Hurtigruten Expeditions to launch Galapagos sailings next year

Friday, June 25, 2021

Hurtigruten Expeditions has decided to expand its global offering to the Galapagos Islands. Famous for the unique nature and wildlife, the isolated archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador has mesmerised travellers and scientists for centuries. From January, Hurtigruten Expeditions will expand the breadth of its destinations to include the Galapagos Islands, offering modern-day explorers in-depth adventures described as ‘beyond imagination’. 

To offer guests one-of-a-kind experiences, Hurtigruten Expeditions has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, the most experienced and renowned travel company in the Galapagos. Guests will explore Galapagos in style and comfort on-board the fully upgraded 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II, adding to Hurtigruten Expeditions’ growing fleet of small purpose-built expedition cruise ships. 

Starting from January, Hurtigruten Expeditions will offer seven-day adventures, visiting some of the most spectacular and iconic sites of the archipelago on-board MS Santa Cruz II. Daniel Skjeldam, Chief Executive, Hurtigruten Group said in a statement that the company is extremely excited to expand the South America offering to one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. He mentioned that the line has seen a clear trend of travellers seeking out truly unique and meaningful travel experiences, with a sharp increase in demand for the type of small ships/big experiences it offers.

He shared that the pandemic has dramatically pushed this development forward and is there is huge pent-up demand for traveling right now and the line is responding with this breath-taking new destination. Paulina Burbano de Lara, Chief Executive, Metropolitan Touring added that the partnership brings together two companies that combine the best of two worlds: Hurtigruten Expeditions as a global player with an excellent reputation in expedition cruises, and its long history, deep knowledge and amazing, experienced teams working in the Galapagos Islands. Metropolitan Touring has offered intimate and unique encounters with the islands’ wildlife since they pioneered expedition cruises in Galapagos almost 70 years ago.

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