Today, we catch up with Katie Leigh from Hurtigruten Expeditions to learn more about the company, what's new and popular, and meet the team members.
Katie, please tell us more about Hurtigruten Expeditions.
Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line with a focus on exploration, adventure, and science. We have been taking adventure travellers to unique and inspirational destinations since founding expedition cruising in 1896, and currently offer over 150 itineraries, across five continents, aboard eight custom-built small expedition cruise ships.
Hurtigruten is revolutionising the travel industry’s approach to sustainability, allowing us to offer authentic local experiences whilst leaving a footprint we are proud of – both in nature and within the communities we visit. In 2022, we collected over two tonnes of litter from some of the world’s most remote shorelines and in Antarctica 95% of the food consumed is sourced where we sail, to name only a couple of initiatives.
With onboard scientists, hand-picked Expedition Teams, and the most extensive science programme in the industry, we bring nature and learning right into the heart of our ships.
What are your unique selling points?
Authentic experiences
• Real and unfiltered encounters with nature, people and wildlife
• Expedition style cruising where nature is in control and itineraries may change due to weather conditions
• Up close, immersive experiences creating memories worth talking about
Generous know-how and heritage
• Explorer DNA is embedded in our heritage – we’ve been sailing Arctic for 130 years
• On board experts bring our destinations to life through lectures and activities focusing on science, nature, culture and history
• Unique, up close experiences
Sustainability in action
• Getting close without being intrusive
• Creating local value wherever we go – arriving as a guest, leaving as a friend
• We provide formative travel experiences that inspire action
Onboard experience
• Expedition boats for beach landings, kayaks and SUP for water level exploration, snow shoes and survival gear – fully immersive experiences
• You won’t find casinos or black tie dinners, but instead our guests learn about the natural world in our state-of-the-art Science Centers
• Relaxed, informal and friendly atmosphere
What is your most popular itinerary/destination?
Antarctica continues to be our most popular expedition destination and we are the largest expedition cruise operator in the region. Exploring this wild and wonderful frozen continent, guests witness the splendour of endless ranges of snow-coated mountains and the majesty of icebergs sculpted by sun, wind and waves. The tranquillity of Antarctica is breath-taking, as the light plays off shades and hues in the ice, sea and sky.
This seemingly endless polar desert is 98% ice and snow. Yet, it’s a haven for millions of penguins, thousands of seals, large numbers of whales and 47 species of birds. On small boat cruises and landings ashore, we’ll bring guests to see some of the most inspiring and fascinating wildlife on earth, who survive and thrive in the desert they call home.
With Hurtigruten Expeditions, there’s a wealth of itinerary options to choose from, with routes also spanning the Falklands, South Georgia, and the Chilean Fjords.
What is new for 2024/25?
We’re very excited that MS Maud (formerly MS Midnatsol) will be returning to Antarctica for the 2024/2025 season. This redeployment comes as part of our long-term strategic growth and as MS Midnatsol, this special ship already has experience in the great white continent. The landmark adventure MS Maud will be offering is a 17-day Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjord expedition, which spends four days in the Chilean Fjords and seven days exploring Antarctica. We are offering seven departures between November 2024 – March 2025 on this itinerary. However, in addition to this, MS Maud will embark on two 23 and 24 day cruises between Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires that will call on South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. South Georgia and the Falklands are hugely popular destinations and we’re thrilled that we’re now able to offer additional capacity for more guests to experience the wonders of these locations.
Meet the team:
Nathaniel Sherbourne - VP Sales & Marketing, UK & Nordics
Mark Walter - Head of Trade Sales, UK
Suzanne Hall – Head of Marketing, UK & Nordics
Katie Leigh – Sales, Events and Marketing, UK
For all enquiries, please contact uk.agency.sales@hurtigruten.com and our team will be sure to put you in touch with the right person.
Thank you, Katie.
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