HURTIGRUTEN ANNOUNCES 2008 GREENLAND SPECIALS

02-08-2008

        New York, NY, January 2008 -- Greenland, a rising star on the radar of many experienced travelers, has just gotten less expensive.  Hurtigruten, a dominant player in the field of expedition cruising, has announced a “Book A Suite – Fly For Free” special on four eight-day Disko Bay sailings (June 26, July 3, 10 and 17) and the August 28th 15-day Disko Bay/Thule itinerary.  Bookings must be made by March 15 and cannot be combined with other discounts.  Prices for suites are $7,699 to $11, 399 on the eight-day, and $11, 499 to $20,899 on the 15-day sailings.  Flights are direct between Baltimore and Kangerlussuaq.

        Guests aboard the world’s newest expedition ship, the 318-berth MS Fram, get a first-hand look at the changing landscape of Greenland and learn about its history, geography, culture, wildlife and environment from onboard experts during lectures and land excursions.  Scenic highlights include Eqip Sermia Glacier, a huge wall of ice that calves directly into the sea; towering icebergs in Disko Bay and at the mouth of Jakobshavn Ice Fjord, a World Heritage Site; and Jakobshavn Glacier, the world’s most active glacier. 

        The eight-day itinerary sails from Kangerlussuaq Fjord, one of the world's longest fjords, along Greenland's west coast to huge Disko Bay.  Guided walking tours take in Inuit villages and towns with tongue-twisting names -- Qeqertarsuaq, Ukkusissat and Ilulissat – seeing how the friendly local populations flourish in one of the harshest climates on Earth.  Passengers also visit Uummannaq, a halibut center at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain; and Sisimuit, the second largest town with about 4,900 people. 

        The 15-day adventure explores much of the west coast of the island, going as far as Siorapaluk, the world’s most northern naturally inhabited settlement with stops in Kullorsuaq (“the devil’s thumb”); Dundas, abandoned in 1985 and not far from Thule US Air Base; Qaanaaq, the first part of Greenland colonized by Intuits from the west; and Upernavik, site of the world’s northernmost open-air museum. 

        The 12,700-ton, eight-deck ship, makes significant use of Greenland’s culture as inspiration for design while incorporating a striking Scandinavian feel with the extensive use of wool, leather and oak.  Suites include seating areas, some with two rooms, TV, mini-bar and queen-size beds.  The ship also boasts an Internet café, a large glass-enclosed observation salon offering panoramic views of the outside scenery, restaurant with ocean views, wellness center with saunas, work-out room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools.

        Programs include cabin category selected and three meals daily aboard ship, services of naturalist guides, specified land excursions and PolarCirkel excursions, ship transfers, air taxes and port charges.  Add-on airfares are available from dozens of North American cities. A fuel surcharge of $6 per day is additional as are air taxes. 

        Brochures, information and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage), (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.

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