Hurtigruten Expeditions - West Africa 

This fall, Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s leading expedition cruise company, will launch the only expedition cruise to explore the fascinating region of Coastal West Africa. Starting in Dakar, Senegal, before heading to Cape Verde for four full days, visiting ports that no other cruise ship go to; then four full days in the matriarchic archipelago of the Bissagos, which belongs to Guinea-Bissau; before stopping in The Gambia for a day.  With a strong focus on science (the company was the first to introduce Science Center onboard and the first – and still only – to have a Chief Scientist!), the Expedition Team will help you discover West African wildlife in mangroves, palm groves, coastal savannahs, and the UNESCO-protected biosphere of the Bissagos Islands. Wildlife sightings should include saltwater hippos, crocodiles, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, monkeys, endemic bird species and migratory birds. We will also explore Dakar and Banjul, two of West Africa’s most exciting capitals. As the most sustainable brand in cruising, Hurtigruten Expeditions’ industry-leading Science Program includes a wide range of Citizen Science research projects that guests are encouraged to participate in. Project focus depends on the destination; however, these research entities work alongside the on-board Expedition Teams to provide educational opportunities for passengers through lectures, demonstrations, and real-time analysis of scientific data. The well-equipped onboard Science Centers features museum-style exhibits, and activity areas giving guests hands-on experiences to complement the lecture programFor this press trip, Hurtigruten Expeditions is partnering exclusively with The Collective. Following the launch of its Black Traveler Advisory Board early last year, the company is increasing its focus on DEI as a key part of its industry-leading ESG position.Our press trip will depart Senegal on November 27, meaning you’ll depart North America on November 26. The cruise will end December 10, but we are working with Senegal Tourism for a post-cruise Senegal itinerary, which will end on December 14, and have you back home on the morning of December 15. As this is a longer press trip, you would be allowed to bring a plus one at a media rate, which would include the cruise, but not airfare to/from Dakar and excursions.