Save Big With Hurtigruten This Spring

With every season in Norway holding its own unique appeal, there is always something different to see and experience. Thanks to a new special offer from Hurtigruten, it is now possible to travel for less and save up to £456 per person on selected departures this spring.

Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage, seven-day Classic Voyage North and six-day Classic Voyage South, guests can take advantage of the special prices on various dates during March, April and May when booking an unspecified inside or outside cabin before March 31, which will then be allocated on arrival. 

More importantly, a voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

The ultimate journey is the full Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back to Bergen. There is no better time to enjoy a voyage than during spring – a time of true awakening when the daylight returns, snow begins to melt and the landscape emerges in a riot of colour from its crisp, white winter blanket. 

The Classic Voyage now costs from £1,536pp (a saving of up to £456); price includes 12 days full voyage with full board on the ship and fuel supplement. The Norwegian Discovery Voyage now costs from £1,442pp (saving up to £429); price includes 11 days voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. Voyage North now costs from £1,067pp (a saving of up to £319pp); price includes seven days voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. The Voyage South now costs from £840pp (saving up to £250pp); price includes six days voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. 

In all cases, flights are extra and price is based on two sharing an unspecified outside cabin on selected dates in March and April. Book before March 31 for savings.

For booking details, see this link to UK cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Northern Lights & Midnight Sun with a Pool and Balcony

Hurtigruten has announced that MS Finnmarken, which has been chartered in Australia for two years, is to return to sailing the Norwegian Coast from February 16. As one of the operator’s newest and largest ships, she will sail the traditional coastal voyage route from Bergen to Kirkenes, replacing MS Nordlys for a short time and then MS Nordstjernen, which will head to Spitsbergen.

Finnmarken (above) is currently undergoing a thorough refurbishment to be in peak condition when she resumes services. She is typically one of the favourite ships among Hurtigruten guests, the only one in the fleet with a pool and with balcony cabins. The ship has 283 cabins and 639 beds in all.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

NASA Predicts Bumper Winter For Northern Lights

Is seeing the Northern Lights high on your must-do list? Well, this winter could be the year to maximise the chance of seeing them, as NASA predicts that the winter months will see the strongest Northern Lights activity in 50 years.

And what better place to see them than from a Hurtigruten ship, where they are set against the dark night sky, away from artificial light? The Aurora Borealis have increased in intensity since 2007 and will be at their peak in 2012 as the Solar Maximum - the period with the greatest solar activity - peaks around every 11 to 12 years. NASA are also predicting the Solar Maximum will be stronger than at any time in the last 50 years.

The Northern Lights are at their most active in the late autumn and occur most frequently and at their brightest in a belt some 2,500km from the magnetic pole. Much of the Norwegian coast lies in an area with the greatest activity, especially the high Arctic above the Arctic Circle.

Hurtigruten's six-day Voyage North departs daily between November 1 and December 31, sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes, with the chance to add a range of excursions such as a visit to the North Cape, snowmobiling or dog-sledding. Prices start from £625 per person, including six nights half-board on the ship and no single supplements. Flight packages including transfers are available from £495 based on London departures.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Single Savings On Northern Lights Voyages

Travelling to the Norwegian Fjords just got easier for solo travellers with a new offer from specialists Hurtigruten. Single passengers can now take advantage of 15% savings off selected departures – plus single supplements have also been removed on these sailings.

The offer is ideal for those who like to travel alone or prefer the privacy of their own cabin without paying a supplement. Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, the seven-day Classic Voyage North and the six-day Classic Voyage South for selected dates from October 3 to December. 14 It is also widely reported that this winter is expected to be one of the best years for solar activity and, therefore, potentially a great year for spotting the Northern Lights.

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

The ultimate voyage journey is the full 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back to Bergen, or the shorter half-voyages can also be enjoyed. There is no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Norway, on board a Hurtigruten as the Northern Lights are set against a dark sky, free from artificial light.

Classic Round Voyage – From £1,222pp (saving £549); price includes 12 days full board on the ship and fuel supplement.

Voyage North – from £847pp (saving £384pp); price includes seven days full board on the ship and fuel supplement.

Voyage South – from £667pp (saving £302pp); price includes six days full voyage includes full board on the ship and fuel supplement.

All flights are extra and prices based on select October dates for solo travellers only.

For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Hurtigruten Brings The Northern Lights Even Closer

For many, seeing the Northern Lights is a ‘must do’ on their wish list and, thanks to Norwegian cruise specialist Hurtigruten, it just got even easier for anyone in northern England and Scotland to fulfill this once-in-a-lifetime dream.



Direct flights from Leeds Bradford and Edinburgh are now featured for the first time, plus an additional Manchester date due to the sell-out success of the original date on March 5.



The flights to Bergen tie in with a 12-day cruise along the Norwegian Fjords, where the Northern Lights are regularly spotted during the winter months.



This is the first time Hurtigruten has offered cruises with flights direct from Leeds Bradford or Edinburgh.

The cruise is a 12-day voyage from Bergen in the South to Kirkenes in the far north of Norway, just a few miles from the Russian boarder. The ship will call at 34 ports along the way, most of which are never visited by the larger cruise liners.



There is simply no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Norway. It is also widely reported this winter is expected to be one of the best years for solar activity and therefore spotting the Lights.



In addition, throughout the 12 days, a wide range of winter activities can be enjoyed, with everything from snowmobiling and husky dog-sledding to a trip to the North Cape or a Lofotor Viking feast.



Choose from:

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE – LEEDS BRADFORD – 25 January from £1199 per person including direct return flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Bergen, 11 nights full board on the ship, transfers and taxes. Based on two sharing.

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE – EDINBURGH – 5 February from £1369 per person including direct return flights from Edinburgh Airport to Bergen, 11 nights full board on the ship, transfers and taxes. Based on two sharing.

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE – MANCHESTER – 16 February from £1369 per person including direct return flights from Manchester Airport to Bergen, 11 night’s full board on the ship, transfers and taxes. Based on two sharing.



For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the UK's leading adventure-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

148 Countries Tune In To Hurtigruten!

Reports show that 148 countries around the world tuned in via TV, the live stream on the internet or via embedded players to watch the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation’s (NRK) 134-hour non-stop live coverage of a voyage with Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes. Broadcast June 16-22, the show has also been accepted by the Guinness Book of World Records for the Longest Live TV Documentary.

The show, on national TV channel NRK2, brought a sense of euphoria to the country. In total, three million Norwegians watched the show, representing almost three quarters of the country’s population and produced record-breaking ratings for NRK2. In addition, 2.9 million watched the streamed voyage online, almost half of these from outside Norway. The UK was the fifth most popular country for online viewing figures.

Social media across the globe also joined the frenzy. During the TV show, Hurtigruten was the trending topic on Twitter, at one time with one tweet every six seconds. The show’s Facebook-site ‘Hurtigruten minute by minute’ received 65,000 ‘likes’ during the five-and-a-half day voyage.

Kathryn Beadle, managing director at Hurtigruten said: "Nobody could have imagined just how popular this show proved to be. Along the coast, crowds turned up in every port to welcome the ship and boats joined in to escort her along the way. The impressive figures clearly show the incredible interest there is in Hurtigruten’s voyages along the Norwegian coastline and the global fascination there is for NRK’s innovative concept – Slow-TV.”

Hurtigruten, established in 1893, has been en-route ever since and is an important part of the Norwegian infrastructure and one of Norway’s best-known travel brands. The classic coastal route is known as the world’s most beautiful voyage and this was exactly what viewers from all over the world were able to see. All of Norway’s beauty was shown live on TV including Geirangerfjord and the western fjords of Norway, the crossing of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands, North Cape and the midnight sun. The broadcast resulted in all-time high visits on Hurtigruten’s websites around the world and all-time high ratings for NRK2. Coverage can still be enjoyed at www.nrk.no/hurtigruten/.

Find out more about the classic Norwegian coastal voyage at www.hurtigruten.co.uk or, for bookings, contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

The World's Longest Live Travel TV Programme?

134 Hours LIVE with Hurtigruten

This is a travel TV at the extreme! Tomorrow (June 16), adventure-cruise specialists Hurtigruten and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) will embark on a 134-hour non-stop live broadcast.

At least nine cameras will be used during the voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes on board MS Nordnorge to stream the action live into homes across Norway and via the Internet to the rest of the world.

The show will feature real experiences on a minute-by-minute basis, including interviews with the guests and crew along the way. NRK have dedicated their second largest channel NRK2 to the show.

During the marathon broadcast, viewers will be able to experience the amazing Norwegian coastline, celebrated worldwide for its natural beauty and untouched scenery.

The itinerary includes the western fjords with UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, the coast of Helgeland, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, and the North Cape. The route, of course, includes a wealth of other breathtaking sights.

So, whether you fancy whetting your appetite or want to relive a trip you have done in the past, go to http://hurtigruten.co.uk/live where the show will be streamed live. To book a Hurtigruten cruise, visit the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Hurtigruten's Special Flight-Inclusive Offer

Anyone who fancies a trip to Norway with Hurtigruten later this year to search for the Northern Lights can take advantage of a new flight-inclusive offer. A special package has been created that includes flights and transfers (usually, prices are exclusive of flights and these have to be added) with savings of up to 35%.

Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, for selected dates in October and November, this is an ideal time to spot the Northern Lights. These offers are limited in number and must be booked by June 30. Demand is anticipated to be very high.

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports, many not visited by the larger cruise ships. The ultimate voyage journey is the full 12-day voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back.

Classic Round Voyage – From £999 (saving £35%) - travelling on select dates in October and November, this includes full board on the ship and return direct flights from Heathrow to Bergen with BMI. Based on two sharing.

Dates are: October 1, 20, 23, 25 and 31 and November 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 22, 25 and 28.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the UK's adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Giants of the Deep: Vesterålen Whale Watching Adventure from £2656

Departing Bergen July 31, this 12-day trip with Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to the Vesterålen Islands with two nights in Andenes for a whale-watching safari.

Just an hour north-west of Andenes is Bleik Canyon, part of the continental shelf and home to a rich supply of deepwater squid, cuttlefish and plankton; the staple diet of the sperm whale.

Accompanying this tour is marine biologist and lecturer, Professor Boris Culik, who has taken part in over 20 expeditions to study whales and other mammals in their natural habitat.

The trip costs from £2656 per person, including the eight-night voyage on a full board basis, one night in Bergen and two nights in Andenes on a B&B basis, whale-watching and tour lecturer and tour guide, based on two sharing. Flights are extra.

For more info, visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or contact the adventure-cruise specialist of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Norway's Big Day Out In May

Join the parties and parades of the great Norwegian National Day this May with Hurtigruten.

Every year on 17 May, Norway becomes a country of celebration as it marks the day it became a fully independent nation. The way the Norwegians celebrate their National Day is unique - there are no military parades, instead colourful processions of children with banners, flags and bands play the main role. It is possible to sample true Norwegian culture and join in the festivities with a trip on the famous ‘Hurtigruten’, which has been an important part of Norway’s history for more than a century, as it calls at over 30 villages and towns between Bergen and Kirkenes.

The day is celebrated across the country, from remote villages to the main cities and is a time when national pride rides high. Locals of all ages dress up in beautiful bunads (national costume), as do students preparing to graduate. Lively events are staged by local schools, orchestras play music and elaborate festivals take place in every town in Norway. Hurtigruten’s ships also mark the celebrations and, where possible, join the parades when they call into port – an unforgettable experience.

Wherever the ship is on National Day, there will be the chance to experience this traditional celebration and feel part of it! In addition, on the Classic Round Voyage departures from Bergen between 6 and 16 May, there will be a series of informative lectures about the history and significance of the National Day, the Norwegian royal family and the story behind the national costumes. During these voyages it will also be possible to enjoy traditional folk music and singing. A voyage at this time is a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of Norway, its people, its cultural heritage, all the while joining in with the locals and guests to celebrate.

Norway’s Big Day Out – from £1952 per person - departs Bergen between 6 and 16 May for a 12-day voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, calling at a wide range of port along the way. The price includes 11 nights full board accommodation. Flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or contact the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Hurtigruten Launches Free Flights Offer

To celebrate the launch of BMI’s new direct service from Heathrow to Bergen, Hurtigruten is offering free flights on a limited number of departure dates in April for its Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, plus additional savings off the brochure cruise-only price of up to 22%. Prices lead in at £1544 per person, including full board and free flights.

The offer is currently available on April 16 (covering the Easter break), April 27 and 30 departures on either Trollfjord of Midnatsol, two of the leading ships in the fleet. The popular UNESCO destination of Geirangerfjord will have just opened up for the summer, allowing the Hurtigruten ships to sail into it, which is an experience many people wish to enjoy.

The Classic Round Voyage calls at more than 30 ports of call as it travels north and on the return journey, with many of the ports that were visited at night on the way up being visited during the day on the way back, so there really is the chance to enjoy everything.

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE WITH FREE FLIGHTS – From £1544 per person including 11 nights full board voyaging from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far north and back, plus free flights from London Heathrow (based on two sharing).

For more information, contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd or http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/.

Half-Price Second Passenger With Hurtigruten

Anyone who fancies a trip to Norway with Hurtigruten this year can take advantage of a new offer that is now available this week. Two passengers travelling together can take advantage of a 50% saving on the second person on selected dates between May and October for the Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back and both the Voyage North and Voyage South.

With dates throughout the various seasons, this offer also gives the chance to enjoy the warming days of springtime, the Midnight Sun in summer or the autumn as the colours change ready for winter. Prices for a couple travelling in May now start from £1565 per couple, including full board. This offer must be booked by May 31.

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships. The ultimate voyage is the full 12-day trip from Bergen in the South to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back, or there are shorter six and seven-day half -version voyages from Bergen to Kirkenes or vice versa.

Classic Round Voyage – From £2846 per couple (saving £948), travelling on selected dates in May 2011. This 12-day full voyage includes full board on the ship. Flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten (June and July from £3200 per couple).

Voyage North – From £1992 per couple (saving £664), travelling on selected dates in May 2011. This 7-day voyage includes full board on the ship. Flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten (June and July from £2240 per couple).

Voyage South – From £1565 per couple (saving £521), travelling on selected dates in May 2011. This 6-day voyage includes full board on the ship. Flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten (June and July from £1760 per couple).

For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or contact the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line.

The Fascination of the Northern Lights

The British Geological Survey (BGS) reported that a large solar storm could make Northern Lights displays a possibility in the UK. The hype created (Northern Lights was even trending on Twitter!) shows that seeing the elusive lights is something most people dream of achieving in their lifetime.

Whilst many of us weren’t lucky enough to see them on our home turf, the good news is Hurtigruten have a wealth of special voyages in search of the Northern Lights for anyone who wants to maximise the opportunities to be mesmerised by Mother Nature at work. Packages are available from just £875pp.

The Hurtigruten ships are an ideal viewing platform for seeing the Northern Lights. They are set against the dark backdrop of the night’s sky, away from artificial light. Experts recommend that spending as long as possible above the Arctic Circle increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights and short voyages are available that spend the entire duration in the far north. And, to ensure they are not missed, whatever time of night, passengers on the Hurtigruten ships can request a wake-up call should the Northern Lights appear.

A five-day Arctic Highlights voyage departing on selected dates until between January 25 and March 3, 2012, travels from Tromso to Kirkenes and back with the chance to add a range of excursions such as a visit to North Cape, snowmobiling or dog sledging. Prices start from £875 per person, including return flights from Gatwick, three nights half-board on the ship and one night’s B&B in Tromso. No single supplements apply.

For more information, visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or contact adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Latest Offers from Hurtigruten

Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten have announced the following special offers for April and May:

PEARLS OF THE BALTIC SEA VOYAGE – now from £1261pp (save over £975pp) – Depart Oslo on April 25 and take advantage of a great offer from Hurtigruten on an 11 day voyage that departs Oslo and calls at Copenhagen, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Gudhjem and returning to Oslo on board MS Fram. Book either and Inside or outside cabin and take advantage of great savings. Prices now start from £1261 per person for an inside cabin, including 10 nights full board on the ship and transfers. Based on two sharing. Flights to Oslo are extra and can be booked through Hurtigruten.

BIRDWATCHING THEMED CRUISE IN NORWAY - £1043pp – Depart Bergen on May 20 for a six-day birdlife-themed voyage along the Norwegian coast from Kirkenes in the far north to Bergen in the south. May is a time when millions of rare migrating birds return to the Arctic coast during their nesting period. Species like puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants and sea eagles are numerous in this area and the voyage is accompanied by two Norwegian specialists in this field and an RSPB lecturer to give passengers the chance to learn more. Priced from £1043 per person for a six-day voyage including full board on the ship. Flights are extra and based on two sharing.

SPECIAL OFFER ON NORWEGIAN FJORDS OFFER - £655pp – Head to Norway and take advantage of a special offer from Hurtigruten. The ship calls at over 30 ports of call along the way, taking passengers much closer to the heart of the country, with many ports not visited by the larger ships. As the country enjoys the start of Spring and the changing seasons, see the scenery for yourself. Take the Voyage South from Kirkenes in the far north to Bergen in the South on April 22, 25 or 26, which now costs from just £655 per person. This price includes five nights half-board accommodation on the ship in an unspecified cabin (simply choose inside or outside). Flights are extra and can be booked through Hurtigruten. NO single supplements apply. Book by April 20.

For more information, vist http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Two Voyages For the Price of one Offer

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Hurtigruten is offering two voyages for the price of one on its Classic Round Voyage, Voyage North and Voyage South cruise-only itineraries. Available on selected dates between now and December 16, these last-minute deals offer savings of up to £1344 per person and are a great way to see the very best of Norway and, hopefully, spot the Northern Lights.

Simply book a voyage and two people can travel for the price of one. Choose from the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far north and back, or one of the two half-voyages (North or South). These journeys call at more than 30 ports, many of which are not visited by commercial cruise ships, and those which are visited at night on the way up, are visited in the day on the return journey to ensure nothing is missed.

And of course, as the winter sets in, Norway is a perfect place to see the Northern Lights. The ships are ideal viewing platforms, away from artificial light and, as they travel further north above the Arctic Circle, chances of spotting them increase.

‘TWO FOR ONE’ OFFER ON VOYAGE NORTH - £940 PER COUPLE (SAVE £940) – Depart on selected dates until December 16 for a six-night Voyage North from Bergen to Kirkenes. Now costing from £940 per couple, including full board on the ship. Flights are extra. Based on two sharing.

'TWO FOR ONE’ OFFER ON CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE - £1344 PER COUPLE (SAVE £1344) – Depart on selected dates until December 16 for a 12-day Voyage North from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Now costing from £1344 per couple, including full board on the ship. Flights are extra. Based on two sharing.

Special offer applies to cruise-only prices. Flights are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten if required.

To find out more, visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or talk to cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Light Show in the Arctic Circle

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Hurtigruten’s winter voyages along Norway’s fjord-filled west coast will now offer an impressive light show at the Finnkirka Sea Cliffs in the far north of the country. Guests onboard Hurtigruten can enjoy the light display from the ship as it enters Kjollefjord on the northbound journey. This major new winter attraction in Norway will be available until the end of March 2011.

The Finnkirka, or ‘Finnish Church’ cliffs – aptly named for their Cathedral-like appearance - were originally a place of worship for the local Sami people. Located at the entrance to the Kjollefjord in the Finnmark region of Northern Norway, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful sea cliffs in the world. To ensure this impressive bluff is ablaze with light, even during the dark winter months, light artist Kurt Hermansen has been brought in to set the glowing stage for the Finnkirka.

In the past, the Finnkirka had played host to concerts and events during the summer but remained unused during the winter months. The creation of the new attraction is a joint effort between Hurtigruten and the local population, both keen to continue to show off the splendour of the Finnkirka during the winter season.

A voyage North from Bergen in the South to Kirkenes in the North during the winter months costs from £1105 per person including return flights, six night’s half board on the ship and transfers. No single supplements apply. Valid in January and February 2011.

For more information, visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or visit the Hurtigruten section of adventure cruise specialists the Cruise Line Ltd.

From Whale Watching to Staying in a Fisherman's Cabin!

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Fancy seeing nature's gentle giants, the sperm whale, in their natural habitat and under the Midnight Sun? Exploring small fishing villages whilst staying in a traditional fisherman's 'Rorbuer'? Or taking a voyage that combines Norway and Spitsbergen and the chance to see Polar Bears?

All this, and much more, is now possible with new itineraries introduced for 2011 by Hurtigruten, which aim to bring passengers even closer to all that Norway has to offer. Alongside the traditional daily departures from Bergen that travel up and down the coast, the new voyages offer something a little different, combining time onboard and time on land.

Giants of the Deep - Vesterålen Whale Watching Adventure (from £2380pp)
This 12-day trip combines a voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to the Vesterålen Islands with two nights in Andenes for a whale-watching safari. This is the first time Hurtigruten has offered whale watching in the Summer. Just an hour north-west of Andenes is Bleik Canyon, part of the continental shelf and home to a rich supply of deepwater squid, cuttlefish and plankton; the staple diet of the sperm whale.

The trip departs on 31 July, 2011, and includes the 8-night voyage on a full board basis, one night in Bergen and two nights in Andenes on a B&B basis, whale-watching and tour lecturer and tour guide (based on two sharing and price includes early booking discount if booked by December 21; flights are extra).

Classic Norway and Spitsbergen (from £2814pp)
A new 11-day itinerary combining the coast of Norway and the north west of Spitsbergen with internal flights between. This trip takes in northern Spitsbergen, including Ny Ålesund, the world's most northerly permanent occupied settlement and hopes to cross the 80th parallel to visit Moffen Island.

There will be the chance to see a wealth of different wildlife and animals, including, hopefully, the Polar Bear. Four dates are available on July 25 and August 1, 8 and 15, 2011, and the price includes 10 nights full board on the ship, flights between Kirkenes and Longyearbyen and from Longyearbyen to Oslo (based on two sharing).

Themed Voyages with experts - these once again feature prominently, with themes including Polar History, Edvard Grieg, Birds of the Nordic Coast and Norway's National Day. Also new for 2011 is a New Year themed voyage that includes celebrating seeing in the New Year actually on North Cape, with prices from £1328pp.

For more information, look up http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or the dedicated Hurtigruten section of The Cruise Line Ltd.

You can also learn more about Hurtigruten cruises at The Cruise Show at Birmingham NEC on October 16-17 and at London's Olympia next March (26-27).