23 Oct 2014
Hurtigruten Announces Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventure At Once-In-A-Lifetime Pricing
Offers Savings As Much As $7,820 Per Person On Sailings of 10 To 19 Days
Camping, Kayaking, Snowshoeing amidst the Pristine Antarctica Environment and Thousands of Penguins
Seattle, October 2014 – Due to a last-minute release of prime cabins on several 2014-2015 season Antarctica itineraries, Hurtigruten is announcing prices never before offered – and unlikely to be repeated in the future. Savings of up to $7,820 are available with new fares running as low as $6,081 per person, double. The 10-day “Land of the Penguins” voyage is available from $6,081, departing Jan. 4 & 16, 2015; the 19-day “In the Realm of the Great Explorers,” departs on Nov. 1, 2014 and is priced from $8,680; and the 15-day “Polar Circle Expedition” has special fares starting at $7,764 for Jan. 28 & Feb. 11, 2015 sailings.
Ever since the age of the Vikings, few people have been more experienced in the traditions of exploring extreme waters then the people of Norway. From Leif Erickson to Fridtjof Nansen to Otto Sverdup to Roald Amundsen, Norwegian explorers have always led the way into new places and new adventures. As one of the oldest cruise lines in the world, Hurtigruten draws from those roots when it heads out to explore the remote and dramatic lands of Antarctica. Using the deluxe expedition ship, MS Fram – named after the original Norwegian ship that took Nansen to the North Pole and Amundsen to the South Pole, Hurtigruten guests take in many of the same sites as those seen by the explorers. Added to this is the simple fact that Hurtigruten trains the Pilots who are required to escort vessels in sensitive polar waters, and that the MS Fram is the only ship, along with its captains and crew, to offer an unmatchable level of experience by operating 100% of the year on Polar itineraries.
Camping overnight ashore, hiking with snowshoes, kayaking the ice-laden waters and enjoying small boat excursions offers Hurtigruten guests experiences that yield lifelong memories, stories to share with family and friends, and a greater understanding and attachment to this pristine environment. Combining these adventure excursions with the numerous landings, thousands of penguin hosts, lectures from experts, and the stunning scenery of the White Continent, makes any of the Antarctica itineraries a trip-of-a-lifetime.
Perhaps the most remote of Hurtigruten's offerings is the “Polar Circle Expedition.” This 15-day voyage sets out to cross into the Polar Circle - 66° 33' and make landings in some of the rarely visited area of the Antarctica Peninsula. Possible highlights include the former research Station W on Detaille Island; the relatively unaltered and completely equipped British scientific research station from the 50s, known as Station Y Horseshoe Island; as well as several other more established sites. Special pricing ranges from $7,764 to $13,163 per person, double.
“In the Realm of the Great Explorers” is a 19-day voyage and follows a similar route as the early 20th-century explorers, focusing on the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. Highlights include learning of the trials and tribulations of the early explorers, seeing the largest King penguin colonies in the world, observing dozens of different wildlife species, visiting the grave of Shackleton, and of course, numerous landings on the White Continent. Special fares are $8,680 to $12,598.
The 14-day “Land of the Penguins” is the shortest itinerary but still spends seven days in the White Continent mixing landings and penguin visits with lectures on history, the environment and the wildlife. Reduced pricing is from $6,081 to $10,416.
Just as important as the focus on the experience, is Hurtigruten's focus on safety and safeguarding these remote destinations seriously giving the company a true leadership position in the world of sustainable travel. Hurtigruten belongs to numerous environmental organizations including AECO, IAATO and Clean Up Svalbard, all of which demand that members maintain responsible travel safeguards for future generations.
Hurtigruten sails to the most remote of destinations as well as year-round along Norway's coast and in Europe. The company's fleet of intimate ships, which each carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere.
Additional information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.us; by phone at 877-301-3117; or fax at 888-524-2145. To order brochures 24 hours a day, call 800-582-0835.
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Gillies and Zaiser
HTN-32-October 2014
