Hurtigruten launches Grand Expedition Cruises, includes three Pole-to-Pole voyages

‘These are undoubtedly the most unique and exclusive expedition cruises we have ever offered in our 126-year history,’ said Asta Lassesen, CEO, Hurtigruten Expeditions. ‘These extraordinary voyages will showcase some of the most spectacular nature and wildlife on our planet and offer authentic encounters with unique cultures.’ 

The Pole-to-Pole expedition cruises feature a large onboard expedition team with experts handpicked for each itinerary. Continued Lassesen, ‘Bigger expedition teams mean more of everything – more experts, more knowledge, more activities and more options for our guests.’

The two Pole-to-Pole cruises launched by the line last year for autumn 2022 sold out.

Roald Amundsen

Roald Amundsen will set sail on a 94-day Pole-to-Pole voyage on August 3, 2023 taking passengers to 11 countries. Departing from Vancouver, Canada the vessel heads north along the Alaskan coast and crosses the Arctic Circle before making its way through the Northwest Passage to Baffin Island, Canada and Greenland, Denmark.

Roald Amundsen then turns south along the eastern seaboard of the US and Central America, before passing the Panama Canal. On reaching South America, passengers will see ancient sites in Ecuador and Peru, as well as the Chilean fjords and Patagonia before moving on to Antarctica. The voyage concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina. 

Fridtjof Nansen

A 93-day Pole-to-Pole voyage on board Fridtjof Nansen departs August 13 from Reykjavik, Iceland and finishes in Ushuaia, Argentina.

After crossing the Denmark Strait to Greenland, the ship will traverse the Northwest Passage. As it makes its way to the Canadian Arctic and Alaska, passengers will visit sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities and encounter Arctic wildlife. 

From Alaska, Fridtjof Nansen will then turn south and cruise along the western seaboard of the US, including the national parks of the Pacific coast, before proceeding to Mexico and Central America. Passengers will encounter ancient sites in Ecuador, Peru and Chile with in-depth exploration of Antarctica to conclude. 

Fram 

In late-August 2023, Fram will sail a 66-day voyage from Canada’s Northwest Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile that combines several itineraries into one single journey with a focus on science, learning and sustainability. 

The voyage starts off in Montréal, Canada before moving on to Cambridge Bay deep inside the Northwest Passage. After navigating eastwards to coastal Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, the ship will turn south through the Atlantic, passing through the Panama Canal to the Pacific.

Passengers will pay a visit to an indigenous tribe in the little-visited Darien region and explore the remote Isla de la Plata. The expedition continues down the Pacific coast of South America calling Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Patagonia before heading to the Antarctic.

Grand Expedition Voyages / pre- and post-sailings

Hurtigruten will visit four continents and more than 100 landing sites as part of its new series of Grand Expedition Cruises, comprising a selection of month-long voyages.

Pre- and post-offerings can also be applied, including visits to Easter Island or Machu Picchu.