Hurtigruten unveils new destinations

For the 2018 season, Hurtigruten has expanded its Antarctica operation to a total of three expedition ships, spearheaded by the new hybrid vessel MS Roald Amundsen.

As world leaders in adventure travel in the waters surrounding the Antarctic continent, the Norwegian company continues to highlight the importance of balancing growth in adventure tourism with environmental concerns.  

Hurtigruten CEO, Daniel Skjeldam comments “All operators must commit to the highest environmental standards in order to relieve the strains on the nature and wildlife of these pristine areas. Hurtigruten will lead by example, offering responsible, unique and meaningful adventures based on our more than 120 years of experience.”

By adding to their offer of responsible Antarctica experiences, Hurtigruten consolidates their position as the world’s largest, most innovative and experienced provider of expedition sailing.

Hurtigruten will offer tailored experiences that extend from exploratory sailings with MS Midnatsol, to nature-immersive expedition sailings for the limited number of guests that MS Fram carries.

The new hybrid ship under construction, MS Roald Amundsen, will combine the breath-taking fjords of Chile, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica.  

All Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expeditions departing from South America offer optional on-land experiences such as the Manuel Antonio National Park (Costa Rica), Machu Picchu (Peru), biking excursion through Santiago de Chile, the Atacama Desert, Patagonia and the Iguazu Falls (Argentina). 

Ground-breaking new destinations

The new Hurtigruten programme also includes a large number of new itineraries and destinations – ranging from exotic jungles to frozen landscapes. 

“A Hurtigruten voyage is all about rich and meaningful experiences, taking our guests to destinations only we can sail to. We will take our passengers on unique experiences that no other operator can provide, with access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites on almost all itineraries.” said Skjeldam.   

Expedition vessel MS Fram will lead expedition sailings in the Caribbean Sea and along the Atlantic coast of the US. The expedition destinations are spread across eight countries along the coast of Central-America and includes landings at ports; San Blas Islands, Fort San Lorenzo, Boscas del Toro, Puerto Limón, Corn Islands, Isla de Providencia, Cayos Cochinos and Lighthouse Reef.

Hurtigruten’s highly skilled and experienced expedition teams will accompany guests on all excursions.

 For the eastern coast of the US, Hurtigruten’s itineraries will include landings in cities such as New York and Boston.

Frozen North American adventures

Between 1898 and 1902, polar explorer and one of Hurtigruten’s first captains, Otto Neumann Knoph Sverdrup, covered more terrain with the original “Fram” in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago than any other scientific expedition.

For the northern summer season, the “Fram” will once again embark on this sailing taking modern adventurer’s on expedition to Arctic Canada. 

MS Spitsbergen on home ground

Hurtigruten’s newest expedition ships, MS Spitsbergen will offer explorer-style circumnavigations of the island she is named after.

  • Antarctica
  • Arctic Canada
  • Caribbean
  • A house with a mountain in the background
  • MS Midnatsol in Antarctica
    • Photo: ©Dominic Barrington and ©Jørg Terhart

Cooperating with adventurous profiles

In addition to the new routes, Hurtigruten has partnered with several adventure influencers to plant a flag of their choice in one of the Hurtigruten destinations they are passionate about.

The exploration and sustainability ambassadors include:

  • David Lindo (UK): Broadcaster, writer and photographer. Planting his flag in the Amazon Rainforest.
  • Tim Kemple (US): Photographer and filmmaker. Planting his flag in Greenland.
  • Pete McBride (US): Photographer and filmmaker. Planting his flag in Greenland.
  • Johanna Davidsson (SE): Expeditioner. Planting her flag on the South Pole.
  • Cecilie Skog (NO): Expeditioner, mountaineer and writer. Planting her flag in Canada.
  • Alexander Gamme (NO): Expeditioner, skydiver, safari guide and writer. Planting his flag in Canada.

Currently, Hurtigruten offers Arctic voyages to Greenland; Iceland; around Spitsbergen; and from 2017 to Arctic Canada. In the southern hemisphere, Hurtigruten takes guests to the waters around Antarctica; along both coasts of South America; and from 2017, to the mighty Amazon rainforest.