New York, NY, January 2009 -- Hurtigruten's 2009 "Escorted Vacations" line-up features four fascinating 14- to 18-day fully escorted cruise-tours to Norway, Scandinavia and several Baltic countries. And to make it even more enticing, Hurtigruten has announced reductions of more than 30% on departures from March to October 2009, with the shoulder seasons offering the greatest savings. The new air-inclusive pricing ranges from $5,799 to $14,269 per person, double -- reduced from $8,449 to $14,599. The centerpiece of each program is a six-day southbound, seven-day northbound or 12-day roundtrip cruise aboard a modern Hurtigruten ship sailing along Norway's spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between Bergen and Kirkenes. The 34 ports in each direction range from fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands to Art Nouveau Alesund and bustling cities like Tromso and Trondheim.

The splendor of the country's cities, villages and scenic fjord-filled coastline shines through on the 18-day "Norway Splendor." After three days in Oslo, guests travel to Oslofjord, where Edvard Munch once had a studio; Telemark, one of Norway's most scenic districts; Heddal, with its 12th-century triple-nave church; the Hardangervidda mountain plateau; and Naeroyfjord, the wildest and narrowest of Norway's fjord arm. A guided tour of Bergen precedes embarkation on a 12-day roundtrip voyage. At the end of the voyage, guests spend a day in Bergen. New prices range from $5,799 to $14,269.

The 16-day "Baltic Wonders" cruise-tour begins in St. Petersburg, Russia's capital city for more than 200 years, where guests enjoy a welcome dinner and Russian folklore show. Guided tour highlights during the next two days include the onion-domed Church on Spilled Blood, the Hermitage museum and Peterhof Palace. Passengers, traveling by train, explore Helsinki, Rovaniem and Finnish Lapland's Ivalo before arriving in Kirkenes for the six-day southbound cruise. The ship disembarks in the Hanseatic city of Bergen, where visitors tour the city prior to setting off on several days taking in the stunning scenery of Norway's fjord region. Arriving in the charming city of Oslo by way of the Bergen Railway, guests have a bit of free time to explore before departing for home. Discounted fares range from $7,299 to $12,189 per person, double.

Also 16 days, the "Scandinavian Smorgasbord" kicks off with a three-day stay in Stockholm - taking in City Hall's "Golden Hall" and the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and 13th century cathedral, before continuing by overnight train to Swedish Lapland, where visitors experience Sami culture at the Samiland center. A motorcoach transports the group to Kirkenes to embark on their six-day southbound voyage, ending in the bustling city of Bergen and a tour of Norway's southern fjord country. After a day in Oslo, passengers sail overnight to Copenhagen for a guided tour past Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, the old Stock Exchange and the Little Mermaid Statue. Reduced fares are $7,799 to $12,689.

On "Spectacular Norway," a 14-day adventure, guests spend two days of touring in Bergen before taking a train to Myrdal and Flam where a two-hour cruise on the Sognefjord showcases cascading waterfalls, secluded hamlets and snow-dusted mountains. After a night at the 19th-century, Swiss-chalet style Kvikne's Hotel in Balestrand, travelers return to Bergen on the Bergen Railway - named one of the "Top Rail Experiences in the World" - and embark on their seven-day northbound cruise. The cruise ends in Kirkenes, where visitors are exposed to examples of Sami craftsmanship and dining traditions before traveling onward to Oslo for a final day of touring. New lower fares range from $6,299 to $12,379.

All cruises include transatlantic airfare from New York;, first-class hotel accommodations; services of Hurtigruten tour directors and local tour operators and sightseeing throughout; entrance fees to museums and other attractions; shipboard accommodations, select cabin, three meals daily on ship and other meals as indicated; and transportation by rail and motorcoach. Air add-ons of $100 to $360 are available from dozens of US gateways.

Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.

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Gillies and Zaiser
10 Nytko Drive, Suite 115
Pomona, NY 10970-2646

HTN-04-January, 2009