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| The Midnatsol will sail from October 2016 to March 2017 in Antarctica. |
Good news for all those adventure cruisers out there: Hurtigruten is moving the Midnatsol to Antarctica for the 2016/2017 season, more than tripling the company’s guest capacity for sailings in the cool region.
The Midnatsol will join the Fram, increasing the company’s seasonal berth total from 2,268 in 2015/2016 to 6,800 berths in 2016/2017. Antarctica itineraries include highlights such as the Falkland Islands, Patagonia, the Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn. Sailings will depart from October 2016 to March 2017.
In its first season cruising the southern hemisphere, the Midnatsol will sail 10 voyages departing from Punta Arenas in the Chilean Patagonia, ranging from 15 to 18 days in length. Every sailing features an experienced expedition team to lead guests on landings and shore excursions, including hiking on glacial ice, strolling near penguins, kayaking amongst seals and snorkeling in Antarctica’s icy water. Meanwhile, cruisers can warm-up onboard with scientific lectures that will give guests an insight into some of the same mysteries that have attracted the world’s explorers, scientists and adventurers to Antarctica for more than a century.
Looking forward, Midnatsol, which was designed for the Arctic region, will undergo minor adjustments. The ship already has an ice class 1C rating, a helipad and a redundant propulsion system, and will be equipped with a state-of-the-art customized oil retention system.
To accommodate the growing demand in the polar regions, Hurtigruten is also refining the itineraries and programs associated with its 200-berth deluxe explorer vessel, Fram. Using Ushuaia, Argentina, as its base, the ship’s expedition teams will seek out new sites in Antarctica that are inaccessible to larger groups. The client looking to push their limits will have the opportunity to take on challenging excursions, such as skiing on glaciers and camping amidst penguins. As there isn’t a set VIP contact, reservations should be made by calling 877-301-3117.