Expedition ship MS Maud embarks on inaugural UK departure for Hurtigruten Expeditions, the only ship of its kind to offer year-round expedition sailings from the UK.

MS Maud officially set sail on her inaugural sailing from the Port of Dover – the first-ever year-round UK departure for leading expedition brand Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Offering year-round sailings to explore the best and remote locations around the British Isles, Southern Scandinavia and Norway, MS Maud will be the only expedition cruise company to offer no-fly expedition sailings from the UK. With 125 years of experience in expedition cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions provides an unrivalled experience to UK travellers seeking unique and authentic experiences, bringing them closer to the nature and culture of the destinations visited.

The departure from Dover also cements Hurtigruten Group’s investment in the UK travel industry and coincides with the recent announcement to open a second HQ in London.

Anthony Daniels, General Manager at Hurtigruten Expeditions UK and EMEA, said: “We’ve been waiting patiently for this day to arrive and are delighted to finally see MS Maud set sail on her maiden voyage from the Port of Dover.

Hurtigruten Expeditions are committed to investing in the UK travel industry and delivering guests new adventures, and our year-round sailings offer UK travellers an unrivalled expedition experience closer to home. From witnessing majestic nature in the Scottish Isles to spotting whales off the Norwegian coast, guests can anticipate a unique and adventurous voyage from the comfort of our small expedition ship MS Maud.”

MS Maud on her maiden voyage from the port of Norway – heading for the spectacular coastline of Norway. 

Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, said: “Ever since we were announced as UK homeport for Hurtigruten’s Expedition cruises back in June 2020, we have been eagerly awaiting and preparing for MS Maud’s arrival. It’s a proud moment for us all today as we embark on our new adventure together. We look forward to a great future supporting the Hurtigruten team and seeing year-round expedition cruising in Dover for the first time.”

MS Maud offers a stylish yet informal environment to provide a sustainable and memorable expedition. It is the perfect size to access the remote destinations that larger cruise ships cannot reach and is prepared to be powered using biofuel to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and Sulphur oxides.

When onboard, guests can seek out adventure in the Science Centre, the heartbeat of the ship, where they can gain a deeper understanding of the areas explored with lectures and workshops by Hurtigruten’s handpicked Expedition Team. Featuring high-tech equipment there is no better place to learn more about the remote locations and areas of natural beauty on the itinerary. Guests can apply any newfound knowledge when they book excursions such as engaging in beach clean-ups, snowshoeing, birdwatching, catching King Crab, and small boat cruising.

Onboard citizen science projects encourage guests to help support local initiatives such as documenting dolphins and whales with marine conservation group ORCA, who will join all MS Maud sailings.