We’ve had slow travel, staycations, detox holidays and coolcations - now Havila Voyages, a cruise line operating along the coast of Norway, is reporting the rise of the calmcation.

With research from the World Health Organisation showing the direct correlation between sound pollution and health, the cruise line has launched the world’s first ever noise forecast to show how Norway is the perfect location to step away from the noise of our everyday lives, full of traffic, machinery, background music and smartphones.

The company has placed sound measurement stations at several locations along the Norwegian coast and launched a new web page which includes a live feed showing current noise levels and how they compare to statistical data from cities around the world. Average figures for Vauxhall in London show as 78db, while Vardo in Norway had live sound levels this morning (2 December) of 44db. Times Square in New York averages 86 db.

A new spotify playlist of soothing soundscapes recorded in rural Norway has been launched to help anxious Brits relax after a stressful day at work. With sounds including horseback riding on the beach in Lofoten and birds singing by the river in Øye, listeners can enjoy a noise detox designed to boost their immune system and improve their overall health.

Havila Voyages’ battery powered ships are the base for the perfect calmcation, as they sail silently and emission free for up to four hours at a time through Norway’s UNESCO protected fjords. The coastal areas, particularly in the fjords, are naturally sheltered from urban and industrial noise with rugged cliffs, deep fjords, and remote islands creating natural sound barriers and preserving the quiet. The country also has strict noise pollution regulations in many areas, especially around natural sites and protected landscapes, helping to preserve the quiet coastal environment for locals and visitors alike.

An 11 night Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, back to Bergen costs from £1,355 on full board basis on a choice of departure dates in January 2025, based on two sharing an inside cabin. Flights are not included.

For more information on Havila Voyages visit www.havilavoyages.com.