14-Day ~ Midnight Sun Knitting Cruise (June 2026)

14-Day Midnight Sun Arctic Crossing Cruise with Kristin Drysdale
June 13-27, 2026

Embark on a unique journey with Craft Cruises, Kristin Drysdale, and other knitting enthusiasts. Sail roundtrip from Rotterdam onboard the Nieuw Statendam to ports in Norway, Shetland, and England. Experience the thrill of sailing along the craggy coastlines and dramatic fjords, with stops in Eidfjord, Maloy, Trondheim, Leknes, Tromso, Honningsvag, Lerwick, and Dover.

In June, when the Arctic region is bathed in the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun, visitors are captivated by the beauty and wildlife of one of the most remote places on Earth. This region is home to glaciers, mountains, wildflowers, seabirds, and reindeer. In addition, it is common to see beluga, humpback, narwhal, and orca whales, adding to the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic.

Your onboard Scandinavian instructor, Kristin Drysdale, is passionate and knowledgeable about knitting techniques from this Nordic region. Kristin will teach some of her most popular classes, including Ambidextrous Swedish Lovika Mittens, Nordic Sweaters/Shetland Vests, Selbu Mittens & Symbolism in Norwegian Knitting Motifs, and Nordic/Fair Isle Hats.

Cruising the North Atlantic during the Summer Solstice is when the sun remains visible 24 hours a day. Pleasant temperatures, unparalleled natural beauty, and numerous educational opportunities make this cruise a favorite among knitters. We invite you to pack your needles and join us on this knitting adventure.

14-Day Midnight Sun Arctic Crossing Cruise Highlights

• Stay in Amsterdam if you want extra time to explore that fabulous city, or keep it simple and head straight to Rotterdam before embarking on this exhilarating journey.


• In Amsterdam, visit world-class museums, take a historical canal cruise, see floating flower markets, and go yarn shopping.


• Tour iconic 18th-century windmills in Kinderdiijk or visit the quaint town of Delft, known for its scenic canals and Delft Royal Pottery.


• Plan an outing to Stephen & Penelope's yarn shop in Amsterdam, home of Westknits.


• In Eidfjord, see waterfalls and sample homemade Norwegian waffles while enjoying 360-degree views. Be sure to be out on deck when leaving Eidfjord as the ship cruises along Norway's second longest fjord, Hardangerfjord.


• Be audibly awed by the charming coastal village of Maloy on the island of Vagsoy. It is so insanely gorgeous that you will count yourself lucky to have had the opportunity to visit the most treasured port in Norway.


• Stroll through historic Trondheim, Norway's oldest city, and visit the Trondelag Open-Air Folk Museum at Sverresborg for an authentic glimpse into Norwegian life.


• In Leknes, visit the Lofoten Viking Museum and Henningsvaer Village. There, you can see felting and wool demonstrations using techniques from the Viking era.


• Snuggle husky puppies and hike with some of Norway's top-trained husky dogs in Tromso.


• Cross the Arctic Circle while enjoying North Cape scenery, a particularly memorable segment of all Arctic cruises because of its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional natural phenomena.


• Take a tour from Honningsvag to inspect the day's catch and eat a giant king crab on the beach fresh from the Barents Sea.


• Shop for high-quality yarn and view traditional Norwegian clothing at Husfliden, Norway's hand-craft guild stores.


• Shop for yarn at Shetland Wool Brokers, Jamieson & Smith, and learn about the knitters, farmers, and designers who transform Shetland's wool into high-quality yarn, knitwear, and blankets.


• Visit the Shetland Museum to learn about the cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands, including their unique history, traditions, and way of life. The museum also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding harbor and islands.


• See demonstrations of traditional spinning and knitting given by the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Weavers, Knitters, and Dyers at the Böd of Gremista and Shetland Textile Working Museum.


• From the port of Dover, visit the rolling green countryside of medieval Canterbury or head into London, where you can shop, see a few sites, or visit the V & A Museum.