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Thanks.
quote:Originally posted by JP:[...] I realize that the Hurtigruten ships manage to sail up there year-round, but cruise ships?Thanks.
There should not be a problem. It's winter and thus cold but temperatures are not that extreme due to the gulf stream - there is also hardly any ice on the water, the Hurtigruten ships are actually categorized in the lowest ice class like some cruise ships.
Video Clips of a trip aboard Richard With, Hurtigruten Feburary 1994
Pam's album on a trip aboard Polarlys, Hurtigruten November 2002
[ 10-18-2013: Message edited by: Ernst ]
Remember, too, that MARCO POLO was practically a fixture in both the Arctic and the Antarctic during her days with Orient Line; the vessel seems to handle icy conditions quite well.
Rich
quote:Originally posted by Linerrich:[...] Obviously you're not going up there in the dark of winter for shoreside sightseeing as much as to see the Aurora Borealis; that seems to be the draw, and people have not been disappointed.[...]
I disagree with that - also because I have been to Norway during the winter several times without seeing an Aurora Borealis.
Like with all cruises to Norway the landscape is the main attraction - and it's beautiful when covered with snow.
Beside that, there is actually a lot do ashore - Hurtigruten seems to have done a good job in coming up with shore excursion for the winter like trips with dog sleds or snowmobiles.
quote:Originally posted by Linerrich:[...]Remember, too, that MARCO POLO was practically a fixture in both the Arctic and the Antarctic during her days with Orient Line; the vessel seems to handle icy conditions quite well.[...]
Like most Hurtigruten ships or also other cruise ships Marco Polo is classified as 1C. Mind you, this is a 'low' category and does NOT indicate that the vessel is suitable for operation in polar regions.
Marco Polo - Det Norske Veritas registry
Richard With, Hurtigruten - Det Norske Veritas registry
[ 10-22-2013: Message edited by: Ernst ]
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