New York, NY, April 2013 - This spring and summer, Hurtigruten guests experience a variety of seasonal activities on the company's spectacular voyages along Norway's coastline - a route that links 34 ports between the cities of Bergen and Kirkenes.  Hurtigruten, celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2013, operates a fleet of 12 ships.  The "Arctic Awakening" concept and the popular "Midnight Sun" voyages and shore excursion programs focus on unique aspects of Norway's spring and summer seasons.  Rates for "Arctic Awakening" voyages, which depart from April 15 through June 4, are $1,357 to $2,914 per person, double; to entice guests even more, select "Midnight Sun" departures between June and mid-September are available at the special rates of $1,326 to $3,622 per person, double.  Both the Spring Guarantee Cabin Offer and the Summer Guarantee Cabin Offer are available on selected departures and subject to cabin availability.

The spring concept, "Arctic Awakening," offers travelers the opportunity to experience three seasons in one journey.  Guests can participate in several winter activities including a snowmobile trip and dog sledging; spring activities focused on sea- and birdlife; and the return of the Midnight Sun, which is a summer highlight.  As winter days make way for spring and the new season's colors infuse the landscape, guests can see the contrast between northern and southern Norway and the rebirth of nature in the Arctic during this trip.  One highlight of this trip is when local fishermen come on board to coach guests through such activities as shelling crabs, and the sampling of Norwegian delicacies.  Another one-of-a-kind opportunity is the chance to explore Arctic birdlife.  The "Birds of the Arctic" excursion showcases one of the most attractive and popular bird-watching areas in the Arctic, Norway's Varanger region, which is directly in the east to west migrating path and is the only place in Europe that visitors are likely to spot the rare Stellar's Eider species.  The "Arctic Awakening" is offered on all Hurtigruten ships and runs through May 31.  

Hurtigruten's summer season runs from June 1 through September 14.  Extended daylight is a natural phenomenon found in the latitudes north of the Arctic Circle, where the sun stays above the horizon 24 hours a day.  The never-ending sunlight highlights the changing coastal landscape of more than 1,500 miles, including the shoreline of the Lofoten archipelago and some of Norway's UNESCO-listed sites.  Travelers exploring Norway's coast during this season can enjoy day and night sightseeing during port stops and more than 30 excursion opportunities: sightseeing in Bergen, Norway's second largest city and home to a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site; the opportunity for guests to meet more than 250 huskies and puppies who spend their winters racing across the snow; and a visit to the North Cape, the northernmost point on the continent.

Hurtigruten's Classic Voyages include 12-, 11-, seven- and six-day options:

• The 12-day" Classic Roundtrip Voyage" is the ultimate Hurtigruten voyage, providing an opportunity to experience all 34 ports twice (at different times of day or night) and cover more than 2,500 nautical miles.
• The 11-day "Classic Norwegian Discovery Voyage" crosses the Arctic Circle twice and passes the North Cape.
• The seven-day "Classic Voyage North" sails the iconic Norwegian coastline's sheltered waters and stops at 34 ports.
• The six-day "Classic Voyage South" includes the daylight sailing through the beautiful Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, the Seven Sisters mountain range and the legendary "mountain with the hole," Torghatten.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition voyages, 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 and fall. The company's fleet of 12 intimate ships, which each carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere. Additional information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.us; by phone at 877-301-3117; or fax at 888-524-2145. To order brochures 24 hours a day, call 800-582-0835.

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Gillies and Zaiser

10 Nytko Drive

Pomona, NY 10970-2646

HTN-05-April 2013