HURTIGRUTEN ANNOUNCES 2009 PHOTO COMPETITION

GRAND PRIZE WINNER RECEIVES FREE “WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VOYAGE” FOR TWO

     New York, January 2009 -- Using the premise that the best experiences create the best memories, innovative cruise line Hurtigruten has announced a photo competition for passengers.  Whether it is the abundant wildlife and rare arctic flowers of Spitsbergen, the majestic icebergs and isolated fishing villages of Greenland, or the emperor penguins in Antarctica's Marguerite Bay, Hurtigruten wants passengers to capture and submit photos of their favorite memories from these inspiring trips.  The competition runs until September 1, 2009, with monthly winners receiving prizes and a grand prize winner chosen in October receiving a 12-day roundtrip Norwegian Coastal Voyage for two, named by Lonely Planet’s “Bluelist” as the “world’s most beautiful voyage.”

                Details about the competition can be found at www.hurtigruten.us, along with a web gallery containing the best of the photo submissions, the monthly winner’s photograph, descriptions of all of Hurtigruten’s cruises and destinations, and other useful information.  In addition to recognition on the website, each monthly winner receives a 4GB USB memory stick – useful for storing future vacation photographs. For those looking to improve their chances and photography skill, Hurtigruten offers tips from a professional photographer on the website. 

                Hurtigruten ships have plied the Norwegian coastline for 115 years, linking the southern and northern ends of the country with daily departures.  As a world leader in expedition cruising, Hurtigruten takes guests to some of the world’s most remote regions – Greenland, the Arctic’s Spitsbergen, and Antarctica; and in 2009, has added cruises from Greenland to New York, and in Europe.

                Brochures, information and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten, (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.

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