A change of emphasis today.

For many years it has been an ambition of mine to take a voyage with Hurtigruten, the Norwegian shipping line which was originally formed more than 120 years ago.
The original reason for the formation of the shipping line was to open up the scattered towns and settlements of the northern part of the Norwegian coast to the outside world. These places and their people were very isolated, particularly during the long Norwegian winter. In fact some places were only accessible by sea so the line carried mail, passengers and cargo, and was the most important link between North and South.
“Today Hurtigruten is a fascinating mixture of first-class passenger vessels and local working ships.
Calling at 35 ports, Hurtigruten/The Norwegian Coastal Voyage is the lifeline along a stretch of the coast, characterised by its tremendous distances, scattered settlements and dramatic scenery.

Every day of the year, a ship leaves Bergen on the 11-day voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.

HURTIGRUTEN TODAY
Norway and beyond
The Hurtigruten fleet is now a mix of different styles of ship, and everyone has their favourite. Many enjoy travelling on the more traditional ships, while others prefer the more modern vessels. The latest addition to our fleet, the MS Fram has been specifically designed for the Hurtigruten style of voyage. Moving beyond Norwegian shores, our captains and fleet are well equipped for expedition voyages worldwide, and our ships can now be found following the Hurtigruten traditions of expert seamanship and local knowledge exploring the coastlines of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica.”
- extracts from the Hurtigruten website.

I believe this is different and something worth seeing, finances permitting of course.
In the meantime if you find any of this interesting and wish to know more you can check it out at:

http://www.hurtigruten.us/

http://www.hurtigruten.com/

http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk