Hurtigruten is to offer expedition cruises from the UK for the first time in its 126-year history.
The small ship, expedition cruise line, will offer a dozen winter sailings from Dover between October 2021 and March 2022, as part of its new Norway Expedition programme.
The 14-night voyages will be operated on MS Maud, previously MS Trollfjord, which is one of the three vessels in Hurtigruten’s fleet to undergo a refit to become a “premium hybrid-powered ship” with the addition of a green technology battery and a low-emission engine.
Ports of call include Bergen, Molde, Kristiansund, Bronnoysund, Lofoten, Tromso, Honningsvag, Senja, Alesund and Stavanger.
The itinerary includes two sea days, an overnight in Tromso and a guaranteed viewing of the Northern Lights
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Prices start at £3,299 and include daily excursions, equipment hire, on board lectures and WiFi, all meals and drinks and gratuities.
UK general manager Anthony Daniels said: “This new route offers a truly exceptional way for guests to explore the coast of Norway and experience the Northern Lights all at the convenience and comfort of a UK departure. Not only will we take guests to new highlights, but with an increased presence of expedition team leaders onboard we will help new and existing guest to become immersed in the rich wildlife and cultural offering of Norway.”
Barbara Buczek, chief commercial officer at the Port of Dover, added: “Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises have an amazing sense of adventure and are a fantastic advocate for green cruising that explores nature at its best. We are really excited to be working with Hurtigruten to bring a new winter cruise season to Dover, and to become their first ever UK port of call.”