TravLtips Cruise & Freighter Travel Association
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The charming coastal city of Bergen is the starting point for the Norwegian Coastal Voyage and well worth an extra day to explore.

Click Here to read an account on board a Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. cruise.

Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc.) offers a wide range of year-round options for travelers who are looking for the unusual and unique ­ soft adventures, enriching destinations and excursions, and local interaction ­ within the comfort of an upscale cruise environment. Besides continuing a century-long tradition of year-round sailings along Norway's stunning fjord-filled west coast, two luxury exploration ships operate in Antarctica and South America. Hurtigruten is one of the few cruise lines to explore the Arctic's last wilderness ­ Spitsbergen. Guests return home with in-depth knowledge and never-to-be-forgotten memories after visiting unspoiled destinations rich in history, culture and stunning scenery, mixing with local citizens and making lifelong friendships with fellow travelers of similar exploration mindsets.

The World's Most Beautiful Voyage: Norway's dramatic 1,250-mile west coast is one of Europe's great attractions and for more than 100 years, this the popular journey of a Norwegian cruise has been offering travelers a unique combination of history, culture and incredible vistas. A fleet of modern first class cruise ships make 34 ports-of-call between Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle, from tiny fishing villages to major cities - allowing secure but easy on/off access, usually in the center of town, for independent exploring or to partake in a variety of included and optional excursions such as a dog sledding safari; Svolvaer's Ice Gallery; a visit to the North Cape; and an evening of Norwegian folk songs, hymns, and classical music in Tromso's Arctic Cathedral. A variety of Norwegian coastal cruises is offered with air-inclusive programs for travelers who prefer the flexibility of doing their own sightseeing and dining in major cities but appreciate the convenience of a pre-packaged program. Fully escorted Norwegian cruise vacations, packed with unique holiday experiences are also available.

World Cruises: Southbound voyage cruises between Iceland and Argentina via Antarctica, with fascinating excursions along the western Atlantic seaboard and the eastern Pacific coast, featuring PolarCirkel landings and expert guides, start at $13,999. Antarctica to Arctic segment cruises - start at $4,199. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina to Iceland's unique capital, Reykjavik. Travel on the MS Fram, the newest, most luxurious expedition cruise ship in the Hurtigruten fleet.
Antarctica on board the MS Nordnorge and the MS Fram: Penguin lovers should pay particular attention to the air-inclusive Antarctica programs on board the MS Nordnorge and the MS Fram, departing Buenos Aires and Santiago, November-February. These expedition voyages feature naturalist guides, noted expert guest lecturers and numerous PolarCirkel boat landings on "The White Continent." Sail across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, taking in the glaciers and icebergs, gentoo penguins, humpback and killer whales, elephant and fur seals as well as Chile's fjords, snow-capped mountains and fishing villages. Shorter itineraries concentrate mainly on the Antarctic peninsula, while the longer itineraries add stops in South Georgia and the Falklands Islands. New for the 2008-2009 season is a cruise taking guests as far south as Marguerite Bay, rarely visited even by Antarctic standards. Optional excursions range from the high-energy Tango Show at the Esquina Carlos Gardel to the breathtaking Torres del Paine. Pre-and post programs include Easter Island, Macchu Picchu and Iguazu Falls.

The Arctic -- Spitsbergen: Spitsbergen Expedition Voyages take you to the last wilderness of Europe, rich in unspoiled nature and wildlife with glaciers, whales, seals and an abundant birdlife, and rare Arctic flowers. Zodiac and PolarCirkel boat landings, knowledgeable expedition guides and lectures create an intimate learning experience.

Greenland: The 310-berth MS Fram, named after Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen's Polar ship, was built exclusively for Greenland Expedition Voyages. These expeditions bring you to the world's most active glaciers, calving of icebergs and close contact with the local Inuit population while providing cultural and historic insight through excursions and lectures.

Gota Canal: Cruise tours ply the historic Gota Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg on three Art Nouveau-style vintage ships, built in 1874, 1912 and 1931. These vessels sail at a leisurely five to 10 knots past historic cities, medieval churches and castles, fields, forests and thousands of islands, with time for sightseeing, strolling and bicycling along towpaths, all while experiencing one river, three canals, eight lakes, and 66 locks along the way.

1/4/08