The recently renamed Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express sails an area steeped in mystique and folklore, with guests attracted by the chance to experience the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun and by tales of trolls up high in the mountains overlooking the fjords.
But there’s no mystery to selling it – especially now the cruise line has made it easier for agents by introducing flight packages on its classic round-trip itinerary.
Agents can sell the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back with flights from eight regional UK airports: Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow and Birmingham.
Leading in at £1,749pp for an inside cabin, for travel between 20 November and 19 December 2021, the flight-inclusive option is more cost-effective than pricing up the separate components.
And, for a limited period, guests can take advantage of a special offer that includes £90 per person onboard credit. But clients need to be quick, as the offer only runs until the end of June, for travel between August 2021 and March 2022.
The lead-in price for the offer of £90 onboard credit is £1,749 per person for an inside cabin, departing between 20 November and 19 December 2021. To travel earlier in the offer window, prices lead in at £2,399pp from 1-14 August and £2,199pp between 15-31 September.
The cruise price is for full-board, which includes meals but not alcoholic drinks, and the online credit can go towards drinks or excursions – of which there are many highlights.
Hurtigruten Group UK Sales, Marketing and Events Executive Katie Leigh says: “The flight-inclusive packages will make it easier for agents.
“We already offer winter charter packages, on selected dates, which always sell really well, but these flight-inclusive packages are available on all departures from August 2021 to March 2023, offering more flexibility.”
The flight-inclusive packages also cover Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express’ Select options, which include a choice of preferred dining time, choice of cabin category and choice of cabin number, as well as complementary wi-fi and tea and coffee with meals.
As well as the flagship Classic Round Voyage, other routes are available and the cruise line offers a total of 34 ports of call, sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains and many itineraries have an expedition team on board.
Other options include sister-brand Hurtigruten Expeditions’ 11, 15 or 22-day cruises out of Dover with the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis at certain times of the year. If guests aren’t lucky enough to see this natural phenomenon, Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise means they can travel for free on another, six- or seven-day cruise. This also applies to the flight-inclusive 12-day voyages that depart between October and March.
Among optional excursions and highlights of the 12-day Classic Round Voyage are:
Bergen, where the voyage starts. The cultural gateway to the fjords and once the capital of Norway.
Mountain hiking in the Hiorundfjord, one of the most distinctive fjords in Norway, and one of the wildest and most beautiful mountain regions in western Norway.
The chance to visit UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, take a ferry ride across Norddalsfjorden and have an exhilarating drive down the 11 hairpin turns on the famous Trollstigen (the Troll’s Ladder) pass, all in one excursion.
Taking a guided kayaking tour through the elegant city of Alesund and hear colourful local stories, including why it is built in the Art Nouveau style.
Travelling on the world’s northernmost tram for a unique sightseeing tour of Trondheim.
Crossing the Arctic Circle, the invisible line situated at 66 degrees 33 minutes north. In the summer, this means 24-hour daylight, often referred to as the Midnight Sun. Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Out on deck, guests take part in an Arctic tradition, by having a spoonful of cod liver oil.
Sampling a beer made at the world’s northernmost brewery.
Celebrating the Aurora Borealis with a multimedia show, enjoying freshly made fish cakes on deck.
Plus: local farm visits, husky dog sledge rides, polar expeditions and much more.
