Trans-Oceanic Ecology voyage

17 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
3.4/5 Average
29 reviews  
66%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
none

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Group Tour
A gently-paced journey from the Sahara across the Atlantic to the rainforest. This is a journey in the wake of famous seafarers, across the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Starting in Casablanca, once a pirate lair, we leave the memories of Humphrey Bogart,  Ingrid Bergman and the Casablanca film behind and head for the first stop, Agadir. This is a city where sandy...
From$1,972
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Onboard lectures about destinations and wildlife along the route
    • Excursions to cities, cultural and historical places
    • Extended stay in Fortaleza after leaving the vessel

What's this trip about?

    A gently-paced journey from the Sahara across the Atlantic to the rainforest. This is a journey in the wake of famous seafarers, across the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Starting in Casablanca, once a pirate lair, we leave the memories of Humphrey Bogart,  Ingrid Bergman and the Casablanca film behind and head for the first stop, Agadir. This is a city where sandy beaches meet Moroccan street life.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCasablanca
End CityFortaleza

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • South America
  • Brazil
  • Africa
  • Morocco
  • Europe
  • Spain

Attractions

  • Agadir
  • Cape Verde
  • Casablanca

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Land expedition
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
    • Wind and water resistant jacket
    • Activities onboard and ashore
    • Professional English speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanying landings and activities
    • Free tea and coffee

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca was an old pirate lair back in the days, and today displays an exotic mix of old and new. We recommend that you explore the city before departure. Stay on deck as we sail out from the “White City” to enjoy the view of the town and its harbour life with smal...

Day 2: Agadir, Morocco

When we arrive in Agadir we recommend you spend some hours on the beach or walk a few hundre meters into the city: Suddenly you are in the middle of Moroccan street life. The city was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1960, and the old Kasbah (citadel) no longer has ...

Day 3: Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain

A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Lanzarote is an intriguing island with an extraordinary geology of 300 volcanic cones. Explore the city, rest under the palm trees at the beaches or visit the Lagoon in the centre of Arrecife. With its small white houses and the small colou...

Day 4: At sea

During the next two days we will sail with the Canary Current on our way to Cape Verde. The current is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. This is where the deep, cold and nutrient-rich water meets more shallow and warm waters, making this part of the ocean a remarkable fishing ground that is also teeming with marine mammals and sea birds.

Day 5: At sea

Enjoy life on deck or join the expedition team for interesting lectures on the Cape Verde Islands, our next destination.

Day 6: Midelo, Cape Verde

Mindelo is a very busy town and full of life. The inhabitants of the Cape Verde evolved their own Creole culture and language influenced by people from Europe, Africa and South America. Do not miss the famous market place in Mindelo and submerse yourself a totally different culture. The old town is also an interesting experience and windsurfers will love the beaches here.

Day 7: Praia, Cape Verde

Praia is the capital of Cape Verde. Not far from Praia you find the tiny Cidade da Ribeira Grande de Santiago (Cidade Velha) the former capital of Santiago. The Portuguese founded it in 1461. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an old fortress, “Fortaleza R...

Day 8: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean was a quite common travel experience a hundred years ago. Today it is extremely special to cross an ocean on a ship and not just fly the distance!

Day 9: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

As we cross the Atlantic Ocean we will fill the days with interesting lectures, great edutainment and on board activities. Enjoy the feeling of you and the ocean, having time to be underway - doing something few people take the time to do nowadays.

Day 10: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

You will see that the ocean is not only blue. The colour will change by the influence of the sunlight and the microorganisms in the water. Flying fish will join us on our way to Brazil and sea birds like the masked booby offer a special attraction.

Day 11: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Enjoy the view to endless horizons, read the book(s) you never had the time to read or chill out on deck.

Day 12: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Have another lazy day at sea, or take part in the on board activities, lectures and edutainment.

Day 13: Belém, Brazil

After a few days in a Zen state our arrival in Belém, Brazil can be a rude transition. But don’t worry; we spend two days here so you can roam the streets and parks shaded by mango trees. The city lies at the bank of the river Para that belongs to the incredible widel...

Day 14: Belém, Brazil

You will need time to explore the megacity of Belem, also known as "cidade das mangueiras” the city of the Mango trees. Nightlife here tends to have an intellectual flavour: art-house theatres, small music venues and heady cafe-bars. Join our outings to nearby areas for wilderness adventures, where you also will learn more about the tropical nature of Amazonia.

Day 15: At sea, along the Brazilian Coast

Join the expedition team for more lectures or spend the day on deck relaxing.

Day 16: At sea, along the Brazilian Coast

As we continue cruising south the ship will be accompanied by sea birds like boobies and frigate birds. But also tropical land birds like to get a ride on the ship as we are sailing quite near to the Brazilian coast.

Day 17: Fortaleza, Brazil

As we arrive in Fortaleza, it is time to say good-bye after a truly special two-week expedition. You can also choose to continue the adventure with us, going even further south to Uruguay.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,972
Price per day$116
Last Updated: 0/21/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Hurtigruten.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Hurtigruten Reviews & Ratings

3.4/5  Average
Excellent
15
Great
3
Average
0
Disappointing
1
Terrible
10
Write a Review

Other Hurtigruten Reviews

A

Alex

Mar 2024

Provided byHurtigruten

What a shambles

This company is unbelievable. Firstly I get a cancellation of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica trip. The compensation in comparison to a like for like tri...

C

Carla

Mar 2020

Provided byHurtigruten

Its the best sea voyage we've ever made!

Its the best sea voyage we've ever made! We're looking for...

L

Linda

Mar 2020

Provided byHurtigruten

unfortunately due to covid-19

do not book with this company !!!!! I my husband and 2 other friends (all Italian) had to take the cruise starting March 17th, unfortunately due to covid-19 we were ...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Hurtigruten

none
View Profile

The coastline between Bergen and Kirkenes is over 1,490 miles long, and in the 19th Century almost all of it was home to rich fishing grounds. The maritime maps were unreliable and there were only a few lighthouses, especially in the north. This important seaway was lined with perilous reefs, small islands and narrow inlets, and it was essential that a safe trade route be established to link the southern and northern regions of Norway.

When the Norwegian government decided to create a connection between the north and the south, Richard With and his friend Anders Holthe took on the challenge of thoroughly mapping the seas along the coastline. In 1893, Captain Richard With’s steamer, DS Vesteraalen, was brought into regular service along the coast of Norway, and Hurtigruten was established. The service offered several weekly departures, first from Trondheim to Hammerfest and later from Bergen to Kirkenes in only seven days. He called this important connection ‘Hurtigruten’ (the fast route).

120 years later, we still carry freight and passengers. Our captains use their extensive maritime expertise to ensure that guests and goods are safely carried from port to port. Today, as then, the Hurtigruten ships are a part of Norwegian coastal life. One of the fleet’s 11 ships departs Bergen daily, sailing to Kirkenes and back in 12 days at an average speed of 15 knots.

Hurtigruten's Ships

Hurtigruten ships have been a staple along the Norwegian coast since 1893. The current fleet consists of classic ships, ships built in the late nineties, and ships built after the millennium.

MS Fram:

Many boast of their “ultimate” expedition ships. But none, save the MS Fram, contains two critical features which deliver adventure in a more safe and comfortable way. MS Fram is a purpose-build expedition ship built especially for comfortable Explorer voyages, with emphasis on relaxation and discovery.

MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights
    • Travel insurance
    • Luggage handling
    • Optional excursions and gratuities

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
MS Midnatsol
The name Midnatsol (Midnight Sun) is something to live up to, and this ship is dedicated to the Norwegian summer. MS Midnatsol has a strong environmental profile and a modern design. The interior’s bright, colourful décor is inspired by the warm sunny climate, a motif also reflected in the many pieces of Norwegian modern art on display. She is also a TV star, being featured in the award winning documentary "Hurtigruten 365", made by Norwegian TV. On deck 9 you find the sun deck and a Jacuzzi. Key qualities of the MS Midnatsol include the large, two-story panorama lounge above the bow, and the large glass expanses that allow natural light to enter, while providing extraordinary views.
Year built 2003 Shipyard Fosen Mek. Verk. (N) Passenger capacity 500 Beds 638 Car capacity 35 Gross tonnage 16151 Length 135.75 m Beam 21.5 m Speed 15 knots
Deck 3 Expedition Suite Cabin Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles.  Some of the suites do have more facilities than others. Owners Suite on upper deck Enjoy exclusive suites situated on upper decks. These suites have two rooms, seating area and dining table, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access mini-bar and private balcony. Travel in the best way possible! Grand Suite on upper deck Enjoy these exclusive suites with one or two rooms, seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access and mini-bar. Some of them also have bathtub. Most of these suites have a private balcony or bay window.
Cancellation policy

You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the person who made the booking or your travel agent must be received at our offices. We recommend ‘Recorded Delivery’. Cancellation takes effect the day we receive your letter or email. Since we incur costs in relation to your arrangements from the time we confirm your booking you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges as shown in the table below (which also applies if we cancel because you have failed to make payments on time - see ‘Payment’ section) together with the cost of any air fare for which we have had to pay at the time of the booking and will be payable immediately on cancellation.

When the cancellation letter is received by us before departure

Charges as a % of the total holiday cost (excl. insurance premiums)

60 or more days Retention of deposit

42–59 days is 30%

28–41 days will be 60%

14–27 days is 90%

Less than 14 days is 100%

If you have to cancel for a reason covered by your travel insurance you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges, less applicable excess. Insurance premiums are not refundable.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions
  • All itineraries are subject to change
  • Medical questionnaire mandatory
  • Free rubber boot rental service on board
Trip ID
hurtig-TraOceHur

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >