Polar Bears and Canaries

By guest blogger Steve Newman

If you think of cruises along the Norwegian coast and the high Arctic, then there’s normally one name that springs to mind first. Now Hurtigruten have announced their new 2011 brochure and the details for their two specialist ships for polar exploration, MS Fram (above) and MS Polar Star.

Polar Star is the first former ice-breaker to be fully converted to expedition cruising, whilst Fram has an ice-classed hull to reduce the risk of grounding and oil spill. The ship has 128 stylish and comfortable cabins and many high standard suites. What you have here is a vessel that was built to handle polar waters but also provides a luxurious cruise holiday environment.

Where Hurtigruten score is the combinations they offer, from classic Norway cruises to 'polar bear discovery' and the breathtaking beauty of Svalbard (where the company actively participates in the eco-friendly ‘Clean Up Svalbard’ campaign).

Spitsbergen, also known as the Svalbard Archipelago (immediately north of Norway) is only 800 miles from the North Pole. The Svalbard wilderness is spectacular, untouched and virginal - almost. Unfortunately, there are beaches which are littered with empty plastic oil drums, fishnets and other waste. Hence guests are invited to take part in volunteer action by collecting rubbish.

New cruises are also on offer to Greenland, Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords and the company have also extended their range closer to home now with voyages in the Baltic, British Isles and even a cruise along the west coast of Europe and North Africa, from Denmark to the Canary Islands, also calling at Casablanca.

Why not find out more at The Cruise Line website?

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