Hurtigruten Offers the Deal of Lifetime

As mentioned earlier in the Farefinder...

If you've never been on a cruise, now would be a good time to consider it. At this point, it's old news that cruise lines around the world are offering amazingly low-rates to combat the struggling economy. However, Hurtigruten has just taken their rates to newsworthy lows.

Hurtigruten has unveiled a program on two of its 2009 Greenland cruises that offers an all-inclusive approach and savings up to 68%. The "Pay One Price" deal is available on all suites and staterooms on the 318-berth Fram, a deluxe expedition ship, for the season's two one-way sailings.

Suites, normally $16,676 to $20,366 per person, double, are being priced at $5,499 to $7,249, while staterooms, normally $12,536 to $15,716, are $3,999 to $5,249. Suite bookings include two optional excursions; wine, beer or soda at meals; and a bottle of Champagne. The booking deadline is March 31.

Although Greenland might not be the exotic destination you'd always imagined, travelers can count on beautiful scenery and luxurious accommodations. Plus, with all the money saved in the process, you can make a pretty respectable offer to buy Iceland during the stop over in Reykjavik.

Iceland Government Resigns

Iceland's Prime Minister Geir Haarde announced the resignation of his entire cabinet on Monday, January 26th. The announcement comes after months of protests and demonstrations in which the Icelandic people accused the current government of leading them to financial ruin.

Iceland's financial system collapsed in October under the weight of debt built up during years of rapid growth.

The currency has since plummeted, with unemployment soaring. The economy is forecast to shrink by 9.6% this year.

The prime minister said he would speak to Iceland's president to formally dissolve the government.

Haarde's intent to resign had been made clear last week when he scheduled an early general election for May 9th. He said because of health reasons, he would not be running for re-election.

Foreign Minister Ingibjorg Gisladottir's Social Democratic Alliance is expected to find a new partner to form a government until the elections can be held. Traditionally, Iceland has tried to stay outside of the European Union, but some sources suggest they could apply for membership within the year.

Although the resignation will further Iceland's short-term economic woes, it will make tourism to the island-nation even more affordable. As of this morning, 1 USD was equivalent to 169 Iceland Kronurs. You know what that means... discounted lodging, cheap spa treatments, and all the rotten shark flesh you can eat.

Northern Lights for Two

According to a recent article, the Northern Lights are gaining popularity... and not just among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Couples are increasingly visiting Canada, Alaska, Iceland and other far-north destinations for viewing the Aurora Borealis. The lights' unique formations and stunning beauty help set a romantic mood for travelers.

Winter travelers trek thousands of miles to the frozen north each year seeking the sky's "dancing lights," which provoke awe, excitement and, some say, sex.

Tour operator Torsten Eder likes to tell a story about a marriage that was forged under the glowing curtains of light.

"I had one guy from Mexico, and he wanted to surprise his girlfriend by proposing marriage with a ring under the northern lights," said Eder from his office in Whitehorse.

Despite their growth in popularity as a tourist activity, the Northern Lights still may not be for everyone. Travelers frequently endure temperatures 20 and 30 degrees below zero and treks to remote locations to catch a glimpse. If the temperature is a dealbreaker for you, try the Hotel Ranga in Hella, Iceland. The lights are often visible from the hotel itself, and the 50-bottle wine list is enough to keep anyone warm on frigid night.