Hurtigruten hosted its Global VIP Partner Summit at Sea, an exclusive sailing between Bergen and Oslo onboard the Trollfjord for members of the press and travel agents September 22-25.
Showcasing a short version of one of Hurtigruten’s Signature Voyages, the journey offered an opportunity for partners to sample the amenities onboard the Trollfjord, attend lectures and presentations, participate in shore excursions and dine in the ship’s three restaurants.
Joining the sailing were Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Iain Powell, Chief Product and Hotel Officer (CPHO) André Pattersen and Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Warner, offering insights into their respective areas of business during official presentations and informal gatherings.
Guests had the opportunity to experience Bergen during an e-bike tour of the city, followed by a tasting of a ciders made by Norwegian producers at Siderbar Bergen.
The Bergen experience was rounded off with lunch at Fjellskål, a seafood shop and restaurant located at Bergen’s fish market.
After boarding the ship and settling in their cabins, guests had welcome dinner at Flora, the ship’s main restaurant. The menu showcased seasonal Norwegian ingredients sourced from local producers.
The second day featured scenic sailing through the Hardangerjorden, Sørfjorden and Lysefjorden areas.
A presentation was held by the cruise line’s Sami Culinary Ambassador, Máret Rávdná Buljo, who talked about the importance of incorporating the indigenous Sámi food in the ship’s menu.
In the evening, guests had the opportunity to taste meals Buljo helped co-create at Brasserie Árran, including smoked reindeer, reindeer burger, pickled herring, and more.
Later that day, Pattersen offered more insights into Hurtigruten’s voyages, Powell provided a business update and Warner discussed the different ways in which marketing efforts could be tailored to attract guests to the company’s itineraries.
A port call in Kristiansand followed, giving guests the opportunity to explore the city.
After a guided tour, guests went on a boat trip through the surrounding archipelago, visited the local fish market, where they had lunch, and ended the tour with a visit to Kunstsilo, a former grain silo transformed into an art museum.
The day ended with a five-course dinner hosted at Røst, the ship’s fine-dining restaurant.
