In association with: Hurtigruten Expeditions
Hurtigruten’s expert expedition teams will offer your clients a trip to remember
The dream of exploring Antarctica – one of the world’s most spectacular destinations – can become a reality on a Hurtigruten expedition. Offering a series of itineraries, with some including flights from the UK, clients can enjoy gliding past towering ice shelfs and spotting playful penguins between October and March each year.
What’s more, Hurtigruten is keen to protect Antarctica’s natural beauty, pledging to ensure that nothing is left but footprints (from boots that are sterilised before departure) and nothing is taken but precious memories. A few of its ships make use of hybrid technology to produce lower emissions, which means it has the lowest possible carbon footprint of all expedition cruises to Antarctica.
The company has been sailing the southern polar waters for more than 20 years, enabling it to put together expert packages that show off all Antarctica has to offer. This includes stunning, bright-white landscapes that seem to stretch on for eternity, awesome icebergs and abundant wildlife.
Antarctica is home to an estimated 12 million penguins across several species – depending on the time of year clients visit, they can expect to see courting rituals, newly hatched chicks or the moulting period.
Onshore activities
As well as penguins, the peninsula attracts a host of other seabirds, as well as whales, seals and squid. Sampling the majestic scenery and gazing at wildlife doesn’t stop on the ships. Hurtigruten Expeditions offers opportunities to go on landings ashore and on small boat cruising as part of the trip.
There are also optional activities including kayaking, snowshoeing and camping overnight, while those feeling brave can even take part in a polar plunge. Hurtigruten’s expertise in this region means its expedition teams are always on hand to provide extensive information on its geography, history and wildlife, as well as the impact of climate change on Antarctica.
Clients can develop their photography skills through dedicated tutorials during the trip, and they can access the ship’s onboard Science Center, a fully equipped learning zone with a library, microscopes and advanced technology.
Not settling for all this, Hurtigruten Expeditions wants to continue to embrace the spirit of adventure related to polar expeditions. It plans to attempt new landings at spots south of the Antarctic Circle, including Marguerite Bay, Crystal Sound and the Weddell Sea, during some of its next voyages. In keeping with a true polar expedition, these attempts will be subject to weather and sea conditions – but remind clients that this makes the trip all the more authentic.
Hurtigruten’s Antarctica ships
MS Roald Amundsen
Honouring the first person to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen was always going to be part of Antarctic expeditions. It was the world’s first hybrid ship, sailing with electrical propulsion to help tackle pollution, while onboard technology reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20%.
MS Fridtjof Nansen
Named after the Norwegian explorer who led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis, the hybrid ship boasts the same elegant Scandinavian-style interior design as MS Roald Amundsen. All cabins come with windows, while more than half have private balconies, and aft suites feature private outdoor hot tubs.
MS Fram
The ship, which underwent refurbishment this year, was purpose-built for expeditions, combining ‘all ocean capabilities’ with comfort, safety and environmental friendliness. Spacious outdoor decks bring guests closer than ever to marine wildlife.
Popular itineraries 2023-24
12 day – Highlights of Antarctica
Departures: November 2023 – March 2024
Price from £5,682 per person
Explore the icy wilderness of Antarctica during its summer season, taking in stunning landscapes and meeting some of its incredible wildlife.
16 day – Antarctica & Falklands Expedition
Departures: November 2023 – February 2024
Price from £7,002 per person
Spend wonderful summer days experiencing the wildlife and wilderness of Antarctica, as well as the Falkland Islands’ charming capital and sandy beaches.
18 day – Antarctic Circle Expedition
Departures: January – February 2024
Price from £8,487 per person
This sailing departs at the peak of summer, with an attempt to travel below the Antarctic Circle to try to reach the usually secluded yet magnificent Marguerite Bay.
23 day – In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
Departures: November 2023 – February 2024
Price from £10,055 per person
One of Hurtigruten’s longest expeditions in Antarctica, this cruise gives clients the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Falklands, South Georgia and ever-impressive Antarctica.
PICTURES: Hurtigruten/Andrea Klaussner 2019; Karsten Bidstrup; Agurtxane Concellon; Werner Kruse
Website: agentportal.hurtigruten.com
Email: uk.sales@hurtigruten.com
Phone: 0203 553 1523