Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a family holiday, and one of the most important factors in choosing a destination or accommodation is carried out with the youngest children in mind so that they can have a good time with other children and their own family.
With this in mind, the Norwegian cruise operator is offering the Young Explorers’ Programme this season, which is geared towards young and curious kids between the ages of 7 and 13. Children can choose from 19 different activities on board the MS Finnmarken, all of which have the common goal of making them learn sustainably and awakening their more adventurous side. And, the team looking after the Young Explorers all speak Norwegian, English and German.
Activities have been designed for youngsters to have fun while discovering “the world’s most beautiful sea voyage”, and gain a better understanding of nature, climate and culture. The Young Explorers will take part in events and activities related to wildlife, local food, environmental protection and the life of famous explorers, and perform daily activities connected to these themes. For example, there’s at least one excursion on every trip to complete environmental actions such as cleaning the beaches along the Norwegian coast, which are carried out in collaboration with the Hurtigruten Fountaion.
All the children get a Young Explorer Starter Pack at the beginning of their voyage with a t-shirt and activity book to record their observations (wildlife, attractions, etc.). There will also be daily explorers’ meetings to discuss the day’s activities and certify the children have participated in them with a “Young Explorer” stamp.
Over the course of the cruise, the young children also receive advice on the most interesting attractions for them to visit, including Pirbadet Waterpark in Trondheim, Vitensenteret, a science and technology centre with activities for all ages, and the Hurtigruten Museum, which is a great way to discover the history of the Norwegian company.
An authentic experience on board the MS Finnmarken
The Hurtigruten Young Explorer’s Programme takes places on the MS Finnmarken, one of the company’s ships that most suited to family trips. It’s the only one of the Hurtigruten vessels with a heated outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzis, reading rooms and comfortable panoramic lounges that are ideal for the Young Explorers’ meetings. The common areas take on a special role as they are the places chosen to share knowledge and interesting facts about Norwegian nature and culture, and explain the areas where boats sail, and the material of interest is adapted to suit each group.
