In a departure from our usual Music & Arts Tours (which as you know have been just about impossible during these past months) we were delighted to see that Hurtigruten have arranged a series of 5 nights cruises around the UK for this September. We have chosen two, both disembarking in Liverpool and will provide luxury coach transfers* from the Northwest to Portsmouth (2nd September) and Greenock (12th September).
UPDATE: 9th JULY Following the UK Goverment / FCO effective 'ban' on crusing announced without notice yesterday Hurtigruten have confirmed that they are 'in discussions' with the UK Government and are continuing to plan for this series of voyages with the clear undertaking that, should it be necessary to cancel then they will REFUND IN FULL and not offer vouchers.
https://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/378373/hurtigruten-in-talks-with-government-over-uk-cruise-plans
- 5 nights onboard, get a taste of an authentic sustainable expedition cruise
- Capacity limited to 350 guests (65% of normal maximum capacity)
- Guaranteed outside cabins, choice of three grades but specific cabins allocated on embarkation
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner on board (with soft drinks and ships wines & beers included with dinner)
- Explore and learn with onboard activities and lectures
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library, biological and geological microscopes and samples
- Landings using their fleet of small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Expedition Photographer to help with your camera settings before landings
- Maestro! coach transfer from Northwest to the departure port (24 guests max per 49 seat coach)
"You will be enchanted by the diverse nature. In a short space of time, you will experience harsh yet spectacular scenery and places that are ridiculously pretty and picturesque." - Karin Strand, Expedition Leader
MS Roald Amundsen is the World's first 'hybrid' expedition ship built for Hurtigruten and came into service only last year. Emissions are cut by sailing with electrical propulsion. Innovative sustainable technology reduces fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20%.
Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters (and the Irish Sea!). It serves as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers to the view spectacular & remote destinations in the most sustainable way.
The Itinerary
2nd September - mid morning transfer from the Northwest by Maestro (luxury coach & picnic lunch - maximum 24 guests per vehicle) to Portsmouth for 5pm embarkation and 8pm sailing. Sailing along the Jurassic Coast of England, we head towards the charming town of Falmouth (3rd) that provides the ideal location for us to explore the beautiful region of Cornwall before we head to the “enchanting archipelago” of the Isles of Scilly (4th). With plenty of time to explore this archipelago, we make the most of our expedition skills and get to know this impressive set of islands.
From islands, to Ireland, we visit the renowned city of Waterford (5th) before making our way across to Wales. Using our fleet of expedition boats, we explore Ramsey Island, an RSPB reserve where the Atlantic Grey seals return mid-August to have their pups on the safe haven of Ramsey's beaches. In the afternoon we make our way to the delightful fishing village of Fishguard (6th) – a magnificent gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Arriving in Liverpool on the morning of the 7th.
* The costs shown are made up of £125 ground transportation & deluxe picnic costs (charged by Maestro to your card) and the cruise costs (which will be charged directly to your card by Hurtigruten).
As we cannot currently hold allocations on the ship please call us immediately if you would like to join us and we will confirm your place and take full payment. Booking Conditions for the voyage are governed by Hurtigruten rather than Maestro on this occassion.