Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express celebrates 130 years with two new premium journeys in 2023
Does the idea of standing on the balcony of a Scandinavian-design small ship, gazing upon the mountainous Norwegian coast while whips of bracingly fresh air fill your lungs sound like an ideal trip to you? If so, prepare to set sail in 2023 with Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express.
Celebrating 130 years of breathtaking Norwegian voyages, adventure travel group Hurtigruten has announced two new northern passages to satisfy even the most seasoned of voyagers, one a revived icon and the other poised to make history.
The former is the Svalbard Express, one of Norway’s most iconic sailing routes that takes only the most adventurous to the world’s northernmost populated city, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, at a staggering 71º. The latter, the North Cape Express, will take voyagers to the most southern and northern end of Norway, allowing voyages to see the entirety of the rugged Norwegian coast.
The Svalbard Express marks the return of one of Norway’s most legendary sailing routes, which originally operated between 1968 and 1982. The revamped 16-day itinerary will include stops at popular destinations on the Norwegian coast such as the tall and cosy Lofoten Islands, wild Vesterålen and the North Cape before stopping in the isolated wilderness of Svalbard. During a visit to remote Longyearbyen, voyagers will enjoy a rare glimpse of life for the 2368 residents of the world’s northernmost settlement in the icy heart of polar bear country.
Sailing from Oslo for the first time ever, the 16-day North Cape Express earns its title by taking guests to Norway’s southernmost and northernmost points. This new itinerary includes cruising through picturesque Hardangerfjord in the Norwegian interior, opportunities to catch the magical Northern Lights dance across the winter’s skies, and a score of charming seaside towns including several new additions.
Passengers travelling the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express will be onboard MS Trollfjord, which is set to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment, including upgraded cabins featuring modern Scandinavian designs as well as a refurbished a la carte restaurant with tasting menus, all-day dining, afternoon tea, takeaway service, and other new firsts for Hurtigruten such as a show-kitchen, picnic and culinary excursions.
Starting at $4054 per person twin share, both itineraries are available at hurtigruten.com.au. Book now and next year you’ll be setting sail in one of the world’s most stunning yet seldom seen seaboards.
This article is brought to you by Hurtigruten.
