Bentours, the Scandinavian & Expedition Cruising specialists – have introduced, in partnership with Hurtigruten, the boutique vessel the MS Spitsbergen for sailings from June 2016. This luxury vessel will sail parallel to the classic ship MS Lofoten along the Norwegian coast for part of the year and has just recently set off on her maiden voyage. The ship is set to be inaugurated with a champagne baptism ceremony in Svolvaer on July 6th. This new voyage is an outstanding opportunity to join an incredible coastal voyage, which stops at roughly half the ports of the normal Hurtigruten classic voyages, allowing for more time to be spent on land in key villages and towns along the way. A range of onshore excursions will also be available for her passengers and she will also follow part of Hurtigruten’s seasonal sailing schedule.
“It is incredibly exciting to see Hurtigruten expand the fleet, which will no doubt meet the ever growing demand of Australians seeking expedition cruising and cultural experiences in Scandinavia” said Damian Perry, CEO Cox & Kings Australia including the specialist operator Bentours.
Hurtigruten hold the highest maritime reputation earned by years of experience and exploration allowing new and innovative voyages to occur. In 2017, the MS Spitsbergen will travel into Arctic waters through on a range of new expedition cruises. These include ‘The Viking Heritage Trail’ from Bergen to Reykjavik (including sailings through the Shetland, Orkney and Faroe Islands), ‘Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes’ around the entire coast of Iceland, Greenland and North Atlantic Island Hopping – and ‘Crossing Baffin Bay, Canada to Greenland!’
To tie in with the luxury feel of this outstanding vessel there has been a modern interior design upgrades. Inspiration drawn from the spectacular Norwegian mountains, fjords and nature that passengers will witness as they sail in luxury on these coastal voyages. The natural material of the ship will make the traveller feel at one with the vessel and the inspiring scenery surrounding them. Norway’s crowning glory is its fjord heartland, a maze of sparkling waterways bound by sheer mountains that plunge into the sea that you will witness as you sail past and explore the multitude of excursions offered to you on this voyage. This boutique ship will also focus on locally sourced food, in theme with Hurtigruten’s a la carte ‘Coastal Kitchen’ on-board restaurants. The gastronomic delights will no doubt thrill and enhance their experience on their luxury voyage and also embracing the culture of Norway.
Bentours, the Scandinavian & Expedition Cruising specialists, in partnership with Hurtigruten have released a launch offer in celebration of this expansion of their fleet and also in celebration of the new Bentours Expeditions and Cruising brochure released in early June.
Enjoy no single supplement on a number of selected voyages with Bentours. This offer allows a traveller who has requested a single room to travel at a heavily reduced rate.
‘The Frozen Land of the Penguins’ is available on this incredible offer for travel on the 15th November. Explore the planet’s most remote continent aboard one of the most advanced expedition ships ever constructed. Escorted by giant albatrosses and flocks of storm petrels, you will cross the legendary Drake Passage to discover an abundance of wildlife in an incredible Antarctic landscape. Prices starting from A$8.700 for a single passenger with savings of up to A$6,750 for this 14 day voyage.
‘The legendary Magellan, Chilean Fjords and Antarctica’ voyage is available to travel on the 20 Dec 2016 & 5 January 2017. This eighteen day expedition voyage will see you set sail down the Chilean fjords and into Antarctica, before returning back to the South American coast via the Falkland Islands. On our journey back to Punta Arenas, we complete the loop of the Magellan Strait. Prices starting from A$8,055 with an incredible saving of A$6,040.
Take advantage of this offer on Bentours top seller the Classic Coastal Voyage Return on which you will experience the entire Norwegian coast. Explore the stunning and dramatic coast and fjords of Norway, on a classic Hurtigruten voyage. The full twelve day version is by far the most enjoyable way to discover Norway’s coast in all its glory. The six, seven and eleven day versions will also allow you to experience snow covered mountains, dramatic fjords, Arctic communities and quaint villages and towns. Prices starting from $1,040 per single passenger on a Classic Voyage South (6 days), with savings of up to $800 per single passenger. Bigger savings available on longer voyages!
Australia: email res@bentours.com.au or call 1800 221 712 or visit www.bentours.com.au
New Zealand: call 0800 443 510 or email res@bentours.co.nz or visit www.bentours.co.nz
SOURCE: Bentours