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Hurtigruten Ships
Colon to Lima
Overview
Modern engineering meets nature’s marvels The Expedition Team will guide you on your tour through the Panama Canal, as you transit its intricate series of locks. Enjoy the best views of the local nature as you cruise aboard our hybrid-powered expedition ships. Look out for alligators, monkeys and sloths at Gatun Lake and scan for whales and sea lions as we enter the Pacific. Spanish flavours and ancient kingdoms From colourful Manta and Puerto Bolivar to Lima's UNESCO sights, we’ll take in cultural gems of the South American Pacific coast, as well as Sacred Valley and the majestic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Explore Colón and Panama's rainforests Your expedition cruise begins in the vibrant city of Colón, at the Atlantic coast entrance to the Panama Canal. You may want to explore before your expedition begins. We offer two fantastic Pre-Programmes: four days discovering the rainforest by the Chagres River, including a visit to a sloth sanctuary, or a chance to visit the locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. Then you'll board your expedition ship, perfect for taking you to visit remote coastal communities. Take time to settle into your cabin, explore the ship and meet the Expedition Team.
Navigate one of the world's greatest engineering feats Early in the morning, we'll enter the Panama Canal, a complex network of huge, ingenious locks stretching 80 km through natural and man-made waterways. If weather allows, our Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project. Halfway through our transit of the canal, we'll enter the Gatun Lake section, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. The surrounding verdant rainforest flourishes here undisturbed. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys and even sloths. After 12 hours, we'll emerge into the Pacific, passing from one great ocean to another in just a day.
Learning, relaxing and stargazing at sea You'll be spoilt for choice as our expedition cruise continues to Ecuador. Try the gym or Wellness Centre, take a soak in the outdoor pool or hot tubs, or head for the observation deck to watch for marine wildlife like whales, dolphins and sea birds. The Expedition Team will be on hand in the Science Center to share their deep knowledge of the region. You can also support global research and conservation by getting involved in one of our Citizen Science projects. End the day stargazing out on deck with the Expedition Team, or settle comfortably in the Explorer Lounge & Bar to raise a glass with newfound friends.
Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in Ecuador It's not every day you get the chance to seek King Neptune's blessing, yet that's what we'll do in a traditional ceremony as we cross the Equator early in the morning. Later, we'll visit the handicrafts town of Montecristi on an included tour, where you can buy a genuine Panama hat, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree. You'll be able to buy the hats from local artisans and see their workshops. You can browse the stalls in the pretty plaza, admire the architecture of the church, or take in the colourful street art and murals. We'll also visit the archaeological museum in Manta.
A bustling port with a charming atmosphere We have a colourful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala, exporting coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bountiful bananas. Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant on our included tour, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. We'll also discover Machala's markets, plazas and Casa de la Cultura Museum. As an optional excursion, you can visit a banana plantation and try to spot hummingbirds, parakeets and howler monkeys in Buenaventura Nature Reserve. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is one of the world's largest areas of fossilised trees.
Learn how to capture your adventure on camera Your Expedition Team includes an onboard photographer, who will be happy to share tips on how to get the best shots. A day at sea is a great time to get some pointers. Or simply relax and enjoy the scenery as we cruise towards Peru. Watch out for friendly seabirds following our ship – our Expedition Team can help you identify different species. Enjoy delicious, locally-sourced food in our onboard restaurants and join our regular lectures in the Science Center. Topics might include pre-Colombian history, local geology, and the folklore of native communities.
Explore Trujillo's ancient kingdoms Salaverry is the gateway to Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo. Colourful Trujillo has a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches and neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the world’s longest mosaic murals. Nearby are the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan, dating back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, you'll find the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, that pre-date Chan Chan. You'll also enjoy today’s included activity – an onboard performance of the Marinera, a traditional Peruvian dance. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today!
Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley After a week cruising the Pacific Coast, we arrive in Callao around noon. Here we'll say goodbye to your expedition ship and embark on the next exciting stage of your South American adventure – Machu Picchu. From Lima, you'll catch a flight to Cusco, the old capital of the Inca Empire, around 3,400 metres above sea level. Then we'll head to the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and a restful night before our visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow.
Discover the Lost City of the Incas Start your day in the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we’ll board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, enjoying brunch while the breathtaking Andean scenery passes by. Built around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. It was hidden by jungle for centuries, and only rediscovered in 1911. The Incas left no written records, so mystery surrounds this magnificent stronghold. You’ll enjoy the trails around the city, admire the precision Incan stonework and maybe meet friendly local llamas. This is a one-of-a-kind day at a truly special destination.
Heart of the Incan empire After breakfast, we head back to Cusco to visit Sacsayhuamán, a fortress and temple complex overlooking the city. From here, the views of Cusco and the sacred Inca summits of Ausangate, Pachatusán and Cinca are glorious. The enormous stones used to build Sacsayhuamán fit together entirely without mortar. Remnants of Inca civilisation and culture are all around, including their Sun temple Koricancha – Cusco’s spiritual heart – forming the foundations of the impressive Santa Domingo Church. After taking in the splendid Baroque style Cusco Cathedral and lunch, we'll fly to Lima, where you can enjoy Peru's capital at your leisure. We recommend heading to the lively neighbourhood of Barranco for bars and restaurants.
Your expedition ends in Peru's historic capital Our expedition ends in Lima, once known as 'The City of Kings'. It's well worth taking a day or two to explore this exciting city. Lima's historical centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You'll also see Lima's Incan heritage in the ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca. Known as the food capital of South America, choose from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli, before you leave.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hurtigruten Ships
Since 1893, the Hurtigruten ships have been a hallmark of the Norwegian coast. Today, our ships sail to the Arctic and Antarctica, and many destinations in between. On each ship you will find modern facilities carefully blended with true character. MS Fridtjof Nansen MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. MS Fram The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions. MS Kong Harald Norway's reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable vessel. MS Kong Harald was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. There is a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area were you find the reception, the Expedition Team, conference room and shop. The top deck of the boat features a sun deck, observation saloon and panorama lounge, all of which provide splendid views of spectacular coastal scenery. MS Maud MS Maud is designed to take you on an expedition of the Norwegian coast in maximum comfort, equipped for a sustainable and memorable expedition. MS Maud, the current MS Trollfjord, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsens “Maud” from 1917. The original “Maud” got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten’s 1925 flagship DS Dronning Maud (“DS Queen Maud”). Today´s MS Maud is an ice class 1C ship equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway. MS Nordkapp MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage. MS Nordkapp was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, a Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We also have a cosy bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The ship additionally has a large compass area with reception, a tour guide, conference room and shop. MS Nordkapp was christened by Norway´s Queen Sonja in 1996 and her maiden voyage was to the Shetland Islands. The ship started sailing the Norwegian coast in April 1996. She has also sailed in Antarctica. Since 2007, the vessel has been part of Hurtigruten´s fleet of ships dedicated to sailing the Norwegian coastline. MS Nordlys Both the name and the interior design of this modern expedition ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The art, décor and colours employed aboard this ship are all inspired by the northern lights. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique on-board ambience. Passengers are invited to relax after a long day experiencing Hurtigruten´s various excursions and activities in comfy reclining chairs in the one of the ship’s lounges. In May 2019 MS Nordlys was refurbished. All cabins got a makeover, while new cabin grades were added. The upgrade saw a number of new features being added to the ship. MS Nordstjernen MS Nordstjernen is named after the North Star or Stella Polaris, famous for helping seafarers find their way back home and the Vikings to navigate the north. The ship was built for the Coastal Voyage fleet in 1956 and extensively modernised in 2000 for exclusive Arctic sailing. Today she takes explorers on adventures in the waters around Spitsbergen. Despite modernisation, she still retains the aura of an old Atlantic ship, restored to her former splendour with new brass, classic wooden interiors and all her original art. Out on deck you come extra close to the untouched nature of the Polar Arctic and with roofs over a lot of the deck space you can enjoy being outside, even in rough weather. MS Nordstjernen is equipped with a dining room and bar, a café, a panorama lounge and a library. Inside you’ll find cosy interior and exterior cabins, the majority of which have upper and lower berths. All rooms and deck surfaces exhibit that old, beautiful wood. MS Nordnorge MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle. MS Nordnorge was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We have a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, a tour guide, conference room and shop. MS Polarlys Polarlys is Norwegian for `polar light´, and refers to the natural Arctic phenomenon we pursue in winter. MS Polarlys was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We have a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, the expedition team, conference room and shop. MS Roald Amundsen In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years. Emissions are cut by sailing with electrical propulsion. Innovative sustainable technology reduces fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way. MS Richard With MS Richard With proudly carries the name of Hurtigruten's founder. It is aptly designed and built in classic maritime style. When Captain Richard With established the Norwegian Coastal Express in 1893, he made an enormous impact on life along the Norwegian coastline. The MS Richard With lives up to that legacy. Relax in the ship´s panorama lounges and take in the unforgettable views of remarkable coastal scenery, much of it the same as when the first Hurtigruten boats sailed by more than a century ago. Beautiful art throughout the ship´s interior adds contemporary elegance to the vessel´s maritime ambience. MS Spitsbergen Our new ship, MS Spitsbergen will take you on a voyage beyond the ordinary. MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of travelling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the `Sports Route´. MS Spitsbergen cruises along the Norwegian coast from September to May, and becomes part of our global Explorer sailings during the rest of the year. After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel´s fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters. MS Trollfjord The ship is named after the spectacular Trollfjord in Lofoten. Inside she provides spectacular comfort, modern facilities and interior design that makes extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone. The art exhibited aboard ship includes original paintings that were once on board the old Hurtigruten ship, MS Harald Jarl. MS Trollfjord´s sun deck and hot tub are on deck 9. The ship´s spacious, two-storey panorama lounge is above the bow. Its wall-to-wall windows bathe the lounge in natural light and provide extraordinary views. MS Vesterålen MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller boats and has an intimate on-board atmosphere. MS Vesterålen provides passengers an authentic heritage experience. In its exciting programme you will learn more about the ship´s maritime operations, logistics and hotel operations. You will get an opportunity to get closer to the Hurtigruten operation and to learn more about the operation along the Norwegian coast.
Highlights
• Discover South America's ancient history and modern marvels
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