Day 3 with Fred Olsen to Norway

Steve Newman continues his voyage from Liverpool to Norway (and back) with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines...

Yesterday, we were invited to the “Traditional English White Glove Afternoon Tea” held in the Observatory Lounge.  Scones, cream, jam, pastries, mini chocolate éclairs, sandwiches and tartlets, plus chilled champagne with a choice of four teas. The whole affair was rounded off by the waiters in their impeccably smart outfits.

This morning we came in to Bergen. There can’t be many cities with such a beautiful approach by sea, with all the islands and coloured houses in the woodlands lining each side of the fiord. There were also two White-Tailed Eagles soaring over the  cliffs, which made the birders aboard very happy!

Today is Norway’s National Day, so we are looking forward to the parades and banners in the city. Tell you all about it tomorrow!

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line. The UK’s cruising specialists.

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Great Late Deals From Holland America

Holland America Line is offering exceptional value on 2 no-fly cruises this May, with prices starting from just £399 per person for seven nights in the Norwegian Fjords, and £799 per person for 14 nights cruising the Baltic Sea, based on two sharing. These round-trip cruises from Dover depart on May 11 and 18 and include full board accommodation on the 1,260-passenger MS Ryndam, plus a free upgrade to an Ocean View Stateroom.

The seven-night Viking Sagas cruise

This round trip departs from Dover on 11 May and takes in some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery and fascinating ports. Sail right into the scenic capital of Oslo to experience ancient Viking culture and the paintings of Edvard Munch. Visit pretty Kristiansand, one of Norway’s “White” towns, with traditional wooden houses, then Stavanger, in a gorgeous lake-land setting, and pretty Ulvik. While onboard, guests can also enjoy scenic cruising of Oslofjord, Lysefjord and beautiful Hardangerfjord from the decks of the ship. Prices start from £399 per person for seven nights’ full-board accommodation in an inside stateroom, based on two sharing. Free upgrades to Ocean View Staterooms are also available.

The 14-night Jewels of the Baltic cruise

This round trip from Dover departs on 18 May and heads straight to the vibrant Danish capital of Copenhagen. Guests will then spend a full day exploring the history of Berlin at Warnemunde, before sailing to the picturesque city of Tallinn in Estonia. Ryndam then makes a leisurely overnight stop in St Petersburg, before calling at the elegant Finnish capital of Helsinki. Next, the cruise is Sweden-bound, paying an overnight stop in the trendy city of Stockholm and sailing through the Stockholm archipelago on the way to the medieval World Heritage town of Visby. The ship arrives back in Dover on 1 June. Prices start from £799 per person for 14 nights’ full-board accommodation in an inside stateroom, based on two sharing. Free upgrades to Ocean View Staterooms are also available.

Whilst at sea, guests can also take advantage of the Culinary Arts Centre, which features cookery demonstrations, as well as sampling the Ryndam’s choice of elegant restaurants and lounges, and being pampered at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.  

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

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Hurtigruten Make Norwegian Dreams Come True

If sailing the Norwegian Fjords is on your ‘must-do’ list for 2013, then this special offer from Hurtigruten is sure to make that dream come true.

 

Anyone booking a full or half voyage along the Norwegian coast before November 30 can save up to 25% off the brochure price. Whether it is a summer voyage to see the Midnight Sun, a winter trip in search of the Northern Lights or a spring or autumn voyage to enjoy the changing seasons, savings can be made on departures throughout the year.

 

The offer is applicable to the popular 12-day Classic Round Voyage starting in Bergen in the south and travelling above the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes and back plus the two half voyages, the Voyage North or the Voyage South. The saving is also valid on the Classic Norwegian Discovery itinerary, which travels from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim.

 

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

 

Classic Round Voyage: Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen, 12 days

Summer: June 1 to September 14, from £1,893 per person, saving £631pp off the brochure price.
Winter: Jan 1 to March 14 and Nov/Dec, from £1,177pp, saving £392pp.

Classic Voyage North: Bergen-Kirkenes, 7 days

Summer: June 1 to September 14, from £1,279pp, saving £426pp.
Winter:Jan 1 to March 14 and Nov/Dec, from £826pp, saving £275.

All prices are full board and based on two sharing. Flights are extra. Must book by November 30.

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

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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.

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Hurtigruten Offers Big Autumn Savings

Fancy sailing along the Norwegian coast, set against the beautiful and brightly coloured backdrop of autumn? Thanks to a special offer from Hurtigruten, it is now possible to do so for less and save 45% on its Classic Round Voyage. Available on selected departures during September and October, prices now start from £1,015pp.

The offer is applicable to the popular 12-day Classic Round Voyage starting in Bergen in the south and travelling above the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes by the Russian border, before returning once more. Hues of red, orange and yellow fill the surrounding mountainsides and hilltops and, while the temperature remains pleasant, many of the ships have fewer guests on board, offering a truly relaxing voyage.

The Classic Round Voyage is available on September 10 and 21 and October 2,13 and 24, with prices starting at just £1015pp (saving up to £786pp), including direct flights from London Stansted, transfers and full board on the ship (offer based on two sharing).

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

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

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A Grand Voyage To The Fjords

There’s still time to plan a last-minute break to the mighty fjords of Norway and Iceland this summer with Voyages of Discovery, and from just £879 per person.

For those with a sense of adventure, the 'Nordic Natural Wonders' cruise offers a footloose programme designed for seasoned hikers and amateur ramblers alike, giving them the opportunity to get off the beaten track to explore untamed landscapes such as Mount Fløien in Bergen and hike in Flam with the chance to see its famous railways.

The cruise, sailing July 12, starts from £879 per person and the price includes the 14-day voyage departing from Harwich and calling at Bergen and Flam (Norway), then Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur, Reykjavik (all Iceland) and Torshavn (Faroe Islands) before returning to Harwich.

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

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Solo Travellers Get Northern Lights Boost

Hurtigruten is offering solo guests the chance to travel on selected departures to Norway to see the Northern Lights this winter with no single supplement. Representing a saving of up to £484pp from the brochure price, this new offer is valid on certain dates from October to December on select itineraries.
 

The offer is applicable on bookings made on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage, seven-day Classic Voyage North and six-day Classic Voyage South. All voyages are on a full board basis.
 

The popular winter months provide excellent opportunities to see the Northern Lights, particularly north of the Arctic Circle where they are more frequently spotted. Following some phenomenal sightings last winter, the solar activity this winter is also expected to be extremely high.

Classic Round Voyage – from £1,363pp: Enjoy a 12-day voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border and back again. Prices lead in at £1,363pp on select departures in November and December and include full board on the ship. Flights are extra.

 
Voyage South – from £744pp: This six-day voyage south starts in Kirkenes, far north by the Russian border and travels down the coast to Bergen in the south. Starting at £744pp on selected departures in November and December, the price includes full board. Again, flights are extra.

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

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Best Of Norway With Hurtigruten

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

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

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

How the list lines up with Hurtigruten’s offerings:

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

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations – including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen – as well as year-round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring. The company’s fleet of 13 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 guests, allow travellers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

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

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Save The Albatross With Hurtigruten

Norwegian and Polar cruise specialist Hurtigruten has been an active participant in many of the remote areas it visits on its expedition voyages and often raises money for needy causes. And, from this summer, new fund-raising activities will take place on MS Fram’s Arctic and Antarctic voyages that focus on helping to raise money for the ‘Save the Albatross’ project run by the Bird Life International Foundation. The albatross, which visitors to Antarctica often see flying past from the deck of their ship, faces extinction mainly due to industrial long-line fishing.

So, to help in publicising its plight, Hurtigruten will raise funds by auctioning off items at the end of each Explorer voyage. Among the items being auctioned are the unique nautical chart of the respective voyage, signed by the captain, a Hurtigruten flag signed by all crew members, and expedition team jackets. 

Each destination MS Fram visits raises money on board for campaigns run by a range of organisations. For example, in Antarctica, funds raised go to the Save The Albatross and Antarctica South Heritage Trust. In Greenland, funds collected go to the “Association of Greenlandic Children.” Since the auctions were first launched in 2007, €140,000 has already been raised.

Hurtigruten sails to some of the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen, as well as year-round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring.

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

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More Northern Lights From Fred. Olsen

The latest on line edition of World of Cruising magazine is now available. Click on this link to read it and enjoy cruising even more.

Following the huge success of this winter's inaugural Norway cruise in search of the Northern Lights, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has two similar itineraries for next winter, both aboard Boudicca and departing from Portsmouth on February 9 and 25, each one for 16 nights.

After leaving Portsmouth, Boudicca travels north, making her first call into Molde (Romsdalfjord). This fjord town is famous for two very different things – roses and jazz. Winter visitors will find a very attractive, snowy vista, as well as one of the biggest folk museums in Norway. After another day at sea, Boudicca reaches Tromsø, and it is from here guests can make their ‘Northern Lights’ pilgrimage.

There is a two-night stay in this port, maximising the chances of guests seeing the spectacular sight. Other attractions include the Tromsǿ Wilderness Centre, where visitors can meet some of the 130 huskies. The tours to view the ‘Northern Lights’ take place late at night, because the best chance of a successful display is between 10pm and 2am. The next port takes Boudicca even farther north, to Altar (Finnmark), with the option to travel to Hammerfest, thought to be the most northerly town in the world. 

Prices for these two cruises with a difference start from £2,299 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’. This price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. The excursion ‘Chase for the Northern Lights’ departs from Tromsø and takes five to seven hours, and is priced at £70-£80 per person – advance booking is essential. Guests leave the ship in early evening and are driven into the wilderness; tour guides check in advance to find the most likely place for a successful viewing – although Nature’s most spectacular firework display obviously cannot be guaranteed!

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

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A Trip 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 57,000 guests took a trip to the famous rock plateau in 2011, making it one of Norway's most-visited destinations.

Hurtigruten guests flocked to the northernmost point of Europe on both the ‘North Cape’ (from £82pp) and ‘Breakfast at the North Cape’ (from £108pp) excursions, with the natural attraction being the spectacular plateau that rises a dramatic 307 metres straight up from the Arctic Ocean.

Tromsø, Norway’s biggest city north of the Arctic Circle, also proved a major draw for guests, with almost 20,000 attending the ‘Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral' (from 41pp), the second best-selling excursion. In third place was the ‘Arctic Capital Tromsø’ tour (from £45pp), with more than 18,000 participants. The city was recently named as one of the top 10 cruise destinations of 2012 in the Frommer’s Guide.

Guests have a wide and diverse excursion programme to choose from, whatever their itinerary, whenever they sail. A total of 45 different 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: Take the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, starting at £1,989pp from April 15 to May 31 (price includes full board on the ship; flights are extra).

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

Picture Johanes Jens

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Welcome Back The Spring With Hurtigruten

As the snow slowly melts away, the sun ventures back above the horizon and the days get longer, the Norwegians celebrate the return of spring. Now, for the first time, guests travelling with Hurtigruten between March 15 and May 31 can enjoy their journey under a brand new ‘Arctic Awakening’ theme. This includes a wide range of shore excursions and onboard activities and the celebration of the Norwegian National Day on May 17.

Shore excursions take guests closer to the marine life, migratory birds and coastal animals and allow them to experience the Norwegian spring awakening first-hand. Included is the brand new ‘Kayaking in Tromsø’ excursion where participants paddle along the coast surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape. 

Other excursions include a trip to the largest seabird colony in Scandinavia on the bird island of Runde and to the national park on the Varanger peninsula, which is home to an overwhelming number of different species of birds.

The theme of the activities on board is ‘Secrets of the Sea’ and guests will get the opportunity to learn different skills, such as how to shell prawns and fillet fish, all under the guidance of local fishermen who come on board especially for this purpose.

The zest for life shown by Norwegians during spring finally culminates in the National Day, which is celebrated on board all ships in the Hurtigruten fleet, with guests and crew coming together to celebrate with handmade banners, singing and dancing. 

In the ports, guests can mingle with the locals amidst a great deal of excitement and laughter, with many locals coming on board to sample the delicacies of the Norwegian cake buffet. A variety of talks are also offered on the ships, providing guests with information about the history of National Day, the royal family of Norway and the national costumes.

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

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Tromso and the Northern Lights

Continuing Steve Newman's 'live' blog on the classic Norwegian coastal cruise with Hurtigruten: 

The Lights came out last night at Lofoten and they were INCREDIBLE. Flashes of yellow and red in a green bamboo curtain that kept twisting as we watched.  Brilliant last night as well as we found ourselves berthed alongside the southbound Hurtigruten.

Everyone piled off the ships to explore the other one for half an hour before we had to sail again. A Norwegian man visiting the dentist two stops down said they had superb views of the Lights last night so, perhaps, we will as well again tonight.

We're off to the city-port of Tromso today and, hopefully, we'll get views of the Northern Lights like this over the city. I love Tromso and am so looking forward to dining in one of its excellent fish restaurants. 

As we're at sea most of today, in between brief calls at the small ports that make up the 'taxi' route north, I may even take a dip in the pool or the outside jacuzzi!

Sadly I'm getting off at Tromso to fly home (you can get here from five UK airports now) so here's hoping for some spectacular Lights tonight! 

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

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The Arctic Circle with Hurtigruten

Continuing Steve Newman's 'live' blog on the classic Norwegian coastal cruise with Hurtigruten: 

Well, what a fabulous walk around Trondheim yesterday. The amazing cathedral and the old wooden houses of the old town; the vivid colours of the warehouses now converted into restaurants or studios along the river. Bit of a skating rink with the snow but that just added to the fun! 

Loads of Norwegian school childen got on the ship this morning and they are all desperate to practice their English!

Today we are going to cross the Arctic Circle, marked by a globe on a small islet  near Nesna, and now we're getting into serious Northern Lights country! After a stop at Bodo, we're striking out deep into the Arctic ocean to the Lofoten Islands.

We are due to arrive at Stamsund about 7pm and are then off to a real Viking feast ashore. When we leave the islands, we navigate through the narrow Raftsund Strait and the Troifiord, where we are going to get traditional fishcakes on deck!

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

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Day 2 Of Our Hurtigruten Cruise

Continuing Steve Newman's 'live' blog on the classic Norwegian coastal cruise with Hurtigruten: 

Well, here we are on the second day of our cruise along the Norwegian coast with Huirtigruten's MS Finnmarken. 

Today we're calling at Trondheim with its magnificent cathedral. If it looks familiar it's because it was built by English stonemasons and has strong architectural similarities to Lincoln Cathedral.

Although there is so much to see, watching people getting on and off the ship on its 'taxi' route, collecting cargo, etc, it's the way the landscape slowly unfolds around you as you sail ever northwards that sticks in your memory.

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

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Save Big With Hurtigruten This Spring

With every season in Norway holding its own unique appeal, there is always something different to see and experience. Thanks to a new special offer from Hurtigruten, it is now possible to travel for less and save up to £456 per person on selected departures this spring.

Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage, seven-day Classic Voyage North and six-day Classic Voyage South, guests can take advantage of the special prices on various dates during March, April and May when booking an unspecified inside or outside cabin before March 31, which will then be allocated on arrival. 

More importantly, a voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

The ultimate journey is the full Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back to Bergen. There is no better time to enjoy a voyage than during spring – a time of true awakening when the daylight returns, snow begins to melt and the landscape emerges in a riot of colour from its crisp, white winter blanket. 

The Classic Voyage now costs from £1,536pp (a saving of up to £456); price includes 12 days full voyage with full board on the ship and fuel supplement. The Norwegian Discovery Voyage now costs from £1,442pp (saving up to £429); price includes 11 days voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. Voyage North now costs from £1,067pp (a saving of up to £319pp); price includes seven days voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. The Voyage South now costs from £840pp (saving up to £250pp); price includes six days voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. 

In all cases, flights are extra and price is based on two sharing an unspecified outside cabin on selected dates in March and April. Book before March 31 for savings.

For booking details, see this link to UK cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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A Canary Islands New Year or Norwegian Fjords Summer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hurtigruten Launches New 2012 Brochure

Fancy kayaking silently in the fjords against an impressive mountainous backdrop? Or learning prawn-shelling skills from local Norwegian fishermen? These are just two of the activities available in 2012 as part of Hurtigruten’s new ‘The Spring Awakening’ onboard programme, which runs from 15 March to 31 May.

For next year, Hurtigruten is focusing on the different experiences the four seasons offer in Norway as they each offer something unique to enjoy. In addition, for 2012, Hurtigruten will be offering a range of packages that include flights from Stansted for added value, plus an extended Opera Voyage for those who like something a little different. The Spring Awakening programme aims to enrich the voyage with onboard activities and new land excursions.

It takes guests closer to the teeming life in the ocean, the migratory birds and the inhabitants of small communities. It includes activities such as fishermen coming on board and presenting skills such as shelling prawns with the guests, on board lectures and, for something a little different, during the spring a saxophonist plays on deck. In addition, customers can now enjoy a new excursion ‘Kayaking in Tromso’ which offers the chance to paddle in the waters off the coast of Tromso and enjoy the views and get closer to the marine life. Hurtigruten use stable, double sea kayaks and no experience is needed. Priced from £129pp.

For those with music as a passion, Hurtigruten has extended its annual ‘Opera Voyage’ from four days to 12 where, alongside the set programme of concerts, additional concerts ashore can be added to make even more of the journey. The voyage features soloists and musicians from the National Norwegian Opera and provides an extra dimension to a winter sailing.

In addition, optional concerts can be added in impressive arenas such as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, the North Cape Plateau and the Lofoten Cathedral, making this opera voyage a magical and memorable journey. Priced from £1,232 per person for a 12-day voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, it departs on 6 January including 11 nights full board on the ship, a tour leader and various concerts (based on two sharing).

Flights are not included and can be added from £400pp (price valid for bookings made before 31 December). For those looking for great value and direct flights, Hurtigruten’s 2012 flight inclusive packages from Stansted to Bergen are available on selected dates in April, May, September and October. The flights will combine with the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, which travels from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Packages will include flights, cabin on full board plus transfer arrangements and prices lead in at £1,801pp if booked by 31 December.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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NASA Predicts Bumper Winter For Northern Lights

Is seeing the Northern Lights high on your must-do list? Well, this winter could be the year to maximise the chance of seeing them, as NASA predicts that the winter months will see the strongest Northern Lights activity in 50 years.

And what better place to see them than from a Hurtigruten ship, where they are set against the dark night sky, away from artificial light? The Aurora Borealis have increased in intensity since 2007 and will be at their peak in 2012 as the Solar Maximum - the period with the greatest solar activity - peaks around every 11 to 12 years. NASA are also predicting the Solar Maximum will be stronger than at any time in the last 50 years.

The Northern Lights are at their most active in the late autumn and occur most frequently and at their brightest in a belt some 2,500km from the magnetic pole. Much of the Norwegian coast lies in an area with the greatest activity, especially the high Arctic above the Arctic Circle.

Hurtigruten's six-day Voyage North departs daily between November 1 and December 31, sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes, with the chance to add a range of excursions such as a visit to the North Cape, snowmobiling or dog-sledding. Prices start from £625 per person, including six nights half-board on the ship and no single supplements. Flight packages including transfers are available from £495 based on London departures.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Hurtigruten's Special Flight-Inclusive Offer

Anyone who fancies a trip to Norway with Hurtigruten later this year to search for the Northern Lights can take advantage of a new flight-inclusive offer. A special package has been created that includes flights and transfers (usually, prices are exclusive of flights and these have to be added) with savings of up to 35%.

Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, for selected dates in October and November, this is an ideal time to spot the Northern Lights. These offers are limited in number and must be booked by June 30. Demand is anticipated to be very high.

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports, many not visited by the larger cruise ships. The ultimate voyage journey is the full 12-day voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back.

Classic Round Voyage – From £999 (saving £35%) - travelling on select dates in October and November, this includes full board on the ship and return direct flights from Heathrow to Bergen with BMI. Based on two sharing.

Dates are: October 1, 20, 23, 25 and 31 and November 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 22, 25 and 28.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the UK's adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.