Hurtigruten Expeditions launches more West African and South American expedition cruises

Hurtigruten Expeditions launches even more West African expedition cruises for 2023/24 – including one of the least visited destinations and national parks on the planet. More off-the-beaten-track exploration of South America and more North American National Parks are also among the news.

Hurtigruten Expeditions – the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line – has rapidly expanded its global offering of small-ship expedition cruises in recent years, adding destinations such as the Galapagos, West Africa, the Caribbean, and the only year-round expedition cruises directly from Germany and UK to the Norwegian coast.

The 2023/24 season will be the most extensive in the company’s 125 years of exploration. Some of the new highlights includes:

• Exploration of the remote and rarely visited parts of West Africa including Cape Verde and the Bissagos Island. The itineraries include four countries: Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal, with MS Spitsbergen based out of Dakar, one of Africa’s most bustling cities. Hurtigruten Expeditions is the only cruise company offering West African-based cruises.
• More small-ship Caribbean and Central American expedition cruises inviting guests to immerse in stunning scenery, pristine beaches, long lost cultures, and small communities – Hurtigruten Expeditions style.
• North American national parks galore – visiting stunning natural reserves both on the east and west coasts of the United States
• Even greener exploration on board the recently elected “World’s Most Sustainable Cruise Ship” MS Fridtjof Nansen – and identical sister ship MS Roald Amundsen
• A brand-new, ten-day expedition cruise from Panama to Barbados.
• A total of 32 expedition cruise packages where small-ship expedition cruising can be combined with land-based exploration of world renowned destinations such as Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Galapagos Islands, and Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

REMOTE AND UNIQUE: Hurtigruten Expeditions is the only cruise company offering West African-based cruises. Photo: Attiarndt/GettyImages/Hurtigruten Expeditions

“Exploration is not solely about geography; it’s a mindset. We receive clear feedback from guests that they want to experience new ways to explore, and in more places. This is the reason why we continue to launch and expand our offerings to immerse in nature, culture, history, and science across the whole planet,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.

North American National Parks Galore

NATURE RESERVES: Hurtigruten Expeditions lets guests explore Natural Parks on both the east coast and west coast of the US. Photo: Tony-Shieh/GettyImages/Hurtigruten Expedtions

For the 2023/24 season, two hybrid-powered custom-build expedition ships will let guests explore nature reserves such as the western Redwood National Park and the Olympic Biosphere Reserve and National Park – and the eastern Acadia National Park and the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The twin hybrid ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will offer six unique North American expedition cruises. As on all Hurtigruten Expeditions voyages, the voyages include scientists in the signature onboard Science Centers deepening the guest experience. Guests are also encouraged to partake in Citizen Science projects.

“We offer travel with learning and personal development. Our guests want their journey to have meaning and depth – while they explore unparalleled destinations leaving the lowest possible climate and nature footprint,” said Lassesen.

Bigger expedition teams – even more exploration and activities

EXPEDITION EXPERTS: Highly skilled and experienced Expedition Teams accompany guests on all Hurtigruten Expeditions' cruises. Photo: Espen Mills/Hurtigruten Expeditions

All Hurtigruten Expeditions’ cruises feature a large on-board expedition team with experts handpicked for each itinerary. Building on more than 125 years of experience, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers the widest range of experts in the industry.

Leading up to the 2023/24 season, the size of the expedition team on all Hurtigruten Expeditions’ ships will be increased even further. More expedition equipment will also be added to the ships.

For the guests, this will mean a significant improvement, with an even wider range of activities to choose from – such as more kayaking, more small-boat exploration, hiking, lectures, science projects and other activities – and even more experts to indulge in knowledge and create a deeper understanding of some of the most spectacular destinations of the planet.

“In short, great will get even better. Our on-board colleagues, and the way they share their passion, knowledge, and expertise of the areas we explore is the core of the Hurtigruten Expeditions’ experience. Bigger expedition teams mean more of everything – more experts, more knowledge, more activities and more options for our guests,” said Lassesen.