Reservations 877·97·CRAFT  (877·972·7238)

21-Day ~ Polar Ice Caps Knitting Cruise (June 2023)

Holland America Line


Start Date:

   

June 11, 2023

   

End Date:

   

July 2, 2023

Polar Ice Caps Knitting Cruise (June 2023) ~ Knitting Cruises Description

21-Day Polar Ice Cap Knitting Cruise w/ Beth Brown-Reinsel
June 11-July 2, 2023


Sail roundtrip from Rotterdam with Craft Cruises and other knitters on a journey to the Arctic Circle during the summer solstice when the days are long, and the seas are calm. Sail along the craggy coastlines and dramatic fjords, stopping in Dover, Bergen, and Molde, before traveling into the Arctic Ocean some 500 miles north of the Norwegian mainland to Spitsbergen and the Svalbard Archipelago, where polar bears reportedly outnumber the residents. The Zuiderdam then circles Iceland, docking in the ports of Akureyri and Ísafjörður before overnighting in the vibrant capital Reykjavik. Finally, heading back toward Rotterdam, the ship visits Kirkwall, Edinburgh, and Invergordon near Inverness.


From mid-May until the end of July, the Midnight Sun shines over the polar cap and Svalbard, a beautiful archipelago hundreds of miles north of Norway in the Arctic Ocean. Here 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, and reindeer. In addition, it is common to see beluga, humpback, orca, narwhal, and many arctic seabirds.


Onboard, Beth Brown-Reinsel will offer a range of her most popular classes highlighting knitting techniques and designs with a Nordic influence, including everything from Icelandic Lopapeysa Pullovers to Swedish-Twined Knitted Mittens. Beth is the perfect instructor for this polar knitting cruise, with more than 30 years of teaching experience and a passion for historical knitting.


Traveling at the height of summer is optimal for visiting the Arctic Circle. Beauty abounds from ice-carved fjords to glistening glaciers and from geysers and hot springs to waterfalls. You'll almost not want to sleep and miss any sights. Knitters will be in their element as this itinerary provides unique opportunities to learn about the rich history and traditions of knitting, from Norwegian knitwear to Icelandic sweaters. Enjoy local seafood specialties, Norwegian pastries, or an ice-cold local beer. There's no better way to see the alluring North than this 21-day Polar Ice cruise, so please join us.


21-Day Polar Ice Cap Knitting 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.

  • 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.

  • Cruise through Hardangerfjord, which, at 100 miles long, is the world's fourth longest fjord.

  • Tour the Oleana Sweater factory, located on a scenic fjord near Bergen, and shop in its outlet.

  • Visit the Dale of Norway sweater store in Bergen or shop for yarn at Bergen's most popular local yarn shop, Norwegian Spirit.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of Bergen and nearby islands from atop the funicular of Mt. Floyen or stroll through the old wharf area of Bryggen, which dates from the Medieval Hanseatic trading league and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site.

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

  • In Molde, visit the Rauma Yarn Mill for yarn shopping, enjoy stunning views along the way and savor a traditional Norwegian lunch.

  • Try dog sledding in Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, some 500 miles north of continental Norway and about 650 miles from the North Pole. Here, polar bears outnumber residents, thousands of endangered Arctic birds nest, cats are banned, and reindeer wander into town.

  • Scenic cruise the Polar Ice Cap and stop in Ny Alesund, Spitsbergen, a tiny research settlement.

  • In Akureyri, Iceland, don't miss the wonderful botanical garden or the striking Akureyri Church nearby. Relax in local geothermal swimming pools.

  • Learn about Iceland's rich fishing history at the Westfjourds Maritime Museum in Ísafjörður and enjoy scenic cruising. Whale watch, or take a tour to Vigur Island, home to abundant birdlife, including puffins and arctic terns.

  • Shop for popular kits and Icelandic wool at Klæðakot in Ísafjörður.

  • Overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland's lively and artistic capital. Enjoy a Wild & Wooly Tour tour, including stops at the Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir thermal area on the famed Golden Circle loop, as well as visits to the Hespa Dye Studio, where you'll learn about dying yarn with natural colorants, and the Alafoss outlet and museum to shop for Lopi yarn and Iceland's signature hand-knit sweaters.

  • Time permitting, swim in the famous Blue Lagoon thermal pool or try the "Ritual" at Reykjavik's new Sky Lagoon Hot Springs Spa.

  • Shop at Storkurinn knitting shop in Reykjavik.

  • 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, where you'll find a great range of yarn.

  • Spend the day in the heart of The Highlands in Invergordon. This area is known for its rich Scottish heritage, Loch Ness, lush greenery, the sound of bagpipes, and rare breed sheep farms.

  • While visiting The Highlands, meet local knitters from Ripples Crafts and Loch Ness Knitting while shopping at a pop-up fiber market featuring many popular indie dyers.