The elevated Svalbard Express and North Cape Express itineraries will offer extended port visits, a first in the company’s 130-year history, allowing for new immersive experiences along Norway’s coast

Ahead of the official launch of the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express in 2023, Hurtigruten Norway has unveiled its new excursions for the highly anticipated premium offerings. An upgraded extension of the traditional Coastal Express, which connects 34 communities along Norway’s coast, the two new itineraries will offer half- and full-day port visits, a first in the company’s nearly 130-year history. Now available for booking online, the 63 optional excursions provide a significantly different experience for travelers searching for deep exploration.

“Extended port visits will allow travelers to spend more time exploring both land and sea,” explains Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin. “While the refurbished MS Trollfjord will serve as a comfortable home base for guests with plenty to offer while onboard, these authentic, local excursions will allow guests to curate their own experience and develop an intimate connection with the destination. With the new excursions, travelers will gain knowledge of local culture, nature, geology, and history.”

Svalbard Express (Summer)

With its first departure on June 3, 2023, just one month ahead of Hurtigruten Norway’s 130-year anniversary, the Svalbard Express is a revival of the Coastal Express’ iconic summer cruise to Svalbard, which ended over 50 years ago. On average, guests will have six hours to explore 14 handpicked areas along Norway’s coast and Svalbard, the northernmost community on Earth, all while basking in the Midnight Sun. In addition to an array of optional excursions, the one-way journey (with both Northbound and Southbound options) includes two nights in Longyearbyen and two excursions: a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz and an adventure aboard the hybrid-electric catamaran MS Bard. Highlights of the new Svalbard Express excursions include:

• Fishing in Lofoten: Guests will have an opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and fish from a traditional 39-foot fishing cutter before cooking and eating their fresh catch on board.
• Hiking and Birdwatching in Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve: For over five hours, travelers will hike through the spectacular Gjesværstappan nature reserve while keeping an eye out for razorbills, puffins, skuas, gannets, and eagles.
• Legends of Torghatten and Brønnøysund; One of Norway’s most iconic places, Torghatten is known for its spectacular hole and the enthralling myths behind it. Travelers will hear enchanting myths and Viking stories while enjoying lefse, a traditional flatbread, over a fire pit.
• Kayaking in Lofoten: For a close-up experience of Norway’s charming fishing villages, guests can explore Henningsvær aboard a two-person kayak and learn about the area’s rich history and culture from a local guide.
• Træna Culture Walk – Poetry, Art, and Heritage: Travelers will see artwork, hear music, and taste local foods as they explore the chapels, cafés, and museums of Husøya, as well as take in spectacular views across the islands of Træna.
• Arctic Dip – Sauna & Swim: In this invigorating experience, guests can enjoy a sauna in Træna’s oldest building, a boathouse that stands on the shore, before plunging into the Norwegian Sea.

All excursions available on the Svalbard Express itinerary can be found here.

North Cape Express (Winter)

For the first time ever, Hurtigruten will sail from Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, with the North Cape Express. Sailings will take place during the Northern Lights season and explore nearly the entire length of Norway’s coast. As with Hurtigruten Norway’s Coastal Express departures from the end of September through the end of March, the company offers its unique Northern Lights guarantee.

With the first North Cape Express departing on September 26, 2023, guests will have an average of six hours in each of the 16 selected ports, fjords, and islands. Highlights of the new North Cape Express excursions include:

• North Cape and King Crab Experience: In this six-hour excursion, guests sample King Crab from the Barents Sea – served the traditional way, with soft bread, mayonnaise, and a slice of lemon – in the small village of Sarnes.
• Dog Sledding in Alta: An exhilarating ride through a winter wonderland, this excursion takes guests to Alta, home to Europe’s longest dog sled race, for a day of dogsledding. After venturing into the wild, guests can share hot drinks around a crackling wood fire in a laavo, a Sami herdsman’s tent.
• Whale Watching in Arctic Silence: Guests cruise silently aboard a specially designed, hybrid-electric boat, ensuring minimal disruption while watching for orca and humpback whales in their natural habitat.
• Arctic Ice Fishing: After snowshoeing to an off-the-beaten-track location, adventure-seekers will cut their own whole in the ice and fish before tasting their freshly caught bounty back at the restaurant.
• Snowmobiling to the North Cape: Travelers can discover the snow-covered landscape of the Arctic on this four-and-a-half-hour snowmobile adventure to the European mainland’s northernmost point.

All excursions available on the North Cape Express itinerary can be found here.

Supporting the robust excursions program, the two new itineraries will offer onboard lectures on Norwegian history, culture, food, nature, and wildlife, as well as photography, cooking, handicraft, and art classes.