Spend the holidays at sea and enjoy a 'God Jul

"God Jul" is Norwegian for "Merry Christmas" and is often heard during special holiday departures of Hurtigruten's (formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage's) "Discover Winter Norway" cruise tours. Revelers experience the traditions and customs of the Norwegian Yuletide combined with the peaceful scenery of snow-clad coastal landscapes with lights glowing from villages, towns and lighthouses, and when atmospheric conditions are right, the shimmering Northern Lights flashing across the sky. Six- to eight-day holiday cruise tours, departing Bergen and Tromso between Dec. 19 and 26, are priced at $1,999 to $2,499 per person, including port changes and gratuities. A Christmas to remember The seven-day Bergen-Tromso sailing, exploring both cities and the Lofoten Islands, can be extended to eight days with a night in Oslo where the traditional Christmas market is a must-see. The eight-day Tromso-Kirkenes-Tromso spends the entire time above the Arctic Circle increasing the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis and for those looking to combine the traditional with the unusual, the "Killer Whale Safari" is a six-day adventure in Tromso, Svolvaer and Oslo, with the focus on viewing orcas as they breach, lobtail and hunt. Optional shore excursions a snowmobile safari from Kirkenes, followed by a snack of dried reindeer meat in a Sami tent; a dogsledding outing in Tromso; a trip from Honningsvag through the desolate polar landscape to the North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe; a five-course Arctic gourmet dinner; and tours of the Art Nouveau town of Alesund and the 1,000-year-old city of Trondheim. The ammenities Holiday cruises include three- and four-star hotels in Oslo and other cities with breakfast; meals on ships and safaris; inside or best available double cabin board ship outside cabins are $59 additional per person, per day; specified transfers; and a tour manager. Additional Information and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten at 405 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022; 800-323-7436 or 212-319-1300; for brochures, 800-582-0835, 24 hours per day www.hurtigruten.us.