By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian operator Hurtigruten is to visit 32 new destinations as part of its 2018 expedition sailings programme, enabling guests to call at more than 200 destinations across 28 countries.
In 2018, Hurtigruten will offer an expanded programme of Antarctica sailings on three ships, including Midnatsol and new hybrid vessel Roald Amundsen. The newbuild is currently under construction at Norway’s Kleven Yard and will sail to Chile, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica.
All Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expeditions departing from South America offer optional onshore experiences. These include the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, Machu Picchu in Peru, a biking excursion through Santiago de Chile, the Atacama Desert, Patagonia and the Iguazu Falls in Argentina.
“A Hurtigruten voyage is all about rich and meaningful experiences, taking our guests to destinations only we can sail to,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten. “We will take our passengers on unique experiences that no other operator can provide, with access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites on almost all itineraries.”
Fram will offer expedition sailings in the Caribbean Sea and along the Atlantic coast of the US. Guests will be able to call at destinations along the coast of Central America, including San Blas Islands, Fort San Lorenzo, Boscas del Toro, Puerto Limón, Corn Islands, Isla de Providencia, Cayos Cochinos and Lighthouse Reef. On the eastern coast of the US, Hurtigruten’s itineraries will include landings in cities such as New York and Boston.
In the northern summer season, Fram will embark on an Arctic Canada expedition.
Hurtigruten’s newest expedition ship Spitsbergen will offer explorer-style circumnavigations of Spitsbergen in Norway.
In addition, Hurtigruten has partnered with several adventure influencers to plant a flag of their choice in one of the Hurtigruten destinations they are passionate about.
British broadcaster, writer and photographer David Lindo will plant his flag in the Amazon Rainforest, while American photographers and filmmakers Tim Kemple and Pete McBride will both plant their flags in Greenland. In addition, Swedish explorer Johanna Davidsson will place her flag on the South Pole, while Norwegian explorer, mountaineer and writer Cecilie Skog and Norwegian explorer, skydiver, safari guide and writer Alexander Gamme will both plant their flags in Canada.