wide range of year-round options for travelers who are looking for the unusual and unique – soft adventures, enriching destinations and excursions, and local interaction – within the comfort of an upscale cruise environment. Besides continuing a century-long tradition of year-round sailings along Norway’s stunning fjord-filled west coast, they also offer a luxurious expedition ship – the MS Fram, in Antarctica and Greenland. And Hurtigruten is one of the few cruise lines to explore the Arctic’s last wilderness – Spitsbergen. Guests return home with in-depth knowledge and never-to-be-forgotten memories after visiting unspoiled destinations rich in history, culture and stunning scenery, mixing with local citizens and making lifelong friendships with fellow travelers of similar exploration mindsets.
Norway - The World's Most Beautiful Voyage
For over 115 years, Hurtigruten has navigated the 1,250-mile, fjord-filled west coast of Norway. Hurtigruten’s fleet of modern ships visits 34 ports-of-call between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north near the Russian border. Visit tiny fishing villages in the Lofoton Islands, go dog sledding in Tromso - the Paris of the North, embark on a the Sea Eagle Safari through Trollfjord, or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you sail through the majestic fjords. Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal voyage immerses you in real Norwegian culture and history in this amazing vacation. Plus our ethereal winter voyages offer the opportunity to experience the spectacular Northern Lights. Ships depart daily from Bergen and Kirkenes year-round. Options include the classic 12-day round trip from Bergen, the 7-day northbound from Bergen to Kirkenes, and the 6-day southbound from Kirkenes to Bergen.
Antarctica
Penguin lovers should pay particular attention to our air-inclusive 13-, 17- and 22-day Antarctica programs, departing from Buenos Aires October 2009 – February 2010. These expedition voyages sail aboard our luxurious expedition ship – the MS Fram. Each itinerary features naturalist guides, noted expert guest lecturers and numerous PolarCirkel boat landings on "The White Continent." Our 17-day programs sail across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, taking in the glaciers and icebergs, gentoo penguins, humpback and killer whales, elephant and fur seals as well as Chile's fjords, snow-capped mountains and fishing villages. The 13-day itinerary concentrates mainly on the Antarctic peninsula. The 22-day itinerary adds stops in South Georgia and the Falklands Islands (special 21-day Christmas and New Years cruise – Dec 09). Optional excursions range from the high-energy Tango Show at the Esquina Carlos Gardel to the breathtaking Torres del Paine. Plus, amazing pre or post-cruise explorations are available to Machu Picchu and Easter Island.
The Arctic--Spitsbergen
Are you a real explorer? If the answer is yes, then our outstanding Spitsbergen expedition voyages can take you to the last wilderness of Europe, rich in unspoiled nature and wildlife with glaciers, polar bears, whales, seals, abundant birdlife, and rare, Arctic flowers. Zodiac and PolarCirkel boat landings, knowledgeable expedition guides and lectures create an intimate learning experience. Try any of our 9, 12 and 16-day exploration itineraries.
Greenland
The 310-berth MS Fram, named after Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen's Polar ship, was built exclusively for our new Greenland expedition voyages. Hurtigruten offers a variety of expeditions from 11-19 days bringing you to the world's most active glaciers, calving of icebergs and close contact with the local Inuit population while providing cultural and historic insight through excursions and lectures. Travels include cruising adventures from Kangerlussuaq, past Disko Bay and Qannaaq, to the 80° parallel. Each port of call is filled with remarkable adventure and dozens of chances for self exploration. Plus a special Greenland to New York cruise is also available, departing September 22, 2009 calling on a range of charming ports throughout Greenland, Canada and the US.