Hurtigruten is all about exposing guests to its wonderful destinations and the need to preserve and share them – whether it is the stunningly scenic coast of Norway, or the bucket listpossibilities of Antarctica, Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. Hurtigruten is now offering guests a very special opportunity to be “Polar Heroes” and take home the many things they will learn about polar life and share with friends and family. Everything from the Northern Lights to climate change to outdoorexperiences is on the docket to discuss and enjoy. This special sailing on the MSFinnmarken brings aboard the company’s best expedition leaders as well as renowned lecturers. Guests can participate in escorted hikes and excursions and sit in on lectures as these passionate experts impart their knowledge and experiences. The 12-day Bergen roundtrip voyage sails along Norway’s fjord-indented west coast, heading up above the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes, a few miles from the Russian boarder, before turning and heading back. 34 ports of call in both directions include 22 ports above the Arctic Circle. Fares range from $1,511 to $4,674 per person, double. Guests on this voyage also receive a 10% discount on any MS Fram Expedition Voyage in 2015 and 2016, whether booked before, during this sailing, or within four weeks after returning home.

    Besides the company’s cream-of-the-crop Expedition Leaders, guest lecturers include Pål Brekke, a leading solar physicist and public outreach expert, a senior advisor at the Norwegian Space Centre, and the recipient of the Fulbright Fellowship and the Laurels for Team Achievements from the International Academy for Astronautics. Orheim Olav is a glaciologist and climatologist who has led numerous scientific expeditions in both the Arctic and Antarctica and served as the managing director of the Norwegian Polar Institute from 1993 to 2005. Westphal Ralf holds academic degrees in Physical Education, Biology and Outdoor Education and has held jobs ranging from national park ranger to Outward Bound instructor to Svalbard sea kayak guide.

    Expedition Leaders escort guided hikes at several ports along the route while seminars are led by the guest lecturers. Special activities include ice dipping – in the Arctic Ocean; meeting with local fishermen, learning about Sami history, and learning to tie marine knots – to name a few. There are also a slew ofoptional excursions offered including the Wilderness Adventure Camp, a Viking feast, dog-sledding, polar history walks, polar night snowmobile trips, city walks and a visit to the famous Kirkenes Snow Hotel.

    Included in the fare are all lectures, numerous hikes and selected excursions, and a Helly Hansen “Hunting the Light” fleece jacket. Hurtigruten’s new “taste of Norway” program – a partnership with Norway’s most celebrated chef Andreas Viestad – adds the local flair and ingredients to all the meals (also included).

    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.