Hays Travel has taken 171 passengers on a charter flight from Bournemouth to Bergen as part of their clients’ Norwegian coastal voyage, in search of the northern lights.
The direct flight was chartered exclusively by the agency to take clients from the region to an 11-night cruise on Hurtigruten’s MS Polarlys.
Staff from Hays Travel were at Bournemouth airport on Saturday to help their passengers to check in process and enjoy an exclusive airside drinks reception.
Fully escorted throughout by Hays Travel staff, the cruise takes in the highlights of the Arctic Circle and a variety of winter activities such as husky dog sledding, river kayaking and a visit to the Snow Hotel. The cruise also includes a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral and a visit to North Capemore.
Josi McGuire from Hays Travel in Winton said: “We had a great morning with our lovely customers. There was a real buzz of excitement at the airport and it was so nice to be able to share that with our customers – something we don’t usually get to do.”
Customer Kathleen Westcott, from Ringwood, added: “The convenience of flying from Bournemouth makes all the difference. It is a great opportunity to see the northern lights from a local airport, only 10 minutes from our home.
Steve Gill, airport managing director, commented: “We’re delighted to work with Hays Travel to make this amazing experience easily accessible.
“Being able to fly directly from Bournemouth and embark on a memorable cruise through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes is a fantastic opportunity.”
Catriona Parsons, Hays Travel’s head of cruise, said: “We have five more northern lights voyages departing from regional UK airports between now and December 2025, with limited availability from Bournemouth airport on February 5, and a special New Year voyage from Bournemouth on December 29, 2025.
“Winter 2025 exclusive Hurtigruten fly-cruise holidays from regional airports are selling exceptionally fast.”
From left: Nigel Goldsworthy, Hays Travel, Weymouth; Clive Hill, Hays Travel regional sales manager, Dorset; Jo Valinski, Hays Travel in Ringwood; Katie Williams, Bournemouth airport aviation security officer; Josi McGuire, Hays Travel in Winton; and David Evans, Hays Travel host.