Hurtigruten’s 8-Day “Autumn Adventure” Reveals Natural Splendor of the North Atlantic’s Multifarious Ports

This September, Hurtigruten invites guests to discover the natural beauty of the North Atlantic with an eight-day “Autumn Adventure” voyage, set against an ever-changing backdrop of Arctic fauna, emerald pastureland, undulating coastline and soaring cliffs. As the MS Fram explorer ship wends its way between Reykjavik and Bergen, guests explore Leith - Edinburgh’s port, as well as the more remote areas of the Faroe Islands, a hub of Nordic culture; the Shetland Islands, which contain a notable amount of prehistoric archaeological remains; and the Orkney Islands, known for its abundance of wildlife – seals, seabirds, whales, dolphins – and the colorful flowers of its coastline. Fares range from $1,762 to $4,096 per person, double. An optional flight package, priced from $1,660 per person, includes economy class flights from New York (JFK) to Reykjavik and Bergen to JFK, as well as a one night post-cruise hotel stay in Bergen. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club, a free loyalty club for guests who have sailed a on any Hurtigruten ship in the past, receive a 5% discount on cruise fare as well as a range of other exclusive benefits.

Description: Description: MS Fram hi-res - credit to Hurtigruten-Neck ErnstThe 318-guest MS Fram begins its journey in Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, where nature-themed activities such as glacier trekking, mountain biking, geothermal baths and visiting the Heiðmörk nature reserve, abound. The ship then ports at Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands, known for their symphony orchestra and traditional lace handicrafts. In Lerwick, the capital and main port of the Shetland Islands, the lodberries – the name for the charming stone buildings lining the harbor – recall the town’s 17th-century roots as a fishing and trade mainstay. Derived from the Norse name meaning “church Bay,” Kirkwall boasts an impressive selection of historical sites and museums: St. Magnus Cathedral, set at the heart of the town; Tankerness House Museum, set in one of Scotland’s best-preserved 16th-century town houses; and a doorway and aumbry from the 11th-century church of Saint Olaf for which the town is named. At the port of Leith, a hub of Scottish activities through the centuries – ranging from whaling and golf to glass making – guests can dine in one of the waterfront restaurants or visit Trinity House, which houses the town’s seafaring history. The trip ends in Bergen, where the UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen buildings meld seamlessly with more modern structures.

Voyages include accommodation in cabin grade of choice; full board; a selection of drinks with meals onboard for suites; wind and water resistant jacket; landings in Polarcirkel boats; and lectures by the expedition team. International flights, optional excursions, fuel surcharges and gratuities are additional. The optional flight package price includes transfers between the airport, pier and hotel at set dates and times, current air taxes and air fuel surcharges; other departure airports and upgrades to business and first class are available upon request.

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Hurtigruten Offers Discount on Antartic Cruises

Guests can enjoy early booking savings of up to 20% on five exciting Antarctic exploration voyages offered by award-winning cruise company, Hurtigruten, if booked by Dec. 31, 2011.

These once-in-a-lifetime voyages, aboard the purpose-built expedition ship MS Fram, explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth. The size of the ship allows guest a more intimate experience – leaning on its rails as gleaming icebergs pass by, taking in blue whales and orcas feeding nearby, and standing near penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands. Reduced pricing for the 10- to 19-day, Nov. 2012 through Feb. 2013 sailings range from $5,567 to $13,719 per person, double, and includes accommodation in cabin or suite of choice; flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires; Ushuaia transfers; all meals onboard; expert guides and lecturers; wind and water-resistant coat; and numerous PolarCirkel boat landings.

· The 17-day “Christmas Expedition” celebrates the season with traditional carols, festive meals, Santa Claus visits and a New Year's gala as guests travel round-trip from Buenos Aires on a route that navigates the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and several ports in Antarctica. Prices for the Dec. 17 departure range from $8,257 to $13,719 with savings.

· The 13-day “Polar Circle Expedition” and the shorter 10-day “Classic Expedition” focus solely on Antarctica, sailing through the Drake Passage to landings that immerse guests in the remote landscape and exotic wildlife of The White Continent. The “Polar Circle Expedition” spends its extra days traveling as far south as the Antarctic Circle, departing Feb. 1, 2013 with discounted prices of $7,366 to $12,743. Reduced rates for the “Classic Expedition” range from $5,567 to $9,814 for five departures between Nov. 29 and Jan. 11.

· The 13-day “Weddell Sea Expedition” follows the path forged by British Captain James Weddell, who reached 74º latitude in 1823 - a first for explorations, and resulted in scientific discoveries that covered extensive ground in biology, zoology, geology, meteorology and magnetism. Priced with savings, the Jan. 20 sailing is $7,366 to $12,743.

· Guests on the 19-day “In the Realm of the Great Explorers” explore the same areas visited by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, a prominent figure during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. In addition to Antarctica, the voyage takes in the sub-Arctic eco-system of the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, home to the largest king penguin colony in the world. The Feb. 22 departure date offers reduced prices from $5,940 to $11,618.

Hurtigruten’s MS Fram accommodates 318 guests (allowing no more than 200 for the Antarctica sailings) in suites and staterooms and features a restaurant, two bars, panoramic lounges library, an Internet café and conference rooms. The early-booking savings can be combined with discounts available in the 1893 Ambassador Program, Hurtigruten’s customer loyalty program, which includes 5% off Explorer Voyages to Antarctica in addition to exclusive discounts and recognition benefits for members.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall. The company’s fleet of 13 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 passengers, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hurtigruten Offers 50% Off A Companion's Cruise Fare On "Shackelton's Holiday Voyage"

June 2010 -- Home to 90% of the world's ice and near as many penguins, Antarctica is as unique a destination as can be found to exchange gifts and celebrate the holidays -- with its pristine environment, sun-light polar nights, abundant wildlife, and glaciers that seem to go on forever. But Hurtigruten isn't waiting until then to deliver a gift to travelers -- offering a 50% discount on the cruise portion of the companion's fare on its 17-day "Shackleton's Holiday Voyage." Booking the December 17, 2010 departure by Sept. 15 saves the companion $4,254 to $9,182 (or in the spirit of the holiday - $2,127 to $4,591 per person in a shared cabin). The festive sailing follows much of the same path as Shackleton's original Endurance Expedition of 1914 -- considered one of history's greatest survival stories -- navigating the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and visits whaling stations, beautiful Drygalski Fjord on South Georgia Island and the even more remote South Orkneys before heading to Antarctica.

Regular fares are $9,863 to $19,720 per person, double and include all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, round-trip air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (air not included in the discount), PolarCirkel boat landings, and port fees. This savings offer is combinable with Hurtigruten's Repeater discount - 10% savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. There are six other Antarctica itineraries (10 departures total) during the November - February season, ranging from 10 to 19 days.

Guests are treated to all of the holiday fanfare including traditional carols, Norwegian glogg (mulled wine), Santa Claus, and a special Christmas breakfast. Cocktails and appetizers set the stage for a New Year's Eve dinner followed by a festive midnight celebration. Of course, this is all mingled with the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the passenger's perch aboard the world's most deluxe exploration ship - the 318-berth, ice-rated MS Fram - and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

Travelers depart Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and sail to the Falklands, an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. In South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken and visit the South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted. The ship then takes guests by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

June 2010 -- Home to 90% of the world's ice and near as many penguins, Antarctica is as unique a destination as can be found to exchange gifts and celebrate the holidays -- with its pristine environment, sun-light polar nights, abundant wildlife, and glaciers that seem to go on forever. But Hurtigruten isn't waiting until then to deliver a gift to travelers -- offering a 50% discount on the cruise portion of the companion's fare on its 17-day "Shackleton's Holiday Voyage." Booking the December 17, 2010 departure by Sept. 15 saves the companion $4,254 to $9,182 (or in the spirit of the holiday - $2,127 to $4,591 per person in a shared cabin). The festive sailing follows much of the same path as Shackleton's original Endurance Expedition of 1914 -- considered one of history's greatest survival stories -- navigating the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and visits whaling stations, beautiful Drygalski Fjord on South Georgia Island and the even more remote South Orkneys before heading to Antarctica.

Regular fares are $9,863 to $19,720 per person, double and include all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, round-trip air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (air not included in the discount), PolarCirkel boat landings, and port fees. This savings offer is combinable with Hurtigruten's Repeater discount - 10% savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. There are six other Antarctica itineraries (10 departures total) during the November - February season, ranging from 10 to 19 days.

Guests are treated to all of the holiday fanfare including traditional carols, Norwegian glogg (mulled wine), Santa Claus, and a special Christmas breakfast. Cocktails and appetizers set the stage for a New Year's Eve dinner followed by a festive midnight celebration. Of course, this is all mingled with the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the passenger's perch aboard the world's most deluxe exploration ship - the 318-berth, ice-rated MS Fram - and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

Travelers depart Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and sail to the Falklands, an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. In South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken and visit the South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted. The ship then takes guests by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

A broad range of landfall opportunities await in Antarctica – Half Moon Island, a rookery for Chinstrap penguins; Port Lockroy, where postcards postmarked "Antarctica" can be purchased; Whaler's Bay with its warm springs and black volcanic sand; Paradise Harbor and its stunning views of snowy peaks, ice cliffs and sculpted bergs; Lemaire Channel, one of Antarctica's most beautiful passages, where humpback and killer whales and Elephant seals are common sights; and numerous others. As the MS Fram sails through the Drake Passage, guests can enjoy a view of Cape Horn, South America’s southernmost point, while learning about the region from expert onboard lecturers. The ship disembarks at Ushuaia and guests fly onto Buenos Aires, where they are free to explore the city.

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Hurtigruten Deals on Spring and Summer Cruises.

February 2010 -- Hurtigruten has announced pricing specials on its Spring and Summer line-up of Exploration Cruises - cruises designed to take in some of the world's most remote destinations. All offer savings of 25% on the price of suites aboard the world's newest and most deluxe expedition ship, the MS Fram, and free air from New York's JFK or Newark's Liberty Int'l Airport, if booked by April 31, 2010. And to make it even more of a deal, Hurtigruten is allowing the discount to be combined with a two other offers: "10% Repeater Discount" - for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years; and "AARP" - members receive a $50 shipboard credit; as do "AAA" members. Add-on airfares from dozens of North American gateways range from $100 to $600.

Included cruises are three "Greenland" September departures - discounted rates for suites are $5,649 to $9,314 per person, double; the 11-day, May 29 "Climate Pilgrimage" sailing to Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen -- $5,108 to $7,137 for suites (other cabin grades on this cruise enjoy a 15% reduction - no free air - $4,100 to $5,263); and a new European cruise -- “Baltic Adventure” -- a fascinating 11-day, roundtrip journey that takes in major sites in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Poland - suite fares are $4,325 to $5,522.

While guests see the effects of 'global warming' firsthand in Greenland, from both the deck of the luxury expedition ship and on shore, experts in numerous disciplines, including geology, weather, marine life, environment, history and culture, fill in the gaps of their understanding of this ice-encrusted ancient land. Passengers take in sights and scenery little changed in 5,000 years while moving from village to village, as well as spend time ashore, meeting and sharing time with the local population. Scenic highlights include Eqip Sermia Glacier, a huge wall of ice that calves directly into the sea; towering icebergs in Disko Bay and at the mouth of Jakobshavn Ice Fjord, a World Heritage Site; and Jakobshavn Glacier, the world’s most active glacier. Guided walking tours take in Inuit villages and towns, with tongue-twisting names – Qeqertarsuaq, Ukkusissat, Itelleq and Ilulissat – and illustrate how the friendly local populations flourish in one of the harshest climates on Earth.

Guests on Hurtigruten's "Climate Pilgrimage" visit research stations, track wildlife, participate in field studies and meet with some of the field's top climate research scientists during visits in Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. The warming of the Arctic now allows vessels to cross the 80th parallel - something not possible less than 20 years ago. Walruses, whales and polar bears rule this region and the MS Fram will treat guests to a close look at the marginal ice-zone and its large yearly variations.

“Baltic Adventure” showcases the variety, beauty and fairy-tale quality of the Baltic Sea. The 11-day adventure begins and ends in Norway's Oslo, exploring the city and visiting the museum that houses the original Fram - the only wooden-hulled ship to explore both poles, more than 100 years ago. Highlights include Sweden's Stockholm, known as the "Venice of the North"; Finland's Helsinki, boasting a lively marketplace, rich cultural life and architectural gems; St. Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital, home to the famed Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum; Estonia's capital city of Tallinn, a World Heritage Site due in large part to its 13th-century Toompea Castle and Kadriorg Palace; and Poland's port city of Gdynia, a sister site of the 1970 rebellion, and now an important center of commerce.

The 12,700-ton, eight-deck MS Fram, makes significant use of Greenland’s culture as inspiration for design while incorporating a striking Scandinavian feel. Suites include seating areas, some with two rooms, TV, mini-bar and queen-size beds. The ship boasts an Internet café, a large glass-enclosed observation salon offering panoramic views, restaurant with ocean views, wellness center with saunas, work-out room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools; a friendly and well-informed crew is ready to offer assistance and suggestions when asked.

All sailings include cabin category selected, three meals daily aboard ship, services of naturalist guides, specified land excursions and PolarCirkel excursions, ship transfers, government fees, cruise taxes and port charges. Airline fuel surcharges, air taxes and ticketing fees are additional.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us;

Hurtigruten's Offers Christmas, New Years Cruise in Antartica

21-Day Cruise Visits Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, South Orkneys, Antarctica, Drake Passage And More

August 2009 -- Hurtigruten, an industry leader in expedition cruising known for its once-in-a-lifetime voyages, is offering an all-inclusive package with all of the trimmings for the Christmas season. Hurtigruten’s festive 21-Day Christmas and New Years - Antarctica cruise-tour, departing December 19, 2009 celebrates the holiday season with traditional Norwegian Christmas breakfasts and dinners, onboard musicians, Christmas carols and a Santa Claus laden with gifts -- all against a backdrop of stunning Antarctic landscapes. Prices for the trip start at $9,848 per person, double, and include round-trip airfare from JFK or Miami to Buenos Aires, all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, PolarCirkel boat landings, pre- and post-cruise nights in Buenos Aires and port fees. This offer can be booked using Hurtigruten's interest-free "Layaway Getaway" monthly payment plan.

From the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the world's most deluxe exploration ship, MS Fram, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands, to the sheer magnitude of the gleaming icebergs inhabiting the icy Antarctic waters, guests are given a rare view of the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent.

Travelers depart Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, aboard the 318-berth, ice-rated MS Fram and sail to the Falklands, an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. In South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken and visit the South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted. The ship then takes guests by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

A broad range of landfall opportunities await in Antarctica – Cuverville Island, with the largest known colony of Gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula; Whaler's Bay with its warm springs and black volcanic sand; Paradise Harbor and its stunning views of snowy peaks, ice cliffs and sculpted bergs; the Antarctic Sound, where mile-long icebergs can be seen; Brown Bluff, frequented by Weddell seals; and just a few. As the MS Fram sails through the Drake Passage, guests can enjoy a view of Cape Horn, South America’s southernmost point, while learning about the region from expert onboard lecturers. The ship disembarks at Ushuaia and guests fly onto Buenos Aires, where they are free to go off on their own or take optional excursions such as the guided city tour, exploring popular areas from the designer boutiques of trendy Palermo to the cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses of the “Old Town.”

Air add-ons is available from dozens of North American gateways. Airline fuel surcharges and taxes, and gratuities are additional. For those interested in a similar cruise at a later date, Hurtigruten also offers the 22-Day Antarctica/ South Georgia Falklands & Malvinas cruise departing in February.

Hurtigruten Offers 25% Off Fram 22 day Antarctica Adventure.

April 2009 -- Hurtigruten’s 22-Day Falklands/ Malvinas South Georgia & Antarctica cruise-tour, departing October 31, explores some of the world's most remote destinations at the southernmost tip of the world, with stunning vistas, fascinating lectures and numerous excursions designed to enhance the experience; and to entice travelers further, Hurtigruten has extended until July 31 the deadline for their 25% suite savings and free air offer on this sailing as well as four 13-day Argentina & Antarctica departures in 2009. Reduced suite rates on the 22-day sailing are $8,564 to $11,534 per person, double; while on the 13-day, $6,577 to $8,902; translating to savings of $3,041 to $4,694 per person compared with normal brochure prices – not counting the additional savings provided by free roundtrip air from NY or Miami. Suite purchases also include a variety of perks – two optional excursions; wine, beer or soda at meals; a bottle of champagne from the Captain; and more. This offer cannot be combined with others but can be booked using Hurtigruten's interest-free "Layaway Getaway" monthly payment plan. Air add-ons, available from dozens of North American gateways, range from $50 to $500 with the vast majority costing below $300.

Sailing aboard the 318-berth MS Fram, the world’s newest expedition ship, guests are privy to rare views of the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, replete with gleaming icebergs, blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the ships, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands. The 22-day itinerary departs Argentina’s lively capital of Buenos Aires to explore the Falklands – an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. Moving on to the isolated island of South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken, and visit the South Georgia Museum, a stronghold for all aspects of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted.

Both the 22- and 13-day sailings share a similar Antarctica experience -- with the MS Fram makings its way across the Drake Passage and offering extensive landfall opportunities on the White Continent -- Whaler's Bay with its warm springs and black volcanic sand; Half Moon Island, a rookery for Chinstrap penguins; Yankee Harbor, home to seals and 4,000 Gentoo penguin pairs; Almirante Brown, with its stunning views of snowy peaks, ice cliffs and sculpted bergs; Port Lockroy, where postcards postmarked "Antarctica" can be purchased; Wilhelmina Bay, a feeding ground for whales and seals; and numerous others. The ship disembarks at Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, before passengers proceed to Buenos Aires, where they are free to explore or take optional excursions such as the Dinner & Tango in the classical surroundings of Esquine Carlos Gardel.

Fares include all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, PolarCirkel boat landings, and pre- and post-cruise nights in Buenos Aires. Airline fuel surcharges and taxes, ticketing fees of $229 and gratuities are additional. For those interested in a similar cruise at a later date, Hurtigruten also offers the 22-Day Antarctica/ South Georgia Falklands & Malvinas cruise departing in February.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen.

Click here to read a review of the Fram.