Hurtigruten Debuts Early Booking Incentives

The award-winning cruise line has offered sailings along Norway's celebrated 'Hurtigruten Route' for more than 120 years, allowing travelers to discover hidden ports and waterways that other cruise ships simply can't reach. And continuing their global leadership and expansion in the fast growing adventure travel trend, the company has added new opportunities for discovery as its explorer ship MS Fram sails in remote waters to the seldom-visited shores of Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica and Spitsbergen in expedition-style comfort.

Regardless of the season or the sailing, all Hurtigruten guests are bound to discover a world of genuine cultures, spectacular landscapes and incredible wildlife. The Classic Norwegian Coast Voyage includes stops at 34 charming ports and offers 50 natural and active excursions. Sailings are available year-round in six-, seven-, 11- and 12-day options, with early booking fares starting at $1,319 per person, double.

New for 2015, two unique Norwegian fjord explorer voyages - The Norwegian Fjords and Fjord Highlights and the Viking Trail - are available for booking. Hurtigruten's expedition team takes guests on a 10- or 12-day sailing to Norway's iconic places, sharing local knowledge along the way. Kayaking, guided walks, lectures and other landings provide guests with a truly authentic experience of the fjords. Early booking rates start at $3,151.

Greenland is a land like no other, featuring an inland ice field two miles thick at its center contrasted with lush green hillsides, rugged mountains and beautiful wildflowers. New for 2015, most Greenland sailings depart from Reykjavik, Iceland, allowing for direct flights for North American travelers. Hurtigruten provides guests with several distinct sailings opportunities, highlighting the spectacular scenery of such locations as Greenland's southern fjords, its northwest coast, Disco Bay, and the world's largest national park, along with the country's unique culture and breathtaking natural resources. Itineraries range from 12 to 16 days and departure dates are available between June and Sept. 2015 with early booking rates starting at $7,728.

Guests can experience the extreme contrasts of Iceland aboard "The Land of Fire and Ice" exploration. The MS Fram circumnavigates the island country, providing travelers with the opportunity to explore the settlements, wilderness and history of Iceland. Daily landings and interesting activities on land and sea provide a unique and comprehensive perspective of a country whose heritage dates back to the ancient sagas. The 11-day sailing departs May 23, 2015 and early booking fares start at $6,387.

Hurtigruten also explores the planet's last untouched continent, Antarctica. These expeditions sail in the wake of historical explorers, featuring the coldest, driest, highest and cleanest continent on Earth. No matter the selected voyage, guests have the opportunity to get an up-close look at penguin colonies, cross the Antarctic Circle and possibly spend the night camping on land. Itineraries run 14 to 20 days, departing between Oct. 2015 and Feb. 2016. Early booking rates start at $8,138.

Remote, mysterious and extreme, Spitsbergen is the crown of Arctic Norway and the kingdom of the polar bear. Located on the southern fringe of the frozen Arctic Ocean, guests can choose from three unique expedition itineraries. Depending on the selected voyage, guests will journey from Iceland toward Svalbard via the Barents Sea, circumnavigate Spitsbergen, or sail from Spitsbergen through the hidden gems of coastal Norway to Bergen. The expedition-style landings take guests close to wildlife, remote towns, and spectacular fjords and icebergs. Sailings range from 10 to 13 days with departures available from July through Sept. 2015. Early booking prices start at $4,252.

Exploration voyages to Greenland, Antarctica and Spitsbergen can be enhanced through a variety of optional activities and excursions offered by a world-class expedition team. Experiences include small boat expeditions, which bring guests within arm's reach of sea mammals; camping outdoors like a true polar explorer; hiking; kayaking; and educational and interpretive tours. These excursions take Hurtigruten guests even closer to the people, culture, nature and wildlife of these culturally and geographically fascinating destinations.

Hurtigruten's 1893 Ambassador Program is a valuable add-on for returning guests. The complimentary membership offers 5 percent savings on cruise fares, including already discounted rates, in addition to 5 percent savings on select excursions, a welcome basket, free bicycle rental (up to three days) and a quarterly newsletter with exclusive offers.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in exploration travel, sailing to the most remote of destinations as well as year-round along Norway's coast. The company's fleet of intimate ships, which each carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere.

Additional information, itineraries, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.us; by phone at 800-323-7436; or fax at 888-524-2145. For sales support, group rates and agency incentives, contact Hurtigruten Sales Support at 877-849-3424.