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ARNE & CARLOS' Knitting under The Northern Lights

Welcome to ARNE&CARLOS’ Knitting under the Northern Lights!

It is with great pleasure we welcome you to Norway for our knitting cruise onboard the beautiful new ship MS Havila Capella! Join us for the cruise ‘Knitting under The Northern Lights with ARNE & CARLOS!' This eventful tour will start in Bergen, where we will meet up with ARNE & CARLOS at our lovely Hotel Havnekontoret, and before we board the ship, an exciting full day tour is on the program - with visits to a yarn and textile factory. The sailing is northbound, from Bergen to Kirkenes and we will be knitting whilst chasing the dancing Northern Lights! In Kirkenes, which is the last port on the northbound voyage, we will say good bye to ARNE & CARLOS. Even though the cruise is over, the tour is not over and we will make our way south again - by plane. There will be an interesting post cruise program in Oslo, with two nights at The Hub Hotel, a full day city tour with a nice farewell lunch. The evening is free to further explore Oslo, before your return home.

We are especially delighted to introduce you to Havila Voyages which is a Norwegian shipping company which sails the classic coastal voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes, with the Norwegian coast's most environmentally friendly ships. The new ships are loaded with the world's largest battery pack, and for four hours they can sail without noise or emissions through vulnerable fjords. The batteries are charged with clean hydropower at the shore, and when the batteries are low they switch to natural gas which cuts CO2 by around 25%. Excess heat from cooling water and sea is used for heating on board. On the menu are locally made dishes from local producers, and all unnecessary plastic is avoided. To reduce food waste the meals are all a la carte - there are no buffets and the food is delicious!

February is a perfect month to do ‘the world’s most beautiful sea voyage’ and to experience the mythical Northern Lights. Although science today has revealed many of the secrets of the Northern Lights, we still allow ourselves to be captivated by the mystery of the sky's own fireworks. In earlier days, the Northern Lights were the basis of many myths and superstitions and the Latin name for the Northern Lights is the Aurora Borealis. To see the Northern Lights, there must be dark, clear skies. They are seen in the winter but most frequently in late autumn and early spring, and February is a very good month to experience this phenomenon. A few hours before and around midnight, the Northern Lights are seen most frequently and at their most intense.

The cruise will take us to several ports along the Norwegian coast, some port of calls are short, some longer. Havila is commissioned by the Norwegian government to serve the population and communities along the coast with ferry service, mail, cargo and other supplies, which means the ship is a working ship as well as a cruise ship carrying tourists. This will give you an interesting experience of the local life along the coast.

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! 

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, colourful and visually striking designs as well as their knitwear and their books. Their work is highly 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
Please note program is subject to changes

B = Breakfast    L = Lunch  D = Dinner

 

Day 1        Arrival Bergen 19 Feb 2025  (D)
Arrival Bergen, Norway from your home destination by own arrangement. Check in at your hotel in Bergen – Havnekontoret Hotel, located in the Bryggen area. Welcome reception and drinks with ARNE & CARLOS in the hotel, followed by a light evening buffet in the hotel.

Day 2        Bergen - embarkation 20 Feb 2025 (B, L, D)
After a lovely breakfast in Havnekontoret Hotel, it is time for check out and a full day tour of Bergen and the surrounding area. A very interesting visit to Norway’s oldest yarn factory Hillesvåg is on the program, with an opportunity to buy their products at the factory outlet. After this, we will learn more about Norwegian textile industry with a visit to Oleana, where they produce beautiful and fashionable knitwear. Oleana has a lovely location by the fjord, and we will enjoy lunch here. The tour ends at the Cruise Terminal and embarkation starts at 17.00. Welcome cocktail onboard MS Havila Capella with ARNE&CARLOS at 18.30. You will receive your Mystery Knitalong Kit. Dinner will be served at the Havrand Restaurant after our welcome drinks.

Day 3        Ålesund 21 Feb 2025 (B, L, D)
In Ålesund the inhabitants claim this is Norway’s most beautiful town – and they could very well be right! The city is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. During the call in Ålesund the ship will make a detour to the magnificent Hjørundfjord with unforgettable scenery. Today ARNE&CARLOS will also be giving their first interesting lecture.

 

Day 4        Trondheim  22 Feb 2025 (B, L, D)
Trondheim was founded by Vikings in 997 AD. The most famous building here is Nidaros Cathedral built in Gothic style. Explore this historical city on your own or take part in one of Havila’s optional excursions (additional cost). 

Day 5        Crossing the Arctic Circle - Bodø  23 Feb 2025 (B, L, D)
Today we cross the Arctic Circle! As we sail northwards into the Arctic waters the days get darker and with clear skies there are good chances of experiencing the Northern Lights. During the call in Bodø you may want to join Havila’s excursion to Saltstraumen – the world’s most powerful maelstrom. We sail through the Lofoten archipelago towards the pretty fishing village Svolvær, for a late evening call. If weather allows we may sail in the very narrow and mysterious Trollfjord this evening!

Day 6        Tromsø 24 Feb 2025 (B, L, D)
Enjoy Norway’s beautiful coastal scenery as MS Havila Capella sails northbound, carrying not only passengers but mail and goods as well – this is a working ship with an interesting mix of locals and tourists. In the afternoon the ship will arrive in Tromsø, gateway to the Arctic and the largest city in Northern Norway – also called ‘Paris of the North’, because of its lively restaurant and bar scene. 

Day 7        At the top of Norway – North Cape 25 Feb 2025 (B, L, D)
Arrival Honningsvåg - the portal to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the top of Europe. The very popular excursion up to the dramatic promontory is included in this travel adventure!


 
Day 8        Kirkenes - disembarkation - Oslo  26 Feb 2025 (B)
Kirkenes is the turning point for the northbound journey, the coastal express changes direction and heads south, and we say goodbye to ARNE & CARLOS, and disembark from our lovely ship. A new adventure awaits, as we make our way to Kirkenes Airport for the domestic flight to Oslo. A transfer bus is provided from the airport and to The Hub Hotel, which has a great location in downtown Oslo, near the central station, and with many attractions and restaurants within walking distance. After check in - enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure - to explore Oslo!

Day 9        Oslo  27 Feb 2025 (B, L)

Today we will have a full day city tour visiting many of the major attractions in Oslo - such as the Vigeland Park, the Holmenkollen ski jump and the Folk Museum. A lovely lunch is included - which will be our last together as a group, our farewell lunch! After returning to the hotel in early afternoon, take the opportunity to do your own exploring, or maybe last minute shopping in Norway!
 

Day 10       Oslo  28 Feb 2025 (B)

After breakfast at your own leisure, check out from Hotel The Hub, for individual departures for your home destinations - by own arrangement. Thank you for joining us on this adventure and safe onward travels!

 

 

Havila Coastal Express

MS Havila Capella

The Havila ships are classic and beautiful with décor that reflects Norwegian landscapes including the sea, the sky, mountains, and glaciers. Natural materials and Nordic design create a warm, genuine and unpretentious atmosphere, in which you are sure to feel at ease. You can enjoy the scenery gliding by outside from the ship’s many public areas. Comfortable seats and panoramic windows give you the best possible views of the Norwegian coastline.

On board, the emphasis is on providing passengers with spacious cabins. The cabins are intended to be pleasant places to relax during the day and sleep well at night. The typical Nordic décor reflects the landscape through which you will be sailing. Most of the cabins have sea views, while others are located inside the ship. The cabins and suites range from 16m² to 45m², and can accommodate up to four people.  All cabins have wifi and USB ports.

Havila Excursions

Havila offers interesting excursions along the coast and the expedition team on board will give talks about the ports of call and information about the excursions. Read more about them here


Havila Food Stories

The location along the coast will determine the menu onboard Havila Voyages. This gives great freedom of choice and fosters a closer appreciation of the different parts of the country in which you are sailing. Havila Voyages has divided the world’s most beautiful sea voyage into four parts, each with its own unique flavors and dishes. This means that the menu changes every three days, so you can also go on a culinary voyage of discovery, with something new and exciting every day. At the same time, they also have some set dishes so that you can enjoy those you like best throughout your trip. Whichever you choose, the flavors are based on the best ingredients from the land as well as the world’s best seafood from the clean, cold waters of the Norwegian Sea.

Read more about Havila here

 

Cabins

On board these new coastal cruise ships, the emphasis is on providing passengers with spacious cabins. The cabins are intended to be pleasant places to relax during the day and sleep well at night. The typical Nordic décor reflects the landscape through which you will be sailing.

Most of the cabins have sea views, while others are located inside the ship. Some of these are small, with just two beds and make an inexpensive alternative if you are not travelling far. The cabins and suites range from 16m² to 45m², and can accommodate up to four people.  All cabins have TV, free wifi and USB ports.

Read more about the cabins here: https://www.havilavoyages.com/the-ships/cabins

Interior cabin (single use only)

 

Superior Seaview cabin with double or twin beds (single or double use)

Jr Suite with balcony and double bed

Lighthouse Suite 

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.

Clarion hotel Havnekontoret
Slottsgaten 1, Bergenhus, 5835 Bergen

The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret enjoys beautiful surroundings in Bergen's Bryggen area, just a short walk from Fisketorget, the Fløibanen funicular and St Mary's Church.

Read about Havnekontoret here

Tourleader

Your tour leader for the journey will be Githa Kristensen from Aller Travel. Githa has been arranging knitting and garden tours with ARNE & CARLOS for several years. Githa has worked in the travel industry always, as a tour leader, on cruise ships, and as a travel agent. For this cruise, Githa will meet you at the hotel in Bergen  - together with ARNE & CARLOS, and she will assist with all practical matters throughout the tour. Githa is also a keen knitter, and loves the sea and sailing. 

Prices in USD

PRICE SPESIFICATION:

Seaview Superior twin/dbl per person:        NOK 46 500,- (USD 4400) 

Jr Suite Balcony dbl per person:                   NOK 63 000,- (USD 6000)

Lighthouse Suite dbl per person:                  NOK 78 000,- (USD 7400)

 

Interior cabin single use:                                NOK 53 500,- (USD 5100)

Seaview Superior cabin single use:              NOK 66 500,- (USD 6300)

Included in the tour package:
  • 1 night accommodation in a double room incl breakfast at Hotel Havnekontoret in Bergen
  • Welcome reception with ARNE & CARLOS in the hotel, followed by an evening meal
  • Bergen tour and visit to Hillesvåg yarn factory and Oleana, including lunch
  • Cruise on MS Havila Capella hosted by ARNE & CARLOS, all meals included
  • Havila’s excursion to the North Cape is included
  • Mystery Knitalong Kit and lectures by ARNE & CARLOS
  • Domestic flight from Kirkenes to Oslo, transfer to Clarion The Hub
  • 2 nights accommodation in a double room incl breakfast, at Clarion The Hub, Oslo
  • Oslo full-day city tour including farewell lunch
  • Tour leader from Aller travel is Githa Kristensen
The price does not include:
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for the ship’s crew, guides and drivers (not compulsory)
  • Optional excursions

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 the 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 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
N-4001 STAVANGER
Norway

4. PAYMENT

Payment of deposit NOK 3000 per person is due immediately for all bookings.

The full amount due must be paid 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 60 days before

100 %

60 – 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 to 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. CONTACT INFORMATION

Aller Travel AS

Postboks 1169 Sentrum, 0107 Oslo, Norway

TEL: + 47 917 93 754

Githa Kristensen

 

Departures & booking

DateMeeting pointDestinationDurationSpots leftFrom price

February 2025

19/2Meet at Hotel Havnekontoret, BergenKnitting under the Northern Lights with ARNE & CARLOS10 daysSold outNOK 46,500Book on waiting listMore information