Why choose a Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise

Your journey begins as soon as you embark the ship, which will become your comfortable base camp at sea. The first thing you will notice is the atmosphere on board. As the peace and tranquillity of the scenery and relaxed pace takes hold, you will find your senses to everything around you enhanced.

All ships have large lounges and deck space, offering perfect views to the changing scenery, creating a proximity to nature that takes your breath away. Many of them also have floor to ceiling windows, ensuring you never miss a thing! They are purpose-built to bring you closer to nature and wildlife, to encounter unforgettable experiences and to make memories.

Not your common cruise – these ships carry up to 500 passengers at most. Life onboard is famously relaxed, there’s no formal attire for dinner, and no casinos or cabaret shows either. The focus is on the off-the-beaten-path ports that steer clear of the tourist traps, avoiding much larger ships that pour thousands of guests ashore at a time.

Each ship has wonderful restaurants, bars, cafes, observation decks and panorama lounges, but they also possess different styles and offer something truly unique. No matter which ship you choose, they all provide the same intimate travel experience with their own informal atmosphere.

Single guests, couples or groups are welcomed as part of the family. Striking up conversations with fellow travellers about shared experiences, mutual enthusiasms, excursions and nature is part of the voyage. Guests can find plenty of cosy nooks around the ship for some quiet time, reading, learning about the area or simply admiring the never-ending scenery.

Included in the fare is breakfast, lunch and dinner, they also offer a three course Vegan dinner!

Most of their ships have an Expedition team on board, with an Expedition Leader and team members who are experts in nature, guiding, hiking, culture and history. Together with the ship’s hotel management, they are your hosts on board. Every day they provide lectures, photo programmes, story-telling and evening gatherings. They will enthusiastically share their knowledge and passion on a variety of subjects including biology, history, geography, culture and science.

Here are some essential items to bring along with you, whatever the season: • Binoculars • Camera and memory card • Comfortable everyday shoes • Wool sweater or fleece • Passport and/or ID card • Sun protection • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Credit cards • Wind and waterproof jacket and trousers • Mid layer jacket • Thermal underwear • The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual, and you are not expected to dress formally for meals

In winter, spring and autumn, it can also get quite cold so make sure to pack warm clothes: • Winter boots with good grip • Spikes • Thick winter jacket • Warm hat and gloves • Woollen socks • Scarf • Woollen sweater or fleece

We live on a truly beautiful planet, Hurtigruten’s 126 years of maritime history also places them in the unique position of leading the way in sustainable travel and corporate social responsibility. 15 metric tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans every day. If the trend continues, this number will double in the next 10 years. This means that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.

I am so pleased to say that on 2nd July 2018, Hurtigruten celebrated its 125th birthday by banning ALL single-use plastic, fleet-wide, which was an industry first, they also organise beach clean ups on their Expedition Cruises if any passenger wishes to take part they are always more than welcome!