17 new cruises from North East announced including Northern Lights adventures

Newcastle will host cruises exploring nine Northern European countries, Iceland and Norway, with a Northern Lights voyage among them.

Bolette in Eidfjord, Norway <i>(Image: Fred. Olsen Cruises)</i>

(Image: Fred. Olsen Cruises)

A cruise line has unveiled a new programme of North East sailings for 2028.

The new programme from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines features 17 new sailings departing from Newcastle between February and June 2028, following 27 sailings planned from the city in 2027.

The new sailings include scenic voyages through Norway’s fjordlands, cruises timed for sightings of the Northern Lights, and journeys under the Midnight Sun in Iceland.

One of the standout itineraries is a 13-night cruise visiting nine Northern European countries.

Nine Nations of Northern Europe (Image: Fred. Olsen Cruises)

The full 2028 programme features 39 sailings across Fred. Olsen’s fleet, departing from regional ports between January and July 2028.

Among the new departures is a 10-night 'In Search of the Northern Lights' cruise, leaving Newcastle on March 23, 2028.

This itinerary includes a journey across the Arctic Circle and stops in Kristiansund, Tromsø, Trondheim, and Ålesund.

Guests can search for the Northern Lights around the New Moon, with darker skies while sailing at sea, along with opportunities for a husky ride across snowy Norwegian landscapes.

Northern lights, Tromso, Norway (Image: Fred. Olsen Cruises)

Another highlight is an eight-night 'Scenic Highlights of the Norwegian Fjords' cruise, departing May 10, 2028.

The itinerary includes sailing through eight fjords in eight nights, views of the Fureberg Waterfall, and options for kayaking or visiting the Briksdal Glacier.

Guest on tour to Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland (Image: Fred. Olsen Cruises)

The 13-night 'Nine Nations of Northern Europe' cruise sets sail on May 30, 2028, calling at destinations including Rønne, Gdansk, Klaipeda, Ventspils, Helsinki, Tallinn, Warnemünde, and Lysekil.

A 10-night 'Wonders & Wildlife of Iceland' cruise will depart on June 12, 2028, and promises wildlife sightings, the chance to cross the Arctic Circle, and views of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls and geothermal lagoons.

Guests booking by November 4, 2026, can benefit from the Freedom Fare Price Promise, ensuring the best available price within the first four weeks of sale.

A selection of cabins with no single supplement is also available for solo travellers during this period.

Martin Lister, head of product innovation at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "We know the most memorable journeys are about much more than the places you visit."

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"It's the moments along the way that make a holiday truly special.

"Whether that's soaking up spectacular scenery from the deck of one of our smaller ships, uncovering fascinating history and culture, or witnessing some of nature's most remarkable spectacles.

"Our 2028 programme has been carefully designed around those moments, helping guests discover more in every journey."

"Each sailing has been crafted to showcase the very best of each destination, with opportunities for deeper exploration, thoughtfully timed visits and unforgettable experiences that bring every region to life," he added.