Hurtigruten, one of Norway's leading ocean liner companies in expedition cruising, invites guests to experience Norwegian culture with a 12-Day "Norway’s Big Day Out" theme voyage. The sailing celebrates Norwegian culture with a series of fascinating lectures, folk music and a celebration with locals and guests on Norway’s Constitution Day, May 17 – all while enjoying the "world’s most beautiful voyage."
Also known as Norway Day, the national holiday – celebrated since 1833 – features parades and festivities with colorful processions of children with banners, flags and bands taking center stage, and the royal family waving them on from the balcony of the Royal Palace in Oslo. Prices for the voyage – with daily departures May 6-16, 2011 – are from $3,060 to $9,572 per person, double; higher fares are for suites.
The voyage follows the path of Hurtigruten’s Classic Voyage along the Norwegian coast, sailing round-trip from the UNESCO harbor town of Bergen and stopping in 34 ports – from little villages to cities, all with their own unique attractions. Highlights include the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Alesund; Molde, with its magnificent view of the Romsdal Alps; the charming streets of Trondheim, Norway’s first capital; crossing the Arctic Circle; trendy Tromso; the picturesque Lofoten Islands; Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town; and the small fishing villages of Kjollefjord and Berlevag.
A diverse array of optional excursions provides opportunities for passengers to customize their cruise experience for an even greater understanding of Norwegian culture. Offerings include a trip to the breathtaking Geiranger Fjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site praised by National Geographic – that features a picturesque ferry ride and a dinner in Molde; a journey across the 71st parallel to the North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe and home to grazing reindeer and the indigenous Sami people; and the Lofotr Viking Feast, which immerses guests in Viking culture with a visit to the Viking museum and a real Viking feast, complete with home-brewed mead.
Rates include accommodation in a cabin of your choice, all meals, full board, educational lectures and all aspects of the onboard program. Flights, optional excursions and cruise fuel surcharge are extra.
Hurtigruten sails to some of the most remote destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen, as well as provides year-round service along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall. The company’s fleet of 14 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 passengers, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.
Visit www.hurtigruten.us or call 877-301-3117 for more information.