To match the needs of our younger guests (and parents), Hurtigruten have started a Young Explorers Programme to make sure no one is bored on board their ships. On these journeys the kids will stay active and curious, get a deeper understanding of nature, climate and culture, and be introduced to topics related to wildlife, local food, environmental protection and famous explorers. A dedicated host will plan and organise all the activities which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning, tailor-made to trigger their sense of adventure. The hosts will arrange daily activities for the young explorers on board, and they speak both Norwegian, English and German.
Feedback from a recent voyage with one of Hurtigruten’s head guides said the program went off to a great start.
“Last week we had a very successful test trip of Young Explorer on MS Finnmarken. Children from Switzerland, England, France, Italy and Norway participated, and we had a lot of fun! We learn how to pack a backpack, we pitched tents on deck, we whittled barbecue sticks, and we barbecued twist bread and hot dogs. We fished from the dock in Brønnøysund, and learned how to fillet the fish by the Head Chef. We tasted Norwegian food – while we were blindfolded” they said.
One of Hurtigruten‘s main aims is to enlighten young people about how fragile the Earth really is, especially the polar waters. On expeditions with MS Midnatsol, they therefore dedicate one staff member to follow up our new Young Explorer Programme. On embarkation day, there‘ll be a meet-and-greet event for the kids where they‘ll be introduced to all the exciting stuff they‘re going to experience. The guideline for the programme will be a “Field Notes Workbook” which will contain the following chapters:
SCIENCE: Exercises using the science centre, looking into the biology and geology of the Southern Ocean via samples. Among other things they do ocean sampling together with the kids.
POLAR HISTORY: Exercises both onboard and in the field. For example, recreating the scene where Amundsen and his men reached the South Pole.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Some sessions together with the onboard photographers.
NAUTICAL: Some exercises of a nautical nature together with the navigation officers. For example, a meeting with the Captain for the children only.
LECTURE: A separate “Introduction to Antarctica“ lecture for children.
At Hurtigruten they want to take their science exploration one step further. In addition to their science lectures, which will still be the basic information source, they are now proud to introduce their brand new Science Centre. Here guests can be more “hands on“ performing science experiments. The programme is complementary and guests will be asked to sign up for the sessions with their biologists and geologists, due to limited space and equipment.
Participating in the Young Explorers Programme is free of charge for all kids on board, and will be available on our Norwegian coastal sailings with MS Finnmarken, MS Midnatsol and MS Trollfjord from April 1st 2017.
Hurtigruten’s Young Explorer programme truly gives the kids a sense of what it is like to be a real explorer in beautiful and untouched surroundings!
For more details contact hurtigruten@bentours.com.au or call 1800 487 844 or visit: www.bentours.com.au/hurtigruten
New Zealand: 0800 487 844 or email hurtigruten@bentours.co.nz or visit www.bentours.co.nz/hurtigruten
SOURCE: Hurtigruten