Tromsø: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Tromsø’s fjords are best appreciated from the water, and this three-hour cruise gives you a comfortable way to do it. The Arctic Princess catamaran carries you past mountain-lined shores and islands, with indoor seating, an outdoor deck, thermal suits, and a warm bowl of fish soup on the way back.

I like the small-boat feel and the chance to fish rather than simply watch the scenery slide past. I also like the human touch: captains such as Per Larsen, Paolo, Luka, Kurt, and Carter have made the trip memorable with local stories and cooking. The main drawback is simple: three hours on cold water can feel long outside, especially on a wet or windy day.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours from central Tromsø: Meet at the floating jetty beside Scandic Ishavshotel, with no hotel pickup included.
• Views from the water: The route takes you among fjords, islands, and the mountains surrounding Tromsø.
• Fishing is part of the fun: Gear is provided, though a catch is never guaranteed.
• Warmth is built in: Thermal suits, coffee, tea, and indoor shelter help take the edge off the Arctic air.
• Fish soup closes the trip: A traditional soup is served on the return journey, often cooked by the captain.
• Small-group atmosphere: Several bookings have resulted in intimate trips, and some have even been upgraded to a smaller boat.

Setting out from Tromsø’s floating jetty

You meet the boat down the ladder to the floating jetty beside Scandic Ishavshotel. This is a handy central meeting point, but you need to make your own way there because hotel pickup is not included.

The boat is the Arctic Princess, a luxury catamaran designed for sightseeing in northern waters. The three-hour length is well judged. You have enough time to leave the city behind, enjoy the fjords, try fishing, and eat without giving up an entire day in Tromsø.

As the catamaran moves away from the harbor, Tromsø quickly feels smaller. The city gives way to open water and mountain views. I like this early part because it changes the pace of a Tromsø visit. Instead of rushing between viewpoints or waiting for the next activity, you settle into the rhythm of the sea.

The English-speaking guide or captain provides commentary during the trip. The style appears to vary with the person leading the cruise. Per Larsen has been praised for combining stories, humor, cooking, and boat handling, while Paolo, Luka, Kurt, and Carter have also received warm mention for their friendly approach and local anecdotes.

That personal style matters here. The scenery is dramatic, but a boat trip can feel passive if nobody explains what you are seeing. A good captain turns the surrounding mountains, islands, and waters into a connected story.

Fjords, islands, and Tromsø’s mountain frame

The main attraction is the view. You cruise through the waters around Tromsø, with fjords and islands opening out beyond the city. The mountains give the trip its northern character, particularly when the air is clear and the peaks reflect in the water.

Weather will shape the experience. Clear skies can make the views spectacular, while rain does not necessarily ruin the trip. One February outing still produced excellent views despite wet weather. The boat gives you several ways to enjoy the route, so you are not forced to stand outside for the entire journey.

The Panorama Saloon offers a sheltered place to watch the scenery through the windows. On deck, day beds provide a more open view, and thermal suits are available for every guest. These suits are useful, not decorative. Northern Norway can feel sharply cold even when the water is calm, and the suit lets you spend longer outside with a camera.

Bring warm clothing anyway. The tour specifically recommends comfortable shoes and warm clothes, and you should follow that advice. The thermal suit helps with the outer cold, but warm layers, gloves, and a hat will make moving between the inside and outside areas more pleasant.

There is also something satisfying about seeing Tromsø from a boat rather than only from land. The city’s setting becomes clearer. You see how the water connects the islands and how the mountains close in around the urban center. It is a calm, spacious introduction to the region.

Fishing with the captain’s gear

Fishing gear is included, giving the cruise a practical activity beyond sightseeing. You can try fishing from the catamaran while the captain keeps the boat positioned in suitable waters.

The catch can be modest. One outing produced a tiny haddock, while another group caught several fish. That is part of the charm. You are not booking a serious fishing expedition with a guaranteed haul. You are adding a little hands-on fun to a scenic boat ride.

I would especially recommend this feature for couples, families, and mixed groups. One person can fish while another stays warm inside, takes photographs, or listens to the commentary. You do not need to be an experienced angler, and the fishing gear is already supplied.

The strongest version of the experience comes when the catch becomes part of lunch. The captain may use the fish in the soup served later, creating a direct link between the water and the meal. That will not necessarily happen on every trip, so treat it as a welcome possibility rather than a promise.

The fishing also helps break up the three-hour schedule. Without it, the cruise would be mainly a sightseeing trip. With it, you have something to do with your hands while the scenery changes around you.

Warm drinks, day beds, and the Panorama Saloon

The Arctic Princess is arranged for comfort rather than rugged expedition travel. You can take coffee, tea, and a light snack during the cruise. The saloon gives you a warm base, while the deck offers day beds and wider views.

That balance is one of the boat’s better features. You can step outside for photographs, then return indoors before the cold becomes unpleasant. You can also watch the scenery through the windows while drinking something hot.

Do not expect a long restaurant service or a full meal during the outward journey. The food offering is light at first, with the fish soup served on the return leg. If you need frequent snacks, it is sensible to eat before boarding, especially since the tour lasts three hours.

The boat’s comfort also makes this a better choice for people who want Arctic scenery without signing up for a highly physical outing. There is no hiking involved in the basic cruise. Your main challenge is managing the cold and deciding how much time you want to spend outside.

Smoking is not allowed. That is worth knowing before you board, particularly because the catamaran is an enclosed shared space.

The fish soup on the return to Tromsø

The fish soup is one of the most praised parts of the cruise, and it gives the trip a strong local finish. It is served as the boat returns to Tromsø, after the fishing and sightseeing have worked up an appetite.

The soup is traditionally flavored and may be prepared by the captain. Per has been singled out for his cooking, with several outings describing his soup as a highlight. Other captains have also received praise for the dish, so the meal seems to be treated as part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

This is not just a practical bowl of food to keep you warm. It connects the cruise to Norway’s coastal food traditions. Fish has long been central to life in northern Norway, and eating a hot fish soup on the water feels more appropriate than receiving a generic packed lunch.

Vegetarian meals have been accommodated on at least one outing, but the supplied information does not explain the full range of dietary options. If you have an allergy or strict dietary need, confirm it before booking rather than assuming the soup can be changed.

The soup also helps compensate for a less-than-perfect day. In very cold conditions, staying outside for long periods can be difficult. A hot meal in the saloon gives the return journey a welcome sense of comfort.

How the weather changes the trip

Tromsø’s weather can shift quickly, and this cruise is not a weather-proof sightseeing bus. Wind, rain, and low temperatures may limit your time on deck, even with the thermal suits.

That does not mean you should only book on a sunny day. The boat has indoor space, and clear views can still appear through breaks in the weather. Several outings have had impressive scenery in less-than-ideal conditions.

Still, your expectations should be realistic. If your main goal is to photograph sharp mountain reflections, keep some flexibility in your schedule so you can choose a calmer or clearer day if possible. If your priority is simply getting out on the water, listening to local stories, and eating something hot, the cruise can work well in mixed weather.

The outdoor deck is the best place for wide views, but the cold can be intense. One January outing found the afternoon extremely cold and treated the soup as the best part of the trip. That is useful advice: thermal suits help, but they do not turn Arctic weather into summer.

Group size and the feel on board

The atmosphere can be more intimate than the word luxury catamaran might suggest. One summer group had only about ten people, allowing plenty of room to fish, talk, eat, and take photographs without feeling crowded.

Small numbers are not guaranteed, but the operator has sometimes continued with very small bookings rather than canceling. One couple was upgraded to a smaller boat and effectively received a private outing. That kind of flexibility is a real advantage, though you should not book expecting a private charter.

A smaller group also gives you more access to the captain. You can ask questions, hear stories, and get help with the fishing gear. On larger departures, the experience may feel more like a standard sightseeing cruise.

The guides are an important part of the value. Per Larsen has been described as a captain, cook, storyteller, and host in one. Other names connected with the trip include Paolo, Luka, Kurt, and Carter. The exact guide matters less than the fact that this is not designed as a silent, self-guided boat ride.

Is $208 a fair price?

At $208 per person, this is not a budget way to see Tromsø. You are paying for a three-hour cruise, a luxury catamaran, thermal suits, hot drinks, a snack, fishing equipment, an English-speaking guide, and fish soup.

The price makes the most sense if you value comfort and a small-group setting. You are not simply paying for transport across the water. You are paying for the boat, the captain’s commentary, the chance to fish, the warm indoor area, and the meal at the end.

For someone interested only in a quick fjord view, a cheaper sightseeing option may be better value. For someone who wants to spend a relaxed half-day on the water and prefers a more personal experience, the price is easier to justify.

The three-hour format also helps. You get a substantial outing without losing a full day that could be used for another Tromsø activity. If you are visiting for a short stay, that efficient timing is worth considering.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility, especially when weather is part of the decision.

Who should book this Tromsø cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• Mountain and fjord views without a demanding hike
• A comfortable boat with both indoor and outdoor areas
• A small-group activity with room for questions
• A simple fishing experience rather than a dedicated fishing charter
• A warm meal connected to local coastal food
• A three-hour outing that fits neatly into a busy Tromsø schedule

It is especially suitable for couples and families with mixed interests. One person can fish while another photographs the islands or stays in the saloon with coffee.

You may want to skip it if you dislike boats, cannot tolerate cold weather, or want a guaranteed catch. It is also not the best match if your only goal is northern lights viewing, since this particular cruise is focused on fjords, islands, fishing, and daytime scenery. The same operator may offer a separate northern lights trip, but that is not this experience.

Should you book the Arctic Princess?

Yes, if you want a relaxed and personal way to see Tromsø from the water. The strongest reasons to book are the combination of excellent mountain views, practical warmth, fishing, and homemade fish soup.

The main caution is the price and the weather. At $208, you should want more than a short boat ride, and you should be prepared for time spent indoors if the day is bitterly cold.

For me, the best reason to choose it is that the trip has several layers. You get scenery, local stories, a little fishing, and a meal prepared on board. If that sounds better than simply looking out a window for three hours, this is a strong Tromsø outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from the floating jetty beside Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø. You go down the ladder to reach the jetty.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the floating jetty beside Scandic Ishavshotel.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What food and drinks are included?

Coffee, tea, and a light snack are included during the cruise. Traditional fish soup is served on the return journey to Tromsø.

Are thermal suits provided?

Yes. Thermal suits are provided for all guests. You should still bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes.

Is fishing included?

Fishing gear is included, and you can fish from the boat. A catch is not guaranteed, but some outings have caught haddock and other fish.