Cruise the British Isles with Hurtigruten

At Greenstar Travel, we are proud to work with many long-standing trusted partners who we know will look after our clients. Small ship expedition cruise company Hurtigruten is one of these companies.  We are delighted that as of September this year (2020) Hurtigruten’s Short Break Expedition cruise programme will depart the UK.

Safe and sustainable

With extremely robust health and safety measures in place Hurtigruten will be the first ship to depart a UK port since the country went into lockdown in March this year. Existing measures have been bolstered by local government guidance to ensure each guest enjoys a safe and sustainable cruise around the British Isles.  Only 350 guests will occupy the MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise ship – this represents just 65% capacity of the ship.

Specially designed for exploring some of the most spectacular polar waters of the planet, MS Roald Amundsen is at the forefront of sustainable cruising too. Specially designed for exploring polar waters, the hybrid-powered expedition cruise ship uses battery packs to support her low-emission engines and will reduce CO2 emissions with more than 20% compared to other cruise ships of the same size.  The introduction of the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ships is the latest in several Hurtigruten green initiatives. Hurtigruten celebrated its 125th anniversary by banning all single-use plastics.

Nature, culture and beauty

This groundbreaking hybrid expedition cruise ship will offer guests the chance to visit remote parts of the beautiful British coastline taking in nature and cultural experiences, as well as making use of their expedition landing.  Just four exclusive sailings will depart on the following dates:

Portsmouth – 2^nd September

Liverpool – 12^th September

Glasgow 12^th September

Liverpool 17^th September

 

Each cruise itinerary will include handpicked destinations around the UK coastline.  The hybrid-powered expedition cruise ship will visit hand-picked destinations such as the Isles of Scilly, Fowey, Rathlin Island, Fort William, Oban, Fishguard and Waterford.

This special series of short breaks will allow guests to the many areas of natural beauty around the shores of the UK. There are so many highlights: St Kilda, the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a protected haven for wildlife. It is home to almost one million seabirds including the highest population of Atlantic puffins in the UK. Rathlin Island boasts large seabird colonies and Northern Ireland’s only pair of breeding choughs.

In contrast, the archipelago of the Isles of Scilly invites guests to unwind and to enjoy the stunning surrounding nature at an easy pace. Five habitable yet individual islands all offer their own adventure and guests will take part in beach clean ups during their visit.

On board adventure

On board the adventure continues. Guests can obtain a better understanding of the areas they have explored by taking part in expert led lectures and workshops in the Science Centre.  The centre is packed with state-of-the-art technology enabling guests to learn more about the remote locations and areas of natural beauty on their itinerary.  For those wanting to practice what they have learned, there is a two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck for guests to watch wildlife.  It is also the perfect spot to admire the scenic landscape.

The MS Roald Amundsen enjoys three Polar heritage-inspired restaurants.  Aune is the ship’s main restaurant whilst Fredheim offers informal street food accompanied by amazing milkshakes.  Lindstrøm is a speciality ‘a la carte’ restaurant named after the polar chef chosen by Roald Amundsen himself on his many polar expeditions.

Relax and unwind in the Explorer Lounge after a busy day of exploring.  Guests can also take advantage of the large gym, enjoy a treatment at the wellness centre or take a dip in the infinity pool or hot tubs.  Of course, the stunning scenery is still there to enjoy too and guests will be able to catch many stunning sunsets.

All cabins are outside, 50% have private balconies and some of the suites feature a private outdoor hot tub with spectacular views.

Health and safety paramount

The health and safety of guests and staff has always been the number one priority for Hurtigruten. Following guidelines recommended by the Norwegian Government and the local Governments of the destinations visited during the UK sailings, the company has built on existing protocols to introduce additional practices to ensure safe, sustainable and enjoyable expedition cruising.

Hurtigruten will always comply with current Covid-19 regulations in the waters, coasts and visited ports. Itineraries and excursions may be subject to change based on local Government advice.

For further information or to enquire about any of these cruises please contact us here at Greenstar Travel.