Hurtigruten Norway has unveiled two new offerings, the “Svalbard Express” and “North Cape Express," each starting next year. The “Svalbard Express” will launch on June 3, 2023, a month ahead of the company’s 130-year anniversary, while the “North Cape Express” will launch on September 26, 2023.
The two new itineraries are upgraded extensions to the traditional “Coastal Express” offering. These include half-or full-day port visits; cooking classes; wine, beer, champagne and whiskey tastings; a food center; a cocktail bar; and onboard entertainment. Dining options will include an à la carte restaurant with tasting menus, all-day dining, afternoon tea and takeaway service. The food center will offer both cooking demonstrations and classes, and picnic and culinary excursions will be available. The two new itineraries will also—as the “Coastal Express” has done since 1893—bring cargo between ports and freight besides carrying passengers.
The “Svalbard Express” will mark the return of one of Norway’s iconic sailing routes, which operated between 1968 and 1982. The new itinerary will include the Lofoten Islands, Vesterålen and the North Cape, before heading north to Longyearbyen in Svalbard. The roundtrip journey spans 14 days. Additionally, a seven-day one-way cruise, either starting or ending in Svalbard, is also available and enables guests to pair their journey with Hurtigruten Svalbard’s range of sustainable activities. The one-way journey package includes two nights at a hotel in Longyearbyen and two excursions: a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz and the hybrid-electric catamaran MS Bard.
The 13-day “North Cape Express” will take passengers to Oslo, and both the country’s southernmost and northernmost points. It will mark Hurtigruten Norway’s first-ever time with regular sailings in Oslo. This itinerary will include new ports in southern Norway, scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord, besides cities and towns along the coast.
Both the “Svalbard Express” and the “North Cape Express” will be onboard MS Trollfjord, which will undergo extensive renovations during the first half of 2023. Cabins will be upgraded and feature modern Scandinavian design. The restaurants will be refurbished, including the à la carte restaurant, which will be more than doubled in size.
The extended port visits allow the “Coastal Experience Team” to create a range of excursions depending on route and season. They are also responsible for the lecture program, which focuses on Norwegian history, culture, food, nature and wildlife, besides photography, handicraft and arts classes.
For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Related Stories
Hurtigruten Expeditions Unveils 2023-24 Itineraries
Azamara Unveils Full Fleet Voyages for Europe 2023
Atlas Ocean Voyages Adds New Late-Summer Sailings
ETC, Nordic Council of Ministers Launch New Tourism Campaign