Latest news with #Hurtigruten
Travel Weekly
20-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
A sustainability premium is a tough sell -- but what about Gen Z?
Teri West When I explored the question of whether cruisers, particularly in the expedition and luxury market, would be willing to pay a sustainability-related premium, the answer I received was, essentially, "no." Cruise executives and advisors who specialize in these products told me that while customers may care about sustainability, the destination itself and the price are still their primary concerns. If one line was to charge an extra fee for sustainable efforts, it could lose customers to a competitor, they said. But that story may change in the decades to come, as younger generations mature, grow their wealth and start talking with their money. "I have a 19-year-old daughter who's my youngest one, and she has a complete different focus on environment and sustainability than I ever had at that age," Hurtigruten COO Gerry Larsson-Fedde told me. "And that's the generation that's coming. That's the generation that will be our guests in the future. And we really need to be prepared for that." Studies have for years documented the way Generation Z consumers think about the environment when they shop. Capital One reported in March that a little more than half of Gen Z shoppers are more likely to choose a product based on its sustainability than its brand name. The comparable rates for Gen X and Baby Boomers were 11% and 20%. When asked whether they would be willing to pay more for sustainable products, 73% of Gen Z respondents answered "yes" in a 2019 study conducted by consumer data analyst First Insight. That's a higher rate than any other generation; just 55% of Gen X respondents and 42% of Baby Boomers had the same answer. But that was six years ago, you say. Consider this: In the same study conducted two years later, the rate had continued to increase for every other generation -- but especially for Gen X, which surged to a 78% willingness to pay more. There is less data available about whether and how younger travelers prioritize sustainable travel, but what is available shows many are thinking about the Earth when taking trips. For example, half of the students surveyed for StudentUniverse's State of Student Travel in 2024 report said they prioritize booking with companies that have strong environmental credentials. Of course, the desire to prioritize the environment doesn't always align with how Gen Z shops in practice. Fast fashion, for example, is still popular; 72% of college students reported shopping a fast-fashion chain in a 2022, according to a report published by ThredUp. But fast-fashion products are also amongst the most affordable for building a wardrobe. In 10, 20 or 30 years, we could expect the wallets of those then-college students to be more robust and, perhaps, discerning. There is already a sector of people unwilling to cruise because of the industry's environmental impact, said Gari Senderoff polar travel specialist with Cruise Planners. "And let's face it," he told me, "Nobody really, absolutely needs to cruise. People need to fly, but no, this is a luxury that nobody really needs." If upcoming generations continue to prioritize lowering their environmental impact, the industry could lose out on more customers who choose to put the environment first. Or it could work proactively. "You can't start in 20 years," Larsson-Fedde said. "We need to start now."
Trade Arabia
20-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Hurtigruten, CruiseXplore to strengthen Mideast presence
CruiseXplore has been officially appointed as the exclusive Middle East representative for Hurtigruten, the renowned Norwegian cruise line with over 130 years of experience sailing the iconic Norwegian coastline. This strategic partnership brings together CruiseXplore's deep-rooted expertise in the Middle East cruise market with Hurtigruten's legendary Coastal Express voyages and premium Signature Line sailings. With a fleet of small, intimately scaled ships operated by expert crews, Hurtigruten offers an authentic and immersive travel experience to some of the most remote and awe-inspiring parts of the Norwegian coast. Together, CruiseXplore and Hurtigruten aim to meet the growing demand in the Middle East for transformative, experience-rich travel to Norway and the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard—offering exceptional value without compromising on quality. Carla Hines, Head of Sales for EMEA at Hurtigruten, said: 'We're thrilled to partner with CruiseXplore to expand Hurtigruten's presence in the Middle East. Their in-depth knowledge of the region, strong industry relationships, and commitment to delivering exceptional service make them the ideal partner for our growth in this dynamic and fast-evolving market. The Middle East presents an exciting opportunity for us to connect more travellers with the natural wonders of Norway – from its dramatic fjords to its rich coastal heritage. Through this collaboration, we look forward to welcoming more guests from the region aboard our voyages and sharing the magic of Norway with a new audience.' Lakshmi Durai, Chief Executive Officer of CruiseXplore, added: 'We are delighted to see the pace at which the demand for destination-focused experiential cruising has been growing year on year. Hurtigruten's expertise in offering authentic voyages with high-quality services and products that are truly Norwegian appeals greatly to this region. The Middle Eastern guests always look for visiting different destinations by engaging with their history, people, culture, and food. Hurtigruten offers the perfect and sought-after cruise for our guests.' 'With Hurtigruten, our guests will get to see the breathtaking Northern Lights closely in the sky just above them while standing on the top deck of the ship. Watching this magical and natural wonder, called Aurora Borealis, from the ship is an exciting experience not to be missed.'
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The Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
HX launches rare Arctic cruise expeditions designed with Inuit communities
Under a new programme developed by Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX), passengers visiting the Arctic will be given access to rare cruise excursions designed with Inuit Elders for the first time The expedition cruise brand has launched a new excursion programme in Arctic Canada with Inuit Elders, local residents, and community-born staff. Launching in summer 2025, the community-led excursions will be offered on HX's 26-day Northwest Passage sailings. These include westbound itineraries from Greenland to Alaska aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, HX's newest hybrid-powered vessel and eastbound from Alaska to Greenland on MS Roald Amundsen, the world's first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship. Each excursion has been created with Inuit hosts to offer passengers a rare opportunity to engage with daily life, culture, and traditions in the Canadian Arctic through the perspective of those living there. The excursions will take place in Gjøa Haven, Pond Inlet, and Cambridge Bay, communities in the eastern Canadian Arctic that can only be visited during a short summer window. Excursion pricing ranges from £29 for a community bingo event to £125 for a four-hour Arctic char fishing tour, capped at eight guests. Other experiences include learning how Inuit communities continue to live off the land, guided hikes and art sessions. HX said it will not take any margin from these excursions in their first phase, with 100 per cent of the revenue going directly to individuals, artists, and local businesses. A key member of the development team for these new experiences is Mariah Erkloo, an HX product planner and Inuk who was born and raised in Pond Inlet. She said: 'This kind of collaboration is exactly what's needed in Arctic tourism. It's encouraging to see it begin in a way that centres Inuit voices and priorities. 'From the community side, if this model continues to grow with care, it will strengthen the experience for both locals and visitors. I look forward to seeing how it evolves and the lasting positive impact it will have for our communities and the people who travel through them.' Each experience will be limited to an average of 10 to 12 guests Alex McNeil, chief expedition officer for HX, said: 'These intimate excursions are an opportunity for travellers to create meaningful personal connections with local residents and experience the beauty of Inuit hospitality like never before. 'HX worked hand-in-hand with Inuit to create experiences that invite guests to share in the day-to-day life of those who call these shores home. It's redefining what's possible in Arctic travel.'
The Advertiser
17-05-2025
- The Advertiser
The one travel habit Europeans get right - and Aussies often don't
At this time of year, Aussies are jetting off to Europe. Whether cruising the Med, the Rhine, the Baltic or the Adriatic, we have much to learn about living la dolce vita. While cruise lines stack their ships with more and more things to do, Europeans believe happiness is having less to do. Italians have a lovely phrase: Dolce far niente, which means "the sweetness of doing nothing". Unsurprisingly, in the country of siestas, there's a similar Spanish proverb: "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward." In Spain, nobody rushes. While everyone else queues to be first off the ship, grumbling about the delay, Spaniards will eventually make their way to a sunny square for a cold beer and tapas. Whingeing passengers, please take note of Hurtigruten's campaign using Norwegian sayings to promote expedition cruising. "Ut pa tur, aldri sur" translates as "out on a trip, never grumpy". Another wise concept is the Croatian fjaka - the art of embracing stillness, slowing down, and enjoying life's simple pleasures. Marina Rogoznica, cruise director at Unforgettable Croatia, describes her uncle as "the poster child of fjaka, sitting on his porch, staring at the sea, drinking his own wine, and saying there is nothing in the world better than this". Sounds like a small ship cruise along the Dalmatian coast, where you spend your days swimming, relaxing on quiet decks, and savouring meals with no pressure to hurry. A Greek person will take you to the oldest cafe in town, teach you three different toasts with ouzo, and casually explain the difference between philosophy and mythology over grilled octopus. Don't be surprised if a full-blown celebration erupts with music, singing, dancing and slabs of baklava. The French show us how to dress stylishly and remind us how to open wine with a corkscrew. They would definitely skip the buffet (except to inspect the cheese) and instead settle in for a leisurely lunch with a bottle of Bordeaux. A French cruiser wears a light scarf and a linen outfit that says "I might own a vineyard". Next time you're on a cruise, channel your inner European. Choose quality over quantity, peace over plans, and never underestimate the power of a nap. You'll come back not only tanned but transformed. At this time of year, Aussies are jetting off to Europe. Whether cruising the Med, the Rhine, the Baltic or the Adriatic, we have much to learn about living la dolce vita. While cruise lines stack their ships with more and more things to do, Europeans believe happiness is having less to do. Italians have a lovely phrase: Dolce far niente, which means "the sweetness of doing nothing". Unsurprisingly, in the country of siestas, there's a similar Spanish proverb: "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward." In Spain, nobody rushes. While everyone else queues to be first off the ship, grumbling about the delay, Spaniards will eventually make their way to a sunny square for a cold beer and tapas. Whingeing passengers, please take note of Hurtigruten's campaign using Norwegian sayings to promote expedition cruising. "Ut pa tur, aldri sur" translates as "out on a trip, never grumpy". Another wise concept is the Croatian fjaka - the art of embracing stillness, slowing down, and enjoying life's simple pleasures. Marina Rogoznica, cruise director at Unforgettable Croatia, describes her uncle as "the poster child of fjaka, sitting on his porch, staring at the sea, drinking his own wine, and saying there is nothing in the world better than this". Sounds like a small ship cruise along the Dalmatian coast, where you spend your days swimming, relaxing on quiet decks, and savouring meals with no pressure to hurry. A Greek person will take you to the oldest cafe in town, teach you three different toasts with ouzo, and casually explain the difference between philosophy and mythology over grilled octopus. Don't be surprised if a full-blown celebration erupts with music, singing, dancing and slabs of baklava. The French show us how to dress stylishly and remind us how to open wine with a corkscrew. They would definitely skip the buffet (except to inspect the cheese) and instead settle in for a leisurely lunch with a bottle of Bordeaux. A French cruiser wears a light scarf and a linen outfit that says "I might own a vineyard". Next time you're on a cruise, channel your inner European. Choose quality over quantity, peace over plans, and never underestimate the power of a nap. You'll come back not only tanned but transformed. At this time of year, Aussies are jetting off to Europe. Whether cruising the Med, the Rhine, the Baltic or the Adriatic, we have much to learn about living la dolce vita. While cruise lines stack their ships with more and more things to do, Europeans believe happiness is having less to do. Italians have a lovely phrase: Dolce far niente, which means "the sweetness of doing nothing". Unsurprisingly, in the country of siestas, there's a similar Spanish proverb: "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward." In Spain, nobody rushes. While everyone else queues to be first off the ship, grumbling about the delay, Spaniards will eventually make their way to a sunny square for a cold beer and tapas. Whingeing passengers, please take note of Hurtigruten's campaign using Norwegian sayings to promote expedition cruising. "Ut pa tur, aldri sur" translates as "out on a trip, never grumpy". Another wise concept is the Croatian fjaka - the art of embracing stillness, slowing down, and enjoying life's simple pleasures. Marina Rogoznica, cruise director at Unforgettable Croatia, describes her uncle as "the poster child of fjaka, sitting on his porch, staring at the sea, drinking his own wine, and saying there is nothing in the world better than this". Sounds like a small ship cruise along the Dalmatian coast, where you spend your days swimming, relaxing on quiet decks, and savouring meals with no pressure to hurry. A Greek person will take you to the oldest cafe in town, teach you three different toasts with ouzo, and casually explain the difference between philosophy and mythology over grilled octopus. Don't be surprised if a full-blown celebration erupts with music, singing, dancing and slabs of baklava. The French show us how to dress stylishly and remind us how to open wine with a corkscrew. They would definitely skip the buffet (except to inspect the cheese) and instead settle in for a leisurely lunch with a bottle of Bordeaux. A French cruiser wears a light scarf and a linen outfit that says "I might own a vineyard". Next time you're on a cruise, channel your inner European. Choose quality over quantity, peace over plans, and never underestimate the power of a nap. You'll come back not only tanned but transformed. At this time of year, Aussies are jetting off to Europe. Whether cruising the Med, the Rhine, the Baltic or the Adriatic, we have much to learn about living la dolce vita. While cruise lines stack their ships with more and more things to do, Europeans believe happiness is having less to do. Italians have a lovely phrase: Dolce far niente, which means "the sweetness of doing nothing". Unsurprisingly, in the country of siestas, there's a similar Spanish proverb: "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward." In Spain, nobody rushes. While everyone else queues to be first off the ship, grumbling about the delay, Spaniards will eventually make their way to a sunny square for a cold beer and tapas. Whingeing passengers, please take note of Hurtigruten's campaign using Norwegian sayings to promote expedition cruising. "Ut pa tur, aldri sur" translates as "out on a trip, never grumpy". Another wise concept is the Croatian fjaka - the art of embracing stillness, slowing down, and enjoying life's simple pleasures. Marina Rogoznica, cruise director at Unforgettable Croatia, describes her uncle as "the poster child of fjaka, sitting on his porch, staring at the sea, drinking his own wine, and saying there is nothing in the world better than this". Sounds like a small ship cruise along the Dalmatian coast, where you spend your days swimming, relaxing on quiet decks, and savouring meals with no pressure to hurry. A Greek person will take you to the oldest cafe in town, teach you three different toasts with ouzo, and casually explain the difference between philosophy and mythology over grilled octopus. Don't be surprised if a full-blown celebration erupts with music, singing, dancing and slabs of baklava. The French show us how to dress stylishly and remind us how to open wine with a corkscrew. They would definitely skip the buffet (except to inspect the cheese) and instead settle in for a leisurely lunch with a bottle of Bordeaux. A French cruiser wears a light scarf and a linen outfit that says "I might own a vineyard". Next time you're on a cruise, channel your inner European. Choose quality over quantity, peace over plans, and never underestimate the power of a nap. You'll come back not only tanned but transformed.
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Can Cruise Ships Ever Be Truly Green? Norway May Hold The Answer
Could cruise ships of the future look like this? Hurtigruten's "Sea Zero" research project will give us some answers. Although they are hugely popular, cruise ships are far from sustainable. Traditional vessels burn heavy fuel oil, emit significant greenhouse gases, and rely on complex global supply chains. But in Norway, where environmental awareness runs deep and maritime innovation has long been a national strength, a pair of cruise companies are showing how a cleaner future may already be within reach. With environmental requirements baked into government contracts, the ships serving Norway's historic Bergen–Kirkenes coastal route are at the forefront of green maritime innovation. The two operating companies—Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages—are taking different but equally ambitious approaches to decarbonizing maritime transport. The wider cruise industry is watching closely, and for good reason. What's happening in Norway could shape the global cruise sector's path forward. Havila Voyages has already made headlines by launching four of the world's most environmentally friendly passenger vessels, now in operation along the coast of Norway. These coastal cruise ferries run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and battery power, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional ships. When powered by liquid biogas, that figure rises to as much as 90%. Now, Havila is going a step further. Through a research initiative called LNGameChanger, the company is working with Norwegian technology partners to develop an onboard carbon capture system. The idea is to use solid oxide fuel cells to generate electricity from LNG while simultaneously capturing the resulting carbon dioxide, liquefying it, and storing it on the ship for later offloading at port. Havila's coastal cruise ships can already sail purely on battery power in scenic locations such as Norway's Trollfjord. LNGameChanger is backed by the Norwegian Research Council and involves maritime technology firm HAV Group, LNG supplier Molgas, and research institute SINTEF. Feasibility studies, voyage simulations, and infrastructure planning are already underway to prepare Havila's LNG-powered fleet as testbeds for the new system. As many of the world's newest megaships now run on LNG, the success of this research project could have wide-reaching implications for the entire cruise industry. While Havila focuses on upgrading today's tech, Hurtigruten is attempting to design the cruise ship of tomorrow from scratch. Its Sea Zero project aims to launch the world's first fully zero-emission cruise vessel by 2030. That's a bold goal given the energy demands of large ships, so, to get there, Hurtigruten is completely rethinking ship design. The eye-catching prototype includes a sleek, energy-efficient hull, retractable sails for wind-assisted propulsion, an air lubrication system that reduces drag, and contra-rotating propellers for optimized thrust. Power will come from large battery packs charged with green electricity at ports along the route. Sea Zero brings together leading Norwegian players including shipbuilder Vard, propulsion specialist Brunvoll, and researchers at SINTEF. Recent testing at SINTEF's labs in Trondheim has shown encouraging results. The innovative design could reduce energy use by as much as 50% compared to current vessels, making full battery operation between charging ports a viable option under normal conditions. According to Hurtigruten CEO Hedda Felin, the project is about future-proofing the company for the next century of sailing along the Norwegian coast. Both companies are targeting 2030 as a milestone for more sustainable cruising. Havila, which has already demonstrated the success of large-scale battery technology, is now exploring onboard carbon capture systems to reduce emissions from its LNG-powered fleet. Hurtigruten is aiming for a zero-emission reinvention of the cruise ship itself. Their approaches differ, but their goals are shared: dramatically reduce emissions, showcase Norwegian maritime innovation, and preserve the pristine coastline they both call home. So, can cruise ships ever be truly sustainable? Norway's answer is a resounding 'yes', but it will only come as a result of bold investment, deep collaboration and a willingness to rethink everything we know about cruise ships.
