Norway’s Hurtigruten has come up with a unique twist on arctic cruises – short programs. Chartering the Nordstjernen for the 2015 summer season, the 1956-built, 108-passenger ship will sail three- and four-day cruises in Spitsbergen.
Sailing in June, July and August, the cruises start at NOK 8,995 per person, including one overnight in Longyearbyen. Airfare is additional. Pre and post programs are also available. In addition, the 2006-built, 400-passenger Fram will sail longer cruises.
Repositioning voyages are also offered, sailing from Bergen to Longyearbyen June 1 and from Longyearbyen to Hamburg, Aug. 28.
Hurtigruten is promising that the three- and four-day cruises will allow passenger to see arctic wildlife and the northwest coast of Spitsbergen up to 80 degrees north.
The Nordstjernen has sailed in Spitsbergen since 1994, and when celebrating her 50th anniversary in 2006, claimed to have sailed a distance equal to 150 times around the equator.
