Covington Travel | Hurtigruten Cruises: Norway, Antarctica & Iceland

Hurtigruten | A Different Kind of Cruise

Comfortably explore new cultures, ecosystems and historic sites with Hurtigruten. With a mission to bring guests closer to nature, wildlife and local communities, Hurtigruten offers unforgettable trips to extraordinary destinations.

Today, Hurtigruten ships are a part of Norwegian coastal life, with one of the fleet’s ships departing Bergen daily and sailing to Kirkenes and back in 12 days. In recent years, Hurtigruten has extended its expedition cruising program, venturing to destinations like Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica and more.

Get closer to the real Norway where the scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is captivating and sail deeper into the heart of this landscape than anyone else. Although Norway is known for its icy attractions, the Land of the Midnight Sun packs something to do in every season, each distinct with its own draws.

Winter and the Northern Lights – Winter is probably the most special time to explore the wild and untamed Norwegian scenery. Without a doubt, the best incentive to visit Norway during this time is the Northern Lights, which occurs in late autumn and winter. “Hunting the Light” is a signature of Hurtigruten’s winter voyages, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the skies with green colors in a stunning natural spectacle been seen in the open wilderness. Join various polar expeditions such as husky sledge adventures or snowmobile trips through the Arctic wilderness.

Springtime and the Arctic Awakening – May to mid-June thaws the ground and raises the scenery to new aesthetic heights, with flowers and trees coming to life and the melting water swelling waterfalls. Bird lovers can appreciate the millions of migratory birds in the fishing village of Gjesvaer, the largest sea bird colony in the country. On a spring voyage – you can experience three seasons in one journey. Travel from a spring and summer climate in Bergen to full-blown winter in Kirkenes.

Summer and the Midnight Sun – Norway is in full swing in Summer and is the most popular time to explore Norway’s coast. Under the midnight sun, the landscape explodes in bright colors and wildlife emerges in full force. In Nordkyn, Norways’ northern most peninsula, reindeer are often seen grazing in the summer night. This is also a great time to discover Geirangerfjord, the UNESCO-protected fjord filled with waterfalls, cliffs and green-covered hills.

One of the top adventures is the whale-watching safari, where you can spot the planet’s biggest mammal. Whatever activity you decide, the extended daylight above the Arctic Circle will give you 24 hours of viewing pleasure.

Fall and the Autumn Gold -With the shorelines painted in golden hues, autumn in Norway is filled with bountiful sights. Fall voyages feature numerous onboard activities and exciting shore excursions that take you closer to the cultural life, old traditions and local inhabitants. Photographers have a heyday, enjoying the ethereal light playing over the landscape’s first frosts. What’s more, all voyagers can taste nature’s pantry of flavors as the daily menu is filled with fresh locally harvested specialties.

During the fall, there are two main options of cruises: the Classic Autumn Voyages and the Voyage of the Vikings. On the Classic Autumn Voyages, guests enjoy a relaxing cruise along the coastline with six, seven, 11 or 12 days onboard. The Voyage of the Vikings is an educational journey of discovery to learn about the ancient Viking empire on a 12-day cruise.

Expedition Voyages

Whether your voyage takes you to destinations such as Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica or Spitsbergen, you’ll discover some of the most spectacular highlights of the Arctic. Hurtigruten’s expedition style landings take you close to the wildlife, the ghost towns of early whaling stations, remote mining towns and spectacular fjords and icebergs.

Antarctica voyages are rich in education and exploration. The beautiful landscape becomes alive through icebergs, penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, Minke whales, flocks of sea birds and drifting albatross. In November, springtime is beginning and penguins are heading for their nesting sites and beautiful ice landscape. In December, there is still plenty of snow, 24-hour daylight and nesting season has started.