If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that I love cruises! They are a great way to see the world and enjoy some of the best comforts that traveling has to offer. However, with so many different kinds of cruises offering such a variety of experiences,  you need some help to sort through the maze and get you cruising.  If you haven’t considered the ‘expedition’ type cruises, this article may change your mind!

Why Choose Hurtigruten

Big cruise ships only scratch the surface of the intricate and rugged coastlines of countries in the northern hemisphere. Only the Hurtigruten ships let you experience the vibrant, stunningly beautiful coastal route. These expedition type cruises are mostly soft adventure types, and there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. And during these explorer voyages, you don’t simply enjoy breathtaking scenery but also experience one-of-a-kind culture and wildlife.  Another advantage to traveling with Hurtigruten is that you’ll visit ports with an experienced Expedition Team to insure you gain a better understanding of the remote areas of the world through shore excursions, lectures and talks.

Cruise Destinations 

While I think all the Hurtigruten cruises are wonderful, these are a few of my preferred destinations:

• Spitsbergen – Remote, mysterious, extreme and located on the southern fringe of the frozen Arctic Ocean, Spitsbergen is a land forged by ice, wind and sea. These cruises take you close to the wildlife, the ghost towns of early whaling stations, remote mining towns and spectacular fjords and icebergs. While traveling Spitsbergen, you can explore Longyearbyen, the closest town to the North Pole where you get to see polar bears and be a part of various polar adventures. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of Santa Claus? You never know!
• Norwegian Fjords – This is definitely the ultimate fjord experience where you get to witness the extraordinary coastal landscape and visit picturesque villages, as well as stave churches where the scenery and cultural heritage have held visitors spellbound for centuries. 
• Antarctica – Indeed, this is the last untouched continent! Experience nature at its most sublime in an endless, white wilderness. The landscapes here have remained as awe-inspiring and unchanged as the day that man first set eyes upon them. It is the coldest, driest, highest and cleanest continent on Earth, and it is teeming with life.

Spotlight on the MS Fram

While Hurtigruten has a fleet of great sailing vessels, the MS Fram is its newest ship.   It was designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical maneuverability and guests’ comfort.

The MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind – to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. With space for only 276 guests, passengers can be sure to get to know many of their fellow travelers. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, more active guests can use the ship’s well-equipped gym while everyone can enjoy the Jacuzzis on deck. Travelers will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home.  To experience a day with Hurtigruten, check out the MS Fram blog.

Not a Traditional Cruise

With so many cruise options these days, finding the right cruise for my clients is a task I take seriously.  If your interest in Hurtigruten is peaked, just know that it is not what I would call a “traditional” cruise.

• Ships in the Hurtigruten cruise line are “working ships”, they often stop for 2-4 hours at ports that you would never see on a traditional cruise.
• If you’re looking for gourmet dining, nightly live entertainment and traditional cruising experience, then this cruise is not the one for you! These cruises emphasize relaxation and discovery and less of commercialization.

If this soft adventure approach is what you’re looking for or you just want to learn more about this non-traditional type cruise, please reach out to me. I guarantee that with Hurtigruten, you’ll make some amazing memories and see remote places where only few people ever get a chance to in their lifetime.