HURTIGRUTEN HEADS NORTH FROM ANTARCTICA TO THE ARCTIC ON ITS SECOND WORLD CRUISE

Two-For-One Offer Means Companion Sails Free On South American/Antarctica Segments

        New York, NY, December 2007 -- Hurtigruten is heading north on its second world cruise, beginning in Ushuaia, Argentina on February 27, 2008, visiting Antarctica, the eastern ports of South America, Europe, the Baltic nations and Russia, and ending on May 21in Reykjavik, Iceland.  The 85-day adventure, aboard the world’s newest expedition ship, the 318-passenger MS Fram, is being offered in 11 to 18-night segments, giving guests the opportunity of doing those parts of the voyage that most interest them.  A special two-for-one offer allows a companion sharing the same cabin to sail at no charge on the two South American/Antarctica segments.  Prices range from $4,199 to $15,499 per person, double occupancy, depending on segment(s) and cabin/suite chosen.

        Each geographic segment offers its own custom focus – the diversity and stunning beauty of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia; Brazil’s hidden treasures with five stops; Europe from A to Z – Portugal, Spain, France, UK, Netherlands and Germany; the Baltic Sea - Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Gotland; and the North Sea path from the UK to Iceland.  Port calls range from six to 12 hours and the smaller size of the ship and modern facilities allows for easy transfers to and from ports so guests can maximize their time ashore.

        The 18-day Ushuaia-Uruguay segment shows off the diversity of the cruise’s most southern destinations: Antarctica’s incredible vista, icebergs, penguins and other wildlife; isolated South Georgia and Falklands Islands, breeding grounds for millions of seabirds and home to King and other penguin species; and Montevideo, Uruguay, with its beautiful beaches and many museums.  Prices are $5,499 to $15,499 for the February 27, 2008 departure.

        From Montevideo, the MS Fram heads to Brazil on an 11-day segment, stopping first at Parati, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1966 and home to lush green parks.  Two days are spent in Rio de Janeiro, where guests can enjoy the beat of samba, visit the giant statue of Jesus that stands over the city or take in the exciting nightlife; followed by Salvador de Bahia, one of Brazil’s oldest cities; and Recife, often called the Venice of Brazil because of its many canals, bridges and tiny streets.  The departure of March 15 has fares ranging from $5,499 to $15,499.

        Departing Hamburg, Germany on April 28, 2008, the MS Fram makes port stops in Copenhagen, Ronne (Bornholm), Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallin, and Visby (Gotland), spends two days in Stockholm, and makes a transit of the Kiel Channel, one of the world’s busiest waterways for seagoing vessels, before returning to Hamburg.  This 13-night roundtrip has fares of $4,399 to $12,399.

        The final segment of Hamburg to Reykjavik is 12 nights, departing on May 10, 2008.  Beginning with England’s Dover, famous for its White Cliffs, and small village of Falmouth, known for its deep port and fine Georgian homes, the MS Fram next stops in Ireland’s Cork, where passengers may wish to visit the medieval Red Abbey or wander along pedestrian-friendly St. Patrick’s Street.  After passing the UNESCO World Heritage island of Great Skellig, and the small village of Sneem, passengers can explore Galway, the Aran Islands and Killbegs during port calls.  A stop in Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides is the last port before disembarkation in Reykjavik.  Fares are 4,199 to $11,699.

        Rates include selected cabin category, all meals on board and lectures by experts and naturalist guides.  The 12,700-ton eight-deck ship, the first cruise ship built exclusively for sailing in the challenging maritime environment of Greenland, makes significant use of that country’s culture as inspiration for design while incorporating a striking Scandinavian feel with the extensive use of wool, leather and oak.  Cabins are stylish and comfortable; a variety of suites and junior suites offer queen-size beds and TVs.  The ship also boasts excellent conference and meeting facilities, 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.

        A fuel surcharge of $6 per day is additional.  Brochures, information and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten (formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage), (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.