Dive into Norwegian Culture with an 11-Day Hurtigruten Coastal VOYAGE

Visiting 32 unique ports in 11 days, Hurtigruten’s “Classic Norwegian Discovery Voyage” delves into Norway’s rich heritage, from the UNESCO harbor town of Bergen to the small fishing villages of Kjollefjord and Berlevag.  Previously named the “world’s most beautiful voyage” by Lonely Planet’s “Bluelist,” the route garnered even more attention earlier this year as the subject of the Guinness World Record for “Longest Live TV Documentary,” a 134-hour broadcast that attracted nearly six million viewers from 148 countries.  Highlights of the voyage include the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Ålesund; Molde, with its magnificent view of the Romsdal Alps; the charming streets of Trondheim, Norway’s first capital; crossing the Arctic Circle; the picturesque Lofoten Islands; and Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town.  Fares for the March 15 to May 31, 2012 departures range from $2,354 to $10,841 per person, double; higher pricing is for suites.  Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club, a loyalty club for those who have previously sailed on Hurtigruten, receive 10% off as well as a range of onboard benefits.

Embarking from Bergen, the voyage sails through Hjeltefjord to the UNESCO listed Geirangerfjord, which affords unbeatable panoramic views of the Seven Sisters waterfall.  In Trondheim, guests can view the city from the Gamle Bybrua (“Old Town Bridge”) and visit Norway’s largest Gothic religious structure, the centuries-old Nidaros Cathedral, before traveling past the Kjeungskjær lighthouse and crossing the Arctic Circle.  The Lofoten Islands, located within the Arctic Circle, are rich with history of both land and sea: its shores are the site of the Lofotr Viking Museum and it is located near the world's largest deep water coral reef.  Other ports include Kirkenes, home to the famous Kirkenes Snowhotel and Gabba Reindeer Park; Hammerfest, a center of Sami culture; Honningsvåg, the gateway to the North Cape; and Kristiansund, where some scientists believe the first Norwegians originated from.  The voyage ends its journey in Ålesund, the most important fishing harbor in Norway and home to the Norwegian Centre of Art Nouveau Architecture, before returning to Bergen.

An array of culturally themed optional excursions allows guests to customize their cruising experience while further exploring each of the ports visited.  Offerings include dog sledding in Tromsø; a guided tour of the Kirkenes Snowhotel, complete with a visit to the Gabba Reindeer Park and a drink in Norway’s largest ice bar; a trip to the breathtaking Geiranger Fjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site praised by National Geographic – that features a picturesque ferry ride and a dinner in Molde (starting April 15); a midnight concert featuring both classic music and Norwegian folk songs in Tromsø’s famed Arctic Cathedral; and a journey across the 71st parallel to the North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe.

Rates are subject to availability and include accommodations in cabin or suite of your choice; all meals onboard; entrance fee to the Hurtigruten museum; fuel supplement; and all aspects of the onboard program, including an English-speaking tour leader.  International flights and optional excursions are additional.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall.  The company’s fleet of 13 intimate ships, with 151 to 646 berths, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.   Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (877) 301-3117; fax (888) 524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.