14-Day ~ Arctic Circle Knitting Cruise (Jun 2025)

14-Day Arctic Circle Knitting Cruise with Andre de Castro
June 15-29, 2025

Embark on a unique journey with Craft Cruises and other knitting enthusiasts. This exclusive roundtrip from Rotterdam to the Arctic Circle during the summer solstice is a rare opportunity. Experience the thrill of sailing along the craggy coastlines and dramatic fjords, with stops in Molde, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromso, Leknes, Lerwick, Invergordon, Edinburgh and Dover.

From mid-May until the end of July, the Arctic region is bathed in the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun. This unique phenomenon adds to the allure of the region, where visitors are captivated by the rugged beauty and wildlife of one of the most remote places on earth. This region is home to glaciers, jagged peaks, wildflowers, rare seabirds and reindeer. In addition, it is common to see beluga, humpback, narwhal, and orca whales, adding to the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic.

Onboard, André de Castro will offer a range of his most popular classes highlighting knitting techniques and designs with a Nordic influence, including Selbu Mittens, Bohus Strickning, Twined Knitting, Stranded Colorwork Cables, and an introduction to Sanqhuar Knitting. There will also be an optional knitalong project so everyone can return home with a beautiful souvenir.

André has a passion for historical knitting and traveling to remote places. He is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and shopping for yarn on this cruise of a lifetime. There's no better way to see this alluring region than this knitting cruise, so please join us. For those seeking a longer cruise, consider combining this Arctic Circle cruise with our 14-day British Isles cruise from June 1-15, 2025.

14-Day Arctic Circle Knitting Cruise with Andre de Castro 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 Molde, visit the Rauma Yarn Mill for a tour and yarn shopping while enjoying stunning views of Norways's famous Troll Road and savoring traditional Norwegian delicacies for lunch.


• Walk through Trondheim, Norway's oldest and third-largest city. Founded in AD 997, it was a Viking seat of power and the home of Norway's crown jewels.


• Enjoy North Cape scenic cruising, a particularly alluring segment of all Arctic cruises for 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.


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


• In Leknes, visit the Lofoten Viking Museum and Henningsvaer Village and see felting and wool demonstrations, just as these textiles were handled in the Viking era.


• 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.


• Walk the Royal Mile through the heart of old Edinburgh, Scotland.


• Shop for souvenir yarn at Ginger Twist Studio and Kathy's Knits in Edinburgh. Both shops are known for stocking a wide range of yarn.


• 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, where you can trace the history of fashion.