Hurtigruten

From the magnificent Norwegian Fjords to the ice-filled bays of Antarctica, Hurtigruten is renowned for its comprehensive and adventurous voyages to some of the most remotely beautiful and dramatic coastlines on the planet.

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage “one of the world’s most beautiful voyages”.
This is the way to see Norway!

During the winter months search for the mystical Northern Lights, the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. Participate in Dog Sledging and Snowmobiling excursions, or why not stay a night in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel? A hotel made out of ice and well…..snow.
Summer brings 24 hours daylight in this Land of the Midnight Sun.  See plunging waterfalls and pristine fjords along Norway’s breathtaking coastline, while discovering the history, architecture and traditions of the coastal communities.
When not seeking the wildlife of Antarctica, Spitsbergen and Greenland, or exploring the islands and fjords of Norway the fleet serves as a lifeline; working ships carrying passengers and cargo along 2000 kilometres of spectacular Norwegian coastline. The schedule caters for short stops day and night as well as longer stays in exciting and fascinating ports to allow exploration ashore.  With daily departures from Bergen all year round, the Hurtigruten ships call into remote ports almost never visited by the commercial liners.

The full “Classic Round Voyage” Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen takes 11 nights but there are numerous alternatives or combinations.  For instance you can purely take the voyage north or south with an opportunity to stay in Bergen or Oslo.  Combine this with a breathtaking rail journey “Across the Roof or Norway” or visit the town of Flam, on the shores of the Aurlandsfjord,, via the wonder of the Flam Mountain Railway. When travelling south from Kirkenes why not break your journey with a two night stay in a charming fisherman’s cabin in the Lofoten Islands. The options are almost endless and this is where Style Cruises come in.  We are here to give you knowledgeable advice, while tailor-making your holiday, as well as offering any potential savings. 2011 PREVIEW BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE – Click Here

Brief History of Hurtigruten
Whilst the 19th century and the Industrial Revolution had brought comforts and innovative advances to the citizens of Oslo and the southern ports, the region beyond Bergen was still seen as a remote wilderness, hemmed in by dramatic landscapes and unforgiving seas.
So when a seasoned Norwegian sea captain called Richard With proposed a regular steam ship service to link northern and southern Norway, many saw it as an unrealistic folly. Originally intended as a weekly daylight service from Trondheim to Hammerfest, delivering mail, cargo and passengers, this audacious mariner then proposed to extend the service to travel both day and night, winter and summer. His intention was to sail through waters that at this juncture had still not been mapped, through a landscape that for centuries had only been accessible from the sea.
For 90 years the Coastal Express became the most important communication link between the north and south and it is from these pioneering voyages that the Hurtigruten tradition stems. Translating as ‘fast route’, it was the quickest and most reliable passage into the remote lands of northern Norway, regardless of weather conditions. Indeed it was not until 1983 that the mail delivery was finally entrusted to road and air routes. It is this heritage and experience that marks out Hurtigruten as one of the most professional and proficient expedition voyage operations on the planet.

The Ships
Although working ships they have been built with passenger comfort in mind.  Well appointed comfortable cabins and panoramic lounges complemented by workds of art inspired by the land and seascapes through which they sail.  The fleet of custom designed vessels are capable of safely negotiating not only the rugged coastal waters of Norway and Artic, but also the remote lands of Spitsbergen and Greenland and the southern oceans off Antarctica.
Relaxed and Informal
No dressing up for dinner – no fuss, no frenzy – the aim is to sail calmly through the crisp clean air, close to the ever-changing environment. Hurtigruten operates open seating for the buffet at breakfast and lunchtime, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Fresh Seasonal Cuisine
Menus are planned around fresh, seasonal ingredients and take advantage of local produce to satisfy appetites stimulated by the fresh sea air. The restaurants are fully licensed and the set dinner takes place at the guests reserved table. Coffee and drinks can be enjoyed in one of the lounges or bars.
Friendly and Helpful Crew
A multi-lingual tour Manager is on board the ships to assist with the shore excursions, helping guests to book if they have not already pre-booked their trips ashore, and to provide information on the highlights of the day. Additionally, there is a reception desk open 24 hours a day. Style Cruises recommend booking shore excursions before you travel, avoiding any disappointment and in some cases making a saving on the brochure price.
Simple Style
There may be some musical entertainment in the bar and occasionally there may be a local choir or band in one of the lounges, but there is no organised entertainment programme in the evenings to detract from the gentle flow of the voyage.
Space to Learn
Lecture theatres and meeting rooms are available on most ships, creating an ideal environment in which guests can listen to a guest lecturer on one of the themed Voyages. If you are travelling on one of the Hurtigruten explorer voyages a team of tour guides and/or lecturers will be on hand to give briefings and lectures and answer any questions guests might have.
Extra Comforts
All ships, except for the older, smaller, vessels have a lift, a library to really ‘get away from it all’ and a café serving snacks 24 hours a day. The newer additions to the fleet have Jacuzzis and a fitness room and MS Finnmarken boasts an outdoor swimming pool.
Home on the Water
Choose from a wide range of comfortable cabins. They vary in size and location, sometimes within the same grade and as a general rule, outside accommodation on the higher decks have a picture window while the lower decks have portholes.
A choice of suites on MS Midnatsol, MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken enables guests to select a cabin with a balcony or bay window and some have a bath/Jacuzzi. MS Fram has been specifically designed and enhances Hurtigruten’s reputation as the leading expedition voyage operator and her suites and cabins reflect the high standard of this latest addition to the fleet. On MV Polar Star all cabins are outside and have a window or porthole and private facilities.
Suites
Suites have a seating area with TV. They have a shower/WC and most have a double bed (this may be two single mattresses set in a double frame which cannot be separated).
Standard and Superior Cabins
Cabins all have private facilities and twin beds, one of which can be turned into a sofa. Some grades have upper and lower berths
Special Cabins
With the exception of MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen, all the ships have at least one specially equipped cabin for disabled passengers. Special non-allergy cabins are available on MS Finnmarken. Prices for cabins that can accommodate three or four people are available on request and inter-connecting cabins are available on some of the ships.

Style Cruises would be delighted to help you plan and book your Hurtigruten voyage.