CruiseXplore appointed exclusive Middle East representative for Hurtigruten

CruiseXplore has been named the exclusive Middle East representative for Norway-based expedition cruise line Hurtigruten, marking a significant development for the regional cruise sector. 

The partnership aligns with growing interest in experiential travel from the Middle East to destinations such as Norway and its Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard.

Hurtigruten, with more than 130 years of maritime experience, is known for its environmentally conscious voyages along the Norwegian coast aboard smaller ships that focus on cultural and natural immersion, appealing to a segment of travellers seeking sustainable and authentic experiences.

The cruise line’s two main cruise products—the Coastal Express and the Signature Line—offer itineraries through Norway’s fjords, mountain landscapes, and fishing villages. The Northern Lights remain a key seasonal attraction.

This style of cruise travel aligns with a broader global trend toward eco-conscious tourism, particularly in the Arctic and Northern Europe. International demand for these destinations continues to rise, supported by interest in alternative forms of travel that prioritise environmental stewardship and local connection.

Based in Dubai, CruiseXplore brings over three decades of cruise industry experience and was named the Middle East’s Best Cruise Agency in 2023. The company’s longstanding relationships across the region and insight into local travel preferences position it well to deliver Hurtigruten’s niche offerings to a market increasingly driven by experiential and cultural travel.

The appointment comes amid strong growth in regional cruise interest. According to 2023 data, cruise bookings from the Middle East rose by more than 90% year-on-year.

The partnership is expected to support Hurtigruten’s growth across the Middle East while providing CruiseXplore with a distinctive offering within its portfolio. It also reflects wider shifts in cruise tourism—away from high-capacity vessels and standardised itineraries, and toward smaller-scale, purpose-driven travel.

By combining regional market access with a heritage cruise operator known for sustainable practices, the collaboration positions both companies to benefit from changing travel patterns in the Middle East and beyond.

At the recent Arabian Travel Market, cruise executives and industry experts outlined the ways in which Middle East cruise passengers are increasingly looking for cruise experiences that offer deeper cultural engagement, access to remote destinations, and a lighter environmental footprint, which aligns well with Hurtigurten’s offering.