Still the World’s Most Beautiful Voyage

Visiting 32 unique ports in 11 days, Hurtigruten's "Classic Norwegian Discovery Voyage" delves into Norway's rich heritage, from the UNESCO harbor town of Bergen to the small fishing villages of Kjollefjord and Berlevag.

Previously named the "world's most beautiful voyage" by Lonely Planet's "Bluelist," the route garnered even more attention earlier this year as the subject of the Guinness World Record for "Longest Live TV Documentary," a 134-hour broadcast that attracted nearly six million viewers from 148 countries.

Highlights of the voyage include the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Ålesund; Molde, with its magnificent view of the Romsdal Alps; the charming streets of Trondheim, Norway's first capital; crossing the Arctic Circle; the picturesque Lofoten Islands; and Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town. Fares for the March 15 to May 31, 2012 departures range from $2,354 to $10,841 per person, double; higher pricing is for suites. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club, a loyalty club for those who have previously sailed on Hurtigruten, receive 10% off as well as a range of onboard benefits.

Embarking from Bergen, the voyage sails through Hjeltefjord to the UNESCO listed Geirangerfjord, which affords unbeatable panoramic views of the Seven Sisters waterfall.

In Trondheim, guests can view the city from the Gamle Bybrua ("Old Town Bridge") and visit Norway's largest Gothic religious structure, the centuries-old Nidaros Cathedral, before traveling past the Kjeungskjær lighthouse and crossing the Arctic Circle.

The Lofoten Islands, located within the Arctic Circle, are rich with history of both land and sea: its shores are the site of the Lofotr Viking Museum and it is located near the world's largest deep water coral reef.

Other ports include Kirkenes, home to the famous Kirkenes Snowhotel and Gabba Reindeer Park; Hammerfest, a center of Sami culture; Honningsvåg, the gateway to the North Cape; and Kristiansund, where some scientists believe the first Norwegians originated from.

The voyage ends its journey in Ålesund, the most important fishing harbor in Norway and home to the Norwegian Centre of Art Nouveau Architecture, before returning to Bergen.

For additional information visit www.hurtigruten.us or by phone: (877) 301-3117; fax (888) 524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

Hurtigruten - World's Best Small Ship Experience

Hurtigruten, an award-winning cruise company, well known for operating fascinating cruises to remote destinations, was selected by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of only 20 cruises to make the prestigious list of best “Small Ship” experiences for 2011.

The award specifically honors the cruise company’s MS Nordnorge, a modern 691-passenger cruise ship, designed for sailing the narrow channels of Norway’s fjord-filled west coast, an itinerary called the “world’s most beautiful voyage” by Lonely Planet. The ship boasts Art Nouveau and Art Deco interiors, a large Panorama Lounge so guests can sit comfortably and take in the stunning vistas, and all the amenities expected on a top-ranked expedition ship. In addition to their Classic Norwegian Voyage, Hurtigruten also operates an impressive roster of exciting and educational cruises in Spitsbergen, Greenland, Antarctica and Europe, with dozens of unique shore excursions – from Viking feasts to floating in dry suits in the Barents Sea -- personalizing each cruise experience.

This honor follows closely behind Hurtigruten’s award at the Globe Travel Awards for “Best Specialist Cruise Company,” which had them in competition with both ocean and river cruise lines. As the only awards voted for solely by travel agents, the annual Globe awards are considered to be a high honor amongst those in the travel industry.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring. The company’s fleet of 14 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 passengers, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

For an overview of Hurtigruten take a look at the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Line profile of Hurtigruten.

Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: 877-301-3117; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

Still More Theme Cruises on Offer

A week ago Prow's Edge brought you news about some of the new theme cruises, specifically those offered by MSC Cruises and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Today we continue the news with the offerings from two more cruise lines.

Hurtigruten has an expanded roster of even more fascinating Theme Voyages possibilities for 2010. All of which take place aboard the company's fleet of modern vessels as they make their way along Norway’s spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast, on 6- to 12-day sailings between the cosmopolitan city of Bergen and the Arctic town of Kirkenes -- a route named the “world’s most beautiful voyage” by Lonely Planet’s “Bluelist.”

Theme Voyages combine music, history, the culinary arts, national celebrations and traditional arts and crafts spiked with informative talks and activities. For more information see the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine news page about this at www.prowsedge.com/cruises-news-280110-hurtigruten.html or visit the Hurtigruten web site at www.hurtigruten.us

MSC Cruises invites their passengers to celebrate the sun, sand, and surf with MSC for its 2010-11 Caribbean cruises onboard MSC Poesia to experience a line-up of popular Baseball Greats and Big Band themes departing from Fort Lauderdale.

The Baseball Greats theme cruises, on offer from November 2010 to February 201, include free interactive guest/player activities, question-and-answer sessions with the players, and a guest pitching contest as well as a free autograph session at the end of the cruise.

The 16-piece Les DeMerle Big Band, with vocalist Bonnie Eisele, will be featured on two MSC Poesia Big Band sailings. The band has also accompanied many performers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., The Manhattan Transfer, Mel Torme and Al Jarreau.

For more information about MSC Cruises and its selection of theme cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com

For general information about theme cruises see the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine information page about cruises at www.prowsedge.com/cruises-type-theme.html