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!!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

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. 

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

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. 

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

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!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Cruise Miss Takes A Day Visit To 'Norway'

Our special guest blogger Danielle Fear, aka Cruise Miss, provides a fascinating look at the MS Fram of one of our favourite cruise lines, Norway's Hurtigruten, during a day visit at Port of Tyne.

I knew she was small but, as we drove towards the terminal, I couldn’t see anything that resembled a ship. Finally, she peeked out from behind the apartment building that sits directly in front of the dock and I could breathe a sigh of relief.

At just 11,647 tons and taking only 318 passengers, MS Fram may well be small but she is the perfect sized explorer vessel in my eyes.

The chief purser introduced himself and said if I needed anything to make my way back to the front desk where they would assist me, otherwise I was free to explore as I wished. Perfect! I do like guided ship tours but sometimes, especially on a vessel this size, it’s nice to break free and explore at your own pace.

The front desk was located on Deck 4 and offered a rather pleasant seating area. The space was open but the seating was arranged in such a manner as to make it feel like you had your own square living room. One of the sections even had a TV imitating a burning fire on the wall which created a lovely feel - only to be outshone by the floor-to-ceiling windows and an unspoilt view across the ocean.

To the left there was a bistro, small shop and buffet area and to the right a small internet section and some function rooms.

As I made my way back to the other end of the ship I found the Imaq Dining Room, right aft and offering beautiful panoramic views. The tables were prepared and there was a large buffet station in the centre of the room. I was told they do a mixture of buffet dining and waiter service, varying per evening.

On Deck 7 the first door I came across led directly into the gym where I was  greeted by a space larger than anticipated. It was still small, of course, but it felt generous for the ship's size. There was more than enough equipment to keep fitness enthusiasts happy, including treadmills, exercise bikes, ping-pong table, weights and a rowing machine. The door at the back led out on to a small deck area which was home to two bubbling hot tubs.

The pleasant sun deck aft was equipped with numerous tables and chairs and, to my surprise, two huge chimney BBQ’s. Going up to the observation deck, I can only imagine what cruising through the Polar Regions on this ship must be like. It truly is designed for exploring and not missing a thing - rarely is your view obstructed from anywhere on board.

Now it was time to view some cabins and I entered number 539, the Thorvald Nilsen cabin. And what a cabin it was - everything was fitted with a dark wood yet with enough light from the huge window to avoid making it feel small, while the bathroom was one of the nicest I have seen on any ship. There was a large wardrobe space and then a small seating area with TV. This clearly was a high grade of cabin. I did view another, an inside, and the décor contrast was quite different, but it was still spacious and comfortable.

My visit to MS Fram was certainly something different; after all, she is an expedition ship built to explore not entertain with numerous bars, clubs and lounges. She was extremely modern and every crew member I had the pleasure of passing greeted me with a genuine smile and a hearty hello. I chatted with a few passengers and all seemed very happy on board; one couple even said it was their fourth time on the ship, so they clearly enjoy what she has to offer.

She certainly left me hoping I can also experience an expedition voyage one, so, in that sense, she has certainly done her job!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Hurtigruten Launches Camping In Antarctica.

Ever wonder what it’s like to camp in an expedition tent on the frozen landscapes of Antarctica? Dreamed of following in the footsteps of great explorers such as Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott and sleeping on the ice? This winter, Hurtigruten has made possible with an extraordinary new excursion that allows guests on its Antarctica voyages to pitch tents and spend a night like no other.
 

The excursion is for true adventure seekers who want to indulge their spirit of discovery. In a small group of no more than 15, guests leave the ship behind and are taken ashore where they will set up camp and spend the night, equipped with outdoor equipment specially tailored to the  region, including warm winter sleeping bags and expedition tents. Each tent sleeps two people, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for couples and friends alike.
 

The special trip was developed in collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute, in order to guarantee the safety of the guests and the protection of the sensitive local environment. All guests will receive a full briefing before going ashore for the night and all the necessary equipment for the excursion is provided on board Hurtigruten’s expedition ship MS Fram, with two members of the ship's expedition team escorting the group.
 

After spending the night on the white continent, the group will head back to the ship for a leisurely breakfast. The exact location and day of the camping adventure during the voyage will be determined by the expedition team, depending on the weather and land conditions. This excursion can only be booked on board during an Antarctica voyage and costs from £330pp.

CLASSIC EXPEDITION VOYAGE – from £3,295pp:

Explore the planet’s last untouched continent on one of the most advanced expedition ships ever built. The voyage through the Drake Passage is during Antarctica’s summer, with its incredible wildlife, including seals, penguins and whales, on full view. The10-day itinerary includes full board on the ship, local charter flights to Ushuaia and lectures. Flight packages from the UK to Buenos Aires are extra and cost from £1,392pp, including transfers and two night’s B&B accommodation in Buenos Aires pre and post-voyage. Departs Ushuaia February 13.

A voyage on November 22, as per above, costs from £3,898pp, with flight packages from £1,692pp.

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

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Hurtigruten's Weddell Sea Savings

Hurtigruten is offering savings of more than £1,400 per person for a very special departure to Antarctica this January, following in the footsteps of polar explorer James Weddell, the first man to reach 74 degrees south, on the aptly named 'Weddell Sea Expedition.'

This amazing 13-day voyage around the spectacular Antarctic Peninsular departs on January 20 with prices leading in at just £4,285pp, based on two sharing an unspecified inside cabin allocated on arrival, and full board on the ship.

Captain James Weddell discovered the Weddell Sea in 1823 and it was also here that Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, became icebound and was crushed in 1915. Guests will sail in comfort on board MS Fram, Hurtigruten’s newest ship built specifically to sail through polar waters. The voyage promises unforgettable viewings of tabular icebergs through the Antarctic Sound, and guests can get closer to the fascinating penguin colonies and ice formations on shore in a series of landings by Polarcirkel boats.

Prices include full board on the ship, flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, transfers in Ushuaia, an excursion to Ushuaia National Park, landings in Polarcirkel boats and lectures by the expedition team. International flights are extra and can be added from £1,392pp.

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

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Hurtigruten Helps Protect Fragile Arctic

Protecting the fragile environments they sail in is of paramount importance to Hurtigruten. Its philosophy of ‘take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’ is one supported by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), who will increase their number of guidelines for specific sites in Spitsbergen from 9 to 21 for 2013. They aim to ensure the continued protection of this vulnerable destination and to ensure guests can continue to enjoy visiting it in years to come.

This year, AECO extended its site inspection expedition and took a team of specialists, including biologists, an archaeologist, a botanist and other tourism experts, to the East Svalbard Nature Reserves. The work of the scientific team was to conduct biological, cultural heritage and botanical observations in order to derive practical guidelines for environmentally friendly field landings that AECO members are required to follow. 

This includes areas where Hurtigruten sails during its circumnavigation of Spitsbergen itinerary. This project is funded by the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund, a fund that all visitors, including Hurtigruten guests, contribute to via a fee incorporated into their airfares.

Hurtigruten offers three itineraries in Spitsbergen on various dates in July and August 2013.

In the Realm of the Polar Bear – This nine-day voyage offers a complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen. Prices start from £3,896pp and include seven-nights full board on MS Fram, a night pre-voyage in Longyearbyen, with breakfast and lunch, a city tour, island landings and lectures by expedition team (based on two sharing).

Flights from London to Longyearbyen via Oslo are extra and a package including flights, taxes and transfers, costs from £792pp. Departs 14, 21 and 28 August 2013.

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

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Antarctic Savings With Hurtigruten

Home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife, a visit to the White Continent is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now destination specialist Hurtigruten has made it even easier to follow in the footsteps of the famous explorers who have roamed this land, with savings of over £1,000pp on selected departures to Antarctica this winter.  

The offer is available on the ‘Classic Expedition’ voyage on selected dates in November 2012 through to February 2013, with prices starting at just £3,295pp. Bookings can be made any time from now until departure. 

All voyages take place on board MS Fram, Hurtigruten’s newest expedition ship built specifically to sail in polar waters. Guests can sit back and relax as the ship glides through this amazing white landscape or enjoy a series of onboard lectures by experts on the region. Polarcirkel boats are used to take guests ashore and closer to penguin colonies, ice formations and the wonders of Antarctica.

The Classic Expedition – from £3,295pp (was £4,304pp):

Available on 29 November, 8 December and 13 February, 2013, this spectacular 10-day voyage offers a real insight into the planet’s last untouched continent. Prices start from £3,295pp for an inside cabin and include full board on the ship, flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, transfers in Ushuaia, landings in Polarcirkel boats and lectures by the expedition team (based on two sharing).

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

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Blogging from the Arctic

From Steve Newman in Longyearbyen

Well hello! Here we are in Spitsbergen deep inside the Arctic Circle. We board Hurtigruten's MV Fram in about two hours so I'm writing this in the hotel. It's snowing! But the scenery is fantastic - wild reindeer are grazing outside our hotel but we can't go out to the end of the road as there are polar bears about!

Amazing last night sitting in the bar at 1am with the locals in broad daylight. Well, we have a meeting with the expedition staff now so I'll write again tomorrow (Internet connection permitting) and hopefully have some pictures for you.

(NB: Pic added from Hurtigruten via World of Cruising editor)

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.