Hurtigruten Launches Plant Your Flag Initiative

Hurtigruten Launches Plant Your Flag Initiative
Planting a flag in the wilderness has always been a symbol of achievement. Of course, the meaning of ‘achievement' can vary from person to person. For some, climbing Mount Everest is a great achievement, while for others just getting through a night in a tent in the backyard is worth celebrating. Now, everyday travelers and explorers can experience the same thrill when they first set foot in a new destination during a Hurtigruten cruise.

In 2017 and 2018, travelers can explore Antarctica, Canada, Greenland, Europe, and Spitsbergen or cross the Atlantic Ocean on a Hurtigruten Explorer voyage. Hurtigruten Expedition vessels are specially designed to offer guests up-close wildlife nature experiences; there are also multiple action-packed and educational activities during the journey. This year, MS Fram, MS Midnatsol, and MS Nordstjernen were joined by MS Spitsbergen, taking explorers to the distant shores of the most easterly province of Newfoundland in Canada, deep into Greenland's fjords, and to the coastline of the British Isles. Hurtigruten's newest ship the MS Roald Amundsen is powered by hybrid electric power for short periods of time and will enable silent and reduced-emission travel in fragile environments like Antarctica. Travelers can easily -- and firmly -- plant their flags in any of these breathtaking, remote locations.

“Hurtigruten's explorer cruises offer new and exhilarating combinations of active adventures and destinations,” says Gordon Dirker, Managing Director, Hurtigruten North America. “When travelers sail with us, we encourage them to plant a flag for a cause that is personal to them and to embrace their inner explorer.”

Hurtigruten is working with several explorers to help them plantflags for their personal causes.

Johanna Davidsson, a nurse by profession, is passionate about glacier guiding, mountain climbing, skiing, paddling and sailing. This year, Davidsson is heading to Antarctica – on an expedition that will make her the first Swedish woman to ski solo to the South Pole and back, without reinforcements on her way in. She will plant her flag for all those who wish to connect with their inner explorer.

Tim Kemple whose works have been published in dozens of outdoor publications and Pete McBride who has spent two decades travelling the world shooting for the National Geographic Society, Smithsonian, Outside, Esquire and companies like Patagonia, Microsoft and The Nature Conservancy. They will be kayaking the melting ice rivers of Greenland to plant their flag to bring greater awareness to the climate challenges facing our planet.

Karin Strand, an Expedition Leader for Hurtigruten who takes guests deep into the great wilderness of Antarctica, will plant a flag for a sustainable environment.

David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, was born and raised in London where he now works as a broadcaster, writer, photographer, public speaker and tour leader. This year he is heading to the Amazon, where he will plant a flag for the Great Auk and help bring awareness to the increasing rate of extinction of species in the rainforest.

Cecilie Skog is the only woman in the world to have reached The North Pole, The South Pole and the summit of Mount Everest. She has also climbed the highest mountain on each continent, known as “The Seven Summits.” Her husband Alexander Gamme is a Norwegian explorer, skydiver, safari guide and writer. Together with their kids, they are preparing to plant a flag in Arctic Canada, representing their passion for “friluftsliv” or ”outdoor adventure.”

Hurtigruten is at the global forefront of environmentally friendly and responsible adventures. Travelers who book an expedition to Antarctica, Canada, Greenland, Europe, Spitsbergen or across the Atlantic Ocean departing in 2017/18 can save up to $500 per person on voyages booked before January 31.* For more information, go to https://www.hurtigruten.us/plant-your-flag/

*Offer Terms and Conditions
This early booking offer of $500 per person* is valid for bookings made between Oct 15, 2016, and January 31, 2017 for all Explorer Voyages on MS Fram, MS Midnatsol, and MS Spitsbergen with departures between Apr 17, 2017, and Mar 13, 2018. The offer is valid for select departures, is capacity controlled, and is subject to withdrawal at any time without notice. This offer is combinable with the Ambassador discount for past passengers and the Child discount. This offer is not combinable with unspecified cabins offer or valid for the Land of the Penguins voyage departure Nov 15, 2017, or the Adventure from Cape Horn to the Penguins of Antarctic voyage on departures Jan 18, Jan 31, and Feb 13, 2018. Offer is open for FIT direct and trade bookings only. Ships' Registry: Norway.