MS EUROPA: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Launches 2013 Brochure

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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is happy to announce the arrival of their 2013 EUROPA international brochure, including seven exciting itineraries operating in English and German. The highest ranked cruise ship in the world, according to the 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS EUROPA is offering cruises to the South Seas, New Zealand, Australia, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Peninsula, Norway, the Baltics and the Mediterranean in 2013. The EUROPA will be offering three new ports of call on their international itineraries in 2013: Palmerston Atoll/Cook Islands, Picton/New Zealand, and Algiers/Algeria.

Highlights on the EUROPA in 2013:

South Seas Winter 2013: The EUROPA will be in exploring the South Pacific islands in January 2013 for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling in untouched islands, hidden away in the lagoons of the Oceania. The South Seas itinerary is from January 19-February 6, 2013, from Papeete/Tahiti to Auckland/New Zealand, with stops in Bora Bora and Raiatea in French Polynesia, Rarotonga, Aitutaki Atoll, and Palmerston Atoll in the Cook Islands, Neiafu and Nuku’alofa in the Tonga, and the Fiji Islands. Rates for this itinerary start at EUR 6,410/ GBP 5,000/ USD 7,700 per person/based on double occupancy. A new maiden call for the EUROPA in this itinerary includes Palmerston Atoll/Cook Islands.

New Zealand Winter 2013: Breathtaking fjord landscapes and vast green fields offer magnificent sights to be discovered while hiking, kayaking or by a helicopter ride in the North and South Islands of New Zealand in Winter 2013. (Excursions subject to an additional fee.) The New Zealand itinerary is from February 6-February 22, 2013, from Auckland/New Zealand to Sydney Australia, with stops in Tauranga, White Island, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Picton, Lyttelton, Akaroa, Port Chalmers, and Stewart Island. Rates for this New Zealand itinerary start at EUR 7,680 / GBP 6,000/ USD 9,220 per person/based on double occupancy. A new maiden call for the EUROPA in this itinerary includes Picton/New Zealand.

Indian Ocean in Spring 2013: In the Indian Ocean, a time far removed from everyday life awaits guests on an Asia itinerary in March 2013. The EUROPA will take guests from Singapore‘s glittering skyline, to the snorkeling territory in Malaysia, and then on to enchanting Sri Lanka. This itinerary from March 30-April 13, 2013, is from Singapore to Dubai/United Arab Emirates, with stops in Port Kelang and Bass Harbour in Malaysia, Columbo/Sri Lanka, and Cochin and Mumbai in India. Rates for this Asia itinerary start at EUR 4,540/ GBP 3,550/ USD 5,450 per person/based on double occupancy. Highlights of this itinerary include visits to the historic Malacca, the holy city of Anuradhapura, the ruined city of Sigiriya and the Taj Mahal. (Excursions subject to an additional fee.)

Norway in Summer 2013: EUROPA guests will explore Norway in July 2013, experiencing overwhelming nature during hikes, fishing trips and kayak tours. The itinerary takes passengers as far as the idyllic Lofoten Islands, and standing at the North Cape, a once in a lifetime experience. This Norway cruise is from July 22 – August 3, 2013, from Kiel/Germany to Hamburg/Germany, with stops in the following Norwegian ports: Rosendale, Eidfjord, Alesund, Leknes, Skarsvag, Tromsoe, Geiranger, Hellesylt, and Bergen. This Norway experience starts at EUR 4,980/ GBP 3,890/ USD 5,980 per person/based on double occupancy.

Baltic in Summer 2013: A look back at the Great Russian Empire and the exploration of the treasures of the historical Baltics, awaits guests in summer 2013. The EUROPA travels to the Baltics from August 21-September 2, 2013, from Kiel/Germany to Hamburg/Germany, with stops in Stockholm/Sweden, Helsinki/Finland, St Petersburg/Russia, Tallinn/Estonia, Riga/Latvia, Visby/Poland and Gdynia/Poland. This Baltic adventure starts at EUR 4,990/ GBP 3,900/ USD 5,990 per person/based on double occupancy.

Family conditions

Also new to the EUROPA in 2013, children 11 years of age or younger, sharing a suite with one or two full-price adult passengers, travel free of charge. Children ages 12-15 sharing a suite with two full-price passengers pay EUR 50/ GBP 35/ USD 60 per night, which includes all meals and soft drinks for lunch and dinner. The first voyage to which the new rate applies is on the cruise from Dubai to Malta on April 12 - May 3, 2013.

Classical Music Itineraries for 2013

The EUROPA, known for its exceptional music cruises, once again offers two special classical music itineraries in 2013.

After its very successful debut in 2009, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is presenting Stella Maris International Vocal Competition again for the fifth year in Spring 2013. The Stella Maris concept brings together the world’s most talented up-and-coming young singers from the best opera houses in the world, being judged by the EUROPA audience and a renowned jury in a vocal competition on board. The jury will once again be headed by award-winning Canadian tenor Michael Schade. Stella Maris will occur during a 20-day itinerary in the Arabian Peninsula, from April 13 - May 3, 2013, from Dubai/U.A.E. to Valetta/Malta, with stops in Khasab, Muscat and Salalah in Oman, Aqaba/Jordan, Sharm el Sheik and Hurghada in Egypt, Paphos/Cyprus, and Rhodes and Crete in Greece. Rates for this itinerary start at EUR 7,840/ GBP 6,120/ USD 9,410 per person/based on double occupancy.

In November 2013 the EUROPA will be offering their very popular Ocean Sun Festival, the most prestigious classical music festival at sea. The 11-day music festival cruise from November 19 – 30, 2013, from Nice/France to Madeira/Portugal, with stops in Cannes and Marseille/ France, Barcelona, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca/ Spain, Algiers/Algeria and Casablanca/Morocco. Rates for this itinerary start at EUR 3,830/ GBP 2,990/ USD 4,600 per person/based on double occupancy.

Getting Fit Onboard the EUROPA

With the aim of enhancing the classic sports and fitness program for EUROPA guests, the ship now offers an innovative whole-body workout system called Miha Bodytec. This new technology uses electric micro-impulses (Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to stimulate all the muscle groups by letting electrical impulses pass through the body. After only a few training sessions phenomenal progress in muscle growth, weight and size reduction, and in skin and tissue tightening are visible. By stimulating about 300 different muscles in just 30 minutes, muscle metabolic activation is equal to several hours of strength training with classical training equipment.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings or brochure requests, please look for your nearest sales agent in your country at www.hl-cruises.com, link “Contact & Services”. 

Up to 25% off in the Norwegian Fiords

Experience the beauty of the Norwegian coast as spring returns to its shores, and celebrate with savings of up to 25% from Hurtigruten. The specialist cruise line is offering the discount on its popular Classic Round Voyage for selected departures this April, including flights. Guests can save up to £535pp on the 12-day voyage departing from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border and back. Prices now start at just £1,452pp.

The charter flight packages will depart on April 9 and 20 from London Stansted to Bergen and both voyages will be on board MS Nordnorge, a ship decorated in a maritime style with a slight art deco influence. Guests travelling in April will also be able to enjoy their journey under the brand new ‘ The Arctic Awakening’ theme, including a wide range of shore excursions and on board activities.
Classic Round Voyage April 9 Departure - Prices for the 12-day voyage start from £1452pp (a saving of £349pp from the brochure price) including return flights from London Stansted, transfers and full board on the ship. Based on two sharing.
Classic Round Voyage April 20 Departure – Priced from £1661pp (a saving of £535pp from the brochure price), the 12-day voyage includes return flights from London Stansted, transfers and full board on the ship. Based on two sharing.

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Dog Sledging in the Arctic with Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten guests have a varied excursion programme to choose from on their voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes and dog sledging is one of the most popular.

Classic Round Voyage – From £1,299pp – Direct flights to Bergen from Manchester (8 November), Bristol (19 November), Gatwick (30 November) and Edinburgh (11 December) for the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Priced from £1,299pp to include flights. Based on two sharing. Guests can take part in dog sledding excursions in both Tromso (from £119pp) or Kirkenes (from £108pp).

www.hurtigruten.co.uk 

Two New Expeditions From Lindblad

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is introducing two new Arctic expeditions this summer, Impressions of Northern Norway: Arctic Norway to the Northern Fjords, and Heart of the Arctic: Norway to Greenland via Scotland, The Faroes & Iceland, along with two repeating itineraries, Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard and Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard. All feature a selection of special offers ranging from free airfare to savings of up to $1,000 on select cabin categories.

The expeditions are set during the Arctic summer when the tundra experiences a warm awakening carpeted with wildflowers and the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. Polar bears, seabirds, reindeer, arctic fox, seals and great pods of walrus are out for up-close viewing, and with temperatures averaging from 30° to 45°F, the weather is good for walks, hikes, kayaking and Zodiac forays under the sun that never sets.

All departures are aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, a state-of-the-art, ice-strengthened expedition Arctic cruise ship with the best Ice Team on earth, plus a National Geographic Photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor.

The two NEW itineraries and special offers are:

· Impressions of Northern Norway: Arctic Norway to the Northern Fjords: The new 13-day voyage is two expeditions in one, starting in Arctic Svalbard, a wilderness region of massive icebergs, deep fjords and ice-capped mountains, and the best place on earth to observe polar bears in their natural habitat — on the pack ice. Then sail southward to Nordland to a land of brilliant greens, warm temperatures, tiny hamlets clinging to steep fjord walls and a radiant profusion of birds, wildflowers and reindeer. Save up to $1000 on select cabin categories, plus receive complimentary roundtrip economy airfare (New York/Oslo) and free charter airfare (Oslo/Longyaerbyen and Tromso/Oslo). Rates begin at $9,990 per person based on double occupancy. Departure is July 13, 2012.

· Heart of the Arctic: Norway to Greenland via Scotland, The Faroes & Iceland: The brilliance of this new 26-day itinerary lies in its many facets and its setting. Hike, kayak and Zodiac cruise amid the classic landscapes of the Norwegian fjords; discover the fairytale villages & jagged peaks of the Lofoten Islands; experience the culture, history & archaeological sites of Northern Scotland; follow the Viking trail to the remote Faroe Islands; see Iceland’s geological wonders: active volcanoes & icy landscapes; explore the Greenland ice sheet, its wildlife and its people, and search for Svalbard’s arctic wildlife. Complimentary roundtrip economy airfare (New York/Oslo) and charter (Oslo/Tromso, Longyearbyen/Oslo). Rates begin at $19,990 per person based on double occupancy. Departure is July 22, 2012.

· Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard: A wildlife-packed, 11-day expedition, traveling into the world of Arctic Svalbard. Complimentary roundtrip charter airfare on select departures (Oslo/ Longyearbyen). Rates begin at $8,240 per person based on double occupancy. Departures are June 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6, 2012.

· Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard: Follow the length of Norway's majestic fjord-carved coast from Bergen to the glaciers and polar bears of the Arctic Svalbard archipelago on this 16-day voyage Complimentary roundtrip charter airfare on select departures (Oslo/ Longyearbyen). Rates begin at $11,470 per person based on double occupancy. Departures are May 27 and August 13, 2012.

In addition to the natural wonders an Arctic voyage promises, there is the extra advantage of exploring with guest speakers providing global perspectives. Travel with Keith Bellows (May 27, 2012) editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine; Boyd Matson, Host of Nat Geo’s Wild Chronicles (June 15 & 22); Polar Captain Alfred S. McLaren (June 29); Prof. Paul Arthur Berkman, Oceanographer & Arctic Specialist (July 22), and filmmaker David Wright (Aug. 13, 2012), who shot The Great White Bear in Svalbard for National Geographic.

All offers are valid for new bookings only and must be booked by March 31, 2012. For reservations contact your travel agent, or for additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth, visit the specialist Lindblad page at The Cruise Line

OFF to Norway

Hello everyone. I'm off up to Norway to see the Northern Lights hopefully until February 21st with Hurtigruten's ship MV Finnmarken. You'll be able to follow my progress by lookiing at http://timespentatsea.blogspot.com where I'll be blogging each day about the cruise.

Best wishes

Steve

Celebrate the return of Spring with Hurtigruten

As the snow slowly melts away, the sun ventures back above the horizon and the days get longer, the Norwegians celebrate the return of spring. Now, for the first time, guests travelling with Hurtigruten between 15 March and 31 May can enjoy their journey under a brand new ‘Arctic Awakening’ theme. This includes a wide range of shore excursions and on board activities and the celebration of the Norwegian National Day on 17 May.

Shore excursions take guests closer to the marine life, migratory birds and coastal animals and allow them to experience the Norwegian spring awakening first-hand. Included is the brand new ‘Kayaking in Tromsø’ excursion where participants paddle along the coast surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape. Other excursions include a trip to the largest seabird colony in Scandinavia on the bird island of Runde and to the national park on the Varanger peninsula, which is home to an overwhelming number of different species of birds.

The theme of the activities on board is ‘Secrets of the Sea’ and guests will get the opportunity to learn different 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.

The zest for life shown by Norwegians during spring finally culminates in Norway’s National Day on 17 May. The day will be celebrated on board all ships in the Hurtigruten fleet and guests and crew can come together to celebrate with handmade banners and enjoy time singing and dancing. In the ports, guests can mingle with the locals amidst a great deal of excitement and laughter – many of whom will come on board to sample the delicacies of the Norwegian cake buffet. A variety of talks are also offered on the ships providing guests with information about the history of National Day, the royal family of Norway and the national costumes.

Find out more at www.hurtigruten.co.uk

SPRING SAVINGS WITH HURTIGRUTEN SAVE UP TO £456 PER PERSON

With every season in Norway holding its own unique appeal, there is always something different to see and experience. Thanks to a new special offer from Hurtigruten, it is now possible to travel for less and save up to £456 per person on selected departures this spring. Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage, seven-day Classic Voyage North and six-day Classic Voyage South, guests can take advantage of the special prices on various dates during March, April and May when booking an unspecified inside or outside cabin before March 31, which will then be allocated on arrival.

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships. The ultimate journey is the full 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back to Bergen. There is no better time to enjoy a voyage than during spring – a time of true awakening when the daylight returns, snow begins to melt and the landscape emerges in a riot of colour from its crisp, white winter blanket.

Classic Round Voyage – From £1,536pp (Saving up to £456)- The price includes 12 days full voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. Flights are extra. Based on two sharing an unspecified outside cabin on selected dates in March and April. Book before March 31.

Classic Norwegian Discovery Voyage – From £1,442pp (Saving up to £429)- The price includes 11 days voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. Flights are extra. Based on two sharing an unspecified outside cabin on selected dates in March and April. Book before March 31.

Voyage North – from £1,067pp (Saving up to £319pp) - The price includes seven days voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. Flights are extra. Based on two sharing an unspecified outside cabin on selected dates in March and April. Book before March 31.

Voyage South – from £840pp – (Saving up to £250pp) - The price includes six days voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen, full board on the ship and fuel supplement. Flights are extra. Based on two sharing an unspecified outside cabin on selected dates in March and April. Book before March 31.

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk 

New Hurtigruten Brochure for 2012 launched

Fancy kayaking silently in the fjords against an impressive mountainous backdrop? Or learning prawn shelling skills from local Norwegian fishermen? These are just two of the activities available in 2012 as part of Hurtigruten’s new ‘The Spring Awakening’ on board programme which runs from 15 March to 31 May. For next year, Hurtigruten is focusing on the different experiences each season offers in Norway as they each offer something unique to enjoy. In addition, for 2012, Hurtigruten will be offering a range of packages that include flights from Stansted for added value plus an extended Opera Voyage for those who like something a little different.

“The Spring Awakening’ programme aims to enrich the voyage with on board activities and new land excursions. It takes guests closer to the teeming life in the ocean, the migratory birds and the inhabitants of small communities. It includes activities such as fishermen coming on board and presenting skills such as shelling prawns with the guests, on board lectures and for something a little different, during the spring a saxophonist plays on deck. In addition, customers can now enjoy a new excursion ‘Kayaking in Tromso’ which offers the chance to paddle in the waters off the coast of Tromso and enjoy the views and get closer to the marine life. Hurtigruten use stable, double sea kayaks and no experience is needed. Priced from £129pp.

For those with music as a passion, Hurtigruten has extended its annual ‘Opera Voyage’ from four days to 12 day where alongside the set programme of concerts, additional concerts ashore can be added to make even more of the journey. The voyage features soloists and musicians from the National Norwegian Opera and provides an extra dimension to a winter sailing. The versatile programme on board MS Trollfjord includes classics from well-known operas, operettas and musicals. Some of the concerts are held on board, with the beautiful Norwegian scenery providing a spectacular setting for “the world’s most beautiful voyage”. In addition, optional concerts can be added that are also held in impressive arenas such as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, the North Cape Plateau and the Lofoten Cathedral make this opera voyage a magical and memorable journey. Priced from £1232 per person for a 12 day voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back departs on 6 January including 11 night’s full board on the ship, tour leader and various concerts. Based on two sharing. Flights are not included and can be added from £400pp. (Price valid for bookings made before 31 December 2011)

For those looking for great value and direct flights, Hurtigruten’s 2012 flight inclusive packages from Stansted to Bergen are available on selected dates in April, May, September and October. The flights will combine with the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, which travels from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Packages will include flights, cabin on full board plus transfer arrangements and prices lead in at £1801pp if booked by 31 December.

For more information visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line. Even better why not subscribe to World of Cruising magazine?

World's longest Travel Broadcast?

This is a travel TV at the extreme! On Thursday 16 June, Hurtigruten and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) will embark on a 134-hour (8040 minutes) non-stop live broadcast. At least nine cameras will be used during the voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes on board MS Nordnorge to stream the action live into homes across Norway and via the Internet to the rest of the world.

The show will feature real experiences on a minute-by-minute basis including interviews with the guests and crew along the way. NRK have dedicated their second largest channel NRK2 to the show. During the 134-hour broadcast, viewers watching the show will be able to experience the amazing Norwegian coastline, celebrated worldwide for its natural beauty and untouched scenery. The itinerary includes the western fjords with UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, the coast of Helgeland, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, and the North Cape. The route of course includes a wealth of other breathtaking sights.

So whether you fancy whetting your appetite, or want to relive a trip you have done in the past, go to http://hurtigruten.co.uk/live where the show will be streamed live. For Hurtigruten cruises visit The Cruise Line.

Norway's Hurtigruten

If you are dedicated cruiser then you must expect something different from the Hurtigruten. it is not so much a cruise as more a way of life. You are in fact a guest on an explorer and working cargo ship that calls at ports delivering the mail, doctors supplies, supermarket goods, locals journeying back and forth to work or going to the dentist.

Travelling along Norway's coastline from Bergen to Kirkenes is one heck of an experiece. The beauty of this is that the ship’s ambience changes at each stop as people get on and off. Schoolchildren desperate to try out their English are joined by businessmen in suits and seasoned travellers who decided to break the journey to explore a town or the local area. Don’t think too that what you have here is some sort of tramp steamer. Most of the fleet are modern ships with an intimate friendly atmosphere and some of the newer ones have jaccuzzi, gyms and a spa.

Also you don’t need to get a port or starboard cabin depending if you’re travelling south or north to get a view of the landscape rather than the ocean. The ships weave their way through channels with hundreds of islands of all shapes and sizes either side of you. At times it feels as if you can almost literally stretch out and touch the walls of the steep cliff sides as well as those of the pitched, rich red, mustard yellow and brown houses so beloved by the Scandanvians.

This is not a cruise with vast open water stretching to the horizon either side for hours at a time. Having said that at times the ships veer out to sea and at once are visited by gannets, puffins and other seabirds going about their daily business. This a cruise not about getting to destination but about the cruise itself. Have a great day now.

Midnight Sun

Good morning, in more ways that one! This picture of the Midnight Sun was taken at 1.30 a.m. about 50 miles north of Tromso off the Norwegian coast. I really want to see the Northern Lights some time too. Have a great day now whevere you are.

Geiranger Fiord, Norway

The Hurtigruen has been called the most beautiful cruise in the world and you soon see why when you travel down the 10 miles of the fiord that leads to the World Heritage site of village of Geiranger. Cliffs that are thousands of feet high with waterfalls cascading down almost the same distance, glower over you and dwarf any ship beneath them. All this against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds whilst Sea eagles drift nonchalantly past to keep you company. Have a great day now.

Seven Sisters Waterfall

This is the Seven Sisters Waterfall in the Geiranger Fiord, Norway. You can get some idea how high it is from the cruise ship below it!

Have a great day now and enjpoy all you do.

Seven Sisters Waterfall

Not many waterfalls are over a thousand feet high but the Seven Sisters in the 15 mile Gieranger Fiord  in Norway is one of them. I hope your day turns out to be everything you hope for.

Fish factory, Norway

This is a fish factory in northern Norway. I just love the grass roof! take care now for me.

Norway's Hurtigruten

I love this picture as it brings back so many memories of the Norwegian fiords. The Hurtigruten has been called the most beautiful cruise in the world and you soon see why when you travel down the 10 miles of the fiord that leads to the World Heritage site of village of Geiranger. Cliffs that are thousands of feet high with waterfalls cascading down almost the same distance, glower over you and dwarf any ship beneath them. All this against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds whilst Sea eagles drift nonchalantly past to keep you company.

Have a good day.