Your Cruise Your Way Cruise Blog

Although Hurtigruten’s ships are among the smallest in the cruise world, their voyages are among the largest in terms of memories and adventure. They promise you authentic voyages to pristine lands and experiences you will remember forever, and they deliver. Lonely Planet’s Bluelist ranks “The Voyage” as the most beautiful voyage in the world because everyday is like a travel postcard of georgeous fjords and quaint Norwegian villages, or swimming alongside killer whales and getting face to face with Emperor penguins. National ZGeographic Traveler ranks the coast of Norway as the world’s top destination. Hurtigruten, which means Coastal Express, has been around since 1893, is a large company, 16 ships in all, tour buses, and ferries operating in the Arctic Circle, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, South America and Antarctica. I was on the Fram last week, their newest small vessel, and was able to see firsthand how comfortable and beautiful the ship is.

It was winding the down the North American coast on its Arctic to Antarctic alternative stykle world cruise. I got on in Gloucester, Massachusetts and toured the vessel, spoke with one of the expedition managers, and had one of the best smorgasbords I have ever tasted. Smoked ham, marinated reindeer, tomoto covered fish, finnebuff (like a beef stroganoff), lobster, soups, breads, fresh and cooked vegetables, and deserts that will leave you sitting at the table unable to move. Thank goodness for the on land adventures, and the workout they afford you.
One thin that stands out immediately is the amount of free deck space available on a small ship. I spoke with a number of passenfgers who had just made the transatlantic cross, and they all agreed what a smooth ride it was. With that in mind, plenty of places for cruisers to pull up a lounger, and view the scenery or read a book in the sun, maybe preparing for the day’s onshore adventure.
There is one dining room for the capacity of 300+ guests, with the buffet set-up in the middle for easy access by all. Breakfast and lunch are always buffet, but the cuisine is comparable to any fine restaurant. The waiters and waitresses are quick to handle special requests, and are quietly efficient in keeping the tables clean, and the beverages refreshed. Surrounded by glass on three sides assures one of a great view of whereever the ship is residing or sailing.
The Qilak Observation Lounge is a focal point for the cruise, with a panormic view out the front of the ship, and seating around ther entire perimeter. Three monitors show location, weather and cruise reports for those interested, and along the front are special high back chairs with headrests and individual lighting for comfortable reading (or snoozing) pleasures. This area has a bar, and in the evening serves as an entertainment venue with a keyboard and dance floor.
The small fitness center has ample equipment for the number of passengers this cruise normally carries, and an exit to an outdoor shower and jacuzzi area . Suanas are also available in both the men’s and ladies locker rooms, again offering plenty of space to enjopy the facilities. Just outside is a 360 degree observation deck on deck 8 so nothing is ever out of site from a deck chair.
The Fram has two lecture halls, one English and one either German or Spanish as the need arises, and a lovely bistro just outside the halls for refreshments before and after lectures and upcoming port talks. The library is also stocked with reading materials relevant to the voyages. Pretty handy for gaining extra knowledge, and piqueing one’s interest in an upcoming adventure. Speaking of adventuring, the Zodiacs, when necessary, leave the ship from the car deck (deck 2) which makes for easy on/off travel fromn the ship. No more rocky 15 minute wait tenders to deal with!
I save the rooms for last as they are not the focal point of adventure cruising. The standard interior and exterior rooms are narrow, yet comfortable. I would recommend a mini-suite to anyone taking a longer cruise, as these rooms were nice size, with good appointments in closets and bath. The mattresses were quire unique, with a padded rim-like like appearance around the outsides. This was the first I had ever seen one like it. One of the mini-suites on deck 5 in the front also had a nice balcony with table and chairs made from teak. Very nice for sitting out in the morning or afternoon.
There is so much more to talk about, but I wil save that for another post. Suffice ti to say, if you’re tired of the Caribbean, and you’ve done the Hawaiis and the Alaskas, then this may be the cruise for you. They get to places most ships can’t , and bring you up close and personal on land and sea where most cruises can only tell you about it. Next time, we’ll chat bout the many adventures available. Until then, contact one of the agents at Destination Oceans for more information on any of the Hurtigruten ships by calling 1-800-374-3740.