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| Hurtigruten's sailings to Norway between Nov. 1 and March 14 are designed to optimize views of the northern lights during their ideal viewing period. // (c) 2011 Hurtigruten. |
Hurtigruten is offering a cruise along Norway’s 1,250-mile west coast, sailing between the cultural center of Bergen and Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle, on six to 12-day itineraries that visit 34 unique ports. NASA predicts that Northern Lights activity will be stronger than any time in the past 50 years, which is caused by the Solar Maximum – a period when the sun’s magnetic field on the solar equator rotates at a slightly faster pace than at the solar poles. This collision with the Earth’s air molecules causes energy in the form of light to be emitted.
In addition to experiencing the elusive aurora borealis along the coast, where the lights are the strongest, passengers are privy to a host of onboard activities, educational lectures about the Northern Lights, local history and optional excursions that delve deeper into the areas visited. Fares between Nov. 1 and March 14, the ideal time to see the Northern Lights, range from to $2,698 to $7,569 per person, based on double occupancy. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club receive 10 percent off of the voyage as well as a range of complimentary onboard benefits.
A range of optional excursions brings to life the diverse ports visited, from Art Nouveau Alesund, the Lofoten Islands, Trondheim and Tromsø. Guests can experience a husky ride on the “Dog Sledding” expedition in Tromsø; watch as a guide plunges through the ice to catch and then cook giant king crabs on the “King Crab Safari” in Kirkenes; or be immersed in ancient Viking culture with the “Lofotr Viking Feast,” which includes a visit to the Viking museum and a real Viking feast, complete with home-brewed mead. Guests are encouraged to book optional excursions prior to departure, when available, as limited space is offered on board.
Rates are subject to availability and include accommodation in cabin or suite of your choice, full board, educational lectures and all aspects of the onboard program; flights, transfers, optional excursions and cruise fuel surcharge are additional.
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