This was a British Isles wild life cruise and was absolutely amazing. The experts on board were always around pointing out any wild life and the places we visited were all very interesting.
This is the sort of cruise for people who do not want the glitz, glamour, entertainment etc., but just good honest cruising to the most wonderful destinations. Most places had to be transferred from ship to shore by rubber dinghies which was a little bit scary for an older person! but so well cared for. Nearly everything included in the price.
We hadn't actually realised what we had signed up for but once we were immersed in all the activities provided we found that we were having a great time. There were daily lectures on various aspects of nature/environment which we were to discover as we journeyed north to Svalbard and again as we visited many of the islands forming the outer edge of the Norwegian coastline. We hopped on and off RIB boets to enable us to access beaches close to various glaciers. Not quite as easy as it sounds as I and several other 'guests' were elderly and rather less mobile than we might once have been. The team leaders were brilliant though and many a helping hand ensured that no-one fell into the Arctic Ocean accidentally, there were a few brave 'stand-up paddleboarders (not us) who did just that and another few hardy souls who braved the 'Polar Plunge' for a few chilly minutes.
Whilst my husband enjoyed many hikes/treks/rambles in congenial company I was able to visit and admire the architecture and history of several towns and other places of interest.
On our visit to see the Atlantic Road we found the amazing bridge shut off to us for a while as filming for an advertisement for a brand new luxury car was taking place. We look forward to seeing that advertisement on TV in due course.
Sadly we did not actually see any polar bears ourselves although one was caught on camera at a great distance from the ship. We did, however see white tailed eagles and humpback whales and dolphins. Our cetacean specialist was thrilled to spot and phorograph 3 beluga whales which she had long been wanting to do.
A particular highlight for us was visiting the huskies and getting to drive them in a wheeled sled.
We did find the main meal menus disappointing in that there were few choices available but with only 250 passengers onboard a 500capacity ship it would have been unreasonable to expect very much more. Breakfasts and lunches were buffet style and, as such, perfectly adequate.
Would we do it again? No, we're not getting any younger, but we have so many memories to treasure .
Value for money? Yes, for all the experiences we had and for the wonderful, friendly staff and crew.
A superb cruise round the Western Coast of the British Isles with stops in the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man. Excellent expedition leaders and very good excursions throughout. A planned stop had to be aborted because of the weather but an alternative port was found at short notice with Hurtigruten paying for all on board to visit a local museum on production of a cruise I.D. card. Well-organised throughout, with knowledgeable and well-informed guides, both from the ship and from ports of call. Good service from all members of crew.
The Hurtigruten coastal voyage is amazing from start to finish and offers many opportunities to explore the ports visited. Crew on board are very helpful and trips out, although slightly expensive as you would expect in Norway, are informative and well worth booking. Every day there is somewhere new to visit and explore and activities and lectures onboard are also interesting and give you an insight into the surroundings. It is one of those journeys where you can do as much or as little as you want. Just sit back and watch the ever changing scenery, all spectacular. My favourite was attending the Midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso. Truly amazing! We have already travelled this route several times at different times of the year and have never been disappointed, as you can have all seasons of weather in just one day, which add to the experience. One of the other trips was to Svalbard on the Hurtigruten M S Fram. Totally different experience and luckily we spotted 13 polar bears, walruses, Arctic fox, reindeer and many species of bird and fauna. A once in a life time trip, thanks to Hurtigruten.
An exciting and comprehensive itinerary - giving a chance to discover lots of amazing places in England, Scotland, N and S Ireland.
Best suited to more active people as tenders needed to reach many of the destinations.
Expedition staff were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Cabin staff and waiting staff in restaurants were warm and friendly.
Great choice of food. An amazing experience.
