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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Try A Hurtigruten Christmas & New Year

Hurtigruten is now offering two voyages for the price of one on selected dates over the festive period, meaning a Christmas break could cost as little as £49 per person per night on full-board basis, with their unique Norwegian coastal cruising.

Hurtigruten ships offer traditional festive specialities and the typically Norwegian relaxed atmosphere. Guests who not only want to enjoy the festive atmosphere on board but also experience the Norwegian Winter’s Tale on shore have a whole host of activities to choose from, including a dog-sledding tour, a snowmobile safari and even a reindeer sleigh ride. There is something on offer for every Arctic adventurer!

On December 24, all the line's ships will moor in their respective ports for approximately 24 hours. In each location, guests are cordially invited to attend Christmas mass at the local churches. Christmas Eve is then celebrated on board with the crew and guests, and Julenissen, the Norwegian Father Christmas, pays the ships a visit.

The MS Polarlys will be arriving in Kjøllefjord on Christmas Eve, where it will stay until Christmas evening. The 12-day Classic Round Voyage departing on December 19 costs from £1,177 per person (based on two sharing, full board basis). Those taking advantage of the ‘two for one’ offer will enjoy the trip for just £589 per person. Flights are available for an additional £450 per person. The Wilderness Adventure camp excursion, including reindeer driving plus dog-sledding or snowmobile safari, costs from £235 per person.

Guests on the MS Midnatsol will be able to welcome the New Year in a very special place: after a festive New Year's Eve on board in the port of Tromsø, they can enjoy a New Year’s Day excursion to the North Cape, mainland Europe’s northernmost point. There, guests are greeted by an exclusive New Year’s concert in the North Cape Hall.

The 7 Day Voyage north on board Midnatsol, departing from Bergen on December 27, costs from £1,046 per person (based on two sharing on full board basis). Flights are available for an additional £510 per person. The excursion to the North Cape costs £165 per person. The two for one offer is for a limited period only and subject to availability.

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

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Reach The Heart Of Lapland With Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten has launched a new one-off itinerary for those who wish to explore “The Heart of Norwegian Lapland.” in 2014. 

The 12-day tour from March 25 to April 5 combines a Hurtigruten voyage on MS Midnatsol along Norway’s wintery fjord coast with a tour into the interior of Finnmark, the northernmost province of Norway and home to the Norwegian Sami. Highlights include a visit to an Igloo hotel, opportunities to meet the local Sami people and a Northern Lights tour.

The voyage will start in Bergen, the Hanseatic city steeped in tradition, and follows up with a visit to the old royal city of Trondheim, the picturesque Lofoten archipelago and the “Arctic capital” of Tromsø, and on to the port of Alta, the largest city in Finnmark. Weather conditions allowing, the ship will travel off the normal Hurtigruten course around the imposing North Cape Plateau, the northernmost point in Europe.

Passengers will then disembark for a two day land tour of the region. Highlights include a visit to the Alta Museum and its petroglyphs - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a trip to the impressive Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, a reindeer stew lunch by the open fire on cosy reindeer skins in a traditional Sami tent and a concert by local performers.

The Finnmark region is one of the best places to observe the spectacular Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. The land-based part of the trip ends with a journey to a winter camp far away from any interfering light sources to maximise chances of seeing this magnificent spectacle.

At the end of the local tour, guests will be transferred back to Alta, from where MS Midnatsol sets off on its southward journey to Bergen.

The trip costs from £1,855 per person for the 12-day trip (based on 2 sharing). Flights are available for an additional £450 per person.

More info: call 0844 448 7601 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Hurtigruten's 2-For-1 Northern Lights Offer

The Northern Lights have already started to appear in what is forecast by NASA to be one of the best seasons in a decade, due to the solar maximum. 

And anyone booking a last-minute Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Hurtigruten by September can experience this amazing phenomenon at half-price, as two people can travel for the price of one.

Hurtigruten ships sail the iconic coast of Norway, far from the effects of urban light pollution and directly beneath the Aurora Oval (the epicentre of Northern Lights activity), making them one of the best places to spot this natural phenomenon. 

The Two-for-One offer is available for voyage-only prices on 12 different dates departing October to December and for all cabin types except suites. Depart on November 9 for a 7-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen to Kirkenes on the Russian border for just £413 per person (based on two sharing on full board basis). Return international flights and transfers are available for an additional £510 per person.

The offer is valid for bookings made by the end of this month and is not combinable with any other offer.

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

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Hurtigruten's NCW Bonus

It doesn’t matter whether you want to search for the spectacular Northern Lights in Norway or camp alongside the penguins in Antarctica, Hurtigruten are offering some amazing prices on selected Coastal and Explorer voyages during National Cruise Week.

The company currently has early booking discounts of up to 25% off 2013 and 2014 voyages, but is offering those booking from September 21-29 an additional 5% off the reduced prices.

Total savings could amount to more than £3,000 off the standard brochure price, depending on the type of cabin and itinerary booked. The 5% National Cruise Week discount alone could save more than £500 per person.

Norwegian Coastal Voyages now from £1,360, including flights

Prices for the 2014 programme now start from £1,360 per person for the five night ‘Classic Voyage South’ on full board basis including flights, a total discount of £311 off the brochure price, for departures between January 1 and March 31. Book in 2013 and guests will also receive a free excursion to the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost point.

Book an expedition and save more than £3,000

Those with an adventurous streak can also make savings on selected expeditions. Join the 'Christmas Expedition 2014' and not only will guests spend the festive period with penguins, seals and whales, but make some great savings as well. The 17-day voyage to Antarctica departing on December 19, 2014, now costs from £5,987 per person – an amazing combined discount of £2,415 off the standard brochure price. The price includes return flights from London and the voyage on a full board basis.

Booking a suite on the same voyage, the cost would be £9,793 per person, including an early booking saving of £3,436 plus additional Cruise Week saving of £515 per person – a total discount of £3,951 off the standard brochure price of £13,744pp.

The offer is valid for bookings made between 21 and 29 September 2013 for coastal voyages departing before December 31, 2014, and expedition voyages departing by February 24, 2015. NB: All prices are based on two sharing a cabin.

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

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Husky Excursions with Northern Lights

Here's something you don't get the chance to do every day - take a husky sled-dog excursion while taking in the Northern Lights. But Norwegian cruise specialists Hurtigruten are offering all this - and more - on their Classic Winter Voyage this November.

The thrilling sled-ride excursion takes place on the island of Kvaløya, where guests hop aboard the special snow sledges and let the huskies pull them over the frozen landscape, enjoying stunning views of the ocean, mountains and open plateaus. During the polar night, the only light comes from your headlamps, the uniquely Nordic starry sky and, if you’re lucky, the magical Northern Lights. Afterwards, you are invited into a Sámi lavvo (tent) with an open fire and a hot drink. The excursion lasts 5 hours and costs £129 per person. 

This excursion is available on the 12-day Classic Winter Voyage on board MV Ricard Smith, which costs from £1,177pp, including flights from UK, and departs November 29.

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

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Meet The Vikings With Hurtigruten!

The British Museum is planning a major Viking exhibition in 2014, to ask the eternal question: were they a people hell bent on barbaric raiding and pillaging, or were they forward-thinking philanthropic tradesmen and explorers?

But if you want to visit their homeland to find out more, Hurtigruten’s 12-day ‘Voyage of the Vikings’ in September next year will be the ideal opportunity as it will be lead by British Museum curator and Viking expert, Gareth Williams - the lead curator of the forthcoming exhibition - who will give lectures on-board as well as accompany tours.

The voyage is a round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes, with numerous relevant stops en-route. A Viking Feast is included, of course, where passengers will join the chieftain and his wife in a reconstruction of the largest Viking longhouse ever discovered and will be regaled with stories while enjoying traditional Viking food and drink. Numerous other excursions are also available.

For those who want to truly immerse themselves in Viking heritage, there is also an opportunity to extend your stay to include a visit to Oslo, where you can visit the Viking Museum, home to genuine relics of the Viking age, including an original long boat.

The 12-day voyage departs on September 9, 2014, and costs from £2,282 per person including flights, cabin on a full board basis and airport transfers.

This unique trip features in Hurtigruten’s new Norway brochure for 2014, which is now on sale. A number of new excursions and additional year-round UK flight charters have also been included for the first time. UK Charters were previously not offered in the summer.

Early booking discounts are also available, with up to 25% off selected voyages made by October 31 (subject to availability). Customers booking a ‘Classic Voyage’ before the end of October, for travel in April or August 2014, will also receive £120 onboard credit.

The overall lead-in price for the 2014 programme is £811 per person for the five night Classic Voyage South on a full board basis (excluding flights, but including early booking offer).

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

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Norway's Autumn Magic With Hurtigruten

Autumn is a magical time in Norway as the summer fades, the coastline shifts from one season to the next with cooler evenings and even the first dusting of powdery snow on the mountaintops. The darkness arrives gradually, the sun sets earlier and earlier and it can even be a time for early sightings of the Northern Lights. 

Now, for the first time, guests travelling with Hurtigruten in September and October can enjoy the journey under a new ‘Autumn Gold’ theme, celebrating all the best things about this colourful season. This includes sailing into a new fjord, a range of new shore excursions, musical treats and new seasonal delicacies on-board.

A key highlight of this new theme will be the ships' journey into Hjørundfjord, considered one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords. For 35km, the Hjørundfjord cuts 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 villages. 

 

In addition, a new 'Taste of Norway’ excursion offers the chance to explore the region even further. Guests will visit the village of Urke before continuing on to Lake Lyngnstøyl and stopping at 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.

Food will also play an important role, with the onboard menu being tailored to the seasonal delicacies of the regions the ships visit, while there will also be tastings of autumn foods such as cloudberries and reindeer. Each night, guests can expect local specialities; for example, in Tromsø there will be leg of lamb with grilled autumn root veg and, in Kirkenes, baked King Crab and pumpkin puree followed by rump steam of reindeer with autumn mushrooms and carrots glazed in rosemary.

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

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Hurtigruten's New Summer Excursions

Animal lovers can now enjoy three new excursions introduced by Hurtigruten this summer. Available from now until the end of August, the excursions are centered around horses, reindeer and salmon and offer unique experiences that take guests even closer into the culture and nature of Norway.  All three are available when travelling on the southbound voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen.

New excursions:

LOFOTEN BY HORSE: Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Lofoten islands on horseback. Starting in Svolvear, riders will travel on island horses from the house farm in Gimsøy on the Atlantic coast and head towards Stamsund, riding through white powder sand and gently rolling hills. En route, guests pass historic sites of the Viking era – for example, the island of Gimsøy, home to the highest density of relicts from the saga period. This excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the area’s natural beauty while also getting a sense of its rich history. It is suitable for guests with little or no riding experience, as island horses are known for their gentle nature. Priced from £102pp.

REINDEER SPOTTING IN THE SUMMER NIGHT: This excursion takes guests overland from Mehamn to Kjøllefjord. Unusually, it takes place at 'night' as this time is perfect for wildlife spotting because the Norwegian summer nights are as bright as day. The route continues inland to Nordkyn, Europe’s northernmost peninsula. The first observation post is some 300m above sea level for great views, offering the chance to watch reindeer at varying distances with binoculars provided as part of the trip. The guide will provide a wealth of information about the Sami culture, their special relationship with the reindeer and life at 71 degrees north. The tour continues on to ‘Camp Summer Night’, which offers magnificent views of the Kjøllefjord and the arrival of the Hurtigruten ship. A traditional meal with reindeer meat, freshly baked bread and cranberry compote will be served and guests have the option of roasting their own meat over the open fire. Priced from £66pp.

VISIT THE SALMON: This excursion to a salmon farm takes place in Brønnøysund. Guests will find out exactly why the Norwegian coastline offers the perfect conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. Norway is one of the world’s largest exporters of fish and seafood, with some 37 million people around the world enjoying Norwegian fish every day. During the salmon farm excursion, guests can watch the salmon being fed, find out all about modern fish farming, try their hand at using an underwater camera and taste the salmon. Priced at £58pp.

In order to accommodation these new excursions, minor changes have been made to the schedule of the southbound route. The layover times in Svolvær and Brønnøysund have been extended slightly, and the ones in Bodø und Sandnessjøen shortened slightly instead. The arrival and departure times in Stamsund were pushed back by half an hour.

Classic Round Voyage this summer – prices in August lead in at £1,515pp for an 11-night voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Prices include half-board and an unspecified inside cabin. Flights are extra and cost from £450pp.

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

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Save On A Winter Arctic Adventure

Hurtigruten is offering free flights from London Gatwick, plus a free excursion to the North Cape, for anyone booking their Norwegian coastal voyage this winter, a total saving of up to £548pp. 

The offer is available on 20 selected dates this October/November for the 12-day Classic Round Voyage travelling from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far north and back again. And, with this winter tipped as the best in a decade for viewing the Northern Lights, there really has never been a better time to go. Book by July 31 to take advantage of all the savings.

The Classic Round Voyage is also the best way to discover the very best of the Norwegian coastline. The ship visits more than 30 ports of call as she travels north and then turns to make her return journey. Those ports visited at night on the way up are visited during the day on the southbound journey and, in the larger towns and cities, there is plenty of time to go ashore and join in a wide variety of excursions.

Visiting North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, is a ‘must do’ for many people taking a voyage along the coast. And, as part of this offer, Hurtigruten is giving away an excursion to this popular rock plateau, worth £98 per person. Year on year, visiting North Cape, which rises a dramatic 307 metres straight up from the Arctic Ocean, has been Hurtigurten’s top-selling excursion.

Details: Classic Voyage North from £1,177pp (selected dates in November), including 12-day round-trip voyage from Bergen, full board on the ship, return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and free excursion to North Cape. Prices in October are from £1,398pp.

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


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Dancing With Whales In Norway This Summer

Anyone who has always wanted to see whales in their natural habitat can now do so as part of a voyage on the Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten. A brand new land excursion is being introduced between June and August that allows guests to enjoy this special experience whilst taking one of its classic voyages along the coast of Norway - the first time this has ever been possible.  

The excursion is available on day five of the Voyage North and travels to the whale spotting area outside Andenes in Nordland County. Guests will disembark early in the morning at Risoyhamn and head to Andenes by coach to join the sturdy whale-watching vessel MS Reine. The ship will then travel out to the edge of the continental shelf, where Sperm whales feed on the nutrients such as octopus welling up from the abyss.

Andenes is one of the few places in the world, let alone Norway, where the continental shelf is so close to the mainland. Using hydrophones, the ship’s crew can locate the whales underwater and, in 90% of sailings, it is hoped to catch a glimpse of these giants of the deep.

After a few hours at sea, it’s back to land and onward towards Finnsnes to rejoin the ship, just before lunch. En route, there is a ferry journey across Andsfjord to enjoy a different perspective of the northern coastal scenery and see how these communities are connected by the ocean. The entire trip is approximately 7 hours and costs £205pp.

Classic Voyage North – from £1143pp 

(June 1 to July 31) A seven-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border costs from £1,143pp and includes half-board on the ship in an unspecified inside cabin (outside cabins from £1,386pp). Flights are extra.

For bookings, be sure to look up this link with our sponsors The Cruise Line, the UK's leading 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.

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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..

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.

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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!

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To The End Of The World With Hurtigruten

Journey to ‘the end of the world’ this year and visit the magnificent North Cape - Hurtigruten’s best-selling excursion. More than 54,000 guests took a trip to the famous rock plateau in 2012, making it the top-selling excursion once again.

Hurtigruten guests flocked to the northernmost point of Europe on both the ‘North Cape’ (from £98pp) and ‘Breakfast at the North Cape’ (from £129pp) excursions, with the natural attraction being the spectacular plateau that rises a dramatic 307metres straight up from the Arctic Ocean. 

The North Cape and Hurtigruten have always been closely linked. After the  shipping company expanded the route all the way to Kirkenes in the early 20th century, just a few years after its foundation 120 years ago, the ships also started to pass the North Cape and passengers could admire the famous rock plateau the ship. Later, after completion of the road to the North Cape Plateau in the 1950s, the trip to the North Cape was included in shore excursion programmes. Its appeal has remained untarnished ever since.

Tromsø, Norway’s biggest city north of the Arctic Circle, also proved a major draw for guests, with almost 21,000 of them attending the ‘Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral’ (from £44pp), the second best-selling excursion. In third was the ‘Taste of Vesteralen’ tour (from £64pp), with more than 17,000 participants. This tour explores the beautiful and dramatic scenery of the Vesterålen islands on the diverse bus tour from Harstad to Sortland.

However, Hurtigruten guests have a wide and diverse excursion programme to choose from, whatever their itinerary. For example, a total of 45 excursions are offered on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes. The maximum number and selection depends on the time of year.

Classic Round Voyage – from £1642pp:
Take the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Starting at £1,642pp from April 15 to May 31, the price includes full board on the ship, based on two sharing. Flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten from £450pp.

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.