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Discuss this article (0 Comments)Selling peace and quiet
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Saturday, 27 December 2008
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The scientific name for the phenomenon is 'Aurora Borealis' and it is thought that these colourful lights, which can be viewed a night, originate from the sun.
During large explosions and flares, huge quantities of solar particles are thrown out of the sun and into deep space. These plasma clouds travel through space with speeds varying from 300 to 1,000 kilometers per second and create a natural light display that far surpasses a fireworks extravaganza.
Beyond Norway
You are selling peace and quiet.
In addition to the Norwegian coastal cruise, Hurtigruten offers sailings around Greenland, Spitsbergen and Antarctica.
Greenland - a six-hour flight from Copenhagen (which can be reached by flying direct from the UAE to the Danish capital with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) - offers guests a chance to sail through floating ice.
In fact, some of Hurtigruten's vessels are custom-built to cut through ice should the occasion arise, so there is no need to worry about Titanic-esque moments when on board these ships.
In addition, whiskey-drinking passengers are offered a unique experience - the chance to sip a wee dram chilled with 20-year-old ice, while nature lovers can take in some whale watching.
Wildlife is also a key highlight of cruises to Spitsbergen (north of Norway) and Antarctica where polar bears and penguins respectively are just some of the furry friends passengers will come face to face with.
A trip to shore gives guests the chance to take part in a number of land-based activities including dog-sledding.
Royal embassy of Norway charge of affairs, Åse Bjerke says she hopes that Hurtigruten's efforts to promote its unique cruise offerings to the UAE market will encourage more tourism from the Gulf to Norway.
She highlights the diversity of the Norwegian coastline where the Vikings once sailed, as well as the country's nature, architecture and picturesque villages, not to mention the "four seasons in one day" that the destination tends to experience.
Addressing VIPs, the travel trade and media at the Hurtigruten launch, Bjerke's message was "discover Norway, your way".
Sample itineraries
The Travel & Leisure Management Company: is offering a 12-day ‘Classic Round Voyage' taking in the entire Norwegian coast - a roundtrip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.
Highlights include the fjords; stopovers at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, the medieval city of Trondheim, the world's most northerly town, Hammerfest, the busy port of Kirkenes, near the Russian border and Tromsǿ- the capital of the Arctic where the Midnight Sun is visible from the end of May until the last week in July.
Tromsǿ is also the starting point for many polar expeditions. Guests will also visit the Lofoten islands where the ship meanders through a network of inlets and isles. Here there is a chance to see a wide variety of sea birds such as puffins and sea eagles.
Prices range from Euro 1230 (US $1575) per person to Euro 2720 ($3484) per person depending on the season with supplements applicable to mini suites and grand suites. For all 2009 bookings, ‘Early Booking Discounts' ranging from 15% to 25% are applicable (offer valid until December 31, 2008).
The Travel & Leisure Management Company can also provide all land arrangements such as accommodation, transfers and sightseeing trips.
Visit www.xploreholidays.com or www.hurtigruten.com or www.hurtigruten.ae
Dnata Holidays: is offering a 12-day ‘Antarctica Discovery' cruise, starting in Buenos Aires and taking in Ushuaia, Half Moon Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, South Shetland Islands and Cape Horn with prices starting from AED 19,999 ($5445) per person, excluding flights.
Agents are recommended to book clients on Emirates Airline's direct Dubai-Sao Paulo flight (daily) to connect to Buenos Aires. Alternatively, flights to Buenos Aires with Air France via Paris are AED 7080 ($1928) per person.
Add-on excursions to destinations in South America are also available.
Visit: www.dnataholidaysagents.com or www.hurtigruten.com or www.hurtigruten.ae
The Travel & Leisure Management Company: is offering a 12-day ‘Classic Round Voyage' taking in the entire Norwegian coast - a roundtrip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.
Highlights include the fjords; stopovers at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, the medieval city of Trondheim, the world's most northerly town, Hammerfest, the busy port of Kirkenes, near the Russian border and Tromsǿ- the capital of the Arctic where the Midnight Sun is visible from the end of May until the last week in July.
Tromsǿ is also the starting point for many polar expeditions. Guests will also visit the Lofoten islands where the ship meanders through a network of inlets and isles. Here there is a chance to see a wide variety of sea birds such as puffins and sea eagles.
Prices range from Euro 1230 (US $1575) per person to Euro 2720 ($3484) per person depending on the season with supplements applicable to mini suites and grand suites. For all 2009 bookings, ‘Early Booking Discounts' ranging from 15% to 25% are applicable (offer valid until December 31, 2008).
The Travel & Leisure Management Company can also provide all land arrangements such as accommodation, transfers and sightseeing trips.
Visit www.xploreholidays.com or www.hurtigruten.com or www.hurtigruten.ae
Dnata Holidays: is offering a 12-day ‘Antarctica Discovery' cruise, starting in Buenos Aires and taking in Ushuaia, Half Moon Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, South Shetland Islands and Cape Horn with prices starting from AED 19,999 ($5445) per person, excluding flights.
Agents are recommended to book clients on Emirates Airline's direct Dubai-Sao Paulo flight (daily) to connect to Buenos Aires. Alternatively, flights to Buenos Aires with Air France via Paris are AED 7080 ($1928) per person.
Add-on excursions to destinations in South America are also available.
Visit: www.dnataholidaysagents.com or www.hurtigruten.com or www.hurtigruten.ae
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