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The first "Arctic-aged" champagne was tasted on May 12th (by celebrity sommelier Nikolai Haram Svorte) in Sandnessjoen. The special wine-tasting event was attended by Tina Gurra (Hurtigruten's Director of Beverages) and Mark Driver (Rathfinny Estate's co-owner). In November, Hurtigruten Norway signed a partnership with Arctic Umiaq Line AS (aka Arctic Umiaq/2006-founded passenger and freight shipping/ferry line in Greenland) to promote sustainable travel and tourism in Greenland. In January 2021, Hurtigruten Group's cruise shipping operations were reorganized into two separate entities - "Hurtigruten Expeditions" (rebranded "HX" in December 2023) and "Hurtigruten Norway". During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our voyage draws to a close. But before we dock in Bergen, there is some fascinating scenery ahead of us.
Galápagos Islands
Until a new ship is ordered and delivered, Lofoten will remain in Hurtigruten service, catering to a niche market of ship aficionados who come specifically for this ship's genuine link to the past. Its preservation is assured, as it's a Norwegian historical monument. Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina.
In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)
The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms and tiny villages is unforgettable. For those wanting a view to remember, take the Voss Gondola to the summit of Mount Hanguren (820 metres above sea level). The panoramic views of the valley and surrounding areas are more than worth the journey. After breakfast, make your own way to Oslo Central Railway Station to commence your ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ adventure by boarding the train to Myrdal. Enjoy one of the world's most scenic rail journeys as you travel from Oslo through farmland, past lush green forests and majestic peaks.
MV Santa Cruz II Galapagos
(Hurtigruten is so confident passengers will see the aurora borealis between late September through March on voyages of 11 days or more that it offers a free week-long voyage if the northern lights are not sighted). Forget cruising as you know it -- Hurtigruten's MS Nordnorge is more ferry than regular cruise ship. For many years the company’s North American name was “Norwegian Coastal Voyage,” and this route is still the one for which Hurtigruten is best known.
We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins. You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer.
The same goes for the lectures, which, though not designed for youngsters, might still be of interest to older children and teenagers. Typically, more than half the passengers are German, with the remainder hailing largely from Britain, the U.S., Sweden, Norway, France, Japan and the Philippines. Norwegian and English are the official onboard languages, although German is widely spoken by staff members too. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.
This Cruise Line Just Appointed Its First-ever 'Chief Aurora Chaser' — and Has a Northern Lights Guarantee - Travel + Leisure
This Cruise Line Just Appointed Its First-ever 'Chief Aurora Chaser' — and Has a Northern Lights Guarantee.
Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Adventurers are even able to chase the Northern Lights during snowmobile safaris between the ports Kjollefjord and Mehamn. The construction of MS Brim Explorer (sistership) started in September 2018 (the order was placed in April) and it was launched in June 2019. Starting in August, itineraries are along Norway's coast and north of the Arctic Circle, including Lofoten (during summer) and short breaks from Tromso (during winter). The sistership (currently under construction) for Hurtigruten Svalbard was inaugurated in August 2019. Futuristically designed, both tour boats feature 2 decks with floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows and offer premium food prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The 2020-launched hybrid catamaran has LOA length 24 m/79 ft, large battery packs and is one of the world's newest fully-electric powered ships.
Passengers on Nordnorge aren't like to be active during the day and go to bed early at night. The average age is 55 plus, although this is skewed during the school holidays when there are plenty of families onboard too. There's no minimum age for the hikes, but most of them are classed as "level four" (requiring a good standard of fitness) and last between 1.5 and four hours, so they're probably not suited to the under 10s.
Welcome to Lofoten
Most passengers will want to book one of the newer ships, so it leaves Lofoten to the passengers drawn to its considerable, though old-fashioned, charms. These include cozy, wood-paneled interiors; the ship's small size and lower passenger count; traditional, crane-loaded cargo handling; long-serving crew and likeminded fellow passengers. The ship's public spaces echo a small country hotel with wood paneling, brass railings, plush carpets, polished wooden floors, and comfy armchairs and sofas. Original oil paintings illustrate Norwegian coastal scenes and the fleet of ships that came before.
On Hurtigruten ships you’ll only have one to three restaurants to choose from, and onboard entertainment is limited, with no casinos or production shows. If you’re content to read a book, soak up the passing scenery, and attend lectures about the local culture and wildlife, these ships might be right for you. Whether you want to book the BKB coastal cruise (or port-to-port ferry) or an expedition cruise, the best place for you to book is directly with Hurtigruten. Here you can book the Norwegian coastal cruise or if you prefer a Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise.
The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago. Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains. If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.
We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning. Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea. We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews.
With a range of authentic Norwegian experiences, majestic fjords and friendly locals - discover this and so much more on this 16-day classic voyage. Kirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we sailed to during the night we’ll now see during the day.
1893 Ambassador is open for all travel enthusiasts, regardless of if you have travelled with us or not. And of course, it's free to join.As a member, we bring you exclusive offers, benefits, discounts, and newsletters packed with inspirational articles. Relive pioneering adventures on a magical sailing along the Norwegian coast and up to the edge of the world. As a member you will be part of a community of like-minded travelers. Our Scandinavian tour packages offer a deeply immersive experience — the perfect Nordic adventure is waiting for you. Book confidently with our Northern Lights Promise – get a free trip if the lights don't appear on select voyages (Ts&Cs apply).
Enjoy the early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. You may enjoy a stroll in the cobblestone alleyways, a bite at an outdoor café or restaurant, a trip on the Fløibanen funicular or a visit to the famous fish market. Norway’s reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable hybrid vessel.
Arrive in Oslo and spend the day exploring the historical and beautiful Norwegian capital. MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle. Formerly MS Midnatsol, MS Maud was renamed in honor of the ship that brought Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen through the Northeast Passage.
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