Hurtigruten US Blog

Ålesund - Rebuilt in the Art Nouveau Style

2011-05-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Leveled by a massive fire in 1904, Ålesund was then completely rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. Conveying beautiful intricate detail and design throughout the city.

Photo: Jennifer Rosen

High Scores for Hurtigruten on Environmental Awareness

2011-05-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

Environmental awareness on expedition cruises to Spitsbergen and the Svalbard Archipelago is extremely high according to a recent study commissioned by The International Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). Hurtigruten’s MS Fram was one of four ships followed by research teams during the study.

The study, carried out by an independent Norwegian company, found that crew, expedition team and guests on MS Fram and the three other ships in the study displayed high environmental awareness. It found that ship’s officers were up to date on the latest legislation and regulations pertaining to the environmental protection of the Svalbard Archipelago and that this was a constant focus. According to the study, emissions from the expedition ships would have a relatively minor impact on the Arctic marine environment, provided that all international and national legislation was complied with.

MS Fram has an ice classed hull which reduces risk of grounding and runs on distillate only Marine Gasoil (MGO) - these two combined factors ensure it gives as little emission as possible.

Hurtigruten operates its voyages with the philosophy – "Take nothing but pictures – leave nothing but footprints." The study found that passengers were given the appropriate instruction on how to conduct themselves when in these precious environments from well-trained expedition teams.

To ensure we do our part to protect the environment in every way possible in Svalbard, Hurtigruten guests take part in a program called 'Clean up Svalbard' which helps to keep the coasts clean. Unfortunately, there are beaches that are littered with plastic, empty oil drums, fishnets and other waste that washes up on the coast. Hurtigruten guests, under the guidance of the ships expedition team, are invited to volunteer in helping collect the rubbish that is then disposed of in refuse sacks provided by the ship, so they can experience the wilderness of Svalbard as they wish to see it – pure and untouched.

Click here to learn more about Hurtigruten's voyages to Spitsbergen, Svalbard, contact your travel agent or call 800-323-7436.

The 17th of May - Norway's National Day

2011-05-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

May 17th is Norway’s Constitution Day and is celebrated with children’s parades and festivities. These colorful processions of children with their banners, flags and bands take center stage on this day of celebration.

After being part of the Danish autocracy for 400 years, Norway got its own constitution in 1814 and joined into a loose union with Sweden that lasted until 1905.

A limited and hereditary monarchy was introduced, whereby the king would exercise his authority through a government, while Parliament (Storting) would allocate monies and make laws. The Norwegian constitution was the most modern in Europe at the time.

Norway's Constitution, which declared the country to be an independent nation, was signed at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, and despite full independence having had to wait until 1905, this date remains Norway's official National Day.

The day is celebrated with as much enthusiasm in Norwegian villages as in the capital city of Oslo, where tens of thousands line Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main thoroughfare, every year to watch the parade.

Glaciers & Icebergs Voyage - Special Guest Lecturer Bud Ward

2011-05-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

As a special treat for guests traveling on the June 12th Glaciers & Icebergs voyage through Greenland, in addition to our already stellar lecturers and naturalists onboard, special guest Bud Ward will be lecturing on climate change.

Bud Ward is founder and editor of The Yale Forum on Climate Change & The Media. Ward started his environmental journalism career in 1974 and later served as Assistant Director of a Congressional Clean Air Act Study Commission before founding The Environmental Forum policy magazine in 1982.

A co-founder of the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) in 1989, he has written two books on environmental regulatory issues and has authored more than 1,000 bylined articles on environmental issues and on journalism. He twice served as a frequent environmental analyst and commentator for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." He also founded and managed the Central European Environmental Journalism Program. Ward is Advisory Editor for the Oxford University Second Edition of Encyclopedia of Climate and Weather (2007); and an adviser to the 2007/2008 United Nations Development Program's Human Development Report, Climate Change and Human Development. Ward administers the Grantham Prize for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment, at $75,000 the richest prize in journalism. George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communications in 2009 named Ward its “Climate Change Communicator of the Year.” A member of the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) and the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), he is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Hurtigruten is very proud and excited to have Bud join us onboard the exquisite MS Fram on the June 12th Greenland voyage. We hope to see you there.

Check out this special Greenland video for a sneak peak at some of the awe-inspiring scenery Greenland has to offer.

Click here for additional voyage information, or to book now, please contact your travel agent, book online or call 800-323-7436.

Hurtigruten Offering 12-day Antarctic Discovery

2011-05-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten’s very popular 12-day “Antarctic Discovery” allows the many North Americans whose vacation times are limited to two or three weeks per year the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most remote destinations.

The deluxe expedition ship MS Fram sails round trip from Buenos Aires on three 2012 departures, traveling through the famous Drake Passage and making stops in several stunning ports on the “White Continent” as well as Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly port. The mesmerizing effect of Antarctica’s endless landscapes of glaciers and icebergs is only broken when colonies of thousands of penguins come into view, one of several exotic animal highlights. A selection of optional excursions – including pre- or post-cruise packages visiting Machu Picchu or the Iguazu Falls, allows guests to customize their adventures. Early booking prices for the Jan. 3, 12 and Feb. 14 departures start at $6,190 per person, but must be booked by May 31, 2011. Plus 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Program members receive an additional 5% discount!

For more information, contact your travel agent or call 800-323-7436. Click here for Antarctica itinerary details.

Norway rated Best for Moms

2011-05-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Not news to Norwegians, but maybe news to us, according to a new study, the best place in the world to be a mom is Norway!

According to the Save the Children's 12th annual Mother's Index released on May 3rd, maternal and child mortality rates are low, women's life expectancy and years in school are high, and the average maternity leave is about one year - and paid to boot! Plus, a typical Norwegian woman lives to be 83 years old!

The United States meanwhile places 31st while Afghanistan comes in last.

Released every year in the days before Mother's Day, the international nonprofit group's ranking analyzes the maternal and child indicators and other published information of 164 countries.

So not only is Norway an amazing place to visit with stunning scenery and activities, but also a wonderful place to live.

A Taste of Hurtigruten

2011-05-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

Pre and post Norway cruise extensions can be added to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage before
or after your trip to enhance your total vacation experience.

This program - A Taste of Hurtigruten - would be taken in lieu of a traditional 6-, 7- or 12-day Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

Journey from Oslo to Bergen along the Bergen Line railway, recognized as being one of the top 20 railway experiences in the world. After arrival in Bergen, transfer to your Hurtigruten ship for an evening departure of your northbound cruise to Trondheim. Sail through exquisite ports of call, including the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Alesund, before arriving at your final destination - Trondheim, whose colorful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture. From there, board a train through the scenic Gudbrandsdal valley to Oslo.

Enhance your sense of culture, discovery and adventure by adding our optional pre or post cruise extensions to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage vacation. Options includes day trips in Bergen, Flam, Kirkenes, Oslo, Trondheim, Røros and Voss.

Float in the icy Barents Sea with a special survival suite, or lunch on the Oslofjord in a wooden sail boat. Our optional extensions take your sense of Norway beyond adventure to new heights.

All pre and post Norway cruise excursions

Cruise excursions northbound voyage
Cruise excursions southbound voyage

Antarctica Photo of the Month

2011-05-02T01:54:00.000-07:00

Antarctica is white poetry: icebergs, seals, total silence - and the cutest creatures on earth: the penguins!

Have you ever visited Antarctica with Hurtigruten or any other cruise company? Please share your experiences with other blog readers in the comments field below!

Hurtigruten cruise to Antarctica

(All images © Hurtigruten)

Russian Border

2011-04-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Radio talk show host Michelle Jerson from NJ 101.5 WKXW takes a photo at the Russian border on her way to a snowmobiling adventure. Not many people can say they’ve been here!
Photo: Jennifer Rosen

2012 Norway Preview Brochure - Save up to 20%

2011-04-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten proudly introduces our new 2012 Norwegian Coastal Voyage Preview brochure!

This brochure was designed to give you a sneak peek into our 2012 Norwegian Coastal Voyage vacation opportunities, especially, our Early Booking Discount!* Book a 2012 Norwegian Coastal Voyage now and save up to 20% off the retail rate!*

Click here to order your 2012 Preview brochure and discover why we're known as "The World's Most Beautiful Voyage."

For more information, contact your travel agent, 800-323-7436 or visit www.hurtigruten.us

*Early booking rates are in USD per person based on double occupancy, valid for North American residents only and subject to change without notice. Cruise fuel surcharge is not included in the rates and will be added at time of booking at a rate of $8 per cruise night for all new bookings. Please note that the ship departure date determines the price of your voyage. All prices are subject to availability and change without notice. Early booking rates valid for bookings made by Sept. 30, 2011. Ships' registry: Norway

Facts about Greenland

2011-04-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

Until World War II, Greenland was closed and self-sufficient economically. During the war, the country was supplied by the USA, which established a number of bases, of which all but three were closed down after the war. Today only the military airbase Pituffik (Thule) in North Greenland is left.

Greenland ceased to be a Danish colony in 1953 when Greenlanders became equal citizens of the kingdom of Denmark. In 1979 the country achieved Home Rule status and authorized to have its own parliament. In 2009, the country's status changed as the socalled 'self rule' was introduced. Instead of 'Home Rule Government', today we simply refer to the 'Greenland Government'.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Antarctica Photo of the Month

2011-04-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten's New Port to Port Pricing Allows More Flexibility for Travel

2011-03-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Announcing new port-to-port pricing that will allow travelers to customize their Norwegian exploration by combining the Classic Norwegian Coastal Voyage with extended stays ashore in any of the 34 ports of call visited on the west coast itinerary. The new pricing system benefits guests who wish to spend more time ashore in certain cities including visiting family along the coast, an exciting ski vacation or perhaps a Lofoten fishing expedition.

With daily departures, easy online booking and an array of optional excursions, guests are able to design the itinerary (over 1,100 to choose from) that best fits their needs and preferences. Nightly rates for an unspecified cabin during the winter, autumn/spring and summer are $119, $142 and $202, respectively; rates for guaranteed outside cabins are $127, $158 and $250. For details contact your travel agent or book online!

Husky Adventure - Meet the Puppies

2011-03-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Dog sledding in Kirkenes offers the opportunity to meet the puppies! Can we sneak them home in our suitcases?

Photo: Jennifer Rosen

Facts about Greenland

2011-03-14T04:15:00.000-07:00

Greenland is in Greenlandic called Kalaallit Nunaat - the Land of People.

Greenland is a mountainous country and is the largest island in the world with a total of 2.175,600 sq. km.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Antarctica Photo of the Month

2011-03-02T01:49:00.000-08:00

Lunch at the Sollia Resort in Kirkenes

2011-02-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

Lunch at the Sollia Resort in Kirkenes, freshly prepared by the resort owner and chef! Exquisite cuisine, breathtaking views and exciting winter activities all in one place.

Everyone is Talking About Hurtigruten

2011-02-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hurtigruten has had a helluva run in the news over the past month. First, we had a brief mention about our $350 off per person deal for our 12-day Norwegian Coastal Voyages in the Washington Post on Jan. 14th.

Then, we just exploded on the scene with Sheila Norman-Culp's AP (Associated Press) article, "The Anti-Cruise: No Bingo, No Karaoke, Just Fjords." who sailed aboard Hurtigruten's Vesteralen in November. This article is still getting pick up!

Next, journalist Kari Budnarchuk sailed onboard the MS Nordkapp for the Ice Breakers theme voyage in October and published "Elbow Room" in the Boston Globe on Jan 30th!

Due to all this popularity, Hurtigruten was asked to be featured on the BBC/NPR nationally syndicated radio show - The World, featuring a live interview with MS Vesteralen's Tour Director Anna Kristine Tvedt directly from the ship.

Then, the readers of Conde Nast Traveler ranked Hurtigruten's Nordnorge among the World's Best Small Ships in their February, 2011 issue.

And finally, to top it all off, Hurtigruten's Climate Voyage was featured in the last Sunday Travel section of the New York Times by Elaine Glusac.

Hurtigruten is extremely proud and thankful for all of the wonderful press coverage. Talk about a windfall!

The New York Times and Hurtigruten!

2011-02-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

Hurtigruten's exciting Climate Voyage was recently highlighted in the Feb 11th Travel Section of the New York Times as one of the most interesting new sailings of 2011!

Depart Reykjavik, Iceland on July 21, 2011 and embark on climate change discovery to Spitsbergen. Journey to the high Arctic lands of the Svalbard Archipelago, making an inaugural visit to Jan Mayen, one of the most isolated islands on the planet. Shore landings, lectures and discussions help you to gain a better understanding of this critical global crisis. Natural attractions include glaciers, icebergs and possible sightings of walruses and polar bears during the stunning 24 hour daylight Arctic summer days.

For more information, contact your travel agent, call 800-323-7436 or book online.

Facts about Greenland

2011-02-14T04:14:00.000-08:00

Greenland has a population of approx. 56,000, which gives us more than 39 sq.km. per person. The population lives in towns or settlement in the ice-free part of the country along the coast. The majority lives in Western Greenland.

Geographically, Greenland is part of the North American continent; geopolitically, the country is part of Europe, and nationally Greenland is part of Denmark.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Hurtigruten's Customer Satisfaction Survey Results - High Marks Across the Board

2011-02-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Hurtigruten continuously surveys its guests looking for areas in which to improve as well as areas where they are exceeding expectations. The results from the 2010 survey, returned by 4,875 guests, offer a superior report card:

96% of respondents were satisfied to very satisfied with the Norway voyages
97% gave the same thumbs up to the company’s Explorer itineraries (Antarctica, Greenland, Spitsbergen and Europe) aboard the four-year-old, deluxe expedition ship, MS Fram.

These marks show continued improvement in guest satisfaction, year over year.

92% of passengers were happy with Hurtigruten’s shore excursions – both on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage and the Explorer sailings while 95% would recommend a Hurtigruten trip to their family and friends. Those same respondents placed Hurtigruten above competing brands as 85% who had taken cruises on other lines, rated the Hurtigruten sailing as satisfactory and very satisfactory. More than 2/3rds of the guests were happy with the value they received for the money spent. And more than half of the guests confirmed that their original expectations had been exceeded.

Way to go!

Weddell Sea Adventure

2011-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Antarctica is a land of truly awesome grandeur. The highest, driest, coldest and cleanest continent on Earth, its oceans are unimaginably rich in bird and marine life and its surreal and haunting landscapes are like nothing else on Earth.

Discover this awe-inspiring landscape aboard Hurtigruten's luxurious and intimate MS Fram during the Weddell Sea Adventure. Named after Captain James Weddell, who in 1823 discovered the sea that bears his name, reached a latitude of 74° south - something no other human had ever accomplished to that point.

Experience some of Weddell's same unforgettable encounters with huge tabular icebergs as you sail through the Antarctic Sound on this astounding voyage.

Book now and save up to 20% with our Early Booking Discount!

Contact your travel agent, book online or call 800-323-7436.

HSMAI Honors Hurtigruten with Two Gold and Four Silver Awards at it's Annual Adrian Awards Competition

2011-02-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized Hurtigruten with two gold and four silver Adrian Awards for advertising excellence in the 54th annual Adrian Awards Competition, the world’s largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition.

HSMAI paid tribute to Hurtigruten during the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards gala attended by more than 1,000 hospitality, travel and tourism marketing executives, on January 31, 2011, at the New York Marriot Marquis.

"This recognition shows that our work with our agency LOS&CO in Norway represents quality in all formats and categories. Major efforts have been put into the winter product development. The Gold Award in this category gives us a special satisfaction" says Trond Øverås, Product and Marketing Director, Hurtigruten ASA.

Hurtigruten Awards
Gold – Winter Campaign – Print media
Gold – Campaign Consumer – Complete Campaign
Silver – Summer Campaign series – Print media
Silver – Hurtigruten Cross Sales – Brochure
Silver – 1893 Ambassador – Loyalty Program
Silver – Port to port – Television

Antarctica Photo of the Month

2011-02-02T01:46:00.000-08:00

Norway Tops List of World's Happiest Countries

2011-02-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Five years ago researchers at the Legatum Institute, a London-based nonpartisan think tank, set out to rank the happiest countries in the world. But because "happy" carries too much of a touchy-feely connotation, they call it "prosperity." Legatum recently completed its 2010 Prosperity Index, which ranks 110 countries, covering 90 percent of the world's population.

To build its index Legatum gathers data from 12 sources the Gallup polling group, the Heritage Foundation and the World Economic Forum. Each country is ranked on 89 variables sorted into eight subsections: economy, entrepreneurship, governance, education, health, safety, personal freedom and social capital.

And guess who ranks as the most prosperous country in the world? Norway of course! What does Norway have that the rest of the world doesn't? The biggest bump comes from having the world's highest per capita GDP of $53,000 a year. Norwegians have the second-highest level of satisfaction with their standards of living: 95 percent say they are satisfied with the freedom to choose the direction of their lives; an unparalleled 74 percent say other people can be trusted.

Join the lovefest today and book a Norwegian Coastal Voyage! What a great way to unwind and find your own happy place.

Hurtigruten - Ranked Among the World's Best Small Ships

2011-01-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

Hurtigruten's beautiful Coastal Voyage ship Nordnorge has been rated among the "Best Small Ships in the World" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler in the February 2011 issue.

Built in 1997, Nordnorge is an intimate and charming vessel carrying less than 450 guests along the stunning fjord filled coast of Norway year round. Congratulations on a job well done!

Unforgettable Whale Watching Adventure

2011-01-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hurtigruten has invited respected researcher and marine biologist Dr. Boris Culik and Dr. Fenella Bazin, an extramural lecturer in the Universities of Birmingham and Liverpool, aboard its 12-day “Giants of the Deep” sailing. This special itinerary combines nine days of the Classic Norwegian Coastal Voyage – named “world’s most beautiful voyage” by Lonely Planet – with stays in Bergen and Andenes and a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching expedition. The two speakers provide guests with fascinating lectures and intimate knowledge of the area and its wildlife throughout the voyage. Optional excursions in each of the stops – including a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord and an authentic Viking feast in Lofotr – start at only $32 and allow guests to personalize their cruising experience. Voyage departs July 31, 2011.

Lofotr Viking Museum

2011-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

Fun shore excursion during the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage – a visit to the world’s largest Viking building at the Lofotr Viking Museum. Writer Donna Peck dons the Viking gear.

Photo: Jennifer Rosen

Your Antarctica Adventure Starts Here

2011-01-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

Hurtigruten's Antarctica Adventure cruises promises a richness of exploration and discovery. Enjoy a close-up look at penguin colonies and historical sites plus the chance to marvel at Antarctica's mountains and icebergs. Your Antarctica 2011-2012 Adventure starts here

Shackleton's Antarctica 2011
Sailing in the wake of the historical Explorers of old, you journey from Argentina towards the remote Falkland Islands/Malvinas and the stunning landscapes of South Georgia. Explore and experience the natural majesty of
Antarctica itself.
Chilean Fjords and Antarctica
Bowing to popular demand we once again feature Chile in our program! This comprehensive expedition affords a unique opportunity to visit the gorgeous landscapes of the Chilean fjords, a large area of uninhabited islands, deep sounds, breathtaking glaciers and narrow passages.
Shackleton's Christmas Adventure
We invite you to join the Fram family on this epic voyage to Antarctica, via the remote Falkland Islands/Malvinas, South Georgia and South Orkneys. Enjoy traditional Christmas celebrations and a truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve at the end of the world, surrounded by icebergs and penguins.

Antarctic Discovery
This incredible adventure will take you through the Drake Passage and down into the Southern Ocean, escorted by albatross and storm petrel along the way. Set against the backdrop of Antarctica’s magical white landscape, you will experience the best of this continent’s summer magic, discovering a wealth of wildlife that includes seal, penguin and whale.
Weddell Sea Adventure
This expedition is named after Captain James Weddell, who in 1823 discovered the sea that bears his name. Experience unforgettable encounters with huge tabular icebergs.
Polar Circle Quest
Voyaging deep into the Southern Ocean, this unique adventure cruise takes you south to the Antarctic Circle, where you will enter a realm few have ever ventured into. Find yourself surrounded by the most sublime beauty imaginable, joining your fellow explorers to gaze out across landscapes that few eyes have ever seen.
Shackleton's Antarctica 2012
Sailing in the wake of the historical Explorers of old, you journey from Argentina towards the remote Falkland Islands/Malvinas and the stunning landscapes of South Georgia. There will be time for you to acquaint yourself with these less visited regions during the voyage and learn more about their history, before continuing even further south to explore and experience the natural majesty of
Antarctica itself.
Hotel Nights
You are able to add hotel nights before or after your voyage in the following cities: Bergen, Oslo, Lisbon, London, Reykjavik, Buenos Aires, Hamburg, Copenhagen
Essential Information
Suggested Reading
A selection of favorite, new and hard-to-find books, prepared for your journey.
Landings in Antarctica
Safety is paramount and the ship’s captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Here is a selection of some of the possible landing sites in Antarctica and during your voyage we will attempt to land at some of these sites.

Discover Stunning Greenland

2011-01-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

The Disko Bay expedition along Greenland’s west coast is a fascinating exploration of the Inuit culture and the remarkable land that they inhabit. Accessible only by boat, these small settlements evoke the very essence of Greenlandic culture and, set against a spectacular natural landscape that is bathed in the light of the Midnight Sun, they provide you with a truly unforgettable journey.

For a closer look at awe-inspiring Greenland, check out this amazing video.

Facts about Greenland

2011-01-14T04:10:00.000-08:00

North America is Greenland's closest neighbor, being separated by just 26 km of water. From the most northerly point on Greenland it is approx. 700 km to the North Pole.

Greenland has been populated by small groups of people, migrating several times across the sea ice from northern Canada. The first time was about 2500 BC.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Antarctica Photo of the Month

2011-01-02T01:42:00.000-08:00

Trondheim, Norway’s First Capital

2010-12-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

Trondheim, Norway’s first capital, is a Norwegian center of education, technical and medical research with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and SINTEF located in the city. Here we see traditional wooden warehouses along the Nidelva River.

Photo: Jennifer Rosen

Hurtigruten Celebrates Anniversaries of Polar Heros Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amunsen

2010-12-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

In honor of the anniversaries of two national events – polar explorer, scientist and humanist Fridtjof Nansen’s birth, and polar hero and pioneer aviator Roald Amundsen’s historic trek to the South Pole – the Norwegian Government has declared 2011 the Year of Nansen-Amundsen.

Hurtigruten, which was established in the same year that Fridtjof Nansen set off into the Arctic Ocean in his newly built vessel Fram, is celebrating the monumental year with four unique itineraries honoring their legacies.

First, a centenary celebration onboard the MS Fram, named after Nansen’s famous ship, on Dec. 14 the day Amundsen and his men reached the South Pole, during the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica voyage; the Climate Voyage; the special Polar Bears, Islands and Fjords voyage following in the path of Nansen and finally the Ice Breakers theme cruise.

Facts about Greenland

2010-12-14T04:08:00.000-08:00

The first Christian church on the American continent was built in Greenland. It was Tjodhild's Church in Brattahlid in South Greenland.

The 1000th anniversary of Leif Eriksson's arrival in North America - 500 years before Columbus - took place in the year of 2000. The Norse Leif Eriksson reached Vinland (today New Foundland) in the year of 1000, sailing out from Brattahlid in South Greenland.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Hurtigruten's Europe

2010-12-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

Migrating towards the coasts and waterways of Europe, the MS Fram sets course to enjoy the spring and autumn exploring some of the richest historic settings in the northern hemisphere.

Enjoy the spring traveling on our Western Europe Voyage, where you can explore the most enchanting ports on the Atlantic coast.

Celebrate Easter in the Norwegian fjords on a special voyage covering ports off the traditional Coastal Voyage including Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and Stavanger. Or join us on a voyage to some of the most captivating historic cities in the Baltic Sea. From St. Petersburg and Helsinki to Estonia and Bornholm, our 11-day Baltic
journey recaptures something of the golden glories of a maritime
tradition that spanned generations.

In the fall, cross the North Sea to explore the wild and rugged beauty of
the Hebrides, before continuing to visit the remote Isles of Scilly
and a number of the other fascinating coastal communities that lie
along the west and south coast of the British Isles.

During your voyage enjoy shore landings and excursions by our Polarcirkel Boats. These smaller nimble boats give you greater access to areas of special
interest and beauty.

Book now and save up to 20% off the retail rate.

Antarctica Photo of the Month

2010-12-01T01:38:00.000-08:00

Discover the Aurora Borealis

2010-11-24T05:35:00.000-08:00

Check out this stunning time lapse video of the Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights, over Tromso, Norway

http://vimeo.com/16917950

Discover the Northern Lights for yourself on an exhilarating wintertime Norwegian Coastal Voyage aboard Hurtigruten. Plus, learn how to photograph the Northern Lights during your cruise on our special Digital Photography adventure!

Book now and save up to 15% off with our Early Booking discount.

Snowmobile Safari

2010-11-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

And we’re off to speed through the brisk winter air and discover the amazing Norwegian scenery in Kirkenes.

Photo: Jennifer Rosen

MV Fram makes pioneer expedition landing

2010-11-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

MV Fram, under the command of Captain Arild Hårvik, made a fantastic pioneer landing in the Magelland Strait, Chile yesterday. After departure Punta Arenas, Fram headed for Magdalene Island, home for more than 200.000 Magellan Penguins. According to Expedition Leader Karin Strand, guests came crying in joy back to the ship after the pre-breakfast expedition landing.

We thank the Expedition Team Members Verena Meraldi and John Chardine for excellent pictures of the charming penguins.

Read more at: http://mvfram.blogspot.com/

Itinerary Change - Polar Encounters

2010-11-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

Newsflash: the itinerary, duration and departure dates for the Polar Encounters voyage is now revised. Going forward there will be a 6 and 9-day version of the Polar Encounters expedition giving you more opportunity to see the island of Spitsbergen.

Plus, book now and save 10% with our Early booking discount. And if you book a 6-day expedition now, we'll give you a free upgrade!

Norway: Photo of the Month

2010-11-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

You really get close to nature on Hurtigruten's voyages along the Norwegian coast.

Norway means fjords, mountains, skiing, Nobel's Peace Prize, glaciers, sea eagles, the midnight sun and spectacular untouched nature.

With Hurtigruten you can experience a lot of this on the cruises along the coast of Norway - all year round.

Have you ever visited Norway? Tell us what you think!

Visit Hurtigruten.us to see some of the things Norway has to offer
Northbound excursions
Southbound excursions

Facts about Greenland

2010-11-14T04:07:00.000-08:00

The The majorities of the Greenlandic population have Inuit background and have a strong affiliation with the Inuit in Canada, Alaska and Siberia.

Greenlandic is closely related to the language of the Inuit in Canada and Alaska and is the official language of the country.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Antarctica Photo of the Month

2010-11-01T01:34:00.000-07:00

The traditional fisheries in Northern Norway

2010-10-29T03:26:00.000-07:00

This music video is a very good historic document of how the traditional Lofoten fisheries is done. On a winter voyage with Hurtigruten through the Lofoten Islands in the period of the fisheries (January to April) you may experience this yourself. The lyrics is Norwegian and is about Fish and Potatoes.

Norway Ranks #1 on Prosperity List!

2010-10-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Norway leads the 2010 list ranking the prosperity of 110 of the world's nations by the London analytical center Legatum Institute.

Norway also topped the 2009 rankings.

"The Prosperity Index seeks to understand how economic fundamentals, health, freedom, governance, safety, education, entrepreneurial opportunity, and social capital influence a country's economic growth and the happiness of its citizens," the group says.

Hurtigruten's classic Norwegian Coastal Voyages offers the most authentic way to see Norway along the 1,250 mile fjord filled west coast. Come discover for yourself why Norway continues to top the Prosperity Index.

The Ethereal Northern Light Dance

2010-10-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

The ethereal Northern Light dance above our heads as we return from dog sledding in Kirkenes. What a fantastic end to an amazing voyage.

Photo: Jeffrey Sobolow

Northern Lights in Norway

2010-10-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Photos of the Northern Lights in Trondheim, Norway.
All photos: Jo Chr. Sandvik

Hurtigruten More than Doubles Advanced Sales for 2011!

2010-10-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten is extremely proud to announce a tremendous increase in interest for our Norwegian Coastal Voyage and Explorer (Antarctica, Greenland, Arctic and Europe) cruises from the N. American market for the 2011 season!

Advance bookings have grown by an amazing 127% from our 2009 pre-booking season, comparison based on end-of-September figures. Passenger counts also increased substantially during the same year-to-year comparison. Ongoing growth is expected as we continue to develop strong sales opportunities for travel agents.

Way to go!

Finnkirka

2010-10-19T01:38:00.000-07:00

On October 18th 2010 the Light Art Installation of Finnkirka, a Sami/Lapp sacred rock close to Kjøllefjord in Finnmark, Norway was opened. All guests aboard Hurtigruten sailing into Kjøllefjord will from now on see this magnificent sight.

Norway: Photo of the Month: Northern Lights

2010-10-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Is there a better way to experience the magical Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Arctic Norway on an award-winning Hurtigruten Northern Lights Cruise? Relax on board, with the chance to see the magical Northern Lights set against a dark sky, free from artificial light. As you glide through the Arctic twilight, you become one with the peaceful atmosphere that descends around you. Clusters of houses glow like embers along the coast, small towns become welcoming refuges as you pull into harbour, and snow-clad mountains reflect the polar light to bathe you in eerie shades.

Norway means Aurora borealis up north in the winter, narrow fjords, beautiful mountains, skiing, skating, Nobel's Peace Prize, glaciers, sea eagles, the midnight sun and spectacular untouched nature.

With Hurtigruten you can experience a lot of this on the cruises along the coast of Norway - all year round.

Have you ever visited Norway? Tell us what you think!

Visit Hurtigruten.us to see some of the things Norway has to offer
Northbound excursions
Southbound excursions

Facts about Greenland

2010-10-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

The Greenlandic words: Kayak, anorak and igloo have been adopted directly by many other languages.

85% of the country is covered by inland ice, which rise up to 3000 m above sea level. The ice cap was first crossed in 1888. The journey was made on skis.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Hurtigruten's Northern Lights Adventures

2010-10-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Experience a spectacular Norwegian coastal voyage aboard Hurtigruten. Known internationally as “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage,” this enchanting vacation showcases Norway’s dazzling scenery of fjords, snow-capped mountains, bustling villages and picturesque towns. Our journey takes you on either a 6 or 7-day voyage to 34 charming ports between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north, close to the Russian border.

Winter may be the most special time to experience the Norwegian Coastal voyage - a hidden gem. A truly spectacular time to see Norway’s northern reaches with majestic scenery, the Polar Light and a surreal experience not found anywhere else.

Unique to the winter voyage are the exciting shore excursions including dog sledding in Tromso, snowmobiling over the frozen fjords of Lapland and the King Crab Safari. Here you’ll dive into the Barents Sea where your guide will catch the mighty crustacean and prepare it for you for dinner!
Plus, what winter wonderland would be complete without an encounter with the awe-inspiring Northern Lights? Aurora Borealis is a truly rare phenomenon only occurring in the winter.

Hurtigruten is truly once in a lifetime vacation.

Introducing the new 2011 Norway Brochure!

2010-10-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten proudly introduces our new, 2011 Norway brochure. This exquisite brochure was designed to give you all the information needed to plan your Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage including itineraries, pricing, shore excursions, theme voyages, cabin information and our Early Booking Discount*

Book now and save up to 15% off the retail rate!*

Click here to order your beautiful new brochure.

Hurtigruten Introduces the "1893 Ambassador" program for Loyal Guests

2010-10-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten is proud to introduce our first customer loyalty program - the 1893 Ambassador program. This program was created to reward our repeat passengers with exclusive discounts and recognition benefits.

Named after the year of Hurtigruten’s original founding by Captain Richard With, the program allows members to enjoy 10% off their next Norwegian Coastal Voyage, 5% off a future Explorer Voyage to Greenland, Antarctica, Spitsbergen, or Europe plus a host of other amenities including:

5% discount on selected excursions booked on board Norwegian Coastal Voyages
A free bridge visit
Free fruit basket in your cabin upon arrival
3 days free bicycle rental included with every Hurtigruten Norwegian classic round trip
Free quarterly member newsletter with interesting background stories about Hurtigruten as well as travel tips and destination information
Personalized membership card

Membership is free and easy to join. Visit www.hurtigruten.us/1893 for details.

Antarctica photo of the month

2010-10-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

Fulmars on Spitsbergen

2010-09-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Fulmars following the ship in Isfjorden (the Ice Fjord) on Spitsbergen (Svalbard).

Photos: Per-Erik Skramstad / Webkommunikasjon.no

Ålesund from the very top of Mt. Aksla

2010-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking view of Ålesund from the very top of Mt. Aksla. Ålesund saw its first snowfall in many years this day. Notice the Hurtigruten ship Trollfjord along the right.
Photo: Jennifer Rosen

Experience Spitsbergen, Svalbard

2010-09-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Isfjorden, Svalbard. Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad

When you decide to take a cruise to Arctic Norway and visit Spitsbergen, Svalbard, you may sail into Isfjorden ("the Ice fjord") to the glacier Nordenskiöldbreen and the deserted Russian mining settlement at Pyramiden. The mountains here are spectacular. It is really breathtaking, as I hope this picture shows. The mountains on Spitsbergen, Svalbard house some of the most interesting fossils ever found. There are even separate excursions that will take you to fossil rich places where you can pick the fossils you want. There are also a lot of other excursions for the more adventurous, like trips on snow mobile, dog sleds, polar bear safaris and much more. Most of them starts in Longyearbyen.

In the winter you may experience the Northern Lights here, and in the summer they have the midnight sun from 19 April to 22 August!

Robert Lee Hotz: Inside an Antarctic time machine

2010-09-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Science columnist Lee Hotz describes a remarkable project at WAIS Divide, Antarctica, where a hardy team are drilling into ten-thousand-year-old ice to extract vital data on our changing climate.

Robert Lee Hotz is the science columnist for the Wall Street Journal, where he explores the world of new research and its impact on society. In his column, he ranges broadly across the research horizon, from climate change, cosmology and molecular medicine, to evolution, neuroeconomics and new insights into the human brain. Hotz was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1986 for his coverage of genetic engineering issues, and again in 2004 for his coverage of the space shuttle Columbia accident. Mr. Hotz shared in The Los Angeles Times’ 1995 Pulitzer Prize for articles about the Northridge Earthquake.

Robert Lee Hotz is a director of the Alicia Patterson Foundation, which funds independent journalism projects around the world, and a distinguished writer in residence at New York University. He is the author of Designs on Life, Exploring the New Frontiers of Human Fertility, and a contributor to several books on research issues.

Bordeaux, France

2010-09-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten cruise line also visits France and other destinations in Europe, like Bordeaux.

The Bordeaux region produces some of the world’s greatest wines. Visit some of the vineyards and châteaux that pepper this rich and beautiful region, of which the Margaux and Lafitte-Rothschild brands are the most famed. The city Bordeaux also presents a fascinating destination, with its wide avenues, beautiful parks and neo-classical architecture affording it a distinctly 18th century air.

Guests can choose from an array of countries and experiences as the MS Fram travels along the coast of Europe during its Spring and Fall repositioning sailings.

Early-booking rates range from $1,021 to $5,047 if booked by December 31.

Norway: Photo of the Month

2010-09-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Sami people are among the largest indigenous ethnic groups in Europe. Their traditional languages are the Sami languages, which are classified as members of the Finno-Lappic group of the Uralic language family.

Sami experience

Have you ever visited Norway? Please share your experience here!

Visit Hurtigruten.us to see some of the things Norway has to offer
Northbound excursions
Southbound excursions

Facts about Greenland

2010-09-14T04:05:00.000-07:00

The most active glacier in the northern hemisphere is found in Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), producing 20-25 billion tons of ice annually. Some of the largest icebergs are found around Ilulissat and these may be up to 100 meters high above sea level (and only 10-15% of the iceberg is visible above water).

The icebergs move northwards by the current, then south where many do not melt until they level with New York.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

Polar Bears Having a Great Meal

2010-09-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

17 polar bears are having a great meal after having discovered a whale.

Penguins can drink salt water

2010-09-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know that penguins can drink salt water? It is because their supraorbital gland filters excess salt from the bloodstream. The salt is excreted in a concentrated fluid from the nasal passages.

Antarctica photo of the month

2010-09-01T01:19:00.000-07:00

Antarctica is white poetry: icebergs, total silence - and the cutest creatures on earth: the penguins!

Have you ever visited Antarctica with Hurtigruten or any other cruise company? Please share your experiences with other blog readers in the comments field below!

Hurtigruten's voyages to Antarctica

Name the Seals Contest!

2010-08-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

Two seal pups were born in July on the Lofoten Islands. They will embark Hurtigrutens ship MS Midnatsol September 2 on the way to Tromsø and their new home Polaria. Take part in the naming competition!

The seals Victoria and Lauser gave birth to cute little offspring in July on the Lofoten Islands, and they are growing and thriving wonderfully. The Polaria aquarium in Tromsø and Hurtigruten are looking for names for the two seals - one boy and one girl. Let your imagination run wild and take part in the naming competition. The prize is a Hurtigruten winter voyage for two from Kirkenes to Bergen.

Simply email your two name suggestions with your name, address and telephone number to seal@hurtigruten.com. The entry deadline is September 13, 2010. The winners will be notified.

Best of luck!

Hurtigruten Norway Cruise Sailing Map

2010-08-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Your Norwegian cruise's 12 day journey begins in Bergen, the center of Norway's vibrant commercial trade. Today Bergen is a central point of all Norway travel, known as the "Gateway to the Fjords." It is indeed the natural starting point for exploring the breathtaking fjords of western Norway.

From Bergen you will sail north to Kirkenes, an arctic outpost near the Russian border. During this Norwegian cruise you will stop at 34 uniquely picturesque ports all with their own charming characteristics.

The ship then turns around, and your Norway travel adventure continues as you sail south, back to Bergen. She'll call on the same ports, but those visited during the day on the northbound voyage will now be visited during the night on the southbound voyage, and vice versa.

For passengers who seek to immerse themselves in the landscape and culture of Norway, this roundtrip voyage is a compelling choice.

Did you know...

2010-08-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

In 1349 the Black Death killed between 50% and 60% of the Norwegian population, resulting in a period of decline both socially and economically. In the summer of 1349 the plague came via a ship loaded with grain from England to Bergen.

Tallinn

2010-08-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Hurtigruten also visits selected destinations in Europe, like Tallinn?

Estonia’s engaging capital Tallinn reveals an eclectic mix of Scandinavian, Russian and German influences. The overwhelming aura of its 14th and 15th Century heritage still remains amongst central Tallinn's medieval streets and picturesque houses, many of which have been beautifully restored to provide us with a fascinating insight into its remarkable past.

Visit Tallinn with Hurtigruten

Guests can choose from an array of countries and experiences as the MS Fram travels along the coast of Europe during its Spring and Fall repositioning sailings. The Spring schedule offers a trio of sailings: from Lisbon, Portugal to the UK port of Dover, visiting Spain and France on the way; or an exploration of Norway's west coast and many of its most stunning fjords, ending in Oslo; or an exploration of the "Pearls of the Baltic" -- Copenhagen, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Estonia and Bornholm.

Early-booking rates range from $1,021 to $5,047 if booked by December 31.

Hurtigruten Photo Competition ending soon!

2010-08-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

Your best Hurtigruten Memories

To us Hurtigruten is the source of fantastic nature, magnificent lighting, close encounters with nature and local culture, interesting fauna, exciting excursions, excellent food and a unique atmosphere. The beautiful Norwegian coastline through four seasons, mythical Greenland, awesome Spitsbergen and the vastness of the Antarctic – the photo opportunities are plentiful!

We would like to receive photos of YOUR best memories from HURTIGRUTEN.

The competition runs until 1 October 2010.

Good Luck!

Info on Hurtigruten.us

Ålesund

2010-08-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Wintertime in Norway offers spectacular scenery for even the most amateur photographers. Here you see a photographer shooting an aerial view of Alesund en route to the top of Mt. Aksla. A short bus ride takes you all the way to the top.
Photo: Jennifer Rosen

Perito Moreno Glacier

2010-08-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Truly amazing video of an every-four-year event that has gone on for centuries.

According to the poster on YouTube, this clip is of The Perito Moreno Glacier (South American glacier), which breaks up every four years like clock work, give or take a week.

There are photographers from all aound the world that come to southern Argentina and literally camp out at the glacier site in order to get the actual breakup on film.

Norway: Photo of the Month

2010-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

The sea eagle safari is one of the many excursions you can take when you travel with Hurtigruten to experience the midnight sun and spectacular untouched nature.

Hurtigruten offers voyages along the coast of Norway - all year round.

Have you ever visited Norway? Have you seen the majestic sea eagle with your own eyes? Please share your experience here!

Visit Hurtigruten.us to see some of the things Norway has to offer
Northbound excursions
Southbound excursions

How Wrong Is It Possible to Write "Hurtigruten"?

2010-08-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

The Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten makes it difficult sometimes for Americans to find it in search engines because Americans don't understand what the word means. This makes it therefore difficult to write.

For Norwegians it is not that difficult to write "Hurtigruten." Error sources are usually the first letter (should it be capital or lower case H?) and the silent (not pronounced) letter g. And Norwegians understand the two parts the compound "Hurtigruten" is composed of: "Hurtig" (meaning "fast") and "rute(n) (which means "route") - ships sailing regularly up and down the Norwegian coast. Some years ago, this voyage was fast; now our customers don't take this cruise for the speed.

Below you can see a list of how Americans write Hurtigruten wrong when when searching for the company or cruises Hurtigruten offers. For Norwegians some of the misspelling are quite funny, but they are very understandable. When you do not understand what the word is composed of, it is not easy to write it correctly.

hertegruten
hertigruten
hrutegarten
hurdigen norway cruise
hurtegruten
hurtengruten
hurtgruten
hurtig ruten
hurtigan
hurtigen
hurtigeruten
hurtigren
hurtigrten
hurtigrunten
hurtigrutan
hurtigrute
hurtigrute
hurtigrutenus
hurtigrutin
hurtigrutin fram
hurtigrutten
hurtigtuten opera voyage
hurtigurten
hurtiguta
hurtiguten
hurtihruten
hurtingruten
hurtingrutin
hurtinguten
hurtiruten
hurtrigen
hurtzegrutin cruise line
hutengruten
hutigruten
hutigruten us
hutrigruten
huttigruten
hutygruten

Roald Amundsen (1872-1928) - First Polar Explorer to Reach the South Pole

2010-08-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

Roald Amundsen (1872-1928) is one of the most successful polar explorers ever born. Amundsens first experience in the Antarctic was with Adrien de Gerlache's 1899 Belgica Expedition. He became the first to travel the Northwest Passage, in his ship Gjøa in 1903-06. On 14 December, 1911, Amundsen and four others reached the South Pole, a month before Robert Scott.

On 8 December, Amundsen and his men passed Shackleton's farthest south, 88°23'S. Now they were only 95 miles from the South Pole. The dogs were hungry and exhausted, the men had many sores and frostbitten faces. The closer they came to the Pole, the more Amundsen worried that Scott had already beaten them. The temptation to race on, at full speed, was shared by everyone.

At 3:00 pm, on Friday, December 14, 1911, there was a simultaneous cry of "Halt!" as the sledge meters registered their arrival at the South Pole. They had achieved their goal. Symbolic of their struggle in unity, each of the men, with their weathered and frostbitten hands, grasped the Norwegian flag and planted it firmly at the geographical South Pole. Amundsen named the plain King Haakon VII's Plateau. There were festivities in the tent that evening with each man sharing a little seal meat. At midnight observations were taken that put them at 89° 56'S. Arrangements were now made to encircle the camp with a radius of approximately twelve and a half miles.

At noon, on December 17, the observations had been completed and it was certain the men had done all that could be done. In order to come a few inches closer to the actual Pole, Hanssen and Bjaaland went out four geographical miles and promptly returned. Following the festival dinner, preparations for departure began. A tent was erected, naming it Poleheim, with Amundsen leaving a message inside for Scott, along with a letter for King Haakon. Thirty-nine days later the party returned to Framheim, as planned, with all five men and 11 dogs "hale and hearty". The month-long voyage back to Tasmania was a frustrating time for Amundsen, who was now quite anxious to be the first to announce the news of their achievement. On March 7, 1912, Amundsen finally cabled his brother Leon with the historic news.

Robert Scott is presumed to have died on 29 March 1912, possibly a day later. The positions of the bodies in the tent, when it was discovered eight months later, suggested that Scott was the last of the three to die. The bodies of Scott and his companions were discovered by a search party on 12 November 1912 and their records retrieved. Their final camp became their tomb; a high cairn of snow was erected over it, topped by a roughly fashioned cross. In January 1913, before Terra Nova left for home, a large wooden cross was made by the ship's carpenters, inscribed with the names of the lost party and Tennyson's line from his poem Ulysses: "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield", and was erected on Observation Hill overlooking Hut Point.

Further reading

Facts about Greenland

2010-08-14T04:03:00.000-07:00

The national dish of Greenland is boiled seal meat with rice and onions (in Greenlandic "suaassat"). A particular delicacy is raw whale skin with a thin layer of blubber (in Greenlandic "mattak").

The dogsled and Greenland's 20,000 sled dogs are still a vital form of transport for many during the winter. Dogsleds always have right of way.

Greenland cruises with Hurtigruten
Thanks to Greenland Tourism & Business Council

MS Fram's Chief Officer Writes from Ship in Greenland

2010-08-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

MS Fram has completed our Spitsbergen season and is now in the throes of our Greenland expeditions in Disko-bay.

MS Fram's Chief officer Ingar Lorentsen sent us some fantastic pictures from the last cruise. Here's what he writes:

"When I’m writing this we have been a while at Ilulissat and the voyage has been amazing so far. As you can see from the pictures, the weather has been amazing. During our journey, we've been to Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Qeqertarsuaq, Uummannaq, Ukkusissat, Eqip Sermia. Today we are in Ilulissat and had amazing weather, experienced great excursions in striking nature, seen a kayak show from the natives in Sisimiut and watched amazing sunrises with indescribable iceberg formations.
Yesterday when we were next to the glacier Eqip Sermia we had a barbecue on deck in the sunset and I guess you can say that our passengers are thrilled. The ship is full of extremely enthusiastic passengers!"

MS Fram now continues on her journey sailing the 8-day Glaciers and Icebergs of Greenland voyage.

Jada Pinkett Smith fell in love with Norway!

2010-08-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

Jada Pinkett Smith (Hawthorne) fell in love with Norway, she told Jimmy Kimmel on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. She's even going back to hike in the mountains with some friends. In Norway, it's just like a fairy tale, she said.

Jada Pinkett Smith plays a nurse (Christina Hawthorne) in the medical drama Hawthorne. The nurse is also a compassionate and headstrong nursing director. The nurses at Richmond Trinity Hospital spend long days and nights on the hospital's front lines. Hawthorne is the kind of nurse you want on your side when you or someone you love is in the hospital. She is the kind of nurse who fights for her patients and doesn’t let them slip through the cracks. When necessary, she takes on doctors and administrators who are overworked, distracted or just unable to see the human being behind the hospital chart.

Jada Pinkett Smith's Homepage
Jada on Facebook

Beautiful Rainbow (MS Midnatsol)

2010-08-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Watch this beautiful rainbow video taken by Kari Moe Sundli, who works on the Hurtigruten ship MS Midnatsol.

Please notify us if you have taken videos or photos that you want us to publish here on the Hurtigruten blog.

Try a Norwegian Specialty - Fjellbekk!

2010-08-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite spirits to enjoy while traveling on Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Voyage is the famous Fjellbekk which means Mountain Stream in Norwegian.

The fjellbekk is a tasty and refreshing drink coming directly from Norway and made with aquavit, a very special Scandinavian liquor. The fjellbekk goes down great while watching the majestic scenery of the fjords or in the evening at the bar while listening to live music with friends.

Try making your own for a summer happy hour tonight!

3/4 oz vodka
3/4 oz aquavit
3/4 oz lime juice
3/4 oz Sprite® or 7-up

Enjoy over ice as you watch the sunset. Or if you're in Norway, the Midnight Sun.

Outdoor Chess on MS Midnatsol

2010-08-09T03:16:00.000-07:00

The Hurtigruten ship MS Midnatsol now offers guests an opportunity to play outdoor chess! The new big outdoor chess board is found on Deck 9. It is also possible to play other games on the same board, such as checkers.

Many passengers are enjoying the good weather lately on deck and play games on MS Midnatsol (meaning midnight sun!).

Did you know that Tromsø is applying for the Chess Olympiad in 2014? The Chess Olympiad is a biennial chess tournament in which teams from all over the world compete against each other. The event is organised by FIDE, which selects the host nation.

The Baltic Sea

2010-08-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten also visits selected destinations in Europe, like The Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea has been at the center of trade in this region since the Roman Times. As well as fish, the region has always traditionally been rich in amber, lumber, hemp and furs, all of which have provided steady trade for the surrounding Baltic states for centuries.

You can choose from an array of countries and experiences as the MS Fram travels along the coast of Europe during its Spring and Fall repositioning sailings. The Spring schedule offers a trio of sailings: from Lisbon, Portugal to the UK port of Dover, visiting Spain and France on the way; or an exploration of Norway's west coast and many of its most stunning fjords, ending in Oslo; or an exploration of the "Pearls of the Baltic Sea" -- Copenhagen, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Estonia and Bornholm.

Early-booking rates range from $1,021 to $5,047 if booked by December 31.

Light phenomenas like the Northern Lights on Jupiter and other planets

2010-08-07T01:28:00.000-07:00

Photo: John T. Clarke (U. Michigan), ESA, NASA

Did you know that light phenomenas like the Northern Lights (aurora borealis or aurora australis) can be seen on other planets? Unfortunately, Hurtigruten cannot take you there, but it's a fact that both Jupiter and Saturn have magnetic fields much stronger than Earth's, and both have large radiation belts. Aurora has been observed on both, most clearly with the Hubble Space Telescope. Uranus and Neptune have also been observed to have auroras.

The auroras on the gas giants seem, like Earth's, to be powered by the solar wind. In addition, however, Jupiter's moons, especially Io, are powerful sources of auroras on Jupiter. These arise from electric currents along field lines ("field aligned currents"), generated by a dynamo mechanism due to the relative motion between the rotating planet and the moving moon. Io, which has active volcanism and an ionosphere, is a particularly strong source, and its currents also generate radio emissions, studied since 1955. Auroras have also been observed on Io, Europa, and Ganymede themselves, e.g., using the Hubble Space Telescope. These are generated when Jupiter's magnetospheric plasma impact their very thin atmospheres.

Auroras have also been observed on Venus and Mars. Because Venus has no intrinsic (planetary) magnetic field, Venusian auroras appear as bright and diffuse patches of varying shape and intensity, sometimes distributed across the full planetary disc. Venusian auroras are produced by the impact of electrons originating from the solar wind and precipitating in the night-side atmosphere. An aurora was also detected on Mars, on August 14, 2004, by the SPICAM instrument aboard Mars Express.

Read more on Wikipedia

When travelling to Norway with Hurtigruten in the winter, you can experience the Northern Lights.

Hurtigruten Offers

2010-08-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hurtigruten is offering amazing deals right now on our once-in-a-lifetime destinations including the our Northern Lights adventures in Norway and our special Christmas voyage in Antarctica.

Book select summer and autumn Norwegian Coastal Voyages now and your companion will sail for half price!

Plus, for adventure seekers, Hurtigruten's Northern Lights Adventures in the winter time have never been easier to attain than with this special offer. Book a 12-day Classic Roundtrip voyage and pay for only 7-days! What a deal!

These Hurtigruten offers won't last long so check out www.hurtigruten.us for more information.

For those really looking to brag about their holiday vacation, there's no better way than to sail Antarctica on the 17-day Shackleton's Christmas in Antarctica. Book now and your companion sails for half price!

Finally don't forget to ask about our amazing Early Booking Discount for 2011 Norway, Antarctica, Spitsbergen and Greenland departures. You can save up to 20%!

Funny Penguin Videos

2010-08-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some funny and even a bit silly penguin videos that gave us a big laugh. We hope that you too will enjoy them!

Pingu goes fishing

Do Penguins Fly?

Funny video of penguin falling

Pierre Coffin animation

Happy Feet

Penguins tipping over

Spitsbergen Adventure 2011/2012

2010-08-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Spitsbergen - the land where polar bears reign supreme offers towering glaciers, spectacular fjords, Arctic deserts, the Midnight Sun and a wealth of both marine and land animals and migratory birds.

Located midway between Norway and the North Pole, Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and offer no roads to link communities - making Hurtigruten's sailings the best way to take in the never-ending vistas. And Hurtigruten has expanded its offerings for 2011, with six itineraries that range from five to 13 days, and booking by Dec. 31 lower fares to $2,907 to $9,073 per person, double.

The June-September season has 27 departures aboard the MV Polar Star or MS Fram, two highly-regarded expedition ships.

Expedition leaders point out, and in many cases, take guests ashore to see extreme Arctic sights such as ice-filled Hinlopen Strait; Nordaustlandet Island; historical, near-polar settlements of Barentsburg and Ny-Alesund; the stunning Hornsund Fjord; Bear Island; Lilliehook Glacier; and Andreeneset, where the remains of the ill-fated 1897 Andree Balloon Expedition were found in 1930. A special eight-day "Climate Voyage" celebrates the 150th birthday of Fridtjof Nansen, the great Norwegian explorer and recipient of the 1922 Nobel Peace Prize, and makes an inaugural visit to one of the most isolated islands in the world - Jan Mayen.

Swimming with Penguins

2010-08-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

These guys did it - swimming in ice cold water in Antarctica. You won't see me swimming in this water, although some of my friends here in Norway like to take a refreshing ice bath in the Oslo fjord during winter. Look at the cute penguin running away (00:10-00:18).

Read more about Hurtigruten's Antarctica cruises here

Antarctica photo of the month

2010-08-01T01:13:00.000-07:00

If this is not visual poetry, nothing is. Try to image creations like this tall as office buildings. Going on a cruise to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime experience. It will certainly give you memories you can cherish for the rest of your life.

Antarctica is white poetry: icebergs, total silence - and the cutest creatures on earth: the penguins!

Have you ever visited Antarctica with Hurtigruten or any other cruise company? Please share your experiences with other blog readers in the comments field below!

Hurtigruten's voyages to Antarctica

A man who lived on the western coast of Greenland around 4,000 years ago...

2010-07-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

An international team led by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark has successfully decoded the genome of a man who lived on the western coast of Greenland around 4,000 years ago. Published in the journal Nature, the study's findings are part of the ECOGENE ('Unlocking the European Union convergence region potential in genetics') project, funded with EUR 1.09 million under the Regional programme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

Danish evolutionary biologist Eske Willerslev from the Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark and the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, along with PhD student Morten Rasmussen, led the team of 52 scientists that concluded a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis of ancient human hair found preserved in Greenland's permafrost.

At first glance, the researchers believed the tuft of hair used for analysis belonged to a bear because it was so thick. Instead, they discovered that it belonged to a Palaeo-Eskimo whom they named 'Inuk', which means 'human' or 'man' in Greenlandic.

Inuk hailed from the Saqqaq culture which was found in west and southeast Greenland from around 2,500 BC to 800 BC and was the first culture to settle in the New World Arctic. The detailed reconstruction of this ancient human genome joins the list of eight whole genomes of living people that have been decoded to date.

So what did Inuk look like? The researchers point out that he likely had brown eyes, thick dark hair (although he was unfortunately prone to baldness) and type A positive blood. Inuk was dark-skinned and ate seal meat that he chewed with square, 'shovel-shaped' front teeth. Inuk was also genetically adapted to cold temperatures.

The researchers say that although he lived in Greenland, Inuk is in fact more closely related to tribes in modern-day Siberia than to the Inuit (i.e. 'The People') that currently make their home in Greenland.

The findings also help unlock the mystery of how Inuk's ancestors, known as the Chukchi people, migrated more than 2,000 kilometres from north-eastern Siberia to Greenland some 5,400 years ago. This migration wave, say the researchers, was independent of those of the ancestors of the Native Americans and Inuit.

Professor Willerslev and his team made headlines in 2009 when they reconstructed the complete mitochondrial genomes of a woolly mammoth and an ancient human. The Danish scientist happened upon the hair tuft after a number of failed attempts to find early human remains in Greenland.

'I was speaking with the Director of the Natural History Museum in Denmark, Dr Morten Meldgaard, when we started discussing the early peopling of the Arctic,' Professor Willerslev explains. '[Dr] Meldgaard, who had participated in several excavations in Greenland, told me about a large tuft of hair which was found during an excavation in north-western Greenland in the 1980s and now stored at the National Museum in Denmark.'

Once Professor Willerslev got the green light from the Greenland National Museum and Archives, he and his colleagues launched an analysis of the hair for DNA. After using a number of techniques, the team discovered that what they had in their hands was indeed human male hair.

'For several months, we were uncertain as to whether our efforts would be fruitful,' he goes on to say. 'However, through the hard work of a large international team, we finally managed to sequence the first complete genome of an extinct human.

'Our findings can be of significant help to archaeologists and others as they seek to determine what happened to people from extinct cultures.'

Researchers from Australia, China, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greenland, Latvia, Russia, the UK and the US contributed to this groundbreaking study.

For more information, please visit:

Nature:
http://www.nature.com/

University of Copenhagen:
http://www.ku.dk/English/

ECOGENE:
http://www.ebc.ee/EBC/ECOGENE.html

Greenland is Melting

2010-07-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

Glaciologist Jason Box has been testing a Moulin, a shaft that allows water to travel from the glacier's surface to its bottom, in a glacier on the Greenland ice cap to find out how fast it is melting.

According to Dr Box, “The Moulin is the epicentre of our concern because all the water is channeling down at this one point.

Watch how the team balanced on the edge of an ice sheet and used a flow meter to measure the water speed.

Jason Box says: “We’re in the midst of a climate catastrophe and glaciers are the epicentre of that problem. Glaciers are decanting into the oceans at shocking rates and I want to stop that.”

Join Dr. Box, an expert on climate change and Greenland—called “Ground Zero for global warming” by National Geographic—and the crew of the MS Fram as they retrace the legendary routes first plied by Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson more than a millennium ago. In between port calls at the vibrant, cosmopolitan city scenes of Reykjavik and Halifax, be enlightened by Box’s lectures and discussions while reveling in the legion natural and historical wonders that dot the shores of Greenland, Labrador, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. Set a course for education, entertainment, and enthralling experiences. This Sept. 26th, Hurtigruten steps back in time and looks into the future while cruising to some of the world’s most spectacular shores!

14-day In the Wake of the Vikings

The Northern Lights Spectacular National Geographic Video (Polar Lights / Aurora Borealis)

2010-07-27T03:28:00.000-07:00

The Northern Lights (also called Polar Lights or Aurora Borealis) are one of nature's most spectacular visual phenomena, and in this time lapse video by National Geographic they provide a breathtaking display of light, shape, and color over the course of a single night in Norway.

Isabelline Penguins

2010-07-27T01:37:00.000-07:00

About one in 50,000 penguins (of most species) are born with brown rather than black plumage. These are called isabelline penguins, possibly in reference to the legend that the archduchess Isabella of Austria vowed not to change her undergarments (!) until her husband united the northern and southern Low Countries by taking the city of Ostend — which took three years to accomplish. Isabellinism is different from albinism.

Isabelline penguins tend to live shorter lives than normal penguins, as they are not well-camouflaged against the deep, and are often passed over as mates.

Fur Seals Attacking King Penguins

2010-07-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Spectacular but rather disturbing BBC video of fur seals chasing and killing king penguins. Between South Africa and the South Pole on Marion Island, returning king penguins bring food for their young. However, in order to reach them, they must brave repeated attacks from angry fur seals. In an ongoing battle of face-offs both the seals and the penguins know the dangers of the fight...

Bergen from the top of the Mount Floyen

2010-07-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

One of the best views over the city of Bergen from the top of the Mount Floyen. Departing from Bergen’s city center, the funicular takes you to the mountain top, 1050 ft above sea level for magnificent views, an exquisite restaurant and a souvenir shop.

Photo: Jennifer Rosen

Antarctica 2011-2012

2010-07-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

Antarctica -- one of the most popular of Hurtigruten's destinations, there are few Hurtigruten guests who are not immediately taken in by the tuxedo suited greeters (penguins), always out and ready to welcome new friends to their year-round home. And the penguins are just a small part of the experience as Antarctica offers dramatic scenery, countless species of bird and marine life, and haunting landscapes.

Six itineraries of 12 to 20 days run from November through February. All of the itineraries begin and end in Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital and the land of the tango. Early-booking savings, good through March 31, 2011, means fares range from $5,858 to $13,684 per person, double and include roundtrip air between Buenos Aires and the boarding port in Ushuaia.

Highlights common to all sailings include a variety of landings on the White Continent - "Half Moon Island" with its large colony of chinstrap penguins and seals; Port Lockroy, once home to a British base and now a museum; and Neko Harbor, one of only a few stops allowed on the actual Antarctica mainland versus the Peninsula, are just some of the examples.

The longer sailings add time in the seldom visited Tierra del Fuego region including Diego Ramirez, Cape Horn, Puerto Williams and Magdalena Island; the Falkland Islands; South Georgia; and South Orkney Islands. The 15-day "Polar Circle Quest" takes the guests across the 66º33' latitude - where the air is crisp and they are able to take in rarely seen landscapes. Optional voyage extensions are offered to Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls.

Antarctica 2011-2012

Shackleton's Antarctica
Chilean Fjords - Antarctica
Shackleton's Christmas Adventure
Antarctic Discovery
Weddell Sea Adventure
Polar Circle Quest

5 Nights Free When You Pay for 6 Nights!

2010-07-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Discover the Classic 12-day Roundtrip Norwegian Coastal Voyage for the price of a one way!

Read more about this unprecedented offer on Hurtigruten.us and review applicable sail dates

More videos here

The spectacular Hardangerfjord

2010-07-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

Discover the spectacular Hardangerfjord via train, motorcoach and boat.

Hardangerfjord is an 111-mile-long fjord displaying spellbinding natural landscapes. The tour (Bergen-Voss-Ulvik) starts by train on the Bergen Railway from Bergen to Voss. From Voss, the tour continues by coach through attractive farmland to Ulvik, a delightful village typical of western Norway. In Ulvik, you go by boat across the beautiful Hardangerfjord to Eidfjord.

Pre and post Norway cruise excursions can be added to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage before
or after your trip to enhance your total vacation experience.

Enhance your sense of culture, discovery and adventure by adding our optional pre or post cruise extensions to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage vacation. Options includes day trips in Bergen, Flam, Kirkenes, Oslo, Trondheim, Roros and Voss.

Float in the icy Barents Sea with a special survival suite, or lunch on the Oslofjord in a wooden sail boat. Our optional extensions take your sense of Norway beyond adventure to new heights.

All pre and post Norway cruise excursions

Cruise excursions northbound voyage
Cruise excursions southbound voyage

Brochure Detail Expedition Offerings

2010-07-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Planning ahead was never more rewarding than with Hurtigruten's 2011/2012 schedule of Explorer cruises. Travelers can save up to 20% on next year's sailings in Greenland, Spitsbergen and Europe by booking before Dec. 31, 1010 and in Antarctica by March 31, 2011. Guests who have sailed within the last three years are able to combine the savings with the Repeater Discount of 5%.

A new 78-page full-color Explorer Voyages brochure details Hurtigruten's portfolio of 20 adventure expeditions to both ends of the world. The 5- to 20-day itineraries offer guests unique opportunities to explore pristine environments, get up close to fascinating wildlife and gain valuable insight from experts in numerous disciplines including geology, marine life, climate, environment, history and culture.

Pearls of the Baltic Sea

2010-07-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

PEARLS OF THE BALTIC SEA is available now at early booking prices. The cruise starts and ends in Oslo, the capital of Norway.

Departure: April 25, 2011

This voyage takes you to some of the most captivating destinations in the Baltic, like beautiful Copenhagen, modern Helsinki and the architecturally magnificent setting of St. Petersburg.

PEARLS OF THE BALTIC SEA