PACING: This 16 day small ship cruisetour covers 34 ports of call along Norway’s majestic landscape including 2 nights before the cruise and 1 night after the cruise in Bergen — the center of Norway’s vibrant commercial trade. This cruisetour will visit Norway during its winter and early spring, after the summer tourist crowds. This tour will include selected port of call orientation walking tours and sightseeing tours with the Vantage Program Manager. Walking may be done on uneven and/or wet surfaces especially.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Most sightseeing is on heated coaches with guides. Some Optional Shore Excursions, included sightseeing tours, and included port of call walking tours require walking on uneven terrain.

CULTURAL FOCUS: This program offers great cultural opportunities to immerse in Norwegian history and culture through the onboard Vantage lectures and guided tours.

SPECIAL FACTORS: Though they are working ships as well as passenger ships, the Hurtigruten ships look and feel like cruise ships. Most of the ships are outfitted with spacious, art-filled public areas, exercise rooms, saunas, hair dryers in the cabins, elevators and stabilizers. Unlike traditional cruises, however, there is no organized entertainment on board (except for the Vantage lectures by your Program Manager). Mother Nature is the entertainer! Think of this as your alternative to the traditional cruise.

You may also have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. However, as a natural phenomenon, a sighting of the Aurora Borealis cannot be guaranteed. It is principally dependent on the level of activity on the sun’s surface and the amount of cloud cover locally. Norway is one of the areas in the world where sightings are most likely, especially northern Norway. On board the ship, the ship’s crew is often able to alert passengers, 24 hours a day, should the Lights appear. You may also want to bring your binoculars!

Temperatures in northern Norway will change during the course of the voyage and perhaps throughout the day. To prepare, the cruiseline recommends layered dress to allow you to adapt to changes, as well as breathable rain and windproof clothing. Be sure to have a good outer jacket over normal clothes. It is important to have good, sturdy walking shoes and hat, etc. for shore excursions, included sightseeing, and port of call orientation walking tours. A helpful hint — you may want to bring an extra pair of waterproof walking shoes for comfort!

COST OF LIVING IN NORWAY: Please be aware that the cost of living is high in Norway due to a high minimum wage structure and general sales tax (VAT) which is 14% on food and 25% on non-food items. The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled by the government, so wine and spirits are heavily taxed. Following are some general guide-lines regarding every-day prices:

Glass of beer in a restaurant - $10 - $11
Glass of wine in a restaurant - $13 upwards
Dinner for 2 in a modest restaurant (an entrée plus soda) - $65 - $70
Coffee and pastry in a cafe - $10
Cappuccino / Caffe latte: $6 - $7
American or English newspaper - $7.50
Pizza for one - $22 - $25
Burger meal (Burger King or McDonalds) - $15 - $18
Postage to the US (postcard) - $2

In regular restaurants (one step up from a modest restaurant), a lunch will cost in the region of $25 - $30. A dinner starter will cost around $25 - $30 and an entrée around $45 - $50. Something light, like a Caesar salad, will cost around $28 while a soup will cost around $20.

On your ship, prices will be similar to those on land, with a coffee outside of mealtimes costing $4.50 and $3.50 for a refill, tea costing $4.25, beer $10, house wine $13 and a soda for around $6.