EXPEDITION CRUISING
When you mention cruising, most people will think of luxury ocean liners with many ports of call throughout the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
There are also smaller expedition cruise ships that will take you an adventure of a lifetime to some of the least visited and far flung corners of the world. Hurtigruten are leading the way in expedition cruising. In this blog I will tell you a little more about the amazing adventures they offer.
These expedition ships are more about the places you are visiting than the ships themselves. They are more casual and don’t have the Broadway style shows and entertainment. One of the destinations that you can visit on expedition cruises is Antarctica. This is one of the coldest, driest places on the planet. You will have the opportunity to see the most amazing wildlife in its natural habitat including whales and penguins. You will get to go ashore with the on-board expedition team who will share their expert knowledge. You will explore with the experts and experience the most amazing close encounters. After a busy day exploring passengers can relax in the sauna or hot tub and then indulge in a five-star meal.
Some other amazing destinations include:
Svalbard where you will follow the route of the polar pioneers. This is remote, mysterious and extreme. High Arctic with the experts - as the pioneer of adventure travel in Svalbard, Hurtigruten use their knowledge to show you the best of this Arctic treasure. Get close to glaciers, fjords and dramatic national parks to experience beauty unlike anywhere else on the planet. Encounter rich wildlife, from whales and Arctic foxes to amazing birdlife and the ruler of Svalbard, the polar bear. These expedition cruises are created with sustainability as a priority. Take part in beach clean-ups and get a deeper understanding of Svalbard’s ecosystem.
Greenland and Iceland, the land of Elves, Sagas and volcanoes. The mythical land of fire and ice. This is a true Arctic expedition. Hurtigruten have unmatched expertise in Arctic waters, and will show you the soul of Iceland on an expedition to the far north. The drama, history, wildlife and rugged scenery makes Iceland a truly memorable destination with many hidden secrets. Unique, beautiful terrain, where you will go close to volcanic landscape, waterfalls, glaciers and charming towns on hikes and daily activities. Hurtigruten expedition cruises are created with sustainability as a priority – protecting wildlife, supporting local communities, and the future of our planet.
Alaska and Canada to see the vast wilderness of British Columbia and explore the glaciers of Alaska. The true frontier. Sail with the pioneers of expedition cruising to stunning Alaska and explore a true frontier with a rich sense of adventure. The wonders of nature. Experience vast wilderness, beautiful fjords, bays, glaciers, icebergs and mountain ranges, a feast for all your senses. Amazing wildlife. Stay active with hikes, kayaking and boat cruising while scouting for magnificent creatures like bears, whales and eagles. Unique native culture. You will call on remote small communities and historic towns to learn about the fascinating traditions and history of Alaska.
South America including Chile and Peru explore the Inca Mysteries and Machu Picchu. Hunting for cultural treasures. Sail through a diverse landscape full of amazing wildlife and hidden treasures. From rainforest to relics - experience the incredible variety of South America, from lush jungles and remote islands to majestic reminders of great civilisations. Colourful and historic. Go ashore in the fascinating ports and cities of Ecuador, Peru and Chile to explore their rich history and culture. Beyond the sea routes - explore with packages that include the Incan wonders of Machu Picchu and the breath-taking wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
The Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean are considered one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife viewing. You will learn all about the destinations you are visiting and how we can help protect and conserve them for future generations.
Perhaps I should have mentioned this at the beginning, but I think one of the key innovations with Hurtigruten is that their new expedition ships MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen are hybrid zero emissions ships.
The state-of-the-art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. The build of these two ships represents the largest single investment in the history of Hurtigruten.
The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.
In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen achieved the incredible, becoming the first man to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole. Hurtigruten are proud that their new ship will bear his name as a symbol for pioneering polar exploration.
I think this is key to the future of expedition cruising and indicates the massive leaps in technology and the fact that as an industry we recognise how important it is to protect and preserve these fragile and delicate eco systems for future generations. It is important to learn about these destinations and the unique lives people live in these areas as well as the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife but it is also important that there is not a cost to these environments.
This is definitely a holiday that is on my list for the future when my kids are a bit older and can appreciate the amazing world there is to explore.
