Hurtigruten Expeditions
Norway's pioneering expedition cruise line operates purpose-built polar vessels with hybrid power, science centers, and expert-led landings across the Antarctic Peninsula.
Hurtigruten Expeditions is one of the world's most established polar expedition operators, with over 130 years of experience navigating extreme environments. Their Antarctic program focuses on the Peninsula region with select voyages extending to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Fleet
MS Fridtjof Nansen
- Built: 2020
- Passengers: 530 (expedition capacity ~500)
- Propulsion: Hybrid diesel-electric with battery pack
- Features: Science Center, infinity pool, expedition boats, panoramic sauna
- Ice class: PC-6 (medium first-year ice)
MS Roald Amundsen
- Built: 2019
- Passengers: 530
- Propulsion: Hybrid diesel-electric (first hybrid-powered expedition ship)
- Features: Same platform as Nansen with identical science and expedition facilities
Itineraries
Antarctic Peninsula Classic (11 days)
Departs Ushuaia, crosses the Drake Passage, and spends 4-5 days exploring the Peninsula with daily landings and zodiac cruises. Typical stops include Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island, and Deception Island.
Price range: $7,500 -- $18,000 per person depending on cabin
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands (18-20 days)
The comprehensive voyage adds South Georgia Island (king penguin colonies, Shackleton's grave) and the Falkland Islands (black-browed albatross, rockhopper penguins) to the Peninsula itinerary.
Price range: $13,000 -- $32,000 per person
Expedition Team
Each voyage carries 15-20 expedition team members including marine biologists, ornithologists, glaciologists, historians, and photography instructors. The Science Center runs daily lectures, workshops, and citizen science programs.
Environmental Commitment
Hurtigruten was the first major cruise operator to ban single-use plastics fleet-wide. Their hybrid propulsion system reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20%. The company participates in IAATO and adheres to all Antarctic Treaty environmental protocols.
Booking Information
- Season: November through March
- Departure port: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Minimum age: No strict minimum; 8+ recommended
- Physical requirements: Moderate fitness for zodiac embarkation and landing site walks
- Included: All meals, expedition gear loan (boots, jacket), landings, lectures