New cruises to Norway

Experiencing Norway's magical Northern Lights, landscapes and traditions during the polar winter is enhanced by Norwegian Coastal Voyage's new and unique air-inclusive winter program of theme cruises. Detailed in a new 36-page brochure, "In Search of the Northern Lights," the sailings take in Norway's spectacular west coast, Norwegian Lapland, and for the first time in winter season, the Lofoten Islands and remote Spitsbergen in the Arctic region. Capture the beauty of winter sailing New Norwegian Coastal Voyage theme cruises capture the special quality of sailing in the dark sea along fjords and snow-clad mountains with lights glowing from villages, towns and lighthouses and, when atmospheric conditions are right, the shimmering Northern Lights: the seven-day Watercolors and Art, with an art teacher and a lectures on Feb. 13; and Winter Digital Photography in the challenging Arctic light, Feb. 17, are both priced at $2,950; and the 12-day Choirs at Sea on Jan. 23, at $3,400, has an experienced choirmaster forming passengers into a concert-performing choral group. Previous experience in any of the interests is not necessary. Arctic Adventures are being introduced in the Lofoten Islands, Norwegian Lapland and Spitsbergen. Six Whale Safari departures from Oct. 22-Dec. 26 cost $2,300 to $2,795. Ever seen an ice hotel? Two itineraries focus on sparsely populated Norwegian Lapland, home of the indigenous Sami people and their vast herds of reindeer. The seven-day North Cape and Ice Hotel Adventure, $2,505, combines one night at the Alta Igloo Ice Hotel, built of snow and ice; North Cape Plateau, a cliff rising 1,000 feet abut the vast Arctic Ocean; and the coastal voyage from Honningsvag to Kirkenes. Nine-day Sami Encounters, $2,800 to $3,130, feature the coastal voyage from Tromso to Kirkenes and Karasjok, capital of Lapland. See glaciers and polar bears The Arctic island of Spitsbergen, a place of massive glaciers, mountains and polar bears midway between Norway and the North Pole, is the rugged setting for four seven- and eight-day vacations at $2,400 to $3,870: Polar Nights in Longyearbyen, Winter Snowmobile Safari, Spitsbergen Dog Sledge Safari and the festive Return of the Sun. Spitsbergen is magical in Arctic twilight. Special holiday sailings Special departures take place on Dec. 20 for a traditional Christmas in Copenhagen and Norway; Dec. 24, 25, 27 and 28 for New Year's festivities in Tromso, at the North Cape and Karasjok, Lapland; Jan. 20 for the Northern Lights Music Festival, celebrating the return of the sun, in Tromso; Feb. 7 for Valentine's Day, with a five-course Arctic gourmet dinner in Tromso; Mar. 5 for the Return of the Sun Festival in Spitsbergen and Mar. 30 for the Sami Easter Festival in Karasjo. Family departures, not suitable for children under five, are scheduled on the Whale Safari Oct. 22 and Dec. 26 and on Sami Encounters Dec. 24, Feb. 18 and Mar. 30. About NCV vacations NCV Vacations include round-trip flights from New York and local flights in Norway; three- and four-star hotels in Oslo and other cities with breakfast; meals on ships and safaris; inside or best available double cabin aboard ship, depending on program chosen; specified transfers, port charges and air taxes. The winter brochure and reservations can be obtained from Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., 800-323-7436 or 212-319-1300; fax 212-319-1390; for brochures, 800-666-2374, 24 hours a day;