Hurtigruten Norway, which has carried local passengers, goods, and tourists along Norway’s coast since 1893 with the Norwegian Coastal Express, will introduce the two new offerings, the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express, next year. The Svalbard Express will launch on June 3, 2023, just one month ahead of the company’s 130-year anniversary, while the first North Cape Express will depart on September 26, 2023.
An upgraded extension to the traditional Coastal Express, the two new itineraries will offer a significantly different experience: half-or full-day port visits; cooking classes; wine, beer, champagne, and whisky tastings; a food centre; a cocktail bar; and onboard entertainment. Dining options will include an à la carte restaurant with tasting menus, all-day dining, afternoon tea, and takeaway service. The food centre will feature both cooking demonstrations and classes, and picnic and culinary excursions will be available, another first for the company. Like the Coastal Express has done since 1893, the two new itineraries will also bring cargo between ports and freight to the northernmost community on Earth in the case of the Svalbard Express.
“For almost 130 years, we have been carrying travellers on what is often referred to as ‘the most beautiful voyage in the world’, and no one does the Norwegian coast better than Hurtigruten Norway. With the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express, we will offer an experience similar to the likes of the Orient Express, combining a premium onboard experience with beautiful scenery, exceptional excursions, and some of the best food on any sea,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norwegian Norway.
The Svalbard Express will mark the return of one of Norway’s most iconic sailing routes, which operated between 1968 and 1982. The new itinerary will include some of the Norwegian coast’s most popular destinations – such as the Lofoten Islands, Vesterålen, and the North Cape – before heading north to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the world’s northernmost populated city. The full roundtrip journey takes 16 days.
Meanwhile, the 16-day North Cape Express takes guests to Oslo, the capital of Norway, and both the country’s southernmost and northernmost points. It will mark Hurtigruten Norway’s first-ever time with regular sailings in Oslo. This itinerary will also include new ports in southern Norway, scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord, and the most beautiful cities and picturesque towns along the coast.
“This expansion of our global operation signals exactly what we in Hurtigruten Group believe in for the future of the travel industry, such as strong ties with local communities and less impact on nature both on land and in the ocean. Hurtigruten Group will be at the forefront of this development. These new routes in Norway and up to the world’s northernmost populated city, Longyearbyen, are a small but significant step in the right direction,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten Group.
Both the Svalbard Express and the North Cape Express will be onboard MS Trollfjord, which will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment during the first half of 2023. Cabins will be upgraded and feature modern Scandinavian design. In addition, the restaurants will be refurbished and improved, including the à la carte restaurant, which will be more than doubled in size.
Commenting on the launch, Hurtigruten Asia Pacific Managing Director, Damian Perry, is confident the new itineraries will appeal strongly to Australians and New Zealander travellers seeking authentic and local experiences. “From Norway’s stunning fjords and its spectacular coastline to sensational cuisine Scandi cuisine, these new itineraries have been specifically designed to immerse guests in a unique journey and deliver them with unforgettable memories.”
“Whether it’s a chance to witness the Northern Lights firsthand, to visit Svalbard or the Realm of the Polar Bear, we anticipate the new Svalbard Express and North Cape Express itineraries will become absolute bucket list journeys for discerning travellers,” he adds.
The extended port visits allow the Coastal Experience Team to create a wide range of excursions depending on route and season. They are also responsible for the lecture program, which focuses on Norwegian history, culture, food, nature, and wildlife, as well as photography, handicraft and arts classes.
Both itineraries are now available for purchase at Hurtigruten.com.au or through your preferred travel agent. Rates for the North Cape Express and Svalbard Express start at AU$4,054 and AU$5,794 per person twin share for inside cabins, respectively. Standard fares are full board including drinks with meals, afternoon tea, and much more, while Suite fares, start at AU$12,812 and AU$21,070 per person twin share for a mini suite, respectively, and also include à la carte dining, an exclusive drink package, turn-down service, and access to the Suite lounge.
