 From daily journeys through majestic fjords to world cruises from the Arctic to Antarctica |
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In 1893, Captain Richard With sailed Norway’s western coast from Vesteralen to Hammerfest in three days. This was a remarkable achievement at the time and the daily coastal service that was the result revolutionaized communications and industry along Norway’s coast. From this early time the operators of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage recognized the tourist potential of cruise travel. What better way to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights? Such remote wonders as the magnificent Lofoten Islands with their red and gold cabins, brilliant white sand beaches, and "lynx foot" peaks, the Trollfjord with its narrow rocky gateway, and Finnmark with its wild, austere landscape and indigenous Sami people all now readily accessible to travelers. The history of Norwegian cruise travel has evolved to the point where today, thousands of people come from across the globe to sail what has been called "The World's Most Beautiful Voyage" and to explore Norway's coastal communities and meet their inhabitants (they're easy to chat with; just about everyone in Norway speaks fluent English). There's the added charm of traveling on vessels that, while affording all the comforts of a cruise ship, still carry cargo to 34 ports of call every day, all year round. Equally quaint is the occasional arrival of a local, hopping a ride from one coastal town to another. Norway's majestic, unspoilt landscape has earned it the ranking of the world's top vacation destination by National Geographic Traveler magazine. And the Hurtigruten heads the Lonely Planet Guide's Blue List for classic voyages. Yes, this is indeed a trip for sophisticated travelers, for those who have experienced the best the world has to offer. Which may be why passengers so often end up making lasting friendships with those they meet on board. Daily departures are available year-round. Each one-way voyage calls at 34 ports. Those called at during the day on the northbound voyage are called at during the night on the southbound voyage, and vice versa. Stops vary in duration from anywhere between 45 minutes up to 6 hours. You can choose from: |
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1) A Cruise-Only option from a 6-day one-way southbound voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen, $1,699 - $2,299 standard side-facing double cabin per person, depending on the season (June - July sailings being the most expensive); a 7-day one-way northbound voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, $1,799 - $2,599; a 12-day roundtrip voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, $2,699 - $3,799. All voyages include accommodation in a select cabin category on board, three meals daily shipboard: buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set menu dinner. |
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2) An Independent Vacation, any of the three voyage versions packaged with first class hotel accommodations with buffet breakfast, train and plain journeys in itinerary, train transfers Oslo Airport - Oslo Central, Oslo and Bergen Cards (public transportation & entrance to tourist attractions), select cabin on board and three meals daily (buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set menu dinner), as well as port charges. Not included: transatlantic airfares, fuel surcharges, optional shore excursions and gratuites. For information on airfare, please contact us. Norwegian Holiday - 13-day program, $2,999 - $3,699 standard side-facing double cabin per person, depending on the season (June - July sailings being the most expensive).
Day 2: Arrive in Oslo, transfer to your hotel, day at leisure, overnight. Day 3: At leisure, overnight. Day 4: Transfer to the airport, fly to Kirkenes, overnight Day 5: Morning at leisure, embark on your ship. Days 6-9: On your southbound coastal voyage. Day 10: Disembark in Bergen, at leisure, overnight. Day 11: At leisure, overnight. Day 12: Train to Oslo, overnight. Day 13: Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Highlights of Norway - 12-day program, $3,199 - $3,779.
Day 2: Arrive in Oslo, transfer to your hotel, day at leisure, overnight. Day 3: At leisure, overnight. Day 4: Morning train to Bergen, overnight. Day 5: At leisure, embark on your ship in the evening. Days 6-10: On your northbound coastal voyage. Day 11: Disembark in Kirkenes, fly to Oslo, transfer to hotel, overnight. Day 12: Transfer to the airport, return flight to New York. Grand Norway - 17-day program, $3,199 - $4,199.
Day 2: Arrive in Oslo, transfer to your hotel, day at leisure, overnight. Day 3: At leisure, overnight. Day 4: Morning train to Bergen, embark on the ship. Day 5-14: On your roundtrip coastal voyage. Day 15: Disembark in Bergen, overnight. Day 16: At leisure, overnight. Day 17: Transfer to the airport, return flight to New York.
 Millennium ship 3) Escorted Vacations - The Norwegian Coastal Voyage is now offering escorted tours, from point of arrival in Norway to time of departure on select voyages on the Millennium Ships, May through September. These "one-stop-shop" programs combine the NCV voyage with in-depth land and fjord exploration. You'll travel in comfort on deluxe motor coaches and stay at first-class hotels. Choose from the 18-day Norway Splendor, with the maximum experience of a roundtrip Coastal Voyage combined with an extensive land program, $6,399 - $7,399 standard side-facing double cabin per person, depending on the season (June - July sailings being the most expensive), or the 15-day Spectacular Norway, featuring the northbound voyage and fjord explorations, $7,099 - $7,999. |
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Escorted Vacation packages include: roundtrip economy class transatlantic airfare from New York, accommodations in first-class hotels, select cabin on board and three meals daily (buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set menu dinner, including welcome and farewell dinners), the services of a tour director and local guides, and extensive sightseeing, including all entrance fees. <- Trondheim, old capital of Norway |
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AARP members qualify for a $100-$150 discount on most air-inclusive programs. Programs do not include gratuities. Air Add ons for air-inclusive packages are as follows: - North East $100 - Mid West $250 - South East $200 - West $350 |
The Lofoten Islands in the summer
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Northern Light Voyages The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged solar particles passing into the Earth’s atmosphere. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, which means 'dawn of the north', the Aurora can appear abruptly, filling the sky at an incredible speed with great arcs appearing as ghostly wisps of green, yellow, red and violet dance above the horizon, before disappearing again. There is no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters, on board a ship from the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (known in Norway as Hurtigruten) Fleet with the Aurora Borealis set against a dark sky, free from artificial light. |
| While these trips provide a great opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis, it is in their very nature that this experience can never be guaranteed. Many travelers consider the Aurora to be simply "the icing on the cake" of an already remarkable holiday in the Arctic. |
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As you sail through the Arctic twilight, you become one with the peaceful atmosphere that descends around you. Clusters of houses glow like embers along the coastline, small towns become cozy refuges as the ship pulls into harbor to welcome new passengers on board, and the backdrop of snow-clad mountains reflects the polar light. |
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Nature offers some of the greatest opportunities to see wildlife along Norwegian shores, and there is an exciting range of winter activities available, both on land and on board the ships. Opportunities include spotting animated pods of Orca, snuggling up warm in an ice hotel, being led by huskies on an unforgettable dog-sledge safari, or venturing through ice caves in the realm of the polar bear. For those who have a passion for wildlife three Themed Programs are available on selected dates during the winter months: 7-day Alta Igloo Hotel, $2,759 - $2,999, standard side-facing double cabin per person, 9-day Sami Encounters, $3,729 - $4,139 and 7-day Killer Whale Safari, $2,439 - $2,749. |
| The Orcinus Orca is the largest member of the dolphin family and easily recognizable with its black and white underside. The name “killer whale” was coined by the sailors who witnessed them hunting seals off the coast of Iceland and Greenland many years ago. Despite their foreboding title there is, to date, no record of an Orca ever attacking a human being. |
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Reminiscent of classic steamers, two of the remaining traditional ships, the Lofoten & Nordstjernen, are the most intimate in the fleet, accommodating fewer than 200 passengers each. Offering these themed programs as well as shorter fjord trips, which can nicely complement your main, coastal voyage. |
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Traditional ship
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General Information The fleet is comprised of the following four types of ships: |
 Standard double cabin, typical for all ships |
Millennium ships: Finnmarken, Midnatsol & Trollfjord 643-674 berths Length: 136-138 m Gross tonnage: 15,000 Contemporary ships: Kong Harald, Nordkapp, Nordlys, Nordnorge, Polarlys & Richard With Built in the 90s 464-490 berths Length: 122-123 m Gross tonnage: 12,000 Mid-generation ships: Lyngen & Vesteralen Built in the 80s 312 berths Length: 109 m Gross tonnage: 6,257 Traditional ships: Lofoten & Nordstjernen Built: 1960/4 (Renovated: 2000/3) Berths: 164/171 Length: 87 m Gross tonnage: 2,568/2,661 |
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Climate and Clothing The weather can change from day to day, even from hour to hour. In the northern part of the country, winter temperatures are normally between 20F and 35F, summer temperatures between 40F and 60F and between 50F and 70F in the southern parts. Take warm practical clothing to wear on deck and good footwear is vital for excursions ashore. Otherwise, on board the ship, dress smart but casual. Elevators All ships have elevators and some cabins have been equipped to accommodate disabled passengers. |
   Millennium ship, with one of its deluxe suites (top) |
  Contemporary ship under the midnight sun (above), and in port, loading cargo (below). 
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Meal Times The usual meal times in the ship’s dining room are: buffet breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00, buffet lunch at 13:00 and set menu dinner at 19:00. During the peak summer months, there are several sittings, the times of which will be provided upon embarkation. The ships also have cafeterias that are open around the clock and sell drinks as well as hot and cold meals. Documents & Medical Information A valid passport is required to enter Norway. While a visa is not required for visits shorter than three months. There is no age limit. Even though the ships carry more than 12 passengers, due to the short distances between the ports of call, there is no doctor on board. |
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Reservations To make a reservation a Maris Registration Form and a $600 pp deposit are required. Checks, money orders, credit cards and wire transfers are accepted forms of payment. Any changes of confirmed reservations are subject to a $75 fee pp. The balance of the fare is due 70 days before departure. Cancellation fees are as follows: more than 60 days before departure, loss of deposit; 30 - 59 days 25%; no refund will be made within the last 30 days. Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is highly recommended. |
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“... Traveling on the Vesteralen (a mid-generation ship) offers many exciting excursion opportunities on shore. You really should try to enjoy them all! The first one, where we left from one port and reboarded the vessel seven hours later at a different one, provided spectacular vistas of fjords, waterfalls and unique rock formations unlike any you would see elsewhere in the world. Our tour to the city of Tromso, located above the Arctic Circle, allowed us to view the largest stained glass window in Europe - part of the uniquely designed ‘Arctic Cathedral’. |
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A trip to the port of Svolvaer where a large collection of WWII memorabilia is on display at the Lofoten Museum was very stimulating. Here I made friends with the Museum’s curator. I promised to send my newfound friend some of my own personal North Atlantic convoy shots to add to the Museum’s impressive collection. |
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Another excursion, involving a short boat ride, brought us to the base of a very large glacier where we visited a native Sami region. The habitat of the Sami, who are known as Laplanders in Sweden and Finland, offers many opportunities for unusual photos of the environment including their ‘tented’ housing, their reindeer herds, etc. Sights we could not see anywhere but in Scandinavia. |
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  Mid-generation ship |
My accommodations were quite comfortable and included a bunk bed, ample storage space, a shower and a radio. Buffet breakfasts and lunches offered a wide array of delicious choices while dinners, with assigned seating, were usually four-course delights. The top deck of the vessel is glassed in and offers panoramic vistas of the spectacular fjords in comfort. The captain and crew were always very friendly, helpful and informative." |
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And if you have a grand sense of adventure and a generous amount of leisure time, then you might consider one of the Hurtigruten World Cruises: The Arctic to Antarctica |
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A 66-day cruise from Iceland to Argentina, with fascinating excursions along the western Atlantic seaboard and the eastern Pacific coast. Departing from Reykjavik, Iceland, you will cruise the waters of the Arctic, Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific and South Pole, before completing your journey in Ushuaia, the port capital of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. Along the way, you will call at some of the most fascinating and picturesque ports in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and make a passage through the fabled Panama Canal. You will see Nova Scotia and New England at the peak of their autumn foliage, cruise the sublime Chilean fjords in glorious spring weather, and luxuriate for several weeks in warm, sunny weather as you sail through the captivating tropics. When you near Antarctica, you will be joined onboard by expert guides, who will provide lectures about this magnificent, unspoilt continent. By the end of the trip, you will have traveled the world from pole to pole. |
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MS Fram, named after Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen's Polar ship. Built: 2007 Berths: 318 Length: 114 m Gross tonnage: 12,700 |
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Itinerary: Sept. 23 - Nov. 27, 2008 (You spend 6-12 hours in each port) FARES: $24,899 standard side-facing double cabin per person. |
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SEPTEMBER 23: Reykjavik, Iceland 24: Heimaey, Westmann Islands 25: At sea (Atlantic Ocean) 26: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland 27: Oban, Scotland 28: Londonderry, Northern Ireland 29: Douglas, Isle of Man, United Kingdom 30: Cobh, Ireland OCTOBER 1: Galway, Ireland 2-4: At sea (Atlantic Ocean) 5: St. John’s, Newfoundland 6: St-Pierre, St-Pierre & Miquelon 7: Sydney, Nova Scotia 8: Halifax, Nova Scotia 9: Bar Harbor, Maine 10: Gloucester, Massachusetts 11: Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts 12: Newport, Rhode Island 13: New York, New York 14: At sea (Atlantic Ocean) 15: Charleston, South Carolina 16: Savannah, Georgia 17: Port Canaveral, Florida 18: At sea (Atlantic Ocean) 19: Key West, Florida 20: At sea (Caribbean Sea) 21: Belize City, Belize 22: Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala 23: Roatan, Honduras 24: At sea (Caribbean Sea) 25: San Andres Island, Colombia |
26: Puerto Limon (San Jose), Costa Rica 27: Bocas del Toro, Panama 28: San Blas Islands, Panama 29: Enter Panama Canal at Cristobal 30: Puerte Amador; Daylight transit Panama Canal; Leave Panama Canal at Balboa 31: Crossing the Equator NOVEMBER 1: Manta (Quito), Ecuador 2: Salaverry (Trujillo) 3: At sea (Pacific Ocean) 4: Callao (Lima), Peru 5: Callao 6: General San Martin, Peru 7: At sea (Pacific Ocean) 8: Arica, Chile 9: Iquique, Chile 10: At sea (Pacific Ocean) 11: Coquimbo (La Serena), Chile 12: Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile 13: At sea (Pacific Ocean) 14: Puerto Montt, Chile 15: Puerto Chacabuco, Chile 16-17: Scenic cruising Chilean Fjords 18: Puerto Natales, Chile 19: Scenic cruising Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Chile 20-21: Scenic cruising Cockburn and Beagle Channels 22-24: Antarctica 25: At sea (Drake Passage) 26: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 27: Charter flight to Santiago |
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Antarctica to the Arctic Segmented cruise from Argentina to Iceland. SECOND PERSON PAYS 50% on the following segments: Ushuaia - Montevideo Ushuaia - Recife Montevideo - Recife |
| These Northbound segments will start in the southernmost part of the world. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, you'll sail through the Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific meet the Great Southern Ocean to create the Antarctic Convergence. Then it's on to Antarctica, a temptation for explorers such Amundsen, Shackleton, Byrd and Scott, and home to a surprising variety of wildlife. After calls at South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, you'll continue north to South America, calling at Montevideo, Uruguay, and ports in Brazil, including Parati, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia, Recife and Fernando de Noronha. From Hamburg, Germany, you will continue north to Scandinavia and Russia and then head west to England and Ireland. Finally, in Iceland you'll cruise Surtsey Island and the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, before arriving in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. |
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Itinerary: Feb. 27 - May 21, 2009 (You spend 6-12 hours in each port) FARES: Ushuaia - Montevideo, $7,399 standard side-facing double cabin per person. Montevideo - Recife, $5,899, Hamburg - Hamburg, $4,399 Hamburg - Reykjavik, $5,599 |
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FEBRUARY 27 Ushuaia, Argentina 28 Cruising-Drake Passage 29 Cruising-Drake Passage/Antarctica MARCH 1-3 Antarctica 4-5 At sea 6-7 South Georgia 8-9 At sea 10-11 Falkland Islands 12-14 At sea 15 Montevideo, Uruguay 16-17 At sea 18 Parati, Brazil 19 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 20 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 21-22 At sea 23 Salvador de Bahia, Brazil 24 At sea 25 Recife, Brazil APRIL 28 Hamburg, Germany |
29 Copenhagen, Denmark 30 Ronne, Bornholm MAY 1 At sea 2-3 Stockholm, Sweden 4 At sea 5 Helsinki, Finland 6 St. Petersburg, Russia 7 Tallin, Estonia 8 Visby, Gotland 9 At sea, Kiel Channel 10 Hamburg, Germany 11 At sea 12 Dover, England 13 Falmouth, England 14 Cork, Ireland 15 At sea 16 Galway, Ireland; Aran Islands 17 Killybegs, Ireland 18 At sea 19 Stornoway, Outer Hebrides 20 At sea 21 Reykjavik |
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| Alternatively, a selection of expedition voyages is scheduled on the MS Nordnorge and MS Fram to the following destinations: |
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Antarctica Penguin lovers are offered air-inclusive Antarctica programs departing Buenos Aires and Santiago, November-February. These expedition voyages feature naturalist guides, noted expert guest lecturers and numerous boat landings on "The White Continent." Sail through the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, taking in the glaciers and icebergs, gentoo penguins, humpback and killer whales, elephant and fur seals as well as Chile's fjords, snow-capped mountains and fishing villages. Shorter itineraries concentrate mainly on the Antarctic peninsula, while the longer itineraries add stops in South Georgia and the Falklands Islands. New for the 2008-2009 season is a cruise taking guests as far south as Marguerite Bay, rarely visited even by Antarctic standards. Optional excursions range from the high-energy Tango Show at the Esquina Carlos Gardel to the breathtaking Torres del Paine. Pre- and post programs include Easter Island, Macchu Picchu and Iguazu Falls. The Arctic - Spitsbergen Are you a real explorer? If the answer is yes, then the outstanding Spitsbergen Expedition Voyages can take you to the last wilderness of Europe, rich in unspoiled nature and wildlife with glaciers, whales, seals and an abundant birdlife, and rare Arctic flowers. Zodiac and PolarCirkel boat landings, knowledgeable expedition guides and lectures create an intimate learning experience. Greenland Tours, Expeditions and Cruises Offer you one of the best ways to observe natural wildlife, including musk oxen, whales and seals, abundant bird life as well as world's most active glaciers and calving of icebergs. These voyages bring you in close contact with the local Inuit population while providing cultural and historic insight through excursions and lectures. Please contact us at Maris for more information and reservations. |
| We are most grateful for the support, including comments such as the following, which we have been receiving from our valued customers and club members as well as from the steamship lines and media over the years: |
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Freighter Travel Club Int'l (Since 1958)
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