Discover authentic voyages to pristine lands

Hurtigruten’s Greenland – Land of Myths and Mysteries

What do you call the world’s largest island, 85% of which is made up of pristine glaciers, undisturbed nature and an age-old ice cap, where people have lived for 5,000 years in some of the toughest conditions imaginable, where wildlife is abundant and diverse, and the scenery is on the other side of spectacular? Why Greenland, of course!

Hurtigruten, a leader in expedition cruising at both ends of the Earth, is offering a “trip-of-a-lifetime” sailing along this ancient land. The company even built a new state-of-the-art expedition ship especially for Greenland, the MS Fram, named after Fridtjof Nansen’s original Fram, the only wooden ship to explore both Polar Regions.

“Glaciers & Icebergs” is a wonderful nine-day, in-depth exploration of Greenland during June, 2011. Guests aboard the 318-passenger deluxe ship MS Fram visit many of the island’s most stunning settings, villages and ancient sites. Hurtigruten’s onboard expert Expedition Leaders offer lectures, interesting perspectives and help guide you, guests head out on their adventure. Sailing out of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, one of the world’s longest fjords, the MS Fram visits Sisimiut, Greenland’s second largest town with 4,900 people; Quequetarsuaq, home to an Arctic research station and towering icebergs grounded on the shore; Uummannaq, a halibut center at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain; Ukkusissat – all of 200 people, surviving on the hunting and fishing as their ancestors did for 5,000 years; Eqip Sermia, where a massive glacier – three miles long – calves icebergs at a breakneck pace; Ilulissat, where enormous glaciers get fed into the Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage site; and Itilleq, one of Greenland’s smallest communities (130 people), close to the Arctic Circle.

CARP members enjoy a $70 onboard credit and if you have travelled on a Hurtigruten cruise in the past three years, savings of 5% off the regular fare.

Nobody knows Norway like Hurtigruten

Norway’s dramatic 1,250-mile west coast is one of Europe’s great attractions and for more than 100 years, this popular journey has been offering travelers a unique combination of history, culture and incredible vistas. Hurtigruten’s fleet of modern first class cruise ships make 34 ports-of-call between Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle, on six-, seven- and 12-day sailings. The Coastal Voyage visits range from tiny fishing villages to major cities – and allow for secure but easy on/off access for independent exploring and a variety of included and optional excursions such as a dog sledding safari; tours of Storskog, Norway’s border station with Russia; and an evening of Norwegian folk songs, hymns, and classical music in Tromso’s Arctic Cathedral.

Imagine New Year’s Eve on the North Cape, Opera in Oslo, Viking history and myth, the midnight sun, the Northern Lights, stunning fjords, wildlife at every turn… this is just some of what can be experienced on Hurtigruten’s theme voyages – where the voyage is the centerpiece.

Getting off the ship and enjoying the local scene is an important feature of Hurtigruten cruises as well, so the company has developed dozens of high-quality excursions. Examples include city tours, the “Lofotr Viking Feast” – a true Viking feast held in a recreation of the largest Viking building ever found, “Dog Sledding in Tromso” and “Scootertrip in Lapland.”

A special savings offer of up to 20% is available on select 12-day departures through July for CARP members, plus each CARP member receives a $35 onboard credit.