Today marks 125 years since Hurtigruten founder Richard With brought the steamer DS Vesteraalen into service along the coast of Norway, establishing a regular sea link for locals and tourists and founding what today is the world’s largest expedition cruise company.
As Hurtigruten mark 125 years of global exploration, the brand takes guests to more than 200 destinations in 30 countries.
“We continue to build on our 125 years of experience and heritage, and we continue to push the boundaries by introducing the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ships.
“We strongly believe Hurtigruten is the perfect fit for the modern-day explorer, and we experience substantial growth across markets.
“The expansion we’ve seen so far, is just the beginning,” said Hurtigruten chief executive, Daniel Skjeldam.
To celebrate the anniversary, Hurtigruten will host a birthday party extending over 11,000 nautical miles, from Seattle in the west and Hong Kong in the east, to Svalbard in the High North, and along the Norwegian coast.
The birthday will be celebrated in Hurtigruten ports, destinations, ships and offices, without use of any single use plastic items.
Hurtigruten’s 14 intimately-scaled, purpose-build expedition ships offer modern-day adventure travellers breath-taking experiences in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
With the introduction of the world’s first battery hybrid powered expedition ships – along with the conversion of up to nine existing ships to hybrid LNG-battery powered hybrid ships – Hurtigruten also sets a new standard for the future of adventure travel.
“We are committed to remain being the global leader in green adventure travel.
“Whether we are developing the Hurtigruten product, designing new ships or discussing new itineraries and destinations, sustainability is the core of every detail of the Hurtigruten operation,” said Skjeldam.