Hurtigruten has unveiled a program on two of its 2009 Greenland cruises that offer an all-inclusive approach — with across the board savings of 64% to 68%. The “Pay-One-Price” deal is available on all suites and staterooms on the 318-berth MS Fram, the world’s newest and most deluxe expedition ship, for the season’s two one-way sailings. The first on May 20 is the 17-day cruise, between Reykjavik, Iceland and Greenland; the second, on Sept. 22, is the 18-day voyage between Greenland and New York. Prices include flights from New York/Newark, one night hotel in Copenhagen, all meals on board, most transfers, expedition cruise, some shore excursions, taxes and air fuel surcharges and ticketing fees.
Suites, normally $16,676 to $20,366 per person, double, are being priced at $5,499 to $7,249, while staterooms, normally $12,536 to $15,716, are $3,999 to $5,249. Suite purchases also include a variety of perks – two optional excursions; wine, beer or soda at meals; a bottle of champagne from the Captain; and more. The booking deadline is March 31, other restrictions apply. This capacity-controlled offer cannot be combined with others but can be booked using Hurtigruten’s interest-free “Layaway Getaway” monthly payment plan. Air add-ons, available from dozens of North American gateways, range in price from $100 to $300.
The May 20, 2009 sailing begins in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital city, where participants may opt to arrive early and explore before embarkation. The MS Fram cruises the Western fjords region of Iceland prior to sailing to Greenland and exploring the island’s Southern and Western regions. Guests return home by way of a night in Copenhagen. The company’s newest cruise, on Sept. 22, begins with one night in Copenhagen before heading off to meet the ship in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. After taking in ports along Greenland’s west coast, the ship makes its way to Canada’s Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia, followed by a stop in Gloucester, MA. A final full day at sea is capped with a morning arrival in New York, gliding past the Statue of Liberty, before putting into port. Guests disembark to head home – or may wish to extend their stay and take in the sights and sounds of the Big Apple.
Because there are no roads connecting the towns and villages on the world’s largest island, cruising between them has always been the most efficient and cost-effective way of exploration. Guests aboard the MS Fram get a first-hand look at the changing landscape of Greenland and learn about its history, geography, culture, wildlife and environment from onboard experts during lectures and land excursions. The Sept. sailing stops in Nuuk, the island’s capital and oldest town in Greenland; Ivittuut, the smallest community in Greenland and once a cryolite mining town; and Qassiarsuk, the site where Eric the Red, Leif Eriksson’s father, settled 1,000 years ago. The May departure incorporates the scenic highlights of the Sept. cruise and adds several more, including Eqip Sermia Glacier, a huge wall of ice that calves directly into the sea; towering icebergs in Disko Bay and at the mouth of Jakobshavn Ice Fjord, a World Heritage Site; and Jakobshavn Glacier, the world’s most active glacier.
The 12,700-ton, eight-deck ship, makes significant use of Greenland’s culture as inspiration for design while incorporating a striking Scandinavian feel with the extensive use of wool, leather and oak. Suites include seating areas, some with two rooms, TV, mini-bar and queen-size beds. The ship also boasts an Internet café, a large glass-enclosed observation salon offering panoramic views of the outside scenery, restaurant with ocean views, wellness center with saunas, work-out room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools.
