Autumn cruises: Dive into a dazzling kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow

TWO SHOWS IN ONE

Head to Norway in the autumn for spectacular natural scenery.

Red and yellow foliage fills the wooded mountains along the coast and as the Arctic days grow shorter you may see another natural show: the Northern Lights.

Autumn cruises from Bergen sail north to Kirkenes near the Russian border – prime Northern Lights viewing territory – and divert into picturesque Hjørundfjord, a narrow fjord surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Enjoy a Viking-style feast in a reconstructed house when the ship calls at the remote Lofoten Islands or join a smaller boat and spot eagles overhead as you weave between islands towards Svartisen glacier.

Elegant wood panelling and polished brass await on board Hurtigruten’s (0208 846 2666/hurtigruten.com) MS Polarlys and you can try local seafood or reindeer fillet in the buffet restaurant.

• A seven-day Classic Voyage North from £1,310pp (two sharing), full board, including flights from London.
Departs Bergen, October 24, 2014. Or from £1,307pp departing October 24, 2015.

FROZEN NORTH

Head deep into Alaska with Holland America Line (0843 374 2300/hollandamerica.co.uk), splitting your holiday between land and sea.

You’ll spend two nights in Denali National Park, a vast natural wonderland that turns a dazzling kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow in autumn.

Beneath the snow-tipped peak of Mount McKinley you can take a drive across the tundra, go river rafting, fly fishing or hiking.

After boarding MS Statendam in Seward enjoy a day of rest as you cruise the Gulf of Alaska to Glacier Bay.

Then take in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan before finishing in Vancouver.

This ship is a great choice for food lovers.

Tuck into Double R Ranch beef and locally sourced seafood in the Rotterdam dining room. 

• A 14-night Double Denali Land And Sea tour costs from £1,599pp, (two sharing), full board.
Departs Fairbanks, September 7, 2015.
Return flights from the UK can be arranged at extra cost.