Hurtigruten - North America Office — Local services in Seattle

We just returned from their 23 day Ultimate Expedition to Antarctica, Falkland, and South Georgia. In a word, it was FANTASTIC! The ship and staff were great, the sights unbelievable, and the wildlife in your face. The expedition staff was very knowledgeable and committed to your safety. This is truly an expedition with daily plans that are subject to changes due to weather and sea conditions (be flexible and understanding, it's for your own safety!). We were blessed with only having to change one landing site...due to too much wildlife on the beach to land! We did a lot of research into the cruises and came to the conclusion that Hurtigruten offered the best value. We were not disappointed! Cabins were small, but manageable. Food was plentiful and varied, although the more you like seafood the better! The other guests were from many different countries (there were only 16 guests from the US like us with most coming from the UK, China, and Spain). The presentations were all multi-lingual so no worries there. Being on a smaller ship allowed us to go places the big ones could not, including being able to have one or two landings via zodiacs each day (weather and schedule permitting). Many big ships offer no landings anywhere other than Stanley in the Falkland Islands. The trip on the MV Fram is an active expedition, that is, there is not the glitz of a big cruise ship (the Fram is very nice and comfortable, we were pleasantly surprised at how much so). The activity level is as high as you want to make it. Shore landings usually involved walking a mile or two, sometimes up some pretty big hills. Having said that, all were more than doable for most people and there was ample time given to accomplish everything. All the landings were part of the cruise package, but some things, like kayaking, camping on Antarctica itself, and very long hikes had an extra charge. Taking advantage of these extras are just that, extras that only add to the already amazing trip you are on. We kayaked in the rain and snow, still beautiful. They give you a very nice (and orange!) Helly Hansen outer shell coat to wear and take home as well as loan you muck boots to wear on the shore trips. Layering under your shell is the key to comfort. We never did use all the layers we took. Take a lightweight pair of wool gloves to keep your hands warm and allow you to play with your camera. We also took heavy ski gloves, but only used them once. Waterproof pants are also mandatory as well as a good pair of thermal underwear and wool socks. Their packing list is complete so follow it. The Fram also has a small store, which amazingly has a great selection (at reasonable, albeit premium pricing) of things you may have forgot or need to upgrade. This was a trip of a lifetime for everyone on board. We made some great friends over such an extended period on time. This is a highly recommended experience and Hurtigruten is a first rate operator having a commitment to the environment and...

I was on Hurtigruten’s Northwest Passage Cruise Aug 5 - Sept 3, 2024.

The onboard “Cultural Ambassadors” experience left me feeling deceived, manipulated, under appreciated and used.

I will never take another cruise with “Cultural Ambassadors” onboard. Here’s why:

I have choices. I am not happy Hurtigruten had its guests unknowingly pay for roughly 10 entitled, elite “ambassadors” to be on board and lecture us from their woke, political perspective.

Annie was on deck 7. I was on deck 4. Really?!?! Your guests pay for her trip and she had better accommodations than us? Whose absurd idea was this? Hurtigruten should disclose this on their website.

I call Annie the Imelda Marcos of the Inuit people. I don’t know how many coats she had with her - at these 3. One was yellow with a matching yellow purse. She was trying to sell this coat, without the purse, for $850.

Annie’s hair was nicely styled unlike any Inuit woman I met on land. Annie was needy: had the expedition staff carrying her backpack, had special medication request, was always at the front of every line, and had help with her bags. Your paying customers don’t get these services!

Greg, the 19 year old, said all he had to do was ask and his girlfriend joined him. Really?!?! Free for the girlfriend what I paid $22,000 for!!! I feel deceived, under appreciated and used.

When the Amundsen and Nansen met, Greg and his girlfriend asked to move to the front so he could say hi to his mother and brother. Really?!?! Two more free loaders. Your paying guests were asked to step aside for the entitled, elite Inuit family.

These “ambassadors” seem to be related. How and why did this family become so privileged?

I would have liked more info on explorers, their expeditions and vessels. I don’t want to hear opinions like the white men brought alcohol to the Inuit and caused their alcoholism. I don’t want to hear that Franklin would have survived if he would have listened to the Inuit people. I don’t want to hear that the Inuit knew where Franklin was but waited 100 years to tell everyone.

I prefer facts not fiction.

Do you really think your guests want to hear Letitia talk about climate change and the future making of the ISR? Greg talk about bullies? We heard over and over about residential schools but never heard the other side of the story from the Canadian taxpayers perspective. Canada spent a lot of money boarding and educating Inuit children. Any gratitude?

Topics like residential schools, drums, politics are discussed authentically on land.

Leave the Inuit experience where it belongs - on land.

How can I make sure I am not funding these types of on board “ambassadors” in the future?

Hurtigruten will not last long with these business practices. Many other guests voice the same frustrations. Hurtigruten has intelligent customers. They will not put up with this.

The staff onboard were...

This was the best cruise we have ever ever taken!!!!!! If u want entertainment n casino etc forget it. But if u want a nice cabin n be able to see the most beautiful scenery God has ever given us pop for the money n take these tiny ships. They r very small enabling them to go into the tiniest fjords of Norway. Beauty like u never knew existed. We were waiting in Southampton to take a Princess Cruise, not my fav line, just so we wouldn’t have to fly back to US because we hate flying, and I saw the little ships of Hurtigruten in port n I was so envious of the passengers boarding her. Fly into Oslo n take the railway known as the most beautiful train ride of your life, which is absolutely true to Bergen. From Bergen go north to the top to Russia, kirkenes, n stay on her n come back down. It’s a good thing I don’t eat red meat because they almost never have it. I had 23 straight meals of fish, which was fine w me. We were the only couple who spoke English on the 23 day cruise. We had only one of two balcony cabins. I think the fleet has upgraded. I want to do the exact journey once more before I die. Stay at least in 4 star hotels in Denmark n Norway. The morning buffets are unbelievable. They make the best Bread in the world. Very healthy food. Full bars w just organic. U have to experience to believe. I started taking pictures. I’m not sure if they thought I was writing an article or what but before long I had managers n waiters at my side. The hotel mgrs n service in the Scandinavian countries are outstanding. Ten stars. They make your bed up with no sheets but down duvets. All the bathroom floors r heated. The luxury that Scandinavian countries provide is unparalleled. We have stayed at hotels movie stars stay at n I can say Denmark n Norway hotels outrank them. These accommodations n breakfast included is available much less expensive than the US. Peru n Ecuador r also countries that provide excellent accommodations. What’s wrong w England?????? Lol. Sorry England but your boat went in the wrong direction. Cunard has the worst food of any cruise line we have been on. But the service was excellent. Mayfair hotels aren’t even very good. I digress sorry. I am planning a Hurtigruten cruise thru the Chilean fjords n Antarctica. Hope it will be the same. Thank you for...