Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Trans-Oceanic Ecology voyage
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Onboard lectures about destinations and wildlife along the route
- Excursions to cities, cultural and historical places
- Extended stay in Fortaleza after leaving the vessel
Short Description
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.
Activities & Interests
Bird watching Culture Historic sightseeing Land expedition Nature Wildlife viewingItinerary
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 small, open and colourful wooden boats next to fishing vessels and huge ocean liners. See the famous landmark, the Hassan II Mosque in the sunset before it's time for your first dinner on board the MS Midnatsol.
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 its crenellated ramparts. Nevertheless, this elevated site has a complete view of the bay, the port and the new town. It is an enchanting sight at sundown. Slightly to the south of the city center, the new Medina is a place to be discovered. It was reconstructed from the 1990s onwards by Italian architect Coco Polizzi. It is an original and bold success, where the Moroccan soul still survives. The jewelry souk and the Moorish café are more than worth the detour.
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 colourful fishing boats it is called the “Venice of the Atlantic”. If you are interested in Modern Art the International Museum of Modern Art in the old military fortress “Castillo de San José” is a must.
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 Real de Sao Felipe”, the extraordinary restored “Rua Banana” and the oldest colonial church in the region. Enjoy a day of snorkelling or take a walk along the beach to experience the hectic life here.
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 widely ramified river system of the Amazon basin. We will cruise through the Baia de Maraio to reach the harbour of Belem situated at 1° 27’S, nearly on the Equator. Amazonia is affected by the tropical climate of the South American equatorial region, and is home to an impressive species-rich evergreen tropic rainforest.
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.
Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Hurtigruten.
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.
28 Hurtigruten Travel Reviews & Ratings
Trans-Oceanic Ecology voyage
Company Reviews
Its the best sea voyage we've ever made!
unfortunately due to covid-19
Hurtigruten didn’t apologize and turn their back on you
Don’t be the next victim.
Outraged !!!
it would be my first trip in this company but now not even for free !!! at 8 pm I had to rent a car and drive 8 am in the blizzard to Tromso !!! I never went through so much neglect !!
Detail have paid Eur 600 detail for 14 hours on this “ship” !!!!!
Outraged !!!
Recommended 100 %
very boring and uninteresting experience
Details
Ship Name
MS Midnatsol
Ship Stats
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 |
Ship Description
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.
Deck & Cabin Plans
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.
All Deck & Cabin Plans (affiliate link) Trip Photos (affiliate link)Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
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.
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#:
TraOceHur
What's excluded
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By clicking «Send my questions» you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. An account will be created for you to track your submission and a temporary password will be emailed to you.
×You can access members-only savings of up to $700 on over 6,000 Travelstride Select trips.
Sign in to see trip eligibility
With your FREE membership you get to:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
You could save $ 300 per person on this trip!
