Showing posts with label Hurtigruten. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hurtigruten. Show all posts

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Explore Norway on a vintage voyage - Hurtigruten offers new concept for classic ship MS Lofoten

                                                   Copyright Trond Gansmoe Johnse, Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten has announced a new concept on-board MS Lofoten from April 2015. Launched in 1964, the ship’s characteristics will be accentuated throughout her voyages, offering passengers nostalgic maritime experiences such as fishing from the ship, bridge tournaments, afternoon teas and a more traditional dining experience including a four-course dinner based on the menus of the 1960s.

This small ship can navigate waters larger vessels can’t - bringing her passengers closer to the action and closer to the scenery.  While the ship will operate on the traditional coastal voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, Hurtigruten are currently working on a number of new diversions and ports of call to add to the experience from April 2015.

Nearly 30 excursions are available with further exclusive activities offered. Passengers will be given the opportunity to fish directly from the deck, or set pots to entice the fascinating king crab and retireve the catch on the return journey. The catch of the day will be prepared and served to the lucky fishermen at the next meal. In the evenings, all those fisherman’s tales gathered during the day, can be recounted over a game of bridge and a (complimentary) glass of sherry in the vintage lounge before dinner. Afternoon teas and quiz evenings will also be part of the new on-board experience.

Prices for 12 day Classic Round Voyage costs from £1,197 per person on full board basis, departing on 15 April 2015. Flights cost from £330 return. Other duration voyages are also available.      

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog
                                                             

Thursday, 6 November 2014

Hurtigruten charter new ship for Svalbard




Hurtigruten and Spitsbergen Travel are chartering MS Nordstjernen to offer a programme of expedition style short voyages around Svalbard from 2015.

The ship will be sailing through the months of June, July and August. Holidaymakers can combine a 3-4 day voyage with the unique activities and attractions offered in and around Longyearbyen.

Guests will be able to explore Longyearbyen, BarentsburgNy-Ålesund and the entire superb north-western coast of Spitsbergen. They can expect to see Arctic wildlife with walruses, polar bears, a diverse range of bird species and other Arctic animals such as whales, foxes, reindeer, and grouse.

MS Nordstjernen departs Bergen on 1 June and visits a number of fjords in Western Norway, Ålesund Town, Lofoten, Tromsø and Honningsvåg/North Cape before setting sail for the Svalbard archipelago. The voyage concludes in Longyearbyen after the ship has visited the Moffen nature reserve at 80 degrees Latitude.

Having relocated to Svalbard, the ship will offer voyages departing from Longyearbyen every Monday and Thursday until 28 August. Prices start from £927 for a six day trip departing on 11 June including transfers, one night in a hotel in Spitsbergen on half board basis, voyage on full board basis, plus all hikes and landings. Flights cost from £520 per person.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine       Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Adventure Cruising blog

Thursday, 30 October 2014

Treat yourself with up to £200 per person on-board credit by booking with Hurtigruten this weekend.


Booking a 12 day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen, up to Kirkenes and back to Bergen this weekend will mean Hurtigruten’s guests will receive £200 to spend.  This can be spent on a range of shorter voyages such as the Classic Voyage North, Classic Voyage South and Arctic Highlights itinerary for an on-board credit of £100. The offer is valid on voyages departing before the end of December.

The  credit can be spent on drinks, goods in the on-board shop or excursions such as Husky Sledging excursion (£129pp),  a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral (£51pp) or exploring the city of Tromso (£58pp).

There will be an extra bonus for those booking a Classic Round Voyage, as they will also qualify for Hurtigruten’s ‘Northern Lights Promise’. If the lights do not make an appearance during the voyage, the company will give guests a choice of a free 7 day Classic Voyage North, or 6 day Classic Voyage South in an inside twin cabin (full board basis), departing between 1 October 2015 and 31 March 2016. Flights are not included.

The Classic Round Voyage starts from £999 per person in an inside cabin on full board basis (based on two sharing), departing on a wide choice of dates. Flight and transfer packages start from £330 per person. The offer is valid on new bookings made from 31 October to 2 November 2014 and is subject to availability.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog


Friday, 24 October 2014

Witness nature’s light show – or get a voyage for free! Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights promise extended




Hurtigruten has extended its ‘Northern Lights Promise’ to anyone booking a Classic Round Voyage before 31 December 2014. The extension means that if you book a 12 day voyage departing by 31 March 2015, and the lights are not visible from your ship, you will get a second trip next year – for free!

The season has already got off to a good start. Passengers on-board the MS Vesterålen last week were treated to not just one showing of the magical lights, but six!
Hurtigruten’s crews will be scouring the night skies for an appearance of the dancing light show. If they don’t make an appearance, Hurtigruten will offer you a choice of a 7 day Classic Voyage North or 6 day Classic Voyage South, in an inside twin cabin (full board basis), departing between 1 October 2015 and 31 March 2016. 

Flights are not included.
Prices for the Classic Round Voyage start from £999 per person in an inside cabin on full board basis (based on two sharing), departing on a wide choice of dates. Flight and transfer packages start from £330 per person.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

Monday, 22 September 2014

Cruise line's captain's favourite ports around the world


From the Northern Lights reflected in the Norwegian Sea to the breath-taking sight of the Opera House when entering Sydney Harbour, seeing a city or famous landmark from the water can be a magical experience, offering a completely different perspective on a destination.

To identify some of the most impressive views from the ocean, CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association) has surveyed a selection of captains to find out their favourite port approaches or cities best seen by sea. 

Every day this week we'll be looking at some of them. 

Tromso, Norway – Captain Arnfinn Kaasbøll, Hurtigruten

"I never tire of sailing into the beautiful city of Tromso, with its wonderful blend of traditional wooden buildings and more modern structures such as the beautiful Arctic Cathedral, all surrounded by mountains to finish off the picturesque scene. 

"However, when you approach 'The Gateway to the Arctic' with the Northern Lights twinkling overhead, it is truly spectacular. Tromso is directly beneath the Aurora Oval (the epicentre of Northern Lights activity) so we regularly have an opportunity to watch this fantastic show as it changes from light green to dark purple flickering across the sky above the city."



  
New York, USA – Captain Hakan Svedung, Norwegian Cruise Line

“My favourite city to approach by water has to be New York. The Manhattan skyline is one of the best in the world. When approaching New York early in the morning the light casts a special glow over the city-scape and with the buildings still lit you can even see an almost perfect reflection in the Hudson River – it’s just stunning.”
  



Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Enjoy a unique expedition voyage along the coast of Norway on MS Finnmarken


Hurtigruten has combined many of the elements of its coastal and explorer programmes for a one-off winter expedition voyage on MS Finnmarken. A dedicated expedition team will be on-board the ship to enhance the experience and deliver a programme of activities above that normally offered on the coastal voyage.

The 12-day voyage will follow the traditional Hurtigruten coastal route, departing from Bergen on 7 December, before sailing along the picturesque Norwegian coast to Kirkenes near the Russian border – from where the voyage back to Bergen begins.

Guests will have the chance to enjoy all of the activities currently offered on coastal voyages, but with a huge array of additional sea and land-based activities, a trip to the North Cape, talks by guest lecturers and numerous hikes.

While on board you can hear Pål Brekke (a solar physicist from the Norwegian Space Centre) giving a lecture on the fascinating Aurora Borealis, or join one of the other daily talks by the expedition team. 

Prices start from £849pp and includes the voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Bergen on full board basis in an inside cabin, North Cape excursion, hikes, lectures and a Helly Hansen fleece jacket. Flight and transfer packages are available from an additional £330 per person.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog


Monday, 15 September 2014

Exploring the Poles with Fred




The absurdly-named Fred.\ has launched a new travel brand specialising in Polar Expedition cruises.  Offering a selection of  polar expedition cruise holidays from seven specialist expedition operators, Fred.\ Expeditions will act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for intrepid travellers searching for anexpedition cruising holiday.
 
Expedition cruise lines on offer from Fred.\ Expeditions include G AdventuresHurtigrutenQuark ExpeditionsOceanwide ExpeditionsPoseidon ExpeditionsLindblad Expeditions and Silversea Expeditions. In addition to the cruises themselves, passengers can take part in on-shore expedition activities including camping, fishing, helicopter tours, hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, photography workshops, polar diving, ski-trekking and exploring the coastlines via Zodiac.

Prices start from around £2,349 per person for a seven night ‘Realm of the Polar Bear’ cruise aboard MS Expedition with G Adventures, departing 1 June 2015. This includes cruise only, onboard accommodation with meals and some beverages included. This itinerary visits Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Spitsbergen:  


A 13 night ‘Journey to Antarctica: the White Continent’ cruise with Lindblad Expeditions aboard National Geographic Explorer, priced from £7,299 per person to include cruise only, onboard accommodation with meals and some beverages included. Itinerary includes Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Antarctica.  



Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Hurtigruten promise a free second cruise if the Northern Lights don't come out to play


The Northern Lights are a natural spectacle that everyone wants to see, but they can prove elusive, as Joanne Lumley discovered when she set out to make a TV documentary about them.

Hurtigruten – operators of the cruise-cum-ferry service that operates a scheduled service up and down the Norwegian coast – are now so confident that their ships offer the best chance of observing the lights that they are offering a free cruise to anyone who does not see them.

How does it work? All you need to do is book an 11-night Classic Round Voyage before 30 November 2014, for departure between 1 October 2014 and 31 March 2015. The ships’ crews will be scouring the night skies for an appearance of the dancing light show and if they come out to play, an announcement will be made from the bridge.

If the lights do not make an appearance, Hurtigruten will give passengers a choice of a 7day Classic Voyage North, or 6-day Classic Voyage South in an inside twin cabin (full board basis), departing between 1 October 2015 and 31 March 2016. Flights are not included.

Dr John Mason MBE, aurora-hunter and principal lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester, explained: “For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, you need to stay in the auroral zone or be near to it. This is a narrow ring, roughly around the Arctic Circle, that passes right over northern Norway. Hurtigruten's voyages spend seven days within or close to the auroral zone - no one else offers that. I have been incredibly fortunate that even when the weather forecast has been rather poor, I have never failed to experience the magical Northern Lights on a Hurtigruten voyage." 

Hurtigruten’s Philip Price said: “It has been a truly spectacular couple of years for sightings of the Northern Lights in Northern Norway. We cannot guarantee that you will see the lights during your voyage, but we can do the next best thing which is to promise that if the lights prove elusive, we will give you another opportunity to see them next year.”

The 12 day Classic Round Voyage hugs the Norwegian coastline from Bergen up to Kirkenes, where it turns around and starts its journey south.  Fares start from £999 per person in an inside cabin, on full board (based on two sharing), departing on a wide choice of dates in November and December 2014. Flight and transfer packages start from £330 per person.


Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 


Adventure Cruising blog

Friday, 11 April 2014

Hurtigruten's New Greenland Wilderness Adventure


                                                      www.worldofcruising.co.uk

Hurtigruten's expedition ship MS Fram is setting off on an extended voyage to explore the north-west of Greenland. The new trip includes new harbours and points of disembarkation, allowing guests to get to know the Greenland coast, with its breathtaking landscape and unique culture.

This new 'Arctic Wilderness Adventure’ is available as an 11 or 13-day voyage, starting from June , with impressive ice landscapes, beautiful nature and wilderness, trips to small settlements and encounters with the Inuit and their culture as the focal point of the two new expeditions, which begin in Kangerlussuaq and set a northern course across Disko Bay along the west coast of Greenland.

The 11-day 'Arctic Wilderness Adventure’ (June 26-July 6) costs from £4,900 per person, including early booking discount. The 13-day version (June 14-26) costs from £5,341,including early booking discount. The trip includes return flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (the departure point), transfers and cabin on full board basis (based on 2 sharing). Flights to Copenhagen are available for an additional £360 per person.

More info: Call Hurtigruten UK on 0203 627 6069 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet?  Follow this link now!!

Sunday, 23 March 2014

Experience Culinary Delights In ‘Norway’s Coastal Kitchen’

Hurtigruten, who offer voyages along the Norwegian coast, have enlisted the help of a celebrated Norwegian food expert to offer a unique and exciting culinary journey along almost the entire length of the country, from Bergen in the South, to Kirkenes high up in the Arctic Circle.

Andreas Viestad will be helping to develop new restaurant and café concepts on all 11 of Hurtigruten’s ships that sail along the Norwegian coast, with a focus on local food of the highest quality. Menus will be developed with ingredients and themes that reflect the waters and areas that the ships sail through. To add to the culinary experience, telling the story of the local specialities will be a key aspect of Viestad’s work.

More than 80% of the food and drink served on the Hurtigruten voyage is already produced in Norway, with menus focusing on seasonal delicacies of the regions visited. However, the company has also been identifying smaller food suppliers along the coast with whom it would like to work, and, through a partnership with Innovation Norway & the Norwegian Government is helping them grow their business enough to be able to supply the ships on a regular basis.

A brand new Spring ‘Arctic Awakening’ menu is launching in April, with much of this local produce taking pride of place. For example, passengers will enjoy cured leg of lamb from Hellesylt, a town near the Geirangerfjord; baked Arctic char from the Sigerfjord near Vesterålen, with gulløye potatoes from Tromsø; or roast reindeer from Finnmark.

Other specialities include sea buckthorn and aquavit ice cream produced by the Gangstad Gårdsysteri dairy in Nord-Trøndelag and a fresh organic cheese hailing from the Grøndalen farm, served with a berry compote. There is no shortage of traditional Norwegian treats on the menu, including kvæfjordkake, a special cake made of meringue, vanilla cream and almonds, which can trace its origins to a small café in Harstad in Vesterålen.

Prices for a seven day ’Classic Voyage North’ from Bergen to Kirkenes departing in April start from £810 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

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

The next edition of World of Cruising is out this week, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.



Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Catch The Arctic Awakening With Hurtigruten

Springtime is an incredible time of year to visit Norway. As the sun returns to rejuvenate the Norwegian shores and temperatures begin rising, life returns to the land. This year it is even more accessible, with Hurtigruten offering free direct flights and a £250 saving on their 12-day 'Classic Round Voyage' along the Norwegian coast, departing in April.

At this time of year, there are great contrasts along the Norwegian coast. You can travel from a Spring climate in Bergen and head into the Arctic Circle, where signs of Winter are slower to disappear and snow caps still decorate the mountain tops. Travel as far north as Kirkenes on the Russian border and visitors can still participate in winter excursions such as a ‘Husky Sledge Adventure’ or ‘Snowmobile Safari’.

Those joining the voyage will be among the first of Hurtigruten’s customers to enjoy a trip into the Lyngenfjord. Flanked by the mighty, tall and steep peaks of the Lyngen Alps, the area offers natural contrasts with deep blue water, bubbling waterfalls and green banks in some areas, while elsewhere it shows its dramatic side with glaciers that reach from the steep banks to the fjord, rugged cliffs and deep canyons.

Depart on April 1 or 12  from London Gatwick or April 23  from Manchester and join the voyage from Bergen up to Kirkenes and back, stopping at 34 ports along the way. Prices now start from £1,043 per person for the April 1 departure, including direct return flights, transfers and the 12 day voyage on full board basis, based on two people sharing an inside cabin (subject to availability). 

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

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out this week, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.



Thursday, 27 February 2014

It's Whisky Galore With Hurtigruten!

Whiskey Galore was a classic Ealing comedy film hit back in 1949, starring Basil Radford and Joan Greenwood, but specialist Norwegian operator Hurtigruten might have their own real-life version of the idea this summer.

Their expedition ship MS Fram is currently loaded with two barrels of 21- and 25-year-old single malt whisky, which it is transporting from one end of the world to the other - a process that is said to refine the noble Scottish drop even further. After crossing the Antarctic Circle, the ship will head north to Greenland and Spitsbergen, with en-route stops scheduled in Scotland, where the whisky was first produced.

The topic ‘Whisky and its origin’ is also covered in two voyages on-board Fram in April and May. Both start in the Norwegian city of Bergen with the 12-day “British Isles in the Spring” (sailing April 24) journey covering Scotland, Ireland and England, while “The Viking Route” (May 13) lasts 13 days, and visits Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

Both journeys are accompanied by Scottish lecturer and whisky expert Bernard McGee, who will share his knowledge of single malt scotch whisky and arrange some tastings during the voyage.

Prices for ‘The Viking Route voyage start from £2,474 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin on full board basis. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

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

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link. 


Saturday, 15 February 2014

Happy 50th, MS Lofoten!


It's not often you hear about a ship celebrating its 50th birthday, but that will definitely be the case up in Norway in March, when Norwegian coastal specialists Hurtigruten will be saluting the half-century mark of the oldest and smallest ship in the fleet - the popular vintage vessel MS Lofoten

The ship made its maiden voyage from Bergen with Hurtigruten on March 5, 1964, and its birthday will be celebrated with a range of activities on board, including celebratory meals, special anniversary stamps and fishing directly from the ship, as well as special booking offers for those wishing to join in the celebrations.

By it’s 50th birthday, the Lofoten will have travelled almost three million nautical miles, transported 1.25 million passengers and docked over 75,000 times in the Hurtigruten ports. The smallest and oldest of the line's ships has been protected by a preservation order since 2011 and its traditional charm and unique character have earned it a large community of fans among passengers.

The anniversary voyage, setting out from Bergen on March 2, will be the prelude to the festivities. Numerous well-wishers and visitors are expected in the larger Hurtigruten ports, while traditional Norwegian dancing and music will also mark the occasion.

A host of other activities will also be available on board during the anniversary voyage and throughout 2014, including an exhibition of photos of the ship over the past 50 years, while passengers will also learn fascinating facts about this vintage vessel and the history of Hurtigruten in lively lectures. On the southbound route, passengers can even try their luck at fishing directly from MS Lofoten’s weather deck.

Anyone born in 1964 and therefore sharing a 50th birthday year with the ship will have a special reason to book during 2014, as they will travel at half-price when accompanied by another passenger. Other available offers include a free excursion for those booking selected cabin types.

Hurtigruten, is on a special quest for personal memories, stories, anecdotes and photos that passengers, enthusiasts or former crew members have collected about the ship. Those who submit their memories to mslofoten@hurtigruten.com by February 28 will be entered into a draw to win a Hurtigruten voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes for two people including flights.

A ‘Classic Voyage North’ from Bergen to Kirkenes, departing on MS Lofoten on April 4 costs from £834 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin on full board basis. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

More info: call 0208 846 2666 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

More Norway From Hurtigruten



Norway continues to be a popular and highly aspirational cruise region for British holidaymakers (hence our big feature on Norwegian cruises in the current issue of World of Cruising).

And those looking for more options should definitely check out Hurtigruten’s new preview brochure for 2015/16 that showcases key Norwegian and Explorer voyages and includes more direct flight charters as well as a new coastal itinerary and ex-UK ‘Fjord Highlights’ Explorer Voyage.

Discounts of up to 25% are available on selected Coastal Voyage bookings made by September 30 and Explorer Voyages made by June 30.

Coastal Voyages
Voyage-only prices start from just £819 per person for the six-day Classic Voyage South for departures from January to March 2015, on a full board basis.  

A number of new regional flying options have been added to the programme, with direct charters to Norway now offered from five new regional airports: East Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Dublin and Jersey. Additional charters have also been included from existing regional departure airports, with 69 planned in total for 2015.

Explorer Voyages
A one-off ‘Fjords Highlights’ has been added to the programme, departing from Dover on May 1, 2015. The unique 10-day trip on MS Fram sails over to Norway visiting some of the most beautiful fjords, including Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, before returning to Dover. Prices start from £1,949 per person on a full board basis.

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

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link

Saturday, 28 December 2013

Hurtigruten’s Big 2015 Preview

Working on the theory it is never too soon to start thinking of a cruise in 2015, we have a fabulous early look at Hurtigruten’s advance programme, showcasing their key Norwegian and Explorer voyages with more direct flight charters as well as a new coastal itinerary and an ex-UK ‘Fjord Highlights’ Explorer Voyage. 
 
More importantly, for early bookers there are discounts of up to 25% available on selected Coastal Voyage bookings made by September 30 and Explorer Voyages made by June 30. Here are some of the highlights:

Coastal Voyages
Cruise-only prices start from just £819 per person for the six-day Classic Voyage South for departures from January to March 2015 on full board basis. 

A number of new regional flying options have been added to the programme, with direct charters to Norway now offered from five new regional airports - East Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Dublin and Jersey. Additional charters have also been included from existing regional departure airports, with 69 planned in total for 2015.

The new eight-day ‘Arctic Explorer’ itinerary is ideal for those who want to spend as much time as possible within the Arctic Circle. The trip includes direct flights to Bodo from Gatwick or Manchester, a northbound coastal voyage from Bodo up to Kirkenes and then southbound back to Svolvær, where guests will spend two nights before transferring back to Bodo for the flight home.

The ‘Arctic Explorer’ costs from £1,579 per person for the eight-day trip on full board basis including voyage and two nights accommodation in a hotel, as well as a full day Lofoten sightseeing tour and entrance into the Bodo Air Force Museum.

Explorer Voyages
A one-off ‘Fjords Highlights’ has been added to the programme, departing from Dover on May 1, 2015. The 10-day trip on MS Fram sails over to Norway visiting some of the most beautiful fjords, including Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord before returning to Dover. Prices start from £1,949 per person on full board basis.

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!

Saturday, 21 December 2013

Hurtigruten's 2-For-1 Deal

If a trip into the Arctic Circle to experience the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, why not make your dream a reality in 2014? Norway is a 'hot' destination even when it's cold, and the choice for winter voyages in the region has never been better (it's also one of the reasons we have an Adventure Cruise feature on it in the forthcoming new issue of World of Cruising next month).

With that in mind, Hurtigruten are currently offering two for the price of one on voyages along the Norwegian Coast during January and for selected dates in February.

From Snowmobile Safaris to a Husky Sledge Adventure or even a visit to a Snow Hotel, there are a whole host of amazing experiences that can be added to your voyage to make it the trip of a lifetime.

The discounts are available on the six-day Classic Voyage South, the seven-day Classic Voyage North and 12-day Classic Round Voyage. 

You can join any one of the daily departures during January of the 7-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen up to Kirkenes on the Russian border for just £472 per person (based on two sharing on full board basis). Return international flights and transfers start from an additional £390 per person.

The offer is subject to availability, valid for new bookings made by December 31 and is not combinable with any other offer. It applies to all cabin types, except suites.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit http://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!

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!

Friday, 6 December 2013

Try Camping - in Antarctica!

If our picture (above) looks a little bleak, don't let that put you off - because it represents a unique opportunity in the cruise world to go camping in one of the most pristine places on the planet.
 
We know here at World of Cruising that our readers are a pretty adventurous bunch, hence we thought the idea of spending a night with thousands of penguins would have significant appeal. This is Paulet Island in Antarctica, and it is a truly amazing place.

And, next winter, adventure cruise specialists Hurtigruten have added an extraordinary new excursion that will allow guests to pitch tents and spend a night like no other, camping in this unworldly terrain. This excursion is for true adventure seekers who want to indulge their spirit of discovery. In a small group of no more than 15, they will be taken ashore to set up camp and spend the night, equipped with outdoor equipment specially tailored to the region, including warm winter sleeping bags and expedition tents.
 
Even more importantly, Hurtigruten is now offering this 13-day “Land of the Penguins” voyage departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, on November 19, 2014, from just £5,699 per person (for an inside cabin). Flights and one night in a hotel before and after the voyage costs from £1,750 per person, while the unique camping excursion costs approximately £330 per person (payable locally).

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 year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See
this link!


Friday, 29 November 2013

Hurtigruten Launches The Authentic Lofoten Experience


We have long been fans of the great country of Norway and feel it is one of THE great cruise destinations in the world, so much so, in fact, it will be featured as the new adventure cruise destination in the new-look January edition of World of Cruising.

And, in timely fashion, Norway's majestic mountains and picturesque fishing villages are at the centre of a new 12-day tour with specialist cruise operator Hurtigruten, combining a voyage on the MS Midnatsol along the Norwegian coast with a three-day stay in the beautiful Lofoten islands

Departing on March 3, Midnatsol will ply its usual route from Bergen, heading northwards up the coast to disembark in Svolvær where, over the next three days, guests will discover the area by land. There will be white water rapid rides on the sea, high coastal walks and plenty of other activities to highlight the attractions of the region.

The trip costs from £1,295 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin) including voyage, land arrangements, full board and full day ‘Lofoten Highlights’ excursion. Flights are available for an additional £450 from London.

More info: 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 year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!