Norwegian cruises promise many ways to celebrate a 'God Jul'

The Christmas holidays are always a special time in Norway and Hurtigruten is offering an array of traditional activities and shore excursions to celebrate the festive nature of their greeting "God Jul" (Norwegian for "Merry Christmas"). And the New Year is no less festive, except it entails dancing, fireworks and, of course, the midnight toast. Come celebrate with Hurtigeruten Dec. 14-31 as the cruise line offers daily departures with festive flair. Catch the holiday spirit at sea Christmas with Hurtigruten means making decorations with fellow passengers and crew, singing carols, attending church services in ports when possible, enjoying foods that range from the traditional "Julegrot" (Christmas porridge) and mulled wine to local holiday delicacies at a festive Christmas Eve feast, including an extravagant Scandinavian smorgasbord, and a visit from Santa Claus bearing gifts. New Year's celebrations include a New Year Eve's banquet with after dinner dancing, and midnight fireworks and a champagne toast. Guests on the 12-day departures enjoy expert lectures on a variety of subjects "The Northern Lights," "S mi Culture" and "Norwegian Christmas Traditions" are examples. And experience the beauty of Norway All of these activities combine with the peaceful scenery along Norway's spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast snow-clad coastal landscapes, lights glowing from the many villages, towns and lighthouses, and when atmospheric conditions are right, the shimmering Northern Lights flashing across the sky. Thirty-four ports of call range from fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands to Art Nouveau Alesund and bustling cities like Tromso and Trondheim. Optional shore excursions during this season showcase Norway's history and lifestyle a snowmobile safari from Kirkenes, followed by a snack of dried reindeer meat in a Sami tent; a dogsledding outing in Tromso; and a trip from Honningsvag through the desolate polar landscape to the North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe; to name a few. More options for your vacation Optional shore excursions are expanded with new offerings including becoming a member of the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society (swimming with the icebergs not required); visiting with a family in the North Cape community of Skarsvag to learn about local traditions near the top of the world; and touring the 700-year-old Vard hus Fortress, the world's northernmost fort. You choose when to depart Daily holiday departures run Dec. 14-31 at fares of $1,299 to $4,699 per person, double for six-day southbound or seven-day northbound, and $2,299 to $6,899 for the 12-day roundtrip voyages; activities and optional shoe excursions differ depending on departure. Singles rates start at only $300 more; prices include all meals aboard ship, taxes and port charges; fuel surcharges are $8 per day additional. For more information Additional information and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten at 405 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022; 800-323-7436 or 212-319-1300; for brochures, 800-582-0835, 24 hours per day www.hurtigruten.us.