Hurtigruten Expands to Alaska as Part of the World’s Greenest and Most Extensive Expedition Cruise Program

Starting in 2020, Hurtigruten guests can explore the Alaskan wilderness, as well as more than 250 worldwide destinations including Antarctica, Iceland, Arctic Canada, and the Northwest Passage

2020/2021 Highlights from Hurtigruten:

SEATTLE, WA - December 3, 2018 – Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, has officially announced another milestone in the company’s aggressive growth plan, with the launch of multiple itineraries throughout Alaska in 2020. This new location adds to Hurtigruten’s ever-expanding cruise program, offering more than 250 worldwide destinations for the 2020/2021 season.

“Alaska is a perfect fit for Hurtigruten and our expedition cruise concept. We will go where the big ships can’t, taking guests far beyond the ordinary while exploring the true beauty of Alaska,” says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

Alaska is the epitome of a destination designed for expedition cruising—a true frontier with a rich sense of adventure and untouched wilderness. Hurtigruten will take its guests closer and deeper into the Alaskan wilderness, with voyages from 12 - 16 days that highlight the legendary Inside Passage, combined with off-the-beaten path destinations like picturesque Petersburg, rarely visited by other cruise lines.

For its first expedition to Alaska, Hurtigruten is introducing the first hybrid electric-powered cruise ship in the state. Equipped with large battery packs, MS Roald Amundsen features innovative green technology, premium surroundings and, of course, Hurtigruten’s signature Expedition Team which consists of geologists, biologists, geographers, historians and activity guides, catering to 500 guests.

“Imagine kayaking in pristine waters, hiking through untouched wilderness and spotting bears, whales, caribou and eagles; then returning to the comfort of an expedition ship you know is greener than any other ship you have experienced. This is the unparalleled Alaska experience Hurtigruten will offer,” adds Skjeldam.

MS Roald Amundsen will conclude her 2020 Alaska season by conducting an epic Northwest Passage transit from Nome to Halifax, via Greenland. For more information on Hurtigruten Alaska expeditions, please visit: https://www.hurtigruten.com/destinations/alaska/

In addition to Alaska, 2020 will also mark the debut of Hurtigruten’s second hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen. The inaugural season of the world’s greenest and most advanced expedition ship includes exploring Norwegian fjords, cruising to Greenland and Iceland and following in the wake of the great explorer she’s named after, venturing as far south as the Antarctic Circle.

“Along with her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen will define a new era of expedition cruising. Green technology combined with premium comfort, the unique Hurtigruten atmosphere and outstanding culinary experiences will allow our guests to make the most of their personal adventure,” notes Skjeldam. For more information on MS Fridtjof Nansen, please visit: https://www.hurtigruten.com/our-ships/ms-fridtjof-nansen/

As Hurtigruten continues to build a comprehensive and expansive adventure cruise program, the brand remains dedicated to creating unparalleled experiences including exploring Antarctica. On board vessels that draw their names from the golden age of polar heroes and exploration, Hurtigruten guests can choose from 30 voyages, spanning between 12 and 23 days. Itineraries include stops in the Falkland Islands or South Georgia, as well as visiting just the Antarctic Peninsula.

The 2020/2021 Hurtigruten program also includes expeditions to Russia and Franz Josef Land on board MS Spitsbergen; to Svalbard on board multiple ships; to the Caribbean, Central and South America on board MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fram; and much more.

“Since Hurtigruten started operations in polar waters in 1893, we have been looking for new places to explore. Each and every one of our 250 destinations has been carefully handpicked by our team to give you unforgettable experiences in some of themost spectacular places on Earth,” Skjeldam says.

The introduction of the world’s first hybrid electric-powered expedition ships is the latest in a number of Hurtigruten green initiatives: Hurtigruten celebrated its 125th anniversary by banning all single-use-plastics; and, in another industry first, Hurtigruten is completely rebuilding existing ships to run on a combination of large battery packs, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas (LBG), produced from organic waste such as dead fish.

Hurtigruten is also offering an extensive pre- and post-cruise program, including opportunities to explore Easter Island, Galápagos, Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. The full Hurtigruten expedition cruise program for 2020/2021 can be found at hurtigruten.com.

For more information, please contact:

Holly Winter
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
+1 305 443 5454
[email protected]

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ABOUT HURTIGRUTEN

Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 125 years of know-how, we offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten’s fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, three new groundbreaking ships will be delivered; MS Roald Amundsen in 2019, MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a third new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments we call home.