Hurtigruten has combined many of the best elements of its coastal and explorer programmes for a one-off winter expedition voyage on MS Finnmarken. A dedicated expedition team will be on-board the ship to enhance the experience and deliver a programme of activities above and beyond that are normally offered on the coastal voyage.
The twelve day voyage will follow the traditional Hurtigruten coastal route, departing from Bergen on 7 December 2014, before sailing along the picturesque Norwegian coast to Kirkenes near the Russian border – from where, the voyage back to Bergen begins.
Guests will have the chance to enjoy all of the activities currently offered on coastal voyages, but with a huge array of additional sea and land based activities, including a trip to the North Cape, talks by guest lecturers and numerous hikes.
Product developer Vebjørn Jacobsen from Hurtigruten commented “Offering an expedition style journey through our home waters will create a truly unique voyage. We have more than 120 years of experience sailing this route and have ships stopping at all 34 ports every day, so we are able to hand-pick our favourite activities for customers to enjoy.”
The journey along this beautiful coastline, passing attractions as Ålesund, Lofoten and North Cape, will take you right to the heart of coastal Norway, but for those who want to explore the area further on foot, several guided hikes through this magical winter wonderland are on offer.
For thousands of years people in the northern part of the world have marvelled at the spectacular displays that light up the night sky. While on-board you can hear Pål Brekke (a solar physicist from the Norwegian Space Centre) giving a lecture on the fascinating Aurora Borealis, or join one of the other daily talks by the expedition team.
You can also enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as you cross the 71st parallel on a journey towards the North Cape – the northernmost point in Europe and only 2,000 kilometres from the Geographical North Pole. The North Cape plateau itself rises 307 metres almost vertically from the ice cold ocean, creating stunning views.
The expedition voyage allows guests to truly get under the skin of this remarkable part of the world and learn about its history, customs and geography. Learn how to fillet fish or tie a marine knot, go for a dip in the Arctic ocean in Vardø or sample king crab or king crabs up on deck – these are just a few of the memories that guests will have of their trip.
A Helly Hansen Hunting the Light fleece jacket will also be presented to guests, both for use on the journey and as a memento to take home.
Prices start from £849pp/twin share and include the voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Bergen on full board basis in an inside cabin, North Cape excursion, hikes, lectures and a Helly Hansen fleece jacket.
For more information contact your local Travel Agent or email Discover the World on hurtigruten@discovertheworld.com.au or call 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267).
SOURCE Discover the World