The Norwegian cruiseferry company Hurtigruten marks its Biggest Product Evolution with two Premium Journeys to be introduced in 2023.
The “Svalbard Express” and “North Cape Express” coastal itineraries offer an elevated addition to the company's existing Coastal Express route.
Passengers will enjoy a new experience along the Norwegian coast with the fully refurbished MS Trollfjord ship, and in the case of Svalbard, the northernmost permanent populated area in the world.
Hurtigruten, which has ferried locals, goods, and tourists along the Norwegian coast since 1893 with the Norwegian Coastal Express, is due to introduce in 2023 two new itineraries - “Svalbard Express” and “North Cape Express”.
The Svalbard Express is scheduled to launch on June 3, just a month ahead of Hurtigruten’s 130-year anniversary.
The first North Cape Express is scheduled to depart on September 26, 2023.
An upgraded extension to the Coastal Express, both new itineraries offer a different experience: half/full-day port visits; wine, beer, champagne, and whisky tastings; a cocktail bar; cooking classes; a food center; and onboard entertainment. Dining options include an a la carte restaurant, all-day dining, takeaway service, and afternoon tea. The food center will boast both cooking demonstrations and classes. Picnic and culinary excursions will also be available, which is another first for the company. Just like the Coastal Express has done since 1893, the new itineraries will bring cargo between ports and freight to the earth's northernmost community Earth in the case of the Svalbard Express.
Both “Svalbard Express” & “North Cape Express” will be onboard MS Trollfjord. The ship will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment during the first half of next year. Cabins will be upgraded to feature a modern Scandinavian design. The restaurants will be improved, including the a la carte dining venue, which will be more than doubled in size.
The extended port calls allow the Coastal Experience Team to create a range of excursions depending on the route and season. They are responsible for the lecture program, which is focused on Norwegian history, culture, nature, wildlife, and food, as well as photography and handicraft and art classes.
The 14-night/15-day "Svalbard Express" itinerary is a Bergen roundtrip that follows the original coastal routes operated by Hurtigruten in the period 1968-1982, visiting the archipelagos Lofoten and Vesteralen, as well as Nordkapp/North Cape and Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago. Svalbard Express' call ports include Andalsnes, Traena, Stokmarknes, Tromso, Honningsvag, Bjornoya/Bear Islnad (coastal cruising), Spitsbergen (Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund), Tromso, Senja Island, Svolvaer, Bronnoysund, Alesund, Urke/Hjorundfjord, Bergen.
Svalbard Express is also offered as a 7-day one-way either Kirkenes-Longyearbyen or Longyearbyen-Kirkenes. Both one-way packages are inclusive of a 2-night hotel in Longyearbyen, 2x land excursions, an evening at Camp Barentz's cabin, as well as catamaran cruising (MS Bard/hybrid-electric passenger ship, 2020-built/IMO 9892248).
The 14-night/15-day "North Cape Express" departs from Oslo (overnight) and ends in Bergen (overnight) visiting Kristiansand, Farsund, Haugesund, Hardangerfjord (cruising), Alesund, Bronnoysund, Svolvaer, Stokmarknes, Tromso, Honningsvag, Alta, Lodingen, Rorvik, Molde, Kristiansund, Bergen.
Rates for “Svalbard Express” and “North Cape Express” cruises start at US$3170 and US$4961 per person, respectively. Standard pricing is inclusive of drinks with meals and afternoon tea. Suite fares (starting at US$10419 and US$17443 per person, respectively) also include a la carte dining, exclusive drink package, access to the Suite Lounge, and turn-down service.