Hurtigruten will introduce new year-round departures along the Norwegian coast directly from Norway, the UK and Germany in 2021. Sailings will operate from Dover, Hamburg and Bergen starting from January.
“Our year-round Norway expedition cruises offer an exciting new way to explore the Norwegian Coast across all seasons, from the magic of the Arctic winter and the Northern Lights to the beauty of the Midnight Sun,” said Damian Perry, Managing Director Hurtigruten Asia Pacific.
“With fewer ports and longer stays, we’re offering guests a more active and immersive way to experience Norway’s culture, landscape and history.”
From Bergen, Hurtigruten will offer year-round departures with MS Trollfjord. Sailing directly from the fjord capital of Bergen, MS Trollfjord will explore the Norwegian coastline to North Cape and back, including off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Reine in Lofoten, Fjærland and Træna.
From Hamburg, the fully upgraded MS Otto Sverdrup (current MS Finnmarken), will take guests on two different summer and winter itineraries to the North Cape and back.
From Dover, MS Maud (current MS Midnatsol) will offer guests a special winter itinerary above the Arctic circle to enjoy the spectacular Northern Lights – including an overnight stay in Tromsø. During the summer months, Hurtigruten’s Norway expedition cruises will take guests to North Cape and back, exploring fjords, mountains and the Lofoten Islands. In addition, Hurtigruten offers two brand-new summer itineraries from Dover: one exploring the British Isles, the other to off-the-beaten-track destinations in Southern Scandinavia.
“We wanted to make sure guests can enjoy Norway like never before, to go deep into fjords, enjoy remote nature, see amazing wildlife and charming coastal cities, towns and villages while avoiding the mass tourism crowds,” said Perry.
With little over 500 guests onboard the three spacious expedition ships, Hurtigruten will offer a unique, small-ship experience and authentic, intimate and more up-close adventures on the Norwegian coast.
Originally built for the Bergen to Kirkenes route, all three ships will offer new restaurant concepts – Aune, the main restaurant; Fredheim, for casual international dining; and Lindstrøm, an exclusive fine-dining restaurant. MS Maud and MS Otto Sverdrup will also be fully upgraded with new cabins and suites.
Hurtigruten is also introducing biodiesel as fuel on several ships – including MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Trollfjord. Biodiesel reduces emissions by up to 80% compared to regular marine diesel.
“At Hurtigruten, the push for sustainable solutions and the introduction of green technology is the core of everything we do. We operate in some of the most spectacular areas of the world. This comes with a responsibility,” said Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO.
The three ships are all equipped for shore power, eliminating emissions when docked in ports with shore power facilities.
“We are thrilled to fuse sustainable activities, nature and culture into exceptional adventure bundles at less explored locations,” Skjeldam added.
For more information visit hurtigruten.com.au/destinations/norway
Lead image: MS Trollfjrod Norge
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