The Galapagos Islands are being added to Hurtigruten Expeditions’ global offering.
The remote archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador has mesmerised travellers and scientists for centuries, thanks to its distinctive nature and animals.
Hurtigruten Expeditions will expand its itinerary to include the Galapagos Islands beginning in January, providing modern-day explorers with in-depth adventures characterised as “beyond imagination.”
Hurtigruten Group chief executive, Daniel Skjeldam, said: “We are extremely excited to expand our South America offering to one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. We have 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 we offer.
“The pandemic has dramatically pushed this development forward. There is huge pent-up demand for traveling right now and we are responding with this breath-taking new destination.”
Hurtigruten Expeditions has formed a long-term strategic relationship with Metropolitan Touring, the most experienced and famous travel business in the Galapagos, to provide guests with one-of-a-kind experiences.
The fully updated 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II, which joins Hurtigruten Expeditions’ growing fleet of small purpose-built expedition cruise ships, will allow guests to experience Galapagos in elegance and comfort.
“This 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 our long history, deep knowledge and amazing, experienced teams working in the Galapagos Islands.
“We believe the partnership will bolster the Galapagos’ reputation as a nature-based, responsible travel destination on the global stage,” Metropolitan Touring chief executive, Paulina Burbano de Lara, added.
Since they pioneered expedition cruises in Galapagos approximately 70 years ago, Metropolitan Touring has provided intimate and unique interactions with the islands’ animals.
Voters at the World Travel Awards awarded the company South America’s Leading Tour Operator.
Beginning January 2022, Hurtigruten Expeditions will begin to offer seven-day cruises on the MS Santa Cruz II in January, visiting some of the archipelago’s most stunning and famous sites.
