Celebrate "17 May" on board
Celebrate "17 May" on board
Discover the coast of Norway in May, and experience a memorable and traditional Norwegian Constitution Day celebration!
Why Celebrate Constitution Day?
Norwegian Constitution Day, known as "Syttende Mai" in Norwegian, is a symbol of Norway's sovereignty and the freedoms its citizens hold dear. It's not just a celebration of the past; it's a testament to Norway's democratic values, unity, and cultural heritage.
Experience the Festivities from port to port
On this special day, the streets come alive with parades, music, traditional costumes (bunad), and delicious Norwegian cuisine. Families gather to enjoy concerts, speeches, and, of course, the colorful processions featuring marching bands and flag-waving children.
Join the Tradition
Whether you're in Norway or celebrating abroad, you can join in the festivities and show your appreciation for Norwegian culture and history. Share your joy on social media using #SyttendeMai and connect with others celebrating this momentous occasion.
Sail and Celebrate
- Havila Pollux (Northbound), celebrate in Finnsnes 11:00-12:00, Tromsø 14:45-18:15
- Havila Polaris (Southbound), celebrate in Trondheim 06:30-10:15 (45 min extra) a marching band kicks off the day by quay in Trondheim, Kristiansund 17:15-17:30 — or the whole day in Bergen, before you depart on your voyage 18 May.
- Havila Castor (Northbound), celebrate in Ålesund 09:45 – 20:00
- Havila Capella (Soutbound), celebrate in Havøysund 08:00-08:15, Hammerfest 11:00-12:45, Øksfjord 15:50-16:05
- The authentic coastal express visits 34 ports.
- Close to nature and Norwegian communities.
- Sail in silence on board our new ships.
- Choose any of Norway's four seasons.
- Check off bucket list experiences - Lofoten, Geiranger*, North Cape and many more.
- Geirangerfjorden*
- Ålesund
- The arctic circle
- North Cape
- Tromsø
- Tromsø
- Lofoten
- The coast of Helgeland
- Nidaros Cathedral
- The Atlantic Ocean Road
Program on board
The celebration on board starts already at breakfast and lasts all day! The crew dress up in their local "bunad", and Norwegian cakes are served in the Havblikk Bar and Lounge. The guests and the ship's crew are invited to participate in the local events, parades, and happenings in the ports we visit.
Join us in celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day! Let's come together to honor Norway's past, celebrate its present, and embrace the future with hope and unity. Happy Constitution Day to all!
Detailed programs with times and venues for each ship will be distributed on board.
16 May
- Presentation: Why do Norwegians celebrate the 17. May? (Time and place will be announced on board the ships)
17 May
- Champagne breakfast in Havrand Restaurant (at your dining time)
- Lunch in Havrand Restaurant
- Traditional sour cream porridge (Rømmegrøt) served outside at Havbris bar deck 8.
- 17th of May parade on land
- Traditional Norwegian cake table (time and place will be announced on board)
- 17th of May parade on board the ship
- Dinner in Havrand Restaurant
- 17th of May afterparty in Havblikk Bar & Lounge
Ja, vi elsker dette landet
som det stiger frem,
furet, værbitt over vannet,
med de tusen hjem.
Elsker, elsker det og tenker
på vår far og mor
og den saganatt som senker
drømme på vår jord.
1st verse of the Norwegian national anthem written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in 1859. Feel free to practice! ;) Full text can be found here