Noorderlicht

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Noorderlicht review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our review below then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the Noorderlicht with other small cruise ships sailing Arctic cruises, including private charter cruises.

Choose the Noorderlicht to explore the Norwegian Arctic up close and have a traditional expedition experience—you can even help hoist the sails! While this historic, traditional sailing vessel is not an ice breaker and thus has no ice class rating, she has a strengthened bow. Those who voyage aboard Noorderlicht often demonstrate a strong interest in exploring remote regions, allowing camaraderie and spirit to develop as an important part of the expedition experience.

Noorderlicht History

The Noorderlicht was originally built in 1910 in Flensburg, Germany, as a three-masted schooner. For most of her existence she served as a light-vessel on the Baltic. In 1991, the present owners purchased the hull and re-rigged and refitted her thoroughly, under the rules of “Register Holland.” The Noorderlicht now has a well-balanced, two-masted schooner rig and is capable of sailing the seven seas. 

Common Areas Aboard Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht has a large open deck (with full walk-around access), providing excellent opportunities for guests to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Due to her small size, the Noorderlicht often asks for all hands on deck, a fun and unforgettable experience. While sailing, the assistance of passengers is appreciated for handling the sails, taking the helm and night watches. Noorderlicht has a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. Guests can, however, smoke on deck.

Dining Aboard Noorderlicht

Guests enjoy their meals in a cozy dining area. Three meals of international cuisine per day are served in the mess room and prepared by the ship cook. A bar and reading table are also on the ship. This Norwegian cruise ship’s ambiance is casual, comfortable and practical, perfect for an authentic expedition ship experience.

Activities & Crew Aboard Noorderlicht

Every day there are excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings take three to six hours per day over untracked areas. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history. For the daily excursions on land or water exploration, the two Zodiacs enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. The crew consists of three Dutch sailors, a cook and the expedition leader.

Accommodations Aboard Noorderlicht

The Noorderlicht provides accommodation for 20 travelers in small twin cabins. All cabins have a small hatch in the ceiling which vary in size, except cabin 6 which has a small, locked porthole in the ceiling but ventilation slots in the door. On occasion, and depending on weather situation, the hatches will be opened by the crew to allow fresh air ventilation of the complete lower deck (including cabin 6) while passengers go ashore. The Noorderlicht offers four shared showers and five shared toilets, all conveniently located. Electrical aboard is 220 volts. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.