Hurtigruten to offer year-round cruises from Dover

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian operator, is to use Dover as an embarkation port for four expedition itineraries in 2021. The new itineraries will go on sale on June 20.

“We are thrilled to present expedition cruises from Dover year-round. It is a needed boost for the UK cruise industry at this time, and is especially important to showcase how expedition cruising differs from mainstream ‘big white ship’ cruising,” said Anthony Daniels, general manager, Hurtigruten UK & Ireland.

The new itineraries include Norway’s winter fjords and the Northern Lights – a 15-day voyage visiting Norway’s southern fjords and Arctic North. Highlights include Stavanger, Alesund, the Lofoten Islands, two days in Tromso, the North Cape and the Unesco World Heritage Site of Bergen. Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise applies. Departures from Dover in March 2021, and Oct 2021 – March 2022

The second itinerary from Dover is a Summertime in Norway’s fjords and her islands – a 15-day voyage along the Norwegian coast, seeing fjords, mountains and coastal villages. Hurtigruten has been sailing the Norwegian coast for 127 years. Departures from Dover in Apr – September 2021.

The third itinerary is The British Isles – a 13-day expedition cruise visiting remote islands off the British mainland. Highlights include Fishguard, Rathlin Island (excursion to Giants Causeway possible), Iona, Staffa (sail by scenic cruising of Fingal’s Cave), St Kilda, Stornoway, Islay, Isle of Man, Waterford, Isles of Scilly and Dartmouth. Departures from Dover in May – September 2021.

The final itinerary is Southern Scandinavia – a 15-day voyage offering expedition, culture, wildlife and nature, combined with urban exploration. The cruise calls Germany and Denmark, Sweden and the beautiful fjords and islets of Norway. Highlights include the Kiel Canal, Skagen, Koster, the Weather Islands, Oslo, Hardanger and Lysefjord. Departures from Dover in June & July 2021.

“A Hurtigruten expedition cruise is a life-changing experience with knowledge at its core. Our expedition teams give lectures on their respective fields of expertise, and explain and discuss all the interesting events shared on and off ship, says Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten. “Operating on the Norwegian coast for 127 years, Hurtigruten has built close ties to local communities; and food, activities and services are sourced locally. More than a century of local experience and know-how ensures we leave nothing behind, except long- local lasting partnerships.”

Prices are yet to be released by Hurtigruten, and the voyages go on sale from 20 June 2020.