Hurtigruten has unveiled its 2021-2022 Expedition brochure, featuring itineraries departing next year from Dover on the newly refurbished MS Maud.
There are five no-fly expedition cruises from the UK port, exploring remote locations around the British Isles, Norway and – for the first time in Hurtigruten’s 127-year history – southern Scandinavia.
The brochure has been released as Hurtigruten announces it is establishing two separate entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.
The cruise line has 15 ships, and eight of them will be in the new expedition entity, offering departures from the UK, Germany and Alaska.
The remaining seven will operate cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021.
Asta Lassesen has been appointed chief executive of Hurtigruten’s global expedition cruise operations, and the CEO of the coastal entity is yet to be announced.
Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten Group chief executive, said: “Hurtigruten sees great demand and equally great opportunities in the expedition cruise segment from 2021 and beyond. This is the growth we are preparing for.”
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Next year’s 13 or 15-day round trips from Dover will visit destinations such as Norway’s Lofoten islands, known for their dramatic peaks; Rathlin Island, home of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony; and the Koster Islands in Sweden.
Several itineraries will sail beyond the Arctic circle in winter so passengers can experience the Aurora Borealis.
MS Maud has a science centre, which hosts lectures and workshops by Hurtigruten’s expedition team.
Anthony Daniels, UK general manager for Hurtigruten, said: “There are some incredible itineraries as well as new destinations included that deliver truly authentic adventures for those who are curious to experience more of the world around them…from witnessing the spectacular wildlife of the British Isles and rugged archipelagos in southern Scandinavia, to the stunning Norwegian fjords and mesmerising Northern Lights.
“With departures from Dover and the small ship ambience of the MS Maud, we’ve made it even easier for guests to get up and close to nature – something the bigger ships can’t.”
The Remote Islands, Natural Wonders and a Diverse Coastline cruise costs from £3,399, with departures in August and September 2021.
Covid-19 protocols will be in place and are subject to change.