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Hurtigruten Cruises

Part of a fascinating tradition, over 120 years old and spanning three centuries, Hurtigruten cruises offer a holiday experience like no other. Hurtigruten cruises are based onthe genius of theNorwegian Sea Captain Richard With, in the 19th Century, who was inspired to set up a year-round steam ship service to link northern Norway to southern Norway.

In the late 19th century, Oslo and the ports of southern Norway was enjoying all the benefits of the Industrial Revolution however the area beyond Bergen, at that time only accessible by sea, was still seen as a remote and rugged wilderness.

It was Captain With's idea to sail north in the daylight hours, from Trondheim to Hammerfest on a weekly basis, to bring mail, passengers and cargo to the inhabitants of this region of the county.
This was seen as a crazy and highly unrealistic plan as, at this time, there wasn't even a map of the Norwegian coast for sailors to follow. But Captain With claimed it was possible and what's more he could sail this distance day and night in all seasons.

However Captain With succeeded, and the route became a busy trading channel, as boats with their first cargo of dried fish and later flour, syrup and sugar supplied Norways remote outposts with commerce and provisions. The route later delivered the mail which is why it is called the Coastal Express.

It is from this era the term Hurtigruten originates. Hurtigruten meaning 'fast route' was, in the past due to Captain With's vision, the quickest route to north Norway.

Each ship onthe Hurtigruten line even had itsown post office, its own stamp and its own post officer on board. And it was aslate as 1983 that the delivery of the mail delivery taken over by planes andmotor vehicles.

The Hurtigruten route is still held withthe greatest affection by many Norwegians, and admiration and respect for thecaptains and sailors who fearlessly and consistently, whatever the conditionsat sea, served the coastal communities.

The Hurtigruten line is still operating as a delivery service, following itsoriginal route, but now offers a unique holiday of a lifetime as nowholidaymakers are invited to travel on the ships, to experience the magic of Norway in atotally unique way.

The Hurtigruten line has a fleet of14 comfortable ships, operating the year round, and which are especiallypopular in the summer. Their itineraries are identical to those in the past,taking in the majestic Norwegian coastline and fjords from Bergen,around to the Russian border and even within the Arctic Circle.

Hurtigruten cruise ships carry passengers and cargo to over 30 ports, most of which are nevervisited by conventional holiday cruise liners and go far beyond the traditionalcruise.

With dailydepartures, the Hurtigruten cruise journey begins in Bergen and travels north across the Arctic Circle and beyond as it meanders through the dramatic coastalsplendours.

Many of theports of call on a Hurtigruten cruise are tranquil hamlets on tinyislands whose inhabitants depend for their very existence on these Hurtigrutenships to bring them essential supplies and reunite families and friends.

Each Hurtigruten cruise ship has a distinct style and character. No two journeyswill ever be the same as the changing seasons, climate, wildlife, local peopleyou meet and the friendly English speaking crew, make each Hurtigruten cruise anovel and unique experience. Experienced tour leadersare available on every ship to help you with shore excursions.

The vessels on the Hurtigruten cruise line are a little smaller than a usual cruise ship but they permit you sail into anddock in places a conventionally-sized cruise ship just are not able to enter.

Hurtigruten cruises also offer a high standard of fresh, seasonal foods in a relaxed ambience onthe beautiful ships. A Hurtigruten cruise promises an experience like no other.

To find information about particular ship, her facilities, deck plans, sailing dates, itineraries, on-line pricing, plese click one of the links below:

To enquire about Hurtigruten cruises please contact our cruise specialist on 0800 542 9021 or enquire by email.

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Hurtigruten Cruise Deals

Classic Voyage South
	Hurtigruten: MS Polarlys 19th May 2012, 5 nts, departing: Cruise Only	from £990pp

	visiting: Batsfjord - Berlevag - Havoysund - Hammerfest - Oksfjord - Skjervoy - Tromso - Risoyhamn - Sortland - Svolvaer, Norway - Nesna - Sandnessjoen - Rorvik - Trondheim - Molde - Alesund - Torvik - Bergen

Classic Voyage North
	Hurtigruten: MS Lofoten 19th May 2012, 6 nts, departing: Cruise Only	from £1071pp
	Call us for Fly & Cruise option of this cruise - 0800 542 9021
	visiting: Bergen - Torvik - Alesund - Molde - Trondheim - Rorvik - Bodo - Svolvaer, Norway - Finnsnes - Tromso - Skjervoy - Hammerfest - Havoysund - Kjollefjord - Mehamm - Berlevag - Batsfjord - Berlevag