- A variety of suites and junior suites
- All cabins have private bath with shower, radio, and phone
- An internet café
- Two outdoor jacuzzis
- Fitness center
- Sauna
- Restaurants, cafés and bars
Welcome Aboard In 1891, the idea of providing daily, year-round express boat service along the west coast of Norway was born, and the Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. (NCV) took up the challenge in 1893 when one boat successfully completed a run from Trondheim to Hammerfest. This started a communications revolution, giving business and coastal inhabitants better access to the outside world. The company is now called Hurtigruten.
From its beginning, it was believed that tourism could be an important part of Hurtigruten operations, giving people the unique opportunity to explore and experience this fjord-filled and spectacular coastline. Hurtigruten has expanded their operations to include routes from the Southern tip of South America to Antarctica, operating a fleet of Contemporary Class ships specifically designed to cruise the Chilean Fjords and coastal waterways. Today, the fleet has changed dramatically to accommodate even the most discerning travellers. Spacious suites, comfortable cabins, and a variety of elegant public areas and panoramic lounges fill the ships. And the artwork on board the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ships is renowned. The people and scenery along this route have inspired well-known artists who have brought them to life on board. Hurtigruten's six contemporary class ships were built between 1993 and 1997, and accommodate approximately 490 passengers (limited to 350 for Antarctica sailings). Although similar in exterior, each ship has her own specific style on board in terms of color schemes and the art and artists chosen to decorate the interior. The artwork aboard the Norwegian Coastaly Voyage ship is renowned. The people and scenery along their routes ahve inspired well-known artists show have brought them to life on board. The ms Nordnorge, built in 1997, is extremely well-suited for navigating Antarctic water, with its shallow draft, powerful bow and stern thrusters. You'll admire the rich textiles and color schemes of her interior, which also feature the works of Norwegian artists Johanne Marie Hansen-Korne, Ellen Lenvik and Dagfinnn Bakke. The decor reflects Art Nouveau adnn Art Deco influences. She has a dining room, cafe, comfortable restaurant, library, Internet Cafe, sauna, two heated outdoor jacuzzis, numerous panoramic and public lounges, and a gift shop. All cabins are stylish and comfortable with two lower-berth beds, and contain air-conditioning, heat, a smoke alarm, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. The Fitness room with sauna is located on deck 2, the dinging room, bar, internet cafe, and library are on deck 4; the two heated outdoor jacuzzis are on deck 6; and the panoramic lounges are on deck 7. Guests onboard Hurtigruten ships originate from all corners of the world. You'll have the opportunity to meet people from a variety of countries and cultures - and will perhaps make lifelong friends who become future travelling companions. The programs onboard the ms Nordnorge are filled with unforgettable experiences to a region that is largely undiscovered by tourists. Your journey starts in Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina - then takes you through fjords and straits, past glaciers and round the famous Cape Horn to Antarctica, where you 'll explore this fantastic continent with its unique landscape and wildlife including various species of penguins, whales, and seals. The ship's fleet of PolarCirkel boats gets you up close and personal to flora and fauna during your voyage. And, whether it's a day at sea or an evening after a day of sightseeing, your time aboard will be an intensely educational experience. Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ship Cruising Q: Are small ships like other cruise ships?
Though they are working ships as well as passenger ships, most of the Hurtigruten ships look and feel like cruise ships. This is especially true of the Contemporary Class Ships, each of which is outfitted with spacious, art-filled public areas, exercise room, sauna, hair dryers in the cabins, elevators, and stabilizers. Unlike traditional cruises, however, there is no organized entertainment on board. Mother Nature is the entertainer! Lecturers are on board to provide detailed information about the areas you will be visiting. Q: What are the cabins like?
Cabins aboard the ships are comfortable and cozy. All cabins on the ms Nordnorge have two berths. Each cabin has air conditioning, heat, smoke alarm, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. There are 220V/50HZ sockets and one 110V socket for electric razors located in the bathrooms. An adaptor and convertor are required. Also, the electricity in the hotels in Santiago and Buenos Aires are 220V/50HZ.
Q: Is this cruise suitable for physically challenged passengers?
The Contemporary class vessels have elevators and three cabins specially equipped for physically challenged guests. However, most of the landings are by PolarCirkel boats and the terrain on shore may be fairly rugged, so you should be reasonably sure-footed. These excursions are not suitable for the physically challenged. Q: Is smoking permitted on board?
Smoking is only permitted in outside areas. Smoking in your cabin, the dining room, and during lectures is not permitted. To show respect for the environment, please use the provided ashtrays when smoking outside. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. Q: Are there laundry facilities?
The ship is equipped with self-service laundry facilities including irons, ironing boards, and detergent. Q: Is there a doctor on board?
There is an English-speaking doctor and a nurse on board at all times. The ship has a small medical facility with the necessary equipment and drugs to handle emergencies. In serious emergencies the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger. In case of a medical emergency in Antarctica, the only means of evacuation are by airplane to the city of Punta Arenas, Chile, as there are no hospital facilities in Antarctica. This is very expensive and dependent on favorable weather conditions. Therefore, comprehensive travel/health insurance is a MUST. Remember to bring sufficient medication to last through any unforseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage properly labeled and with clear instructions for its use, in case of the need for emergency treatment by the ship's doctor. We strongly incourage all passengers to travel/health insurance. Check with your local health authorities regarding recommended vaccinations for travel to Chile and Argentina. Under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty System, the ship is required to carry medical information regarding all passengers. Prior to issuing your travel documents, a confidential medical information report will be mailed to you to fill out and return to Vantage. Every section of this form must be completed and the form must be signed by a doctor. Documents will not be released until this form has been received. Q: Are there lectures/briefings given onboard?
The ship has experienced lecturers with in-depth knowledge of Chile and Antarctica. They will conduct lectures of various topics during the cruise and hold recaps to sum up each day's events. Time and place will be decided by the Expedition Teama and will be announced through the daily program. Do not hesitate to contact them for unanswered questions. Information onboard is given in English, German, and Spanish. Also, as a Vantage customer, you'll have an experienced English-speaking Vantage Program Manager from the area to accompany you throughout your journey. The Expedition Team will inform you about the daily program, arrival and departure times, excursions and other activities. The program is subject to changes depending on weather and ice conditions or unforseen circumstances. Please keep in mind that the weather and ice conditions in Antarctica are highly variable and may change quickly. The planned itinerary may change and landings may be cancelled due to deteriorating conditions. The ship reserves the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions and other unforseen events. Q: What will the climate be like?
The average low/high Farenheit temperature in Buenos Aires is 60/81; Santiago 52/83; Puerto Montt 48/65; Punta Arenas and Ushuaia between 40/56; and Antarctica 22/39. Q: What clothes should I bring?
The dress code aboard the ship is casual and you are not expected to dress formally for meals. All passengers will receive a windbreaker as a memento (sized XS to XXXL). A fleece jacket (waterproof suggested) is required to wear underneath. For safety and practical reasons we suggest that passengers wear it on all landings in Antarctica. Various boots sizes are available onboard. For outer clothing we suggest several layers instead of one thick piece of clothing, as the temperature may vary quite a lot during the day. Wind and waterproof pants/jacket is a necessity at sea and on excursions in Antarctica. You should also bring gloves, a scarf, and a warm cap/hat to wear outdoors. We also recommend long underwear and warm socks. Aboard the ship you may want to wear ordinary shoes or tennis shoes. Comfortable, broken-in shoes with good soles are recommended for excursions ashore in South America. On landings in Antarctica, passengers are expected to wear the rubber boots. All passengers are required to bring their own rubber boots for the Antarctica sailing.
Q: What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is at your discretion. If, at the end of the cruise, you wish to leave a tip, we ask that you hand in an envelope at reception. The ship will ensure that all gratuities are divided equally between the entire crew, as they are all involved in making this an unforgettable experience for you. On the Antarctica program, approximately $12 per person, per day (NOK 80) will be automatically debited to your cruise account. Subject to change.
Q: Is the onboard electricity 110 or 220?
All vessels have an electrical supply of 220 volts. An adapter and converter are required and are available at most U.S. department stores. Q: What kind of meals are served on board?
All meals are included and are served at set times in the dining room. Meal times may vary if there are several seatings. The ship regrets that meals or drinks cannot be served in the cabins. 7:00 - 10:00 am: A breakfast buffet with a wide selection of food 12:00 - 2:30 pm: Large lunch buffet with hot and cold dishes and dessert Approximately 6:30 - 9:00 pm: Three-course dinner There is a 24-hour coffee shop on board where snacks can be purchased.
Q: What about special dietary requirements?
The ship's staff does its best to meet special dietary requirements. All requests for special meals must be made at the time of booking, so that they can be passed on to the ship. Q: What documents are required?
All passengers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports will be collected before embarking the plane to Puerto Montt or Ushuaia and will be taken to the vessel by a ship supervisor in order to clear immigration and customs. Passports will be kept in the vessel's safe throughout the entire voyage and be returned to you at the end of the cruise, either in Puerto Montt or Ushuaia. Q: What currency is accepted on board?
Eurocard, Dinersclub,American Express®, Visa®, and MasterCard® are accepted onboard. Most currencies can be changed at reception. Please note that when using your credit card onboard, your account will be debited in Norwegian kroners (NOK) with the rate of exchange of that day. US dollars are also accepted onboard. Upon arrival onboard ship you will receive a Cruise Card, which works as a "credit card". Ashore US dollars are accepted as well as Chilean pesos in Chile and Argentine pesos in Argentina. Some shops might accept US cash, though this is not a common practice. In some places ashore, major credit cards are accepted. Be aware that smaller towns only accept cash in calo currency and sometimes US dollars. Q: How do I call the U.S. on board?
The ships have pay phones, faxes, and on some ships, an Internet café. Q: What is the environmental policy? All waste is stored onboard until it is deposited for treatment ashore. The ship does not dump waste into the sea and you are asked not leave any waste ashore when you are on excursions. In populated areas there are containers for depositing waste; please use them. Please respect the saying: "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures!". Human traffic in Antarctica is strictly regulated by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which prohibits more than 100 people from being ashore simultaneously. Passengers will be instructed on how to comply the IAATO guidelines. OVDS - Hurtigruten's parent company is a full member of IAATO. For further information on Hurtigruten and your ship, please refer to their website at www.hurtigruten.com. |