January Update: Here Are the Latest Five Cruise Ship Moves

January Update: Here Are the Latest Five Cruise Ship Moves

Cruise Industry News looks at some of the key ship transactions and moves that took place in recent weeks.

Pacific Explorer
Company: P&O Cruises Australia
Capacity: 1,998 guests
Tonnage: 77,000
Year built: 1997
Move: Sold to Resorts World Cruises
Date: December 2024

Currently in service for P&O Cruises Australia, the Pacific Explorer was sold to Resorts World Cruises in December.

Set to be renamed Star Scorpio, the 1997-built ship will launch service for its new operator in March, offering a series of cruises in Southeast Asia.

Maud
Company: HX Expeditions
Capacity: 500 guests
Tonnage: 16,151
Year built: 2003
Move: Transferred to Hurtigruten’s coastal service
Date: November 2024

The Maud was transferred back to Hurtigruten’s coastal service in November after three years offering expedition cruises for HX.

Before resuming its regular schedule on the Norwegian coast, the 2003-built ship regained its original name, the Midnatsol.

Renaissance
Company: CFC – Compagnie Française de Croisières
Capacity: 1,258 guests
Tonnage: 55,451
Year built: 1993
Move: To be jointly operated by CFC, Ambassador and Corendon in 2025-26
Date: January 2025

Now part of the Ambassador Group, CFC’s Renaissance is set to spend the upcoming winter season in the Caribbean as part of a joint operation with Ambassador Cruise Line and Corendon.

Starting in October, the ship will offer itineraries departing from Barbados, Martinique and Curaçao as part of a fly-cruise operation aimed at guests from the UK, France and the Netherlands.

Celebrity Xpedition
Company: Celebrity Cruises
Capacity: 100 guests
Tonnage: 2,842
Year built: 2001
Move: Handed over to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Date: January 2025

The Xpedition was delivered to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in January 2025, after completing a final sailing for Celebrity Cruises.

The 2001-built ship is now set to undergo a refurbishment before joining the fleet of its new operator as the National Geographic Gemini in March.

Celebrity Xploration
Company: Celebrity Cruises
Capacity: 16 guests
Tonnage: 317
Year built: 2007
Move: Handed over to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Date: January 2025

The Xploration was also handed over to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in January, after wrapping up its sailing career with Celebrity Cruises.

Currently in Ecuador, the catamaran, which will be renamed the National Geographic Delfina, is scheduled to undergo a refit ahead of its debut for Lindblad next February.

HX Pushes Marketing Efforts to Source Chinese Guests

HX Pushes Marketing Efforts to Source Chinese Guests

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is pushing its marketing efforts in China with a new roadshow that will visit three cities in the country.

According to a statement,, experts from HX’s global headquarters will join the series of events, along with the presidents of the Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

The roadshow is scheduled to take place from Sept. 9 to 13, 2024, with events in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai.

“We hope to attract up to 500 travel partners, tourism bureaus, consulates and media guests to our afternoon events in three cities, so we want to ensure that the guests can get a lot of valuable information from the expedition cruise experts from our global headquarters,” said Joe Zou, HX sales director for Mainland China and Southeast Asia.

Zou also highlighted HX’s investment in China, noting that Antarctica expeditions are currently a “hot-selling product” in China.

Each event will include a presentation of HX’s ships and onboard experience, followed by in-depth discussions on topics such as the new company’s destinations for the 2025-26 season and sustainable initiatives.

“The international cruises we have been promoting have been a great success. In the past seasons, we found that Chinese tourists really like this international atmosphere. We have made this unique experience even better by continuously upgrading our ‘China Ready’ program with the headquarters operations department and the expedition team,” Zou added.

As part of the initiative, HX offers Chinese news and movies in its cabins, as well as Chinese dining options.

The company also hired Chinese nationals for its expedition teams, front desks and restaurants, Zou explained.

HX opened a regional sales office in Shanghai and further expanded its APAC division with the appointment of new executives in mid-2023.

HX Announces MS Maud’s Return In April

HX Announces MS Maud’s Return In April

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) announced the return of the Maud to service in April 2024, according to a press release.

After necessary repairs due to weather damage in late December, the Maud will set sail on an expedition around the British Isles. 

Guests will explore diverse coastlines and remote islands, led by HX’s Expedition Team. The ship will welcome Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood on its second British Isles sailing, where guests can expect insightful talks and Q&A sessions while sailing from Douglas to Dover.

In July, HX’s Maud will venture into the Arctic, exploring Greenland and Iceland, with itineraries that bring guests closer to the local communities and wilderness of the north.

Starting in October, the ship will head south to Antarctica for a series of new expeditions combining the majestic Patagonian fjords with Antarctica. Highlighted itinerary is the 17-day Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica expedition. Additionally, the Maud will embark on 23- and 24-day sailings exploring South America, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in a single adventure.

Hurtigruten Receives Best ESG Ranking of a Cruise Company

Hurtigruten Receives Best ESG Ranking of a Cruise Company

Hurtigruten Group has received an industry-leading ESG Risk Rating of 19.7 (Low) following an assessment by Morningstar Sustainalytics, an ESG research, ratings and data firm, according to a statement.

With ratings categorized across five risk levels, Hurtigruten Group is the only cruise company to be awarded a Low ESG Risk Rating and ranks fourth (out of 127 companies) in the “Travel, Lodging and Amusement” subindustry category.

“This rating is a result of our company-wide focus on emissions, nature, community and people,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten Group. “We have made significant strides over the past year, investing 66 million euros in emissions reduction. Our pioneering Green Bond, issued in 2022, has enabled us to finance ongoing environmental upgrades, including converting our fifth battery hybrid-powered ship. Simultaneously, we strengthened governance with executive compensation linked to ESG targets, a new whistleblower policy and improved supply chain control, emphasizing local procurement.”

In its latest ESG rating report, Morningstar Sustainalytics stated: “The company [Hurtigruten Group] is at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors, due to its medium exposure and strong management of material ESG issues. The company is not publicly held, which reduces its corporate governance risk compared to its peers. Although the company has a moderate level of controversies, its favourable risk assessment is primarily due to its above-average policies and programmes.”

“This rating is a quantitative method to assess our ESG efforts and a valuable tool to scrutinize how we execute on our ESG strategy through programmes and policies across the entire business,” explained Skjeldam. Hurtigruten Group – consisting of Hurtigruten Norway, Hurtigruten Expeditions, and Hurtigruten Svalbard – seeks to change the industry’s approach to sustainability. Hurtigruten Group was the first cruise line to ban heavy fuel oil (2009) and single-use plastics (2018). In 2019, Hurtigruten Expeditions added the world’s first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship and has since added two.

In 2022, Hurtigruten Norway converted its first battery hybrid-powered ship, with one more joining the fleet in 2023 and a third planned for 2024. The conversions are part of a 100-million-euro green upgrade that will reduce CO2 and NOx emissions by 25% and 80%, concurrently. Moreover, this June, Hurtigruten Norway’s first-of-kind Sea Zero initiative revealed early concept plans for the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship.

“In addition, our Svalbard operations have made considerable progress in reducing their impact, deploying two electric tour boats and eight electric snowmobiles. We are working towards becoming cleaner, greener, and quieter,” added Skjeldam.

Hurtigruten and Brunvoll Receive Funding to Develop Zero-Emission Ship

Hurtigruten and Brunvoll received funding from The Green Platform Initiative to develop a zero-emission vessel.

“This is great news for us. The support means that Hurtigruten Norway’s plans for zero-emission vessels on the Norwegian coastline take a large step forward and we are on schedule for our first vessel in 2030,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway.

The Green Platform Initiative provides funding for companies focused on green growth and it is managed by Research Council, Innovation Norway and Siva, according to a statement.

The Norwegian Research Council has awarded the Sea Zero project 67 MNOK in funding to develop zero-emission ships, according to a press release.

The Sea Zero project involves several Norwegian companies working together to develop a complete zero-emission ship.

Brunvoll will develop propulsion systems and decision support systems for efficient and safe operations. For its contribution to the project, Brunvoll will receive 5,25MNoK.

“Brunvoll has long traditions for development of new technology and welcomes the focus on more zero emission. This is an important project, both to state Norway’s position in ship design, equipment, and building, and for Brunvoll to contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Knut Andresen, EVP of Engineering and Product Development at Brunvoll.

Hurtigruten plans to develop a zero-emission ship for the coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes. SINTEF will be a research partner and project manager for the project.

“The development of zero-emission vessels is very positive for the climate, but the project will also give a great positive effect on the maritime industry in Norway. Development of new green technology will increase competence and improve our export potential for the industry in general and for the partners in the project,” said Trond Johnsen, marketing director at SINTEF Ocean.

 

Expedition Cruise Ship Grounds in Norway During Shipyard Return

An expeditionary cruise ship belonging to Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten ran aground and was later refloated in western Norwegian fjord north of Bergen on Friday. The ship, MS Richard With, was not carrying any passengers at the time and all 67 people on board were not harmed in the incident.

Richard With was returning to Bergen from a shipyard maintenance period when the grounding occurred Friday morning on the northern end of Sognefjord due to a “technical system error which led to the ship temporarily losing control,” Hurtigruten said in a statement.

Following the grounding, the Richard With was joined by the Norwegian coastguard-contracted KV Bergen and the anchor handling tug (AHTS) Skandi Iceman belonging to DOF Group. But the was refloated at the next high tide without the assistance of tugs, according to an update at around 5 p.m. CEST.

Hurtigruten said the vessel sustained only minor damage to its bulb and forward ballast tank and no environmental pollution has been reported. She is currently sailing to the shipyard for repairs.

The 67 people on board at the time comprised of 54 crew members and 14 service personnel performing follow-up work following the shipyard stay.

Hurtigruten said it expects to have the ship ready by its next scheduled sailing date on August 20.

Hurtigruten's Fridtjof Nansen To Be Christened in Svalbard

Hurtigruten's Fridtjof Nansen will be christened in Longyearbyen on Svalbard September 14 – in the northernmost naming ceremony ever to be held for a passenger ship, according to a press release.

“When looking for a location for the naming of MS Fridtjof Nansen, we couldn’t think of a better place than Svalbard. For expedition cruising, this is where it all began," said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.

“For us, Svalbard and Spitsbergen are much more than just a destination; it’s a part of our history. As history has told us, we need to work closely with local communities when we develop sustainable tourism for future generations of explorers. When we embark on our Svalbard expeditions, we combine our 125 years of experience with our year-round land-based presence, creating jobs and value for the local community that lasts way beyond our cruise calls," Lassesen said.

To further mark commitments and long-lasting relationships with the Svalbard community, Hurtigruten Expeditions has chosen Longyearbyen to be MS Fridtjof Nansen’s port of registry – making her the first cruise ship to proudly call Svalbard her home.

The Fridtjof Nansen will be named by breaking a chunk of ice rather than the traditional bottle of Champagne, just as sister ship MS Roald Amundsen was when she in 2019 was the first ship ever to be named in Antarctica.

The naming ceremony is set to take place on September 14 and will be live-streamed.

Hurtigruten Adds Third Battery Hybrid-Powered Ship as Expedition Cruising Resumes

Hurtigruten Expeditions has introduced the expedition cruise line’s third battery-hybrid powered ship – MS Otto Sverdrup.

Hurtigruten said that with MS Otto Sverdrup departing Hamburg, Germany, on her maiden voyage on Aug. 24, three major milestones are marked:

• Introduction of Hurtigruten Expeditions’ third battery-hybrid powered cruise ship;

• Introduction of the first year-round expedition cruises from Germany, with Hurtigruten Expeditions offering departures directly from Hamburg to the Norwegian coast; 

• Return of expedition cruises after more than a year of pandemic pause.

“We are thrilled to finally be back exploring with our guests. This is a day we have all been really looking forward to after a very challenging year for the entire travel industry,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.

Hurtigruten Prepares for Growth, Establishes Separate Expedition Cruise Entity

Hurtigruten has announced it will redefine its growing cruise operations by establishing a separate expedition cruise entity, citing strong demand for 2021 and 2022 expedition sailings.

"2020 is a tough year for everyone in the travel industry. But the set back is only temporary. For the second half of 2021 and beyond, we are seeing a strong demand across all markets and all destinations, including the Norwegian coast, the Arctic and Antarctica," said CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

"The demand reflects our predictions that expedition cruises, with all our advantages such as smaller ships, more flexibility and fewer guests, will prove even more popular post-COVID-19," he added.

"We have only seen the beginning of what’s to come. Hurtigruten sees great demand and equally great opportunities in the expedition cruise segment from 2021 and beyond. This is the growth we are preparing for."

Thus, the company is reorganizing its cruise operations in two different entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.  

Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises include more than 250 destinations from pole to pole, ranging from the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Norway, Svalbard, the British Isles to the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica.

Asta Lassesen has been appointed CEO of Hurtigruten’s global expedition cruise operations.

"As Hurtigruten continues to grow our expedition cruise offering, we will keep doing what we do best: Combining almost 130 years of exploration with cutting-edge innovation and our unparalleled commitment to sustainability to deliver unique experiences in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations," said Lassesen.

Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise entity will operate a fleet of eight small sizes, custom-built and green expedition cruise ships, the company said.

After restarting in June, some Hurtigruten crew test positive for Covid-19

The Roald Amundsen, the Hurtigruten ship launched last year. The crew on the ship have tested positive for Covid-19.

Hurtigruten, one of the first cruise lines to resume service this summer, has reported a Covid-19 outbreak on one of the cruise ships that has been operating coastal Norway itineraries since June.

The line said that 36 of the 158 crew members on the ship, the Roald Amundsen, have tested positive for Covid-19 and that 120 are confirmed as negative. The ship is currently docked in Tromso, Norway, with no passengers on board.

Hurtigruten said it is in contact with all passengers that were on board the Roald Amundsen's July 17 and 24 departures and that 209 passengers from the first sailing and 178 from the second will self-quarantine in line with Norwegian health authority regulations.

The Roald Amundsen cancelled its scheduled cruise to Svalbard that was to leave on July 31. The next cruise with the ship is not planned until September.

Of the 36 confirmed cases, 32 are from the Philippines. The rest are Norwegian, French and German nationals.

The line said that four crewmembers were isolated last week because of illness symptoms that were thought to not be related to Covid-19. They were then routinely tested before being admitted to hospital in Tromso on Friday.

Hurtigruten claimed to be the first line to resume sailings this summer when the Norway-based line launched domestic Norwegian coastal itineraries in mid-June and then added one sailing from Hamburg, Germany, all with limited capacity and enhanced hygiene protocols in place. It said it would ramp up operations from four to 16 ships by the end of September because demand has been so strong.

Hurtigruten said that all crewmembers are closely monitored and screened daily and that non-Norwegian crew are quarantined before boarding the ship and non-European crew need to undergo two negative Covid-19 tests before leaving their home country.

Hurtigruten still in talks with the government over UK cruises

Hurtigruten still in talks with the government over UK cruises

Two of Hurtigruten new Hybrid ships. 

Hurtigruten remains in talks with the UK government over plans to run a series of short sailings around the British Isles.

The Foreign Office has updated its advice against cruise ship travel to confirm that it only related to international travel on “sea-going” ships.

The updated advice would appear to exclude cruises in UK waters from the blanket ban, although no further clarity has been given. The FCO’s guidance says those seeking information on such cruises should contact the Department for Transport.

The DfT has yet to respond to a request for clarification from Travel Weekly.

Hurtigruten’s series of UK cruises are set to depart in September and remain on sale as the cruise line continues to liaise with relevant authorities.

Anthony Daniels, general manager for UK and EMEA, said: “We are working with the authorities; the short breaks remain on sale, with the reassurance to customers of a full refund if sailings are cancelled.”

He stressed that he was encouraged by today’s news and was hopeful of “further positive discussions with the Department for Transport.

“We are encouraged by the news coming from the UK government regarding travel advice for cruise ships. We look forward to furthering, positive discussions with Department for Transport and PHE over the safe return of expedition cruising, with a specific focus on Hurtigruten’s short breaks series in UK waters departing in September.”

The short break expedition cruises come with a flexible booking policy to ensure guests receive a full refund if sailings are cancelled. The line said it would operate at a reduced capacity of 350 guests (roughly 65%).

Daniels added: “Health and safety of guests and crew is Hurtigruten’s number one priority, and we comply with all Covid-19 regulations and policies in the waters, coasts and ports we visit.”

Hurtigruten ‘in talks with government’ over UK cruise plans

Hurtigruten ‘in talks with government’ over UK cruise plans

Hurtigruten has confirmed it is in discussions with the UK government over plans to operate a series of short-break itineraries around the British Isles following the FCO’s updated advice against all cruise travel.

The line also said its plans to run the series of cruises in September were “underpinned by a flexible booking policy to reassure guests”, including a refund if sailings are cancelled.

Anthony Daniels, UK & EMEA general manager, said: “Health and safety of guests and crew is Hurtigruten’s number one priority, and we comply with all Covid-19 regulations and policies in the waters, coasts and ports we visit.

“We currently operate five ships on both domestic and international cruises, with two more re-entering services next week. By the time of our first UK departure, Hurtigruten will operate more than 10 ships across the Arctic, Norway, Germany and UK waters.”

He added: “Hurtigruten’s announcement to bring Short Break expedition cruises to UK waters has been underpinned by a flexible booking policy to reassure guests, offering a refund if sailings are cancelled; reduced capacity to 350 guests (or c65%); professional operational protocols, robustly tested and in practice now.

“In the planning of this short break series, comprehensive Outbreak Prevention Plans and Covid Response Plans were voluntarily submitted to port authorities and local destinations stakeholders for scrutiny and acceptance before launch.

“We are in discussion with the government over the return to operation of expedition cruising for UK guests.”

Watch: Wild Docking in Norway

 

Check out this wild video out of northern Norway showing an expedition cruise ship docking during strong winds.

The video was filmed on January 21 as the Hurtigruten expedition ship MS Nordnorge was docking Bodø, Norway. As you can see the Captain uses the ship’s anchor to ease the ship alongside the pier, earning him high praise on social media. 

 

The 123.3 meters, 11,384 gross tonne MS Nordnorge was built in 1997 (refurbished in 2016) and provides expedition cruises for up to 590 passengers within the Arctic Circle.

Last week’s wild docking wasn’t its first rodeo, either. Check out the video below showing the same ship pulling off a similar manoeuvre in 2016.

 

 

Hurtigruten to transform vessel trio to battery-hybrid

Three Hurtigruten coastal vessels will be transformed to hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships – which the operator says will be the largest upgrade project in its 125-year history

Hurtigruten introduced the world’s first hybrid-powered cruise ship Roald Amundsen in July this year and will add another three hybrid-powered ships to what is already considered the greenest fleet of cruise ships in the world.

As they are transformed into “full-fledged premium expedition cruise ships”, Trollfjord, Finnmarken and Midnatsol will be renamed Maud, Otto Sverdrup and Eirik Raude.
Otto Sverdrup will have battery packs installed during a 2020 yard stay, with a letter of intent for the same battery installation on Maud and Eirik Raude in 2021.

The three ships will also be equipped for shore power, to cut emissions to zero when docked in ports with shore power facilities.

In addition, the three ships will get substantially upgraded low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations.

“At Hurtigruten, the push for sustainable solutions and the introduction of green technology is the core of everything we do. We operate in some of the most spectacular areas of the world. This comes with a responsibility,” Hurtigruten chief executive Daniel Skjeldam said. With these upgrades, the ships will be transformed into premium expedition cruise ships, carrying a maximum of 530 guests.

The keep-to-mast upgrades will introduce several new features and venues on the ships. A specially designed Expedition Launch – the tender pit area where guests embark on their excursions and off-ship adventures – will be added to all ships, complete with tender boats and other expedition equipment.

All cabins and suites will be completely refurbished, and new suites with spectacular views added to all three ships.
Hurtigruten’s signature Science Centre will be added to the three ships.

Celebrating Christmas in Norway on Hurtigruten’s Finnmarken

Finnmarken is one of Hurtigruten’s 11 ships that sail year-round along the Norwegian coast, round trip 12 days from Bergen to Kirkenes, making some 65 port calls ranging from 15 minutes to more than four hours.

The 2002-built, 15,690-ton Finnmarken can accommodate up to 740 passengers in staterooms and another 250-day passengers, as well as cargo and up to 47 cars.

The current Christmas cruise includes large contingents of passengers from India and China in addition to passengers from South Africa, Australia, the UK, Germany and the United States.

Winter attractions include Norway’s nature, including the Northern Lights, and shore excursions ranging from sightseeing to dog sledging, cross-country skiing and mountain hiking.

The culinary experience is focused around Hurtigruten’s Coastal Kitchen concept, featuring ingredients and dishes native to Norway.

 (Photos by Angela Reale Mathisen and Oivind Mathisen)

New Shipyards Entering Cruise Business Face Uphill Challenge

Two new shipyards have entered the cruise ship building business recently, while an additional yard with a surprise cruise order has some passenger vessel history, but all will be facing a set of staggering challenges when it comes to building customized ships for picky clients and pulling off a flawless hotel build.

The major players in the cruise-ship building business have been going at it for decades, and most specialize in passenger vessels.

Meanwhile, major cargo-ship building yards in South Korea have tried again and again to land orders without success.

In Japan, Mitsubishi has built for local companies along with Princess Cruises and AIDA Cruises, but late deliveries and cost overruns on the recent AIDA ships have not helped the cause.

Kleven

The last time a cruise ship was built in Norway, the shipyard went bankrupt. That was just over a decade ago with the ship being The World and the shipyard Fosen Mekaniske Verksted against a backdrop of an extremely expensive labor environment.

Earlier this year, Kleven entered into a contract with Hurtigruten to build a set of expedition cruise ships earlier this year, with an option for two more. The ship’s are being built on a Rolls-Royce technical platform.

Shipyard executives declined to speak on the record, but the yard’s website said Kleven was a family-owned operation dating back many decades.

The yard’s recent deliveries show no shortage of supply and platform vessels for the offshore industry, in addition to Coast Guard ships.

A log of ship deliveries back to 1961 shows everything from fish vessels to tug boats, with the last passenger vessel being the Finnmarken, which was built in 2002 for coastal service. The yard has only built three (coastal) passenger ships.

Uljanik Group

In Croatia, Uljanik Group will build its first cruise ship for a new entry to the cruise ship market in Scenic.

The agreement calls for a five-star level expedition ship to be delivered in August of 2018, with an option for a second vessel. The ship is 16,500 tons with capacity for 228 guests.

In 2015 the yard delivered a 3,311-ton ro/ro ferry, the second in a two-ship order. However, the yard mainly builds barges and other supply vessels, but did deliver a series of car carriers as recently as 2008.

The Croatian builder can trade its history back to 1856, when it started out building ships for the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

In 2013, the yard added another facility and building site, 3.Maj, to its portfolio, which has upped its capacity.

The group also owns an engine factory, ULJANIK Diesel Engines Factory Ltd, and has recently delivered a number of large tanker vessels.

Brodosplit

Another Croatian yard, Brodosplit, landed an order from Star Clippers for a sailing ship, and is believed to be working toward a separate order for smaller niche vessels.

Of note, the yard has built new motor vessel ships for Grand Circle Cruise Line over the years.

The shipyard is located in Split, Croatia, and was formed when several smaller ship repair facilities combined forces in 1922. The yard builds various types of ships including commercial, container and passenger vessels.

The new Royal Flyer for Star Clippers will be 162 meters long and 18.5 meters wide, and feature five masts and sails.

While it is a sailing ship, the vessel will have two fully independent electric propulsion engines and be compliant with Safe Return to Port rules with two engine rooms.

Ex-P&O Cruises head in temporary charge at Hurtigruten UK

Former P&O Cruises head of brand marketing Philip Price has taken over as temporary head of Hurtigruten UK following the departure of Kathryn Beadle.

Price has been named interim managing director for the Norwegian coastal voyage and expedition cruise company for the UK and rest of the world.

His appointment follows last month’s announcement that Hurtigruten UK managing director Beadle was stepping down.

Price left Southampton-based P&O Cruises in January 2013.

He has been contracted to head the Hurtigruten operation in London for two months while the company seeks a permanent successor to Beadle.

Hurtigruten chief commercial officer Magnus Wrahme approached Price to take up the interim position after the latter worked on a marketing project for the line earlier in the year.

Price has provided marketing consultancy support for a number of travel companies including Thomson and Iglu.com.

Top tips for an adventure at sea

Fancy unleashing your inner Sir David Attenborough or Bear Grylls? Here are our top tips for going off the beaten track…

TOP TIPS FOR THE FROZEN PLANET

Only 100 passengers are allowed to land at one time on Antarctica, so small ships are best.Go in November/December to see penguins or in January/February to see whales.

“Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton, be overwhelmed by the  number – and smell – of the penguins or just witness the serenity and beauty of wind-sculpted ice then the Antarctic will be your ultimate challenge. The spectacular wildlife includes orcas, humpback whales and sea birds.”Deborah Stone, Contributing Editor

Most Antarctic expedition cruises start from Ushuaia (Argentina), followed by a two-day sail across Drake’s Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Captain’s Choice has luxurious trips to Chile and Antarctica 

TIME TRAVEL

Interested in learning while you cruise? Specialist cruise lines such as Voyages to Antiquity(voyagestoantiquity.com) have well-known lecturers on board to help you discover more about the history and culture of the places you’re visiting.

Specialist cruises tend to be casual, and entertainment will be a lecture about geography, history or culture. They usually involve early morning starts to help you make the most of the destinations you’re visiting.

EXOTIC ADVENTURES

Luxury cruise line SeaDream (seadream.com) has Asia cruises for diving and snorkelling in Komodo Island’s National Park. And one of the hottest trends right now is cruise and safari. Spend a few days in Namibia or Kenya and join a game drive before heading off for your cruise. Fred. Olsen, Voyages to Antiquity,Cunard, MSC and P&O all offer cruises to Africa.

EXTREME ACTIVITIES

Voted winner of Best Destination (Rest of World) in the 2013 Cruise International Awards, the untamed landscape of Alaska is a cruise adventurer’s dream, where you can experience everything from whale spotting to dog-sledding and white-water rafting. And in the Arctic you disembark and explore by zodiac boat, taking you up close to glaciers and icebergs

WILDLIFE WONDERS

Cruise to the Galapagos Islands to see giant tortoises and flamingos. Variety Cruises (varietycruises.com) visit the Seychelles for rare black parrots and the bird nature reserve on Cousin Island, while Princess Cruises (princess.com) offers a range of cruises to South America and the Pacific..

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Go in search of the Northern Lights on a Scandinavian cruise. The best time to catch this natural phenomenon is between autumn and early April when it’s dark from 6pm to 1am, and the best spots are above the Arctic Circle. Hurtigruten (hurtigruten.co.uk) has cruises departing from 1 November to 31 December 2014 with snowmobile safaris and reindeer driving.

UP THE AMAZON

A cruise on the Amazon River takes you into the heart of the jungle, past villages and banks covered by dense rainforest, plus the chance to spot wildlife including spider monkeys, three-toed sloths and macaws.Fred. Olsen sails the Amazon and the Caribbean on 22 March 2014 (fredolsencruises.com).

WHAT TO TAKE

For cruises to the Arctic take rubber fishing boots, with extra-thick soles, to keep feet warm and dry. You’ll also need waterproof trousers and layers to stay warm. For the Amazon, you’ll need insect repellent, sturdy footwear, antihistamines, anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets may be useful. Always check with your GP in case you need any vaccinations before travelling, and travel insurance is a must.

Hurtigruten touts five-day sale as year's best

By Tom Stieghorst

Hurtigruten, the specialist in Norwegian coastal cruises, is holding a five-day sale with fares on 2014 voyages discounted by up to one-third.

The sale, from Feb. 4-8, will provide the best prices of the year, Hurtigruten said.

In an email to agents, Hurtigruten said best bets for potential passengers on its cruises are past Alaska clients, past European river cruisers and small-ship fans.

Norwegian coastal cruises stop at 34 ports and are available in six-, seven-, 11- and 12-day lengths. Hurtigruten said an example of the savings is a peak season six-day cruise in August that starts at $1,595 per person this week, compared with the standard rate of $2,381.

In addition to cruising along the coast and fjords of Norway, Hurtigruten offers “explorer” cruises to Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica and Spitsbergen.