Fjords look better from a heated deck. From the moment you step aboard the Arctic Princess, I like how the cruise turns Tromsø’s coastline into a slow glide on open water, and how the included thermal suits make it realistic to stay on deck. The other big win is the traditional fish soup on the way back—hot, simple, and very Northern Norway. The main drawback is the cold wind: even with the suits, you may not want to linger outside for long if the weather turns.

This is a short, well-paced 3-hour luxury catamaran cruise that feels friendly rather than stiff. The onboard vibe mixes warm interiors (hello Panorama Saloon) with outdoor day beds, plus a live English guide who talks through what you’re seeing. One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your way to the Floating Jetty yourself, ready to board via the ladder.

Key things I’d bet you’ll care about

• Thermal suits included so deck time is actually doable in Arctic weather
• Fish soup on the return is part of the experience, not an add-on
• Panorama Saloon gives you warm comfort with views (and coffee/tea)
• Fishing gear included and some captains cook what you catch
• A live English guide with hands-on storytelling from the water
• Meet at a floating jetty next to Scandic Ishavshotel, no pickup

Entering Tromsø’s Floating Jetty and the Arctic Princess

This cruise starts at the Down the ladder to the Floating Jetty, next to Scandic Ishavshotel. It’s an easy landmark to find, and the meeting point is right on the waterfront, so you get that immediate “real sailing” feeling instead of a bus-and-warehouse start.

When you board, you’ll feel the practical side of the design fast. Catamarans tend to be more stable than single-hull boats, and this one is set up for comfort in cold weather—warm areas where you can grab coffee or tea, plus deck space where you can get your eyes on the fjord. The ship name you’ll hear is the Arctic Princess.

The trip is also built for a smooth rhythm. You’re not pushed into constant activities. Instead, you cruise, you listen, you warm up when you need to, and you step outside when the views look worth it. That makes the whole thing feel good even if you’re traveling on a tight schedule.

Thermal Suits, Coffee, and the Panorama Saloon

Here’s why this cruise works for so many seasons: you’re given the gear to handle the cold—thermal suits for all guests. That matters because Tromsø weather can go from “fine” to “sharply cold” fast. Even if you’re dressed for winter, the wind can still cut through if you’re exposed for long.

Onboard, you’ll find two comfort modes. First, the Panorama Saloon, where you can warm up and grab a drink while still staying close to the action. Second, the deck’s day beds, where the suits let you sit out longer than you would on your own. One review called out that the view from the deck was amazing, but staying outside too long was hard during extreme cold—so think of this as flexible comfort, not a guarantee you’ll live outdoors the whole time.

I also like that the basics of staying warm are handled. You get warm coffee, tea, and a snack, which sounds small until you’re actually standing on deck in Northern Norway air. It’s the kind of included comfort that reduces the decision fatigue mid-cruise.

And one more useful detail: you’re told what to do and where to go by the crew and guide, which makes the boat feel calm instead of chaotic—especially if you’re new to cold-water cruising.

Fjord and Island Cruising Around Tromsø

The heart of the experience is simple: you glide through the fjords and islands that surround Tromsø from the water. That’s the point. From shore, the coastline can look like a postcard. From the deck, you feel the scale—mountains rising close to the water and weather patterns moving across the scene.

The guide’s job is to turn what you’re seeing into something you can actually understand. In multiple accounts, captains and guides shared stories and pointed out specific things along the way. One highlight included learning where the German destroyer Terpitz was sunk—details like that make the route feel less generic and more grounded in local history and geography.

You’ll also notice how the cruise is paced around the views. You don’t race from one location to the next. Instead, you get time to watch water conditions, check out the shoreline, and take photos when the light is right. Reviews repeatedly tie the best moments to being on the water itself—catamaran stability helps, but so does the easy rhythm of a short cruise.

Weather changes can affect the experience, of course. Rain and clouds don’t stop the cruise, and you can still enjoy the trip if you bundle up properly. Just be realistic about visibility and wind. If you go expecting constant sunshine, you’ll be disappointed. If you go expecting dramatic northern weather, you’ll be happy with what you get.

Fishing Off the Catamaran: Gear, Patience, and Tiny Catches

One reason people come back to this kind of Tromsø cruise is the small thrill of fishing from the boat. Fishing gear is included, and the crew sets it up so you’re not starting from zero. You don’t need advanced skills; you just need patience, a steady hand, and a willingness to do one small hands-on thing during the cruise.

In reviews, this part ranges from casual fun to memorable bragging rights. One couple described catching a tiny haddock, while another person caught several fish. In at least a couple of accounts, the captain handled the catch and turned it into fish soup right after.

Even if you don’t land a fish, fishing still changes the feeling of the cruise. It breaks up the time between watching the fjord and warming up inside. It also helps you feel connected to the water, instead of just observing it from far away.

Two practical notes:

• Bring comfortable shoes, since you may shift your stance while fishing and walking on deck.
• Don’t expect fishing to be guaranteed. Gear is provided, but nature decides the final result.

The Fish Soup Moment on the Way Back

The signature meal is the traditional fish soup served on the return journey to Tromsø. This is one of those rare “included food” moments that doesn’t feel like filler. It’s warm, filling, and very tied to place and routine.

A few named captains showed up in the feedback as the fish soup chefs. People credited Per Larsen / Per Larson directly, and praised how good the soup tasted, especially when it was made with fish caught during the trip. Another account highlighted that the captain handled both the fishing and the cooking, turning the whole “caught it, cooked it, ate it” loop into a simple ritual.

If you’re trying to decide whether the included food is worth it, this is your answer. You’re paying for an experience that covers more than just boat time. The fish soup gives you a clear payoff at the moment you’re likely to be cold and tired—in a good way.

And yes, dietary needs may be possible. One review specifically mentioned a vegetarian diet being accommodated. That’s not the same as a promise for every sailing, so if you have strict dietary requirements, you’ll want to confirm with the operator before you go. But the point is: they’ve handled it before.

Price and timing: does $208 for 3 hours feel fair?

At $208 per person for a 3-hour cruise, you’re paying for more than scenery. You’re getting:

• Thermal suits for everyone
• Warm coffee/tea and a snack
• Fish soup on the way back
• Fishing gear
• A live English guide
• A luxury catamaran experience on the water

When you add up those inclusions, the cost starts to make sense. A cold-weather boat trip can be expensive in practice because you end up buying “comfort” on the fly—warm drinks, layers, and snacks. Here, the comfort basics are included, plus you get the thermal suit, which is the big one.

Timing-wise, it’s short enough to fit into a day without wrecking your schedule. That’s a plus in Tromsø, where weather can shift quickly and you might need flexibility. The cruise also has different starting times depending on availability, so you can choose what matches your day best.

One thing to remember: there’s no hotel pickup. So your real “cost” is time—your walk or transport to the Floating Jetty. If you’re staying near Scandic Ishavshotel, you’ll likely find this easy. If you’re farther out, budget a little extra time so you don’t sprint to the boat.

Who this Tromsø catamaran cruise fits best

This is a great match if you want a northern Norway experience that’s scenic but also practical. You don’t need to be a hardcore sailor to enjoy it. You just need to be ready for cold air, and you’ll be supported by the thermal suits, hot drinks, and a guide who explains what you’re seeing.

I’d especially recommend it for:

• People who love boats and want a comfy ride without dealing with cold gear logistics
• Anyone who wants a hands-on moment (fishing) without committing to a full fishing trip
• Food lovers who want the included meal to be part of the story, not just an obligation
• Travelers who appreciate storytelling and factual detail, including local points like the Terpitz sinking mention in the cruise narrative

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate fish soup. It’s baked into the return portion, and it’s the standout dish.
• You’re hoping for hours and hours on deck. The deck is great, but reviews show the cold can limit how long you want to stay outside.

Should you book this Tromsø Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise?

If your goal is a high-value, 3-hour Tromsø outing with comfort built in, this one is a strong yes. The thermal suits and warm drinks remove the biggest cold-weather barriers. The fish soup gives you a satisfying payoff, and the fishing gear adds a fun element even if you only manage a tiny catch.

Before you book, just check two things: you can get to the Floating Jetty by yourself (no pickup), and you’re okay with cold wind exposure during the cruise even with the suits. If that sounds like your kind of Northern Norway day, you’ll likely end the trip warm, fed, and pretty impressed by Tromsø from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Tromsø Fjord and Islands cruise?

The cruise lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet at the Floating Jetty area by Scandic Ishavshotel. The instructions say down the ladder to the Floating Jetty, next to Scandic Ishavshotel. You can use this map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5GKAmSzwMyE3s2Dd7

What’s included in the price?

Warm coffee, tea, and a snack are included, along with fish soup on the way back to Tromsø, thermal suits for all guests, and fishing gear.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing. Smoking is not allowed.

Is a hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.