Aller Travel AS

The terms and conditions of this contract apply to all products or services of any kind whatsoever provided for or arranged by Aller Travel. These terms and conditions represent the entire agreement and a binding contract between Aller Travel AS and the customer.

The terms and conditions of this contract are drawn up in accordance with the Package Tours Act, and the regulations laid down by the Norwegian Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion. However, in case of conflict between this contract and Package Tours Act, this contract shall take precedence.

1. CONTRACT

Your contract partner is Aller Travel AS. When used in this contract, «you,» or «customer» means each person whose name appears on the face of the ticket and/or who uses the ticket for passage on the tour described in the ticket.

When you book travel with us, this contract is regarded as binding once Aller Travel AS receives the first payment of deposit. Aller Travel AS is then responsible for delivering the products/arrangements you have booked while you are financially responsible for the booking. The moment you make a booking you are confirming at that you have the authority to accept these terms and conditions on behalf of yourself and any travel companions. You accept responsibility for payment to us for all customers in your booking. The customer is solely responsible for ensuring that the actual reservation corresponds with the booking made.

As the person making the booking you are also responsible for ensuring that the names on all documents are correct and in accordance with the passports of all customers for whom you are making the booking. As the person making the booking you will also be responsible for ensuring that all travel companions in the booking are kept fully informed of what was booked and any changes that may arise.

2. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM SELECTION CLAUSE

Any disputes and matters of whatsoever nature between the customer and Aller Travel AS shall be governed by Norwegian law. Such disputes and matters shall be litigated in and before a court of law in the city of Oslo, Norway.

3. GUARANTEE

Aller Travel AS at all times provides the statutory guarantee for package tours from:

The Norwegian Travel Guarantee Fund
Post box 227
N4001 STAVANGER
Norway

4. PAYMENT

Payment of deposit NOK 4000 per person is due immediately for all bookings.

The full amount due must be paid at least 12 weeks before departure.
If the booking is made less than 12 weeks prior to departure, the full amount is due immediately.

If you fail to make any payment by the date on which it is due under this contract, Aller Travel AS reserves the right to cancel the booking, keep the deposit and demand a cancellation fee.

For online purchases made by credit cards, Aller travel follows the EU regulations which require 3D Secure banking system for credit card transactions.

In order to pay by credit card, please check the following:

• Check the limit on your credit card
• Check that your card is open for transactions in EU
• Preferably use browsers Chrome or Firefox, from a stationary computer
• Check that your bank and credit card are enrolled in the 3D Secure banking system

5. PRICES

The tour fare set forth in this contract is stated Norwegian kroner (NOK), which is per person based on double occupancy. The fare does not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, laundry, liquor, beer, or wine. The full and correct price of the trip is given before a booking is confirmed, except as set forth below.

The tour fare includes all applicable and known taxes, surcharges and government-imposed fees.

6. TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN

We recommend that all passengers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment from unexpected events such as cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies. Please read the cancellation policy below.

7. CANCELLATION BY CUSTOMER

You or anyone in the booking have/has the right to cancel the booking at any time. All cancellations must be done in writing by the person who has made the booking. The cancellation is effective on the date that Aller Travel AS receives the cancellation request.

Cancellation fees are calculated according to the following schedule:

Number of days prior to departure	Cancellation fees
Less than 30 days before	100 %
30 – 89 days before	50 %
More than 91 days before	Deposit is non refundable

8. CANCELLATION BY ALLER TRAVEL AS

Aller Travel AS reserves the right to cancel any booking without liability or compensation to you, provided such cancellation is due to circumstances that are beyond Aller Travel’s control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, piracy, terrorism, civil strife, labor conflicts, weather conditions, perils of the sea, mechanical breakdown, or collisions («force majeure events»).

Aller Travel reserves the right to omit, alter, or curtail any tour excursions at its sole discretion. If a change to a tour is minor, of a kind that the customer should have anticipated occasionally occurring or the occurrence of which is beyond Aller Travel’s reasonable control, then Aller Travel shall have no obligation to pay a refund to the customer. If a deviation is not minor, or Aller Travel cancels a tour, a full refund will be given the customer.

9. MEDICAL CARE AND NOTICE OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Prior to traveling, you must notify us of any medical condition for which you or any person accompanying you may require either medical attention or accommodation during the tour, including but not limited to food allergies, or for which the use of a wheelchair is required. The customer assumes all risks arising out of the customer’s personal medical condition prior to the tour, whether or not that condition is disclosed to Aller Travel.

10. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Your specific passport and visa requirements as well as any other immigration requirements are your own responsibility and you must clarify this with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. We do not accept any responsibility in situations where you cannot travel because you do not meet the latest requirements.

11. COVID-19

The Norwegian government removed all Covid-related restrictions as of February 12th, 2022. It is not mandatory to test for Covid if you develop symptoms and it is not compulsory to wear a face mask or isolate yourself if you suspect or test positive for Covid. Norwegian health authorities recommend staying at home (or in your hotel room or cabin) if you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms. If you do not, you can go about life as normal - even if you have Covid but are not experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. More detailed information in English is available on the official website of the Norwegian Ministry of Health. Please make yourself familiar with all the information by clicking on this link: https://www.helsenorge.no/en/coronavirus/

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

Aller Travel AS
PB 656 Løren

0507 Oslo, Norway

TEL: + 47 917 93 754

Githa Kristensen
githa.kristensen@allertravel.no

Prices in USD

Price specification per person:

Polar Inside cat. I2 twin/dbl bed: NOK 49 900,- (USD 4900)

Polar Outside cat. J3 lim view twin/dbl bed: NOK 59 500,- (USD 5750)

Polar Outside cat. O2 twin/dbl bed: NOK 69 500,- (USD 6750)

Arctic Superior cat. U2D dbl bed: NOK 82 500,- (USD 8000)

Polar Inside cabin single use: NOK 65 500,- (USD 6350)

Polar Outside cabin cat. J3 single use: NOK 73 500,- (USD 7200)

Suites available on request

Welcome to the North Cape Express and ARNE & CARLOS Knitting under the Northern Lights!