PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP WITH FREE FLIGHTS FROM HURTIGRUTEN

Spring along Norway’s coast is a magical time as the days get warmer and colour gently returns to the landscape. Hurtigruten has now made it easier to experience this beautiful season with the offer of free flights on selected departures in April. Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north and back, the ship calls at more than 30 ports, many of which are never visited by larger ships.
Customers travelling at this time will also be able to enjoy their journey under the brand new ‘The Arctic Awakening’ theme, which includes a wide range of shore excursions and on board activities. As part of this guests will have the opportunity to learn new skills, such as how to shell prawns and fillet fish, all under the guidance of local fishermen who come on board especially for this purpose. In addition, from mid-April, the ships sail into the famous Geirangerfjord Above, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a big draw for many travellers.

Classic Round Voyage – from £1587pp – Take the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Starting at £1587pp, the price includes full board on the ship and free flights with BMI from London Heathrow on selected dates in April. Based on two sharing.
For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Las Palmas to Buenos Aires: Trans-atlantic crossing 10% off

Save up to 10% and be part of something completely different. This main leg of Hurtigruten's Fram repositioning odyssey sees it leave Las Palmas in the Canary Islands on day one; reappearing on Buenos Aires’ horizon 19 days later. During this incredible crossing the emphasis is truly on relaxation and enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by the ocean.

The voyage starts in Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands. Its nickname, the “Miniature Continent” stems from the number of different climates and variety of landscapes that can be found. The island itself is under protection as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Most of the tourists who visit go to the southern part of the island which is sunnier and drier than the north. Before the ship sets sail in the evening, we recommend you take time to acquaint yourself with the charming city of Las Palmas and its surroundings.

As you begin your Trans-Atlantic, cross-hemispheric voyage you’ll be forgiven for wondering if you are the only passenger. To start with you’ll notice that the ship’s staff are no longer in uniform and that the atmosphere is one of informality and relaxation. You can spend your time out on deck enjoying the sunshine (hopefully!) and the sight of the ocean stretching to the horizon in all directions, you could take time catch up on any books you’ve been meaning to read or perhaps relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi.

During the voyage’s quieter days, any signs of wildlife will be big news and will be announced over the ship’s PA system. These sightings are likely to include birds such as storm petrels, masked boobies and other species native to these areas.

Whilst Hurtigruten assure you that the friendly crew are as professional and courteous as always, the days and evenings are a time for celebration and fun. You are encouraged to join your fellow passengers and crew out on deck for the famous Equator Baptism! At other times, the head-chef is known to throw legendary impromptu barbecues on deck 7 for all to enjoy. The ship is also likely to stage its own fun version of the Olympic Games with table-tennis, table-football and even air-rifle shooting on the list of events.

During your time in Buenos Aires we recommend you enjoy its rich culture from the streets to the dance halls. The fact that it is the home of the tango should tell you all that you need to know about its people! Shopaholics are sure to find numerous distractions among its streets and markets whilst naturalists are urged to explore the fascinating Tigre River Delta. Treat yourself with an unforgettable voyage

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home?

Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home? Or how about a game of football with the locals? Or the chance to meet local school children? Getting closer to the traditions and culture of the people who live in Greenland is a core focus on a Hurtigruten voyage to Greenland. Greenlanders refer to their island as ‘Kalaallit Nunaat’- the land of the people and in 2012, Hurtigruten will bring its guest closer to the both locals and the townships for the ultimate cultural experience. In turn, it also aims to give something back by offering the Inuits contact with the wider world, which for some is otherwise unobtainable.

Hurtigruten voyages include visits to Greenland’s townships offering the rare opportunity to gain a first hand insight into the everyday life of the Inuits. Inuit houses are open for Hurtigruten guests and they are invited by local families to partake in a traditional ‘kaffemik’, the Greenland version of a cup of coffee and learn more about their way of life. In Uummannaq, there is a welcome by local school children and the chance for them to mingle with guests. When the ship docks in the Ittileq township guests, crew and locals join together for a traditional football match that sees sport bringing together different cultures.

Hurtigruten offer a selection of voyages to Greenland during the summer months. For example:

The Heart of Greenland – from £4117pp – This nine-day expedition along Greenland’s west coast visits small settlements that are only accessible by boat. Available on 10, 17, 24 June and 1 July 2012, the voyage costs from £4117 per person and includes seven night’s full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, landings and lectures by expedition team. Flights from UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Based on two sharing. Price valid if booked by 31 December 2011.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.