There’s nothing more enchanting than a Norwegian winter cruise: you’ll be surrounded by snow-covered mountains as you travel through the fjords and you’ll visit beautiful towns nestled along the Norwegian coast.
But – most exciting of all – you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights, which are at their best in the winter months. The sky is illuminated with a dazzling display of rippling lights, often in shades of green, pink or purple. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Cruises are one of the most relaxing ways to travel: you can sit back and enjoy the wonders of nature in complete comfort, with stops giving you the chance to explore picturesque local towns along the route.
If you choose Ambassador’s Norway's Land of the Northern Lights Cruise, you’ll see some of the country’s most beautiful ports, including Bodø, Alta and Ålesund. The trip also includes a visit to Tromsø, which lies within the Arctic Circle, and a stop in the hidden gem of Leknes in the stunning Lofoten Islands.
This trip lasts two weeks with seven ports of call and five sea days. Your first stop is Ijmuiden on the Dutch coast, where you can experience the atmosphere of the bustling port or opt to take a tour to Amsterdam, the beating heart of the Netherlands. From there, you’ll voyage along the Norwegian coast to Ålesund, which is packed with Art Nouveau architecture and fantastic views of the fjords.
Next you’ll head north to Tromsø and experience the natural beauty of Alta. A highlight of the return trip is a visit to Bergen, where you’ll be able to explore the colourful waterfront of this ancient trading port.
All of the stress of flying is removed and travelling at a slower pace allows you to slow down too, providing a soothing retreat from the chaos of everyday life.
The pristine natural landscapes and charming towns you’ll see on your journey will inspire your creativity: whether you’re a crafter or an artist, an Ambassador Supercraft Cruise provides on-board opportunities to get crafty and try something new.
Join a Supercraft Cruise in 2026 and 2027
Combine your love of travel and crafting with a Supercraft Cruise in 2026 or 2027. Ambassador’s ships have a dedicated crafting space on board (Kapoor’s) where you can take part in a variety of arts & crafts workshops.
Julie Peasgood and her Supercraft team will guide you through a variety of crafts including stained glass, leatherwork, mosaics, lino printing, air-dried clay, jewellery making, bookbinding, embossed aluminium, lantern making, handmade miniature books, felted animals, foiled fish sculptures, vintage-inspired cards, embroidery, ribbon wreaths, monogrammed boxes and more.
These crafting sessions will help you unwind during your voyage, with the spectacular scenery creating a dream-like backdrop.
Many of the projects are themed around the ports that you’ll be visiting on your trip, giving you the chance to create mementos of your voyage!
Why an Ambassador Cruise is perfect for you
Whether you’re a first-time passenger or a frequent traveller, Ambassador offers quality cruising experiences at an affordable price.
Ambassador travels to a variety of breathtaking destinations, with routes covering everywhere from the Mediterranean to Cuba and the West Indies. Closer to home, you can explore the Irish coast or discover the wonders of Western Europe.
While you’re on board, you’ll be able to take advantage of the amazing entertainment, including West End-style shows and plays.
If that’s not enough, there’s also outstanding cuisine to enjoy, featuring locally inspired dishes and a range of restaurant options.
Make the most of the onboard facilities during your stay. There’s a gym, swimming pool, hot tubs, a range of fitness and wellness classes, plus comfortable cabins for a great night’s sleep. You’ll return feeling recharged and rested!
Ambassador offers no-fly convenience, where every guest enjoys the warmest welcome at sea. That's affordable quality cruising.
Make a folk art-inspired hat for your trip
Looking for the perfect accessory to make on your holiday? Bring this Scandi-style embroidery project on your cruise to make as a memento, or stitch it in advance to wear on your Northern adventure!
Design by Matilda Smith, stitched by Heather Nugent.
Materials
- Beanie hat with cuff: dark blue Paintbox Crafts Stranded cotton: 1 skein each of 0016 (Seacove), 0044 (Peacock Blue), 0052 (Blue Jay), 0111 (Forget Me Not), 0115 (Pink Lemonade), 0124 (Champagne White), 0139 (Spearmint Toothpaste), 0170 (Raspberry Flan), 0176 (Sandstone); 2 skeins of 0093 (Strawberry Macaroon)
- Adhesive soluble stabiliser
- Yarn: 1 ball of dark blue
- Pom-pom maker
- Darning needle
- Basic embroidery kit
- Templates
Stitches used
Backstitch, Buttonhole Wheel, Fishbone Stitch, French Knot, Lazy Daisy Stitch, Satin Stitch, Straight Stitch, Weave Stitch.
How to make a folk art embroidered hat
Step 1
Transfer the design from the template onto adhesive soluble stabiliser using a fabric-safe pen and a light source. We used a lightbox but you could use a bright window. Take the time to ensure all the lines are really clear and well defined, as this will make them easier to see once in position on the hat. Cut out with a 1cm border and stick in place to the cuff of the hat. Press down firmly across the whole design to ensure really strong adhesion. Turn the rest of the hat inside out, so that the seams are on the outside and there is no longer a cuff - this will make the hat much easier to stitch. Adhesive stabiliser is ideal for this project as it adds stability to the stretchy material of the hat and makes sure the design is clearly visible on the dark fabric.
Step 2
Begin by working the outer petals of the large central flower using Satin Stitch in four strands of Forget Me Not. Next, work the inner petals using Satin Stitch in four strands of Blue Jay, making sure to go into the holes of the previous stitches so there is no gap between. Angle all your stitches so they are worked from the base to the tip of each petal.
Step 3
Work the petals of the orange flowers using Satin Stitch in four strands of Pink Lemonade. Again, angling the stitches lengthways across the petals.
Step 4
Next, use four strands of Peacock Blue to work the stems of the orange flowers in a mixture of Backstitch and Straight Stitch; the leaves of the blossom sprig in Fishbone Stitch; and the stems of the blossom sprig in Backstitch. Keep your backstitches of an even length for a neat finish.
Step 5
Moving onto the two circular motifs on either side of the design, work these using Buttonhole Wheel in two strands of Raspberry Flan. It’s important that you keep an even tension while working this stitch; you may find it helpful to hold the previous stitch in position as you work the next stitch.
Step 6
Now, use four strands of Seacove to fill the ring around the centre of the large central flower using Backstitch. Try to keep the stitches close together so that no fabric shows through. Then, use Weave Stitch to work the centre, lining the stitch up with the template lines so it’s got an open appearance.
Step 7
Work both the leafy fronds that emanate from the central flower using two strands of Spearmint Toothpaste, stitching the leaves in Lazy Daisy Stitch and the stem using Backstitch. For the larger leaves, work a couple of short stitches when securing the loop so that it stays open; this will also help keep the stitching looking good for longer.
Step 8
For the small pink flowers, work the petals using Lazy Daisy Stitch in two strands of Strawberry Macaroon.
Step 9
Using two strands of Champagne White, work the small stars in overlapping Straight Stitches, and the centres of the small pink flowers using French Knots. Try not to trail your thread over long distances across the back of the design as this may cause the design to distort when the hat is worn.
Step 10
Finish your stitching by using French Knots to fill the centre of the orange flowers using two strands of Sandstone, work the dots around the outside of the circular motifs in four strands of Blue Jay and the blossom on the sprigs using two strands of Pink Lemonade. Make sure all your ends are firmly secured on the back before removing the soluble stabiliser following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lay the hat flat and allow to dry completely.
Step 11
Make a pom-pom using dark blue yarn and mix in Strawberry Macaroon stranded cotton every now and then, so there is an even spread of colour throughout. Open the pom-pom maker and place the front and back together. Wrap wool and thread around it until each side is full and clip closed. Use sharp scissors to cut around the edge, then insert a length of wool between the front and back of the device and tie tightly, leaving long ends. Remove the device and trim the pom-pom to even it out. If you don’t have a pom-pom maker, follow our how to make a pom-pom tutorial.
Step 12
Once dry, turn through to the right side. Thread one long end onto a darning needle and stitch in through the top of the hat. Repeat for the other long end and firmly tie the ends together on the inside of the hat.
Plan your dream break with Ambassador Cruise Line
If you love crafting and prefer travelling to warmer climes, the good news is that Ambassador has other Supercraft cruises. You’ll enjoy taking in the sights before returning to the ship for a well-earned crafting session.
The Hidden Gems of the Netherlands, Belgium and the British Isles cruise takes you from the port of Liverpool to a range of fantastic cultural destinations, covering five countries.
You’ll visit St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly, Belfast, Honfleur, Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and Ijmuiden (for Amsterdam).
Alternatively, why not head south and choose the France, Portugal and Spain Adventure cruise, which takes you all the way from London down to the historic port of Cadiz.
Book your Ambassador Cruise today
Ready to book your next adventure? Here’s our pick of the best Supercraft Cruises to save you the hard work:
Book your Hidden Gems of the Netherlands, Belgium and the British Isles cruise
Book your France, Portugal and Spain Adventure cruise
Book your Land of the Northern Lights cruise
Ambassador is offering 10% off sailings using code GATHERED10
The promotional code GATHERED10 cannot be combined with other charity/member/association/media or affiliate promotion codes or onboard future cruise offers. It may only be combined with an Ambassador Campaign Promotional code advertised on the Ambassador website. The promotional code is not valid on Ambassador’s Festive Events, selected charters and cannot be used over Ambassador’s Black Friday promotional period. The promotional code can only be used for new bookings only made directly on Ambassador’s website or through our call centre, it cannot be used for bookings made through travel agents or other third parties. Promotional code is valid on all new bookings from 17/12/24 - 18/01/25 , closing at 23:59 for all 2024/2025/2026 sailings. The promotional code may be discontinued at any time at Ambassador’s discretion. A valid membership number is required to use the promotional code. The membership number used must match the surname of the lead booker on the reservation. Ambassador reserves the right to remove the promotional code if your membership number is not validated. Should you then cancel your booking you will lose the full deposit paid. Fares subject to availability and may be withdrawn or changed without notice. For full terms and conditions of booking visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com. Extras not included: Travel insurance, travel costs to/ from the port of embarkation, port parking, onboard gratuities and service charges where a package has not been purchased (automatically billed to the onboard account), optional shore excursions, discretionary expenditure of a personal nature including hot and cold alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, gifts, shopping, laundry, Wi-Fi and communication, and any visa & health certificate charges that may apply. Ambassador Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any theme cruise activities/speakers/acts at short notice. In the event of your cruise being cancelled, you will be guaranteed a full refund. Cruise holidays booked with Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited, trading as Ambassador Cruise Line, are financially protected in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018. Copyright 2024. Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365.
