Crystal Cruises’ New North Cape: Arctic Excursions, Murmansk and More

Crystal Cruises has set a new itinerary and more than 15 new Crystal Adventures for its 2013 North Cape cruise.

Passengers will be able to sail, fly, ride, and hike past waterfalls, over glaciers, along white sand beaches, and up village-dotted coastlines during fifteen days and “white nights” aboard Crystal Serenity.

The exotic Northern Europe cruise features several destinations that Crystal Cruises has not visited in years, including an ultra-rare call to Murmansk, Russia, the last official city created under the Russian empire.

Departing 5 July 2013, the port-intensive voyage from Copenhagen to Stockholm crosses the Arctic Circle and sails through the stunning Norwegian Fjords and Scandinavian Lapland.

The new shoreside outings offer a bevy of exploration opportunity for animal lovers, outdoors enthusiasts, and local culture lovers, including:

Tromsø: Hike with huskies or take a high-speed RIB cruise to spy musk ox and other wildlife.

Lofoten: Ride an Icelandic horse along white sand, Viking-era beaches or visit local artists at work, from a blacksmith’s workshop to a glassblower’s studio.

Murmansk: See war memorials, enjoy traditional Russian tea and “bubliki” (a traditional Russian bread roll), explore the world’s first nuclear-powered surface icebreaker ship, or delight in Arctic seals that aid in rehabilitating children.

Ålesund: Help crew a 50-foot sailboat past islands and villages on the picturesque Sunnmøre coast.

Olden: Fly in a helicopter over the largest glacier on the European mainland.

Hellesylt/Geiranger: Sail a 60-foot wooden sailboat past waterfalls and eagles to fish the waters of this famed Norwegian fjord.

Copenhagen: Be one of the first visitors to the just-opened, eco-friendly Blue Planet Aquarium.

On board, a wine and food theme offers a savory taste of the region with guest culinary experts, such as award-winning Norwegian chef Sven Erik Renaa and Laroche wine ambassadress Gwénaël Laroche.

The itinerary visits Copenhagen, Denmark; Murmansk, Russia; Hellesylt/Geiranger, Honningsvåg, Tromsø, Leknes/Lofoten, Ålesund, Olden, and Berg, Norway; and Stockholm, Sweden with overnights on both ends.