Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Hurtigruten UK: Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights Cruises

hertigruten cruise

The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August. We arrive early into Vadsø before docking in Kirkenes - the ship’s turning point for the return journey.

North America

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display. It has the highest breeding density of Golden Eagles in Europe, and White-tailed Eagles can often be seen soaring above the coast.

Landing Activities

Its icy seas, isolated icebergs and snow-driven deserts are home to wildlife that surprise and charm all who visit them. This means both companies must pay much higher wages than on other cruise ships, and charge significantly higher amounts for alcohol to comply with local laws. If you are visiting during the autumn or winter hoping to see the aurora borealis, check out our northern lights tour packing list for more suggestions. Some of Hurtigruten's newest, greenest ships have been put to work in the expeditions fleet. Ships like the MS Roald Amundsen were needed to cope with the challenging conditions of destinations such as Antarctica.

Hurtigruten Named Norway’s Top Sustainable Travel Brand - Cruise Industry News

Hurtigruten Named Norway’s Top Sustainable Travel Brand.

Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Highlights of South America by Land & Sea Colón to Lima

They almost all depart from the UK or Germany and offer a more cruise-like experience with fewer, longer port calls. But Hurtigruten and Norway's coastal route differ in more ways than just the history. When considering a Hurtigruten cruise to Norway, make sure you understand if its the coastal voyage or an expedition cruise. Embark on a nostalgic voyage of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago to experience a remote wilderness of fjords, glaciers, and polar wildlife.

hertigruten cruise

When shipping pioneer Richard With founded The Original Coastal Express back in 1893, little did he know that it would forever change the future of the Norwegian coast.

Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound Bergen to Tromsø

Join an excursion to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain’s house for a real Viking feast. We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodø, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom, by small boat. Enjoy one of the world's most scenic rail journeys as you travel from Oslo through farmland, past lush green forests and majestic peaks.

hertigruten cruise

Camping Amundsen Night

We now reach spectacular Trollfjord, only 2 km long, 100 m wide and surrounded by majestic mountains. Molde is known as the ‘City of Roses’ because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

The Spitsbergen Adventurer

Islay is a wildlife haven, home to over 200 species of birds – including oystercatchers, gannets and Golden Eagles. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks. Islay, the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, with rugged uplands and coastline.

Dual Citizenship Adopted in Norway

Experience the true side of Greenland’s west coast with our partner Arctic Umiaq Line. Like us, they have a long history of serving local passengers and communities, and sail to places that most visitors to Greenland never see. It’s well worth exploring this area some more if you have time before you head home. You’ll embark in Glasgow (Greenock) where MS Spitsbergen, one of our smaller vessels purpose-built for close-up exploration, will be waiting for you. Get to know the ship before meeting the Expedition Team – your guides for the adventure ahead. Visit vibrant cities, jungle ruins, pretty resorts, and isolated islands along the Pacific coasts of Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

In this ultimate guide to Hurtigruten cruises in Norway, you'll find all the information you need to embark on your own seafaring adventure. So, come aboard and discover the wonderful world waiting to be explored along Norway's magnificent coastline. Receive special offers, exciting new itineraries and fascinating articles delivered straight to your inbox. We then sail to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom.

We'll also cruise the wild and beautiful Shiant Isles, a tiny archipelago set in the Minch Strait. We travel next to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, home of the famous Harris Tweed cloth. We'll visit Gothic-style Lews Castle, with its trails and fantastic views. Don’t miss 'Scotland's Stonehenge', the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones, and Dùn Carloway, the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland.

For those wanting a view to remember, take the Voss Gondola to the summit of Mount Hanguren (820 metres above sea level). The panoramic views of the snow covered valley and surrounding areas are more than worth the journey. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city. Visit Kjøllefjord, where you can learn about the Sámi way of life and hear traditional joiking (song).

There are many ways to experience the Russian influence on the local area with many different excursions and activities. Join us for a kayaking excursion in summer along Tromsø’s coastline - a great way to get close to marine wildlife. After we depart, enjoy a tasty dinner buffet made from fresh coastal produce. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing as you admire the spectacular landscapes from the deck or in our panorama lounge. Following breakfast and another chance to explore this picturesque city, join the ship at the port to begin your voyage towards the Arctic circle and the Midnight Sun. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the morning exploring Voss, before taking the train for the last bit of your journey to Bergen.

Havila has newer, greener ships and takes an all a la carte approach to dining, for example. To be able to sail for another 130 years, we need to change the way we do things. That’s why we’ve launched Sea Zero – a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship. Be the first to hear about our latest offers, exciting itineraries and inspirational articles. This is our classic route that has faithfully served the families and communities of the Norwegian coast for generations. We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll disembark the ship.

Lofoten is renowned for its steep mountains, sandy beaches, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. After breakfast, board the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, enjoying the spectacular views as you pass through the narrow Nærøyfjord. Known for its snow-capped mountain peaks, deep valleys, fast-flowing rivers and thunderous waterfalls, the journey along the valley from Gudvangen to Voss is as beautiful as it sounds.

Expedition Cruises Cruise Packages and Vacations

hertigruten cruise

The Hurtigruten Norway coastal ferry (known as BKB for Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen) can be done as a full roundtrip, one-way trip or shorter voyage such as Bergen to Tromsø or Trondheim to Tromsø. Now is your chance to explore one of our many destinations with a special offer. Brightly coloured Georgian houses line the waterfront in the picturesque fishing port of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Learn about the local heritage at the Mull Museum, try a dram of local whisky, stroll around the loch in Aros Park or pay a visit to the Baliscate Standing Stones. Our next stop is the remote Isle of Eigg, home to incredible wildlife. You might spot Golden and White-Tailed Eagles, Red Throated Divers, stonechats, seals, dolphins and porpoises.

Introducing Norway

The Food on a Hurtigruten Cruise Through Norway - Food & Wine

The Food on a Hurtigruten Cruise Through Norway.

Posted: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team. With key expedition features and technology, MS Fram is primed to bring you on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions. If you’ve time to explore the city, you’ll find Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, on the waterfront. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also trendy cafés plying delicious cinnamon buns and where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Discover Greenland with Arctic Umiaq Line

hertigruten cruise

You can also explore Trondheim by kayak on the River Nid or experience the city by bicycle. You can also join the Hurtigruten Guides for a hike to discover more of the area. Under the dancing skies of the Northern Lights, travel from the cosmopolitan capital, Oslo, to the top of Norway and Europe. Journey along some of the world's most scenic and beautiful railways as you travel through the snow-covered countryside to Bergen via Flam and Voss. Your adventure begins in Reykjavík, where you’ll start your circumnavigation of remarkable Iceland.

A Words of Norway Publication

As a working cargo ship and passenger ferry, port calls are only missed because of extreme weather. The ships will not wait for late cruise passengers, unless you are on a delayed Hurtigruten excursion. Hurtigruten Expeditions also runs expedition cruises to Norway, but these are quite different from the coastal service.

If you are considering a BKB coastal voyage, you should absolutely consider Havila in addition to Hurtigruten. Many former Hurtigruten staff now work for Havila and the mother company has a rich maritime heritage in Norway. The fundamental concept is very much the same although there are some onboard differences.

At the time of writing, the MS Maud is one of the expedition ships most commonly used on Norway itineraries. Formerly the MS Midnatsol when it operated as a coastal cruise ferry, the MS Maud underwent refurbishment to better equip it for expedition cruises. From there we call at Kristiansund, a city spread across four islands with an excellent harbour that has been active since the Stone Age.

Ready, Set, Sail! Save up to 45% on 2024-2025 Expedition Cruises!

Experience the magic as you step off your expedition boat and feel the crunch of snow beneath your boots. For a lucky few, camping in tents overnight is the ultimate Antarctic experience. On an HX expedition cruise to Antarctica, you’ll be an explorer not a passenger.

hertigruten cruise

Take time to explore at your the town and even a visit to the local brewery or the Flåm railway museum. Start planning your journey to exploring this pristine world of ice, wildlife, and awe-inspiring beauty. Hurtigruten has its fans from all over the world, particularly in Germany. Some people take the trip every year, while others do it every so often. Some have transferred their love for the coast route into trying an expedition cruise for the first time.

Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound Kirkenes to Tromsø

Hurtigruten will adopt all-inclusive pricing for expedition cruises - Travel Weekly

Hurtigruten will adopt all-inclusive pricing for expedition cruises.

Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

With our wide range of landings, included activities and optional excursions, designed for all interests and activity levels, you’ll experience the best this incredible continent has to offer. From discounted voyages to flight inclusive deals - we have a range of unmissable offers to help you experience some of the world's most breathtaking destinations. Explore the Pacific coastline of South America, and get up close and personal with exotic wildlife and ancient civilisations. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.

To cross the Drake Passage and reach the last great frontier - a place where sun glints off pristine ice and wildlife reigns supreme - is truly life-changing. At HX, we've been exploring Antarctica for over 20 years, and we do so in sustainable style, with a world-leading science program that actively helps the fragile ecosystems we explore. You will sail much closer to the coastline meaning there will almost always be something to see from the ship–day or night. You must travel to Norway to board the ship, although flights are often included in fares when booked by international travellers or through travel agents. Another major difference from the coastal route is that expedition ships generally do not depart from Norway.

While Hurtigruten Expeditions offer expedition cruises all over the world, we'll focus here on expedition cruise itineraries that feature Norway. If you're considering a Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise, it's a very different concept from the Hurtigruten coastal voyage. They do not run to a timetable like the coastal ferry and there is a much wider choice of itineraries and departure ports. But if you're a cruiser who likes to spend a day wandering a port of call, Hurtigruten's coastal voyage may not be for you.

A nostalgic voyage of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago to experience a remote wilderness of fjords, glaciers, and polar wildlife. The extraordinary diversity of South America’s landscapes, wildlife and history make it a rich, colourful and exciting region to explore. It’s a land of dense rainforests, glacial fjords, ancient ruins, sandy beaches and bustling cities – ripe for active adventure. From the Scarlet Macaw to the wild guanaco, our Expedition Team will help you spot South America’s most famous animals. The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning natural scenery of the entire voyage.

Monday, April 1, 2024

15 amazing activities on a cruise ship

activities in cruise

Whether you're attending a wedding soon or want to pick up some new moves to use in the club later that evening, you might wish to devote some at-sea time to a dance class. On formal nights, beauty appointments fill up quickly, so book as far in advance as possible. Choices include mani-pedis (complete with hand and foot massages), deep-conditioning hair treatments and styling, and even cosmetic enhancements. These are not solely for women; some ships offer barbering services and other "manscaping" options. If you're sailing with any of the Carnival Corp. brands -- which include Carnival, Holland America and Princess -- you can be a part of On Deck for a Cure.

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Onboard Experience - Cruiseline.com

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Onboard Experience.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:13:08 GMT [source]

Why you should get your cruise cabin serviced in the evening instead of the morning

Learning is a never-ending process, so it makes sense that there would be chances for enrichment on vacation, too. On a cruise, you might find talks related to the areas you're visiting, health and wellness evaluations or shopping seminars used to try to sell you something. And, if you prefer something a bit less organized, go clubbing instead. Just about every ship has a disco where you can cut a rug into the wee hours of the morning. Get some sushi at IzumiFans of Japanese cuisine can enjoy expertly prepared, impeccably presented sushi and sashimi, as well as a wide variety of Asian-inspired appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Bid on a New Piece of Art

On Princess sailings, the line offers wine and chocolate pairings via a longstanding partnership with Norman Love Chocolates. On Celebrity, wine-loving cruisers benefit from the line's link-up with The Wine Show, a UK-based TV series, and MSC's Italian heritage shines during such presentations at its wine bars. Further, if you'd just like a quick self-served glass, we'll shout out the Enomatic wine dispensers on NCL, Royal, Celebrity and Azamara vessels. For watery fun outside of the pool, water slides are the way to go. You can access them on all Disney vessels, most Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships, and select ships in the MSC fleet. Notable options include Royal Caribbean's Perfect Storm, a trio of waterslides that includes two racing slides and either a funnel-style bowl slide or a boomerang slide (depending on the ship).

Sweeping Views

The spa is the place to indulge in massages, facials, and other pampering treatments. You will also find steam and sauna rooms, whirlpools, heated stone loungers, or a thalassotherapy pool -- a combination whirlpool and mineral bath. Most ships also have salons for hair-styling services, manicures, and pedicures. Many spas also offer services for men (like old-fashioned shaves, facials, and manis/pedis) and teens (including mother-daughter packages).

activities in cruise

Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?

Start with the Meat Plank, the shareable appetizer piled with mortadella, salami, prosciutto, pickles and cheeses. Then choose from fresh pasta, fish and seafood dishes, chicken, or burgers. Grab a towel and head for the poolAs you would expect, every Royal Caribbean ship offers swimming pools, and usually we’re talking multiple options. Sing your heart out in karaokeOne of the nice things about a cruise is that you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself.

Thanks to the wonderful spas, wellness programs, and fitness offerings on Celebrity’s ships, you can come home rejuvenated, refreshed, and fitter than you were before your vacation. If you love wine, you’ll be thrilled to explore the impressive wine list on Celebrity’s ships, which has won more Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence than any other cruise line. Heading for a show every day really is one of the best activities on a cruise ship and, unlike Broadway or London, it costs nothing. On Celebrity’s Edge-series ships, you’ll notice a tangerine-colored platform cantilevered over the side. Welcome to the innovative Magic Carpet®, which can move up and down, with a different function in each location.

Walk on the Promenade Deck

Teens, when they’re not hanging out in their adult-free space, can try the range of specialized treatments at The Spa. Or stock up on your favorite perfume, makeup, and liquor, as well as stylish Celebrity logo wear. Or to acquire a piece of your own, why not head to the onboard gallery to one of the auctions? Relax with a glass of champagne, browse the collection, and bid for anything that catches your eye. Edge-Series ships show movies at the gorgeous Rooftop Garden, a leafy urban playscape with a giant, high-definition screen.

Awesome Things To Do on a Cruise on Sea Days

We have more than 25 cruise brands under our portfolio, with breath-taking itineraries across the world in more than 300 destinations. Based in the Middle East, we cater our services to vacationers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon. We combine our professional cruise expertise and dedicated service to ensure that you have the perfect cruise holiday. Move from classic martini bar to line dancing in the country dive to sweating the night away in the techno club. Whatever vibe you’re in the mood for, you can probably find it on the incredible nightlife decks.

You'll also be asked to set up an onboard account and submit a photo of yourself. Did you know that almost all cruise ship captains are licensed to perform weddings? You can get staff onboard to help you plan the perfect ceremony from start to finish, though you will need to arrange this before the trip. If you’re setting sail on an upcoming cruise, check out our list of 45 cruise ship activities to keep you busy no matter if you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or as a family.

Speeds are never the same as they are on land, but ships are more connected now than ever before. Both a rite of passage for new cruisers and a favorite event for old salts, sailaway is what officially kicks off each voyage. Join fellow passengers and crew on the upper outdoor decks for music, dancing and drinks to mark the beginning of a great vacation, along with spectacular views -- of the sunset if you're lucky. So, you've packed tons of great diversions into your day, but what happens when the sun goes down? Depending on your dining time, you have options both before and after dinner.

No matter what you choose, you'll see a snippet of the port you're visiting in a safe way. On select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Princess ships, passengers can sign up to try their luck beating various escape rooms. Small groups of cruisers work together to find clues, solve puzzles and decipher riddles that allow them to escape from a tiny room in which they're voluntarily confined. As of September 2022, Carnival's "Behind the Fun" tour is paused.

From roller coasters to climbing walls, the things you can do on new cruise ships is incredible. Please let me know your favorite things to do on a cruise in the comments below. Don’t head home on debarkation day without having another cruise to look forward to. Booking your next cruise onboard, or simply placing a deposit on a future cruise with date unknown is a great way to save money. While this isn’t included with your cruise fare, if you’re interested in what happens on the cruise ship bridge you won’t be disappointed with this behind the scenes cruise ship tour. While not obligatory, if you participate in formal night, expect to dress up more than other evenings and enjoy lobster, surf and turf or another special meal in the main dining room.

Explore the history, culture, and landmarks of various cities during your cruise stops. Join guided city tours to learn about the local heritage, visit iconic sites, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of bustling cities. There are ways to make calls and access the internet from ships without spending a boatload of money. You can buy a Wi-Fi package, for instance, that'll let you make FaceTime calls and stream videos (on some ships) by Wi-Fi without using phone data.

Understanding Pilonidal Cysts: Can Pilonidal Cysts Go Away on Their Own? Advanced Surgical Physicians

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