Hurtigruten Unveils Seven New Theme Vacations

Classical Music, Singles, Self-Discovery, Birding, Mount Everest, Big Bands and Red Hatters

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. October 14, 2008

NEW YORK, NY, April 22, 2008. Hurtigruten is introducing a wide-ranging portfolio of seven theme vacations, taking place aboard its fleet of modern vessels as they make their way along Norway's spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle. These special voyages are being offered in 2008 and 2009 on seven-day northbound, six-day southbound and 12-day roundtrip sailings. The ships make 34ports of call in both directions - from tiny fishing villages to major cities, allowing secure but easy off/on access. Cruise-only fares range from $949 to $3,049 per person, double for cabins and $1,249 to $8,849 for suites. Single supplement rates are offered for as little as 25% over standard rates on select cruises.

"Singles at Sea" combines workshop activities with nighttime dancing and games. "Climb Your Own Everest" offers detailed insights into the culture and history of the Himalayas and Sherpa guides. "Springtime Awakening" opens mind, body and soul to new ideas and concepts. "Virtuosi Classical Cruises" treats guests to performances by some of the world's most accomplished artists. "The Big Bands are Back!" highlights the music of greats such as Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey. "Arctic Birding Safari" puts guests in front of expert naturalists and ornithologists; and "Red Hatters - Northern Lights & Fun-Filled Nights" features revelry and fanciful events for the society of women over 50.

The "Singles at Sea" itineraries, aboard the MS Trollfjord, include workshops on digital photography and how to make professional quality home movies, tips from an onboard professional life coach, and a chat with a celebrity guest author. At night, dancing takes over as well as a Masquerade party and a shipboard version of the Dating Game. Fares for the seven-day itinerary range from $949 to $2,049 for cabins, $1,249 to $6,899 for suites, for the October 2008 departures.

The "Red Hatters Society" theme cruise puts fun front and center with activities like the Purple Pajama Breakfast. The Society, with 1.5 million members and chapters around the globe, hold scheduled events whose focus is on humor and enthusiasm, reflected in their red hats and purple dresses. Women can contact the Society at www.redhatsociety.com for information on how to join. Cabins, aboard the MS Midnatso, departing in March 2009, are $1,009 to $2,349; suites, $1,499 to $7,699.

Music lovers are treated to performances by some of the world's most talented musicians on "Virtuosi Classical" cruises, as well as a series of talks by distinguished teachers. The cruises, aboard the MS Finnmarken, pay tribute to the life and work of famed Norwegian Edvard Grieg and the music of some of Europe's most accomplished composers. March 2009 fares range from $1,099 to $2,349 for cabins and $1,499 to $3,249 for suites.

Music lovers who gravitate more to the sounds of Benny Goodman and Cab Calloway can take a nostalgic trip down memory lane on "The Big Bands Are Back!" cruise. Live music from that era features a gamut of offerings, from Dizzy Gillespie to Jimmy Dorsey. Gentleman hosts are on hand as dancing partners for single women. The cruises, aboard the MS Trollfjord, also include a dance competition with fellow guests as judges. Fares for cabins on the April 2009 sailings range from $1,399 to $3,049; $1,899to $8,849 for suites.

Travelers interested in less tangible pursuits - those of the mind and spirit - explore the mysteries of how their spiritual and physical selves can connect to a higher power on the "Spring Awakenings" cruises aboard the MS Finnmarken. The cruises, designed to open mind, body and soul to new concepts, explore techniques of yoga and meditation and how these arts help relieve stress; the mysteries beyond life with a renowned psychic; and healthy eating techniques from a well-known whole-food chef. The March sailings are priced from $1,299 to $2,349 for cabins; $1,700 to $3,249 for suites.

The "Climb Your Own Everest" itinerary, on the MS Finnmarken, inspires and motivates guests in an entirely different way: illustrating what it takes in terms of physical and psychological strength to climb the world's tallest peak at 29,000-plus-feet. A workshop traces the history of mountaineers who have achieved reaching the summit - and those who did not. Guests learn about the culture and history of the Sherpa guides who play integral roles in Everest expeditions. Cabins on the December 2008 sailings are priced from $949 to $2,049 and suites, $1,249 to $2,599.

The "Arctic Birding Safari" delves into the myriad species of spectacular birds -- Razor billed auk, flocks of kittwake, Sea eagles, waterfowl and a host of other species -- found off the coastal waters of Norway. Passengers can bird- and wildlife-watch from the deck of the MS Midnatsol, while experts provide on-the-spot information and workshops on what to look for and the best times to find these exquisite creatures. Onboard art and photography instructors teach guests how to draw and paint their own wildlife scenes. Fares for cabins on cruises departing in March 2009 range from $1,099 to $2,340 and $1,449 to $7,699 for suites.

Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us