Hurtigruten Expeditions has announced new pole-to-pole cruises for 2023, with itineraries spanning four continents; and more than 100 landing sites. The Pole-to-Pole Cruises combine destinations such as Alaska, Iceland, Greenland, the Northwest Passage, South America and Antarctica, with crossings such as the Arctic Circle, the Panama Canal and the Drake Passage.
“These are undoubtedly the most unique and exclusive expedition cruises we have ever offered in our 126-year history, and we believe these are the ultimate expedition cruise experiences. These extraordinary voyages will showcase some of the most spectacular nature and wildlife on our planet and offer authentic encounters with unique cultures,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.
Two of the Pole-to-Pole itineraries are offered by the battery-hybrids MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. The third Pole-to-Pole expedition is offered by the custom-build expedition original, MS Fram, which will be fully upgraded for its journey. All three journeys set sail in AUG 2023.
94 days with MS Roald Amundsen: Vancouver – Alaska – the Northwest Passage – Antarctica
The vast 11-country itinerary departs Vancouver on 03AUG 2023. Guests will disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina. From Canada, the expedition heads north along the Alaskan coast and crosses the Arctic Circle before making its way through the Northwest Passage – to Baffin Island and Greenland.
From the High North, MS Roald Amundsen then turns south along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and Central America. Next, the ship passes the Panama Canal to reach South America where guests will immerse in culture and nature, experiencing ancient sites in Ecuador and Peru, as well as the Chilean fjords and Patagonia – and then, finally, Antarctica.
93 days with MS Fridtjof Nansen: Iceland – the Northwest Passage – Alaska – Antarctica
13AUG marks the start of MS Fridtjof Nansen’s expedition from Reykjavik, Iceland to Ushuaia, Argentina. After crossing the Denmark Strait to Greenland, MS Fridtjof Nansen will traverse the full Northwest Passage. On the journey to the Canadian Arctic and Alaska, MS Fridtjof Nansen will land at sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities and look out for Arctic wildlife.
From Alaska, the ship will turn south and cruise along the western seaboard of the U.S.exploring the national parks of the Pacific coast before taking in the seas and cultures of Mexico and Central America. In South America, guests can experience ancient sites in Ecuador, Peru and Chile. The journey ends with an in-depth exploration of Antarctica.
66 days with MS Fram: Canada – the Northwest Passage – South America - Antarctica
Small-sized MS Fram offers an expedition from Canada’s Northwest Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, in late AUG 2023. The expedition combines several itineraries into one journey with a focus on science, learning and sustainability. The voyage starts off in Montréal, with guests then flying to embark MS Fram in Cambridge Bay, deep inside the Northwest Passage.
After navigating eastwards through the Northwest Passage to coastal Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, MS Fram turns south through the Atlantic – to then pass through the Panama Canal to the Pacific. After paying a visit to an indigenous tribe in the Darien region and exploring the Isla de la Plata, the expedition continues down the Pacific coast of South America – and thereafter Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile and Patagonia – topped off with the Antarctic.
Full-month back-to-back options
In addition to the three Pole-to-Pole cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions’ new series of Grand Expedition Cruises offers a selection of month-long voyages, combining several of the company’s itineraries.
Guests can expand their adventures even further by adding Hurtigruten Expeditions’ pre- and post-offerings to the Grand Expedition Cruises, including visits to destinations such as Easter Island or Machu Picchu.
“Exploring several of the most remote and unique regions of the planet for anywhere from one to three months, some only accessible by small expedition ships like ours, make the guests on these Grand Expedition Cruises true modern explorers,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions VP of Expedition, Karin Strand.
Bigger expedition teams offer more exploration and activities
The Pole-to-Pole expedition cruises feature a large on-board expedition team with experts handpicked for each itinerary.
“Our on-board colleagues’ sharing of passion and knowledge, and expertise of the areas we explore, is the core of the Hurtigruten Expeditions experience. Bigger expedition teams mean more of everything – more experts, more knowledge, more activities and more options for our guests,” said Lassesen.
The company also offers Science Centers to all ships – paired up with a Science Program that includes scientists on every cruise on every ship, and a wide range of Citizen Science research projects that guests are encouraged to actively participate in.
For more information on Hurtigruten Expeditions, visit its web site.
