Hurtigruten fleet gains new expedition ship for new Svalbard programme

Hurtigruten and Spitsbergen Travel are chartering MS Nordstjernen to offer a programme of expedition style short voyages around Svalbard from 2015.

The ship will be sailing through the months of June, July and August. Holidaymakers can combine a 3-4 day voyage with the unique activities and attractions offered in and around Longyearbyen.

Guests will be able to explore Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, Ny-Ålesund and the entire superb north-western coast of Spitsbergen. They can expect to see Arctic wildlife with walruses, polar bears, a diverse range of bird species and other Arctic animals such as whales, foxes, reindeer, and grouse.

MS Nordstjernen departs Bergen on June 1^st and visits a number of fjords in Western Norway, Ålesund Town, Lofoten, Tromsø and Honningsvåg/North Cape before setting sail for the Svalbard archipelago. The voyage concludes in Longyearbyen after the ship has visited the Moffen nature reserve at 80 degrees Latitude.

Having relocated to Svalbard, the ship will offer voyages departing from Longyearbyen every Monday and Thursday until 28 August. Prices start from £927 for a six day trip departing on 11 June including transfers, one night in a hotel in Spitsbergen on half board basis, voyage on full board basis, plus all hikes and landings. Flights cost from an additional £520 per person.

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Gane and Marshall offers discount on new 2015 Arctic cruise if booked by 31 October 2014

Gane and Marshall has announced early bird savings on a new Arctic cruise itinerary ‘Voyage to the Frozen North’. Newly launched for 2015, the six-day cruise provides an overview of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago.

If the weather is favourable, passengers will venture to the 80^th Parallel, as far north as it is possible to get on open water. There will be regular departure dates from 7 June - 24 August 2015, but early bird bookers can take advantage of a 10% discount by booking via Gane and Marshall before 31 October 2014.

Currently £1,345pp, including early bird booking discount until 31 October 2014, for travel in June – August 2015. The cruise begins in Longyearbyen and continues to visit Barentsburg, Ny-Ålesund and Magdalenefjord. October price is £1,445 if booked after 31 October 2014. 

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