Hurtigruten Launches New Year-round Hybrid Expedition Cruises Along the Norwegian Coast

SEATTLE, WA (Sept. 3, 2019) – Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, is offering adventurous guests the choice between brand-new expedition cruises to handpicked ports on revamped ships that are also retrofitted for green hybrid propulsion, or environmentally friendly classic coastal cruises to all 34 ports from Bergen to Kirkenes during Hurtigruten’s 2021 season.

The extensive program now combines industry-leading technology and a legacy dating back to 1893 and includes departures from Germany, the UK, and Norway; the Americas office will be focused primarily on the Norwegian embarkations.

“We’ve sailed these waters since the 1800s. Hurtigruten captains drew some of the first charts of these pristine waters. Family and friends ashore still dim the lights when our expedition ships pass the homes of our crew members. This is our home, and we take advantage of our unparalleled know-how of nature and culture to offer our guests a unique way to immerse themselves in Norway by sea,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

Norway – Your Way

Hurtigruten invites guests to explore the monumental Norwegian coast in line with their personal adventure travel desires and from their preferred choice of embarkation port. Their expedition cruises are directly accessible from both Hamburg, Germany, and Dover, England, as well as via a direct route from Bergen, Norway.

The sailings will be operated by the current MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken, and MS Midnatsol that, subsequent to hybrid transformations and renewals of interior, will be renamed MS Maud (Roald Amundsen’s legendary polar vessel), MS Otto Sverdrup (a Norwegian polar pioneer and also one of Hurtigruten’s first captains), and MS Eirik Raude (a Norse explorer better known as Eric the Red who discovered Greenland and named Iceland) respectively.

Plus, for sailings from Bergen on MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Eirik Raude, guests that book before October 28, 2019 will save up to 15% per person, and each will receive a $700 air credit. More details can be found on the website.

“What could be more appropriate than paying tribute to these exploration icons, than to mark that Hurtigruten now has the most extensive expedition cruise offering along the Norwegian coastline,” said Skjeldam.

The new groundbreaking expedition cruises combine the magic of the fjords with a wide choice of exciting activities, superb comfort, and delicious food. And, all expedition cruises also include co-exploring with highly skilled onboard expedition teams.

 Hurtigruten’s signature Science Center will also be added to all three ships. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment including microscopes, and other interactive features.

“These ‘edutainment’ areas will be the onboard headquarters for exploration and learning,” added Skjeldam.

New Exclusive Ports

A total of nine new and exclusive ports are handpicked for the inaugural itineraries of MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup, and MS Eirik Raude, to be explored at the very best times of the year. These nine will be combined with recognized Hurtigruten ports, depending on season and place of embarkation.

“These tailored itineraries call in specially selected ports, and let guests get closer, explore further, learn more, and stay longer,” says Skjeldam.

The new Hurtigruten expedition cruise ports are: Lofoten (Reine & Å); Vesterålen; Senja; Lyngen Alps and Havnnes; Træna; Alta; Fjærland; Narvik; and Stavanger.

Original Experts

In parallel with the new expedition cruises, Hurtigruten will also offer a renewed series of the original coastal Norway voyage itineraries.

“Calling at all of the traditional 34 ports, as we have since 1893, is a legendary way to visit Norway by sea, and represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up close to the real Norway,” said Skjeldam.

Coastal guides will enhance the experience of Norwegian nature, wildlife, culture, and outdoor living, or as the Norwegians call it, ’Friluftsliv.’

All original coastal voyages will be offered by ships that have recently undergone significant emission-reducing upgrades—or that are soon to enter Hurtigruten’s green transformation program—making it possible to experience the Norwegian coast more sustainably than ever before.

Editor’s Note: Photos are available at https://bit.ly/30sGhwN

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  About Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 126 years of know-how, they 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 they call home.