Tromsø, December 2013 - Hurtigruten is expanding its culinary commitment by partnering with small Norwegian businesses, ensuring local produce is incorporated into every element of the on-board dining experience. For 120 years award-winning Hurtigruten has been sailing the scenic coast of Norway, striving to provide guests with an opportunity to experience the country in a truly unique and meaningful way. Local interaction has always been an important factor in that regard and through the use of the company's culinary offerings, Hurtigruten's guests can enjoy meals made with fresh ingredients from the regions visited by the ships.

Hurtigruten and its partners, Innovation Norway and Matmerk*, have committed to investing in small businesses in the local - and often rural - communities that line the coast of Norway. This mutually beneficial relationship will enable local companies to grow their businesses and will provide Hurtigruten with a consistent year-round supply of local ingredients, which will result in even more authentic dining experiences for guests. More than 200 local suppliers have already registered their interest and a number of new and exciting food and beverage products are being considered. Hurtigruten expects to announce its first partners in early 2014.

Suppliers will be selected first, followed by the development of seasonal menus. Each on-board dinner menu will be tailored to the seasonal delicacies of the regions in which the ships are visiting. For example, as part of the new winter dinner menu, travelers can expect to dine on a seasonal seafood buffet in the North Cape and baked ox breast with winter root vegetables in Kirkenes. Regardless of the time of year, travelers can enjoy fine dining - particularly at dinner - in a casual atmosphere.

The coastal voyages run year-round between the UNESCO-listed harbor city of Bergen and the Norway/Russia border town of Kirkenes. The fleet of 11 modern ships visit 34 ports of call during the seven-day northbound and six-day southbound sailings, and twice each during the 12-day roundtrip.

Hurtigruten also sails to the most remote of destinations - including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic's Spitsbergen - as well as Europe in the spring and fall. The company's fleet of 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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*Innovation Norway is an instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises and industry. Matmerk is an independent foundation that helps to enhance the diversity, quality and value in Norwegian food production.

Gillies and Zaiser

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Pomona, NY 10970-2646

HTN-22-December 2013