Showing posts with label Geirangerfjord. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Geirangerfjord. Show all posts

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Want An A-fjordable Cruise? See These Two!

Inspired by our forthcoming feature on Norway in the new-look January edition of World of Cruising, here are two great offers for cruises to the region next May, one from Royal Caribbean and the other from Celebrity Cruises. Both are well worth considering...

Explore the Fjords with Royal Caribbean
Head to Norway and discover amazing scenery and local culture on board Independence of the Seas on an eight-night cruise from just £669 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The price is based on a May 17 sailing and includes an eight-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Skjolden, Flam, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

 Enjoy Norway extras with Celebrity
Explore the Norwegian fjords while enjoying any TWO of the following special offers: a complimentary drinks package, worth up to $1,400; up to $300 onboard credit; and/or fully-paid gratuities. These bonuses come with Celebrity Eclipse on an eight-night Norway voyage from just £1,199 per person (based on two sharing an ocean view stateroom). The price is based on a May 2 departure and includes the eight-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Bergen, Flam, Geiranger, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment onboard; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit
www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Hurtigruten Add Lyngenfjord

                                                                               Ørjan Bertelsen
There is no doubt Norway is one of the 'hottest' cruise destinations around right now (it's one of the reasons we will be featuring it in our Adventure Cruise section of the new-look World of Cruising edition due out on January 10).
 
And, when something new comes along, we are keen to highlight the additional options for visiting this amazing part of the world. Like this one...

In spring of next year, Hurtigruten guests can look forward to a new highlight as the beautiful Lyngenfjord, located east of the Lyngen Alps, will be featured on the southbound Hurtigruten voyage.

New excursions give guests the opportunity to explore Arctic birdlife up close, for example, on a kayak tour near Tromsø or on a trip to the national park on the Varanger Peninsula, home to a vast variety of different bird species.

Lyngenfjord is the latest fjord to be added as a seasonal addition to the regular Hurtigruten route. During the summer months (June to August) the ships will visit the famous Geirangerfjord, while in autumn (September to October) a trip to the imposing Hjørundfjord is a fixture on the sailing plan. The legendary Trollfjord is also visited all year round if weather and snow conditions allow.

The six day ‘Classic Voyage South’ from Kirkenes to Bergen costs from £1,053 per person for departures in April and May. The price includes the voyage on full board basis (5 nights) based on two people sharing. International flights, transfers and one night in a hotel on a B&B basis can be added for an additional £590 per person.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit .
www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Hurtigruten's Anniversary Voyages

Anyone who wants to help make history can join one of 11 ‘In the Wake of Richard With’ anniversary voyages being offered by Hurtigruten this summer. Treats include a special sailing into Lyngenfjord in the Lyngen Alps area, the chance to get even closer to Norwegian culture with a series of on-board concerts plus special menus inspired by the 1893 era. The 11 special departures are available each day from June 21 and all include July 2, which marks 120 years since Richard With captained Hurtigruten’s very first departure from Trondheim along the Norwegian Coast.   

Hurtigruten has never sailed into Lyngenfjord as part a main itinerary before and, as a special treat, each day during this 11-day period, a ship will stop here while travelling south-bound between Skjervoy and Tromso. Located in the Lyngen Alps, Lyngenfjord is 300km north of the Arctic Circle and guests can expect mountain peaks rising more than 1,000 metres directly from the fjord, blue glaciers, cascading rivers, gleaming mountain lakes and deep ravines. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet a local prawn trawler and its fishermen, who come on board with freshly caught prawns.

Integral to these anniversary voyages will be bringing Norwegian culture and history even closer and special on-board concerts are planned: 
  • In Geirangerfjord, a young 19-year-old fiddler and folk musician who has won various awards will perform in local costume. 
  • In Tromso, Hurtigruten will focus on the electronic genre of music made famous by Royksopp as guest are joined by ‘Sounds of Nature,’ two young students who describe their music as sound art.
  • And, in Berlevag the Berlevag Men’s Choir will perform a midnight concert on the quay.
To mark the occasion, special menus are being created by Hurtigruten’s team of chefs that are inspired by the food on board DS Vesteraalen in 1893. Each ship will enjoy its own onboard anniversary celebrations on July 2, in true Norwegian style. Guests should expect cake, coffee, music and much more.

This sailing period starts with MS Midnatsol departing Bergen on June 21, followed by the complete fleet, with MS Lofoten being the last ship of this period, departing Bergen on July 1.

Classic Round Voyage – Daily from Jun 21-Jul 1: priced from £2,137 per person, to include 11 nights half-board on the ship and all the anniversary celebrations. Flights and transfers are extra and cost from £450pp. This price is valid on June 21, 27 and 29.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists..

Monday, 17 December 2012

Hurtigruten Adding Hjørundfjord In 2013

For the first time in 20 years, Hurtigruten has expanded its sailing schedule by adding the spectacular Hjørundfjord (above), one of the most stunning fjords in Norway. Located in the Sunnmorsalp mountains, all ships will sail into the new fjord in September and October as part of their daily journey up and down the coast of Norway.

The newcomer is one of the most outstanding fjords in Norway, situated amidst the majestic Sunnmorsalps, not far from the big brother of fjords, Geirangerfjord. For 35 kilometres, the Hjørundfjord cuts its way into the alpine mountains and offers the chance to get far away from the tourist bustle, taking guests past steep rock walls, green meadows, mountain farms and secluded small villages.

For those who want to explore this new region further, guests will have the chance to disembark and explore the new fjord on a shore excursion called a ‘Taste of Norway’. The ships will stop at the village of Urke in Norangsdalen, one of Norway’s wildest and narrowest valleys. From there, passengers will travel by bus to Hellesylt and Lake Lyngstol, where they visit the remnants of a settlement that sank into the sea after a massive landslide hit the area more than 100 years ago. 
 
The next stop is the Hotel Union in Øye. Built in 1891, two years before Hurtigruten began its service along the Norwegian coast, the hotel has hosted royalty from Germany, Holland and Sweden. An added treat is the opportunity for guests to enjoy some of the region's culinary specialties, plus free time to explore the town.

A Classic Round Voyage including sailing into Hjørundfjord – from £1,398pp:
 
Enjoy a 12-day voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border and back again. Prices lead in at £1,398pp between September 15 and October 31 and include full board on the ship. Flights are extra.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure cruise specialists.

Thursday, 28 June 2012

Best Of Norway With Hurtigruten

Guests onboard a Hurtigruten ship officially have a head start on anyone trying to complete Lonely Planet’s recent list of the ‘Top 17 Experiences in Norway', as 15 of those 17 experiences are possible to enjoy with the Norwegian cruise specialist. 

Most of the list can be completed while voyaging along the famous Norwegian Coastal Voyage route that Hurtigruten has been operating for nearly 120 years. This includes: the number one experience of Geirangerfjord, A UNESCO World Heritage Site; Number five - exploring the colourful historic buildings of Bergen’s Bryggen; and number 15 – Sami culture, the indigenous people of the far north of Europe. 

Other choices such as Svalbard (number seven) can be experienced on Hurtigruten’s 'Spitsbergen Explorer' sailings with MS Fram during the summer months, or visits to Oslo (number 17) by extending the stay as the city is a major gateway used by the company's guests.

How the list lines up with Hurtigruten’s offerings:

1. Geirangerfjord: top site on most Norway lists, visited on Coastal Voyage, from April to September.
2. Lofoten Islands: historic fishing region, stunning scenery, visited on Coastal Voyage, including Trollfjord experience, year round.
3. Hurtigruten Coastal: “…the iconic Hurtigruten coastal ferry takes you on one of the most spectacular coastal journeys anywhere on earth.” – Lonely Planet.
4. Northern Lights: Hurtigruten has a dedicated programme of Hunting the Light Voyages, Oct-Mar.
5. Bryggen, Bergen: starts or ends the Coastal Voyage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Hiking the Jotunheimen: an exception – not part of Hurtigruten options.
7. Svalbard: home to 1/6th of the world’s polar bears, offered by Hurtigruten Spitsbergen Explorer Voyages during the summer.
8. Kystriksveien (coastal route): Hurtigruten’s excursion “The Atlantic Road,” winner of 2005 “Engineering Feat of the Century”.
9. Oslo-Bergen Railway: or “Norway in a Nutshell” is a great alternative to flying from Oslo to Bergen.
10. Pulpit Rock: only other exception – not part of Hurtigruten options.
11. Stave Churches: medieval wooden churches surviving only in Norway (except for one), can be seen on excursion “The Atlantic Road” and during the visit of “Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum”.
12. Dog-sledding: available on Coastal Voyage as winter excursion in Tromsø, Kirkenes and Finnsnes.
13. Wildlife-watching: many possibilities aboard and on excursions such as Bird Safari, Sea Eagle Safari, King Crab Fishing.
14. Ålesund: Port call on Coastal Voyage, excursions include Art Nouveau tour, and Aquarium and Mount Aksla.
15. Sami culture: “A Taste of Lapland” excursion takes guests to a Sámi camp and a visit with a local Sámi family.
16. Tromsø: Coastal Voyage port with four-hour stopover; excursions include dog sledding, Polar History Walk, and huskies and pups at Wilderness Center.
17. Oslo: easy layover stop for Hurtigruten guests – one of Norway’s true gems.         
 
Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations – including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen – as well as year-round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring. The company’s fleet of 13 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 guests, allow travellers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more information follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.

Saturday, 3 March 2012

Free Flights From Hurtigruten


Spring along Norway’s coast is a magical time as the days get warmer and colour gently returns to the landscape. Hurtigruten has now made it easier to experience this beautiful season with the offer of free flights on selected departures in April. 

Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north and back, the ship calls at more than 30 ports, many of which are never visited by larger ships.

Customers travelling at this time will also be able to enjoy their journey under the new ‘Arctic Awakening’ theme, which includes a wide range of shore excursions and onboard activities. As part of this, guests will have the opportunity to learn new skills, such as how to shell prawns and fillet fish, all under the guidance of local fishermen who come on board especially for this purpose. In addition, from mid-April, the ships sail into the famous Geirangerfjord (above), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a big draw for many travellers.

Classic Round Voyage: Take the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Starting at £1,587pp, the price includes full board on the ship and free flights with BMI from London Heathrow on selected dates in April. Based on two sharing.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

A Canary Islands New Year or Norwegian Fjords Summer?

Bring in the New Year with Royal Caribbean on board their Independence of the Seas on a 12-night Spain & Canary Islands cruise, and pay just £949 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

This fab lead-in price includes the 12-night cruise, departing from Southampton and calling at Lisbon, Funchal (Madeira), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Tenerife and La Coruna before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment onboard, plus all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on the December 29 departure.

For more information or to book use this link for specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Or how about planning a summer voyage? You can have fun in the Fjords with Celebrity Cruises aboard their Celebrity Eclipse on an eight-night Norwegian cruise from just £937 per person in May (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

This price includes an eight-night cruise departing Southampton and calling at Bergen, Flam, Geiranger (above) and Oslo before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on a May 4 departure.

For more information or to book use this link for agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

148 Countries Tune In To Hurtigruten!

Reports show that 148 countries around the world tuned in via TV, the live stream on the internet or via embedded players to watch the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation’s (NRK) 134-hour non-stop live coverage of a voyage with Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes. Broadcast June 16-22, the show has also been accepted by the Guinness Book of World Records for the Longest Live TV Documentary.

The show, on national TV channel NRK2, brought a sense of euphoria to the country. In total, three million Norwegians watched the show, representing almost three quarters of the country’s population and produced record-breaking ratings for NRK2. In addition, 2.9 million watched the streamed voyage online, almost half of these from outside Norway. The UK was the fifth most popular country for online viewing figures.

Social media across the globe also joined the frenzy. During the TV show, Hurtigruten was the trending topic on Twitter, at one time with one tweet every six seconds. The show’s Facebook-site ‘Hurtigruten minute by minute’ received 65,000 ‘likes’ during the five-and-a-half day voyage.

Kathryn Beadle, managing director at Hurtigruten said: "Nobody could have imagined just how popular this show proved to be. Along the coast, crowds turned up in every port to welcome the ship and boats joined in to escort her along the way. The impressive figures clearly show the incredible interest there is in Hurtigruten’s voyages along the Norwegian coastline and the global fascination there is for NRK’s innovative concept – Slow-TV.”

Hurtigruten, established in 1893, has been en-route ever since and is an important part of the Norwegian infrastructure and one of Norway’s best-known travel brands. The classic coastal route is known as the world’s most beautiful voyage and this was exactly what viewers from all over the world were able to see. All of Norway’s beauty was shown live on TV including Geirangerfjord and the western fjords of Norway, the crossing of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands, North Cape and the midnight sun. The broadcast resulted in all-time high visits on Hurtigruten’s websites around the world and all-time high ratings for NRK2. Coverage can still be enjoyed at www.nrk.no/hurtigruten/.

Find out more about the classic Norwegian coastal voyage at www.hurtigruten.co.uk or, for bookings, contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Saturday, 2 July 2011

Silversea Adds More Relais & Chateau Voyages

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce that four additional voyages this year will feature the exclusive "Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs" interactive cooking school.

"Our L'École des Chefs cooking school is proving extremely popular with guests and we're pleased to roll it out to more voyages this year," said Rudi Scholdis, Silversea's director of culinary development.

The new L'École des Chefs voyages for 2011 are:

NORTHERN EUROPE

Voyage 4122: Silver Whisper departs Stockholm July 23 on a seven-day sailing to Copenhagen with calls in Tallinn, St. Petersburg (three-day/two-night stopover) and Helsinki. Silver Savings fares start at £3,068.

Voyage 1121: Silver Cloud departs Copenhagen July 30 on a 17-day round-trip sailing, with calls in Alesund, Geiranger, Helleysilt, Lofoten, Tromso, Honningsvag (North Cape), Murmansk, Archangel (overnight visit), Hammerfest and Kristiansund. Silver Savings fares start at £5,583.

FAR EAST

Voyage 3126: Silver Shadow departs Incheon (Seoul) September 23 on a 12-day sailing to Hong Kong, with calls in Qingdao, Shanghai, Jiangyin, Nanjing and Xiamen. Highlights include cruising the Yangtze River and overnight stays in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Silver Savings fares start at £3,968.

Voyage 3127: Silver Shadow departs Hong Kong October 5 on a 12-day sailing to Singapore with calls in Chan May, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Ko Samui, and Kuantan. Highlights include overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Silver Savings fares start at £3,968.

Through its exclusive partnership with Relais & Châteaux, the distinguished international association of charming properties and gourmet restaurants, Silversea enjoys the privilege of featuring the only Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs cooking school at sea. The innovative programme offers guests a special culinary curriculum, including hands-on instruction, and entertaining events hosted by Silversea culinary trainer David Bilsland. Educated in classic French cooking, Bilsland's career includes several years as a chef instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London. He presents a programme developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, the owner of L'Auberge Bretonne and a consulting Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The curriculum for each of these cruises is carefully designed to celebrate the cultural flavour of the ship's itinerary. Highlights include specialised workshops covering a range of topics from basic knife skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship's own culinary team; a "Lunch and Learn" event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired "Take It Home" recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a "Market to the Plate" experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a "Culinary Outing," an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue where guests can enjoy a unique culinary exploration.

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include complimentary return economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes. The $500 (V4122 and V1121) and $1,000 (V3126 and V3127) Onboard Spending Credit is offered per suite, based on two people sharing, for use towards additional benefits such as shore excursions, the spa, boutiques or the wine restaurant.

For more info, visit www.silversea.com or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

The World's Longest Live Travel TV Programme?


134 Hours LIVE with Hurtigruten

This is a travel TV at the extreme! Tomorrow (June 16), adventure-cruise specialists Hurtigruten and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) will embark on a 134-hour non-stop live broadcast.

At least nine cameras will be used during the voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes on board MS Nordnorge to stream the action live into homes across Norway and via the Internet to the rest of the world.

The show will feature real experiences on a minute-by-minute basis, including interviews with the guests and crew along the way. NRK have dedicated their second largest channel NRK2 to the show.

During the marathon broadcast, viewers will be able to experience the amazing Norwegian coastline, celebrated worldwide for its natural beauty and untouched scenery.

The itinerary includes the western fjords with UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, the coast of Helgeland, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, and the North Cape. The route, of course, includes a wealth of other breathtaking sights.

So, whether you fancy whetting your appetite or want to relive a trip you have done in the past, go to http://hurtigruten.co.uk/live where the show will be streamed live. To book a Hurtigruten cruise, visit the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Saturday, 19 March 2011

Hurtigruten Launches Free Flights Offer

To celebrate the launch of BMI’s new direct service from Heathrow to Bergen, Hurtigruten is offering free flights on a limited number of departure dates in April for its Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, plus additional savings off the brochure cruise-only price of up to 22%. Prices lead in at £1544 per person, including full board and free flights.

The offer is currently available on April 16 (covering the Easter break), April 27 and 30 departures on either Trollfjord of Midnatsol, two of the leading ships in the fleet. The popular UNESCO destination of Geirangerfjord will have just opened up for the summer, allowing the Hurtigruten ships to sail into it, which is an experience many people wish to enjoy.

The Classic Round Voyage calls at more than 30 ports of call as it travels north and on the return journey, with many of the ports that were visited at night on the way up being visited during the day on the way back, so there really is the chance to enjoy everything.

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE WITH FREE FLIGHTS – From £1544 per person including 11 nights full board voyaging from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far north and back, plus free flights from London Heathrow (based on two sharing).

For more information, contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd or http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/.

Saturday, 12 March 2011

New Ex-UK Cruise from Celebrity

Celebrity Cruises has announced their bumper summer 2012 itineraries for UK-based Celebrity Eclipse. Be one of the first to sign up for the brand new 14-night Iceland & Fjords cruise from just £1,599 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes a 14-night Iceland & Fjords voyage (cruise-only) departing from Southampton and calling at Reykjavik (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Klaksvik (Faroe Islands) and then Geiranger (above), Alesund, Olden and Bergen (all Norway), before retuning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on July 7, 2012, departure.

For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or contact the cruise agent specialist of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Tuesday, 15 February 2011

118 years on – Hurtigruten keeps postal traditions alive

Did you know that on board Hurtigruten it is possible to send a postcard or letter home with a unique Hurtigruten stamp? Having started life 118 year ago as a service carrying mail, freight and locals to remote areas along the coast, the traditions are still alive today with passengers able to buy Hurtigruten stamps onboard and the whole postal process on board is manual and, as such, these stamps have become a collector's item.

The stamps come in five designs detailing iconic places along the coast including: Geirangerfjord; the Arctic Circle; Trolljord; North Cape; plus one is dedicated to the ship on which they are bought. For added authenticity, the stamps also give an extra special touch on board – they show the date on which the passenger passed the location depicted on the stamp.

As the stamps have no value specified on them, the mail is passed on to the Norwegian postal service in a special envelope. It is at this point that the post receives its postmark and is distributed. The Hurtigruten stamp collection is available for mail within Norway and Europe and costs 25NOK for a postcard or letter to Europe.

Petter Overa, hotel manager on Hurtigruten’s ship Trollfjord comments: “No machines are used on board, we do everything manually, giving the process a personal and authentic touch. When we sail into Geirangerfjord or cross the Arctic Circle, many passengers rush to buy their stamps date-marked with the day they were there. It’s a great tradtition to think Hurtigruten started life delivering mail and here, 118 years on, we are still carrying out this role in our own way.”

A six-day Voyage South from Kirkenes in the far north to Bergen in the south costs from £1043pp on a full board basis from April 15-May 31.

To book, visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or contact the UK's adventure cruise specialist of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Thursday, 30 December 2010

Best Cruising Moments 2011

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Well, 2010 has nearly gone now and it's time to look back at some of my personal cruise moments from the past 12 months, as detailed here on Time Spent At Sea.

Crossing the Arctic Circle and seeing the midnight sun on the Hurtigruten has to be my best cruise moment. In fact, the whole cruise with them was simply amazing, from the lush, wooded sides and waterfalls of the Geirangerfjord to the frozen, barren tundra of The Nord Cap.

Climbing the 400 steps of Skellig Michael in Ireland to get to the stone beehive huts of the 6th century monastery as it rises out of the Atlantic comes a close second. This round-Britain cruise with Zegrahm Expeditions also visited the Shetlands, Bass Rock (above), The Scilly Isles, Jura and St Kilda looking at 13 wild and ancient islands. A truly memorable experience.

The rise of adventure/eco-cruising is also extremely heart warming to me, as more and more of the world is made accessible by zodiacs on small luxury expedition ships, with usually no more than 100 passengers on board. You don’t have to be 100% fit or under 25 to do these trips, either, and most have five-star comforts waiting for you when you get back on board.

Companies such as American Safari Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, Aqua and Cruise North Expeditions are all putting time, effort and resources back into the environment and the local people. This theme continues with more cruise companies now actively pursuing a “Green” policy and even the bigger lines like Royal Caribbean and Costa now actively incorporating environmental considerations into their ships' design and sailing practices.

May we see more of it in 2011!

PS: If you missed it, here was my Hurtigruten feature sailing the classic Norwegian coastal voyage in World of Cruising magazine earlier this year: http://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/ship-reviews/the-norwegian-way-1205.html