Hurtigruten Expedition Leaders Explore America to share their adventures with travelers
A former sea kayak and polar bear guide, Ralf Westphal is one of two Hurtigruten expedition experts who will be traveling across the U.S. in September and October to inform travelers about the great adventures that await them when they take a Hurtigruten cruise.
Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. Westphal will be joined by Olav Orheim, world-renown geologist and former professor of Glaciology. The two explorers and other expedition staff will be wowing audiences with their tales of adventure at events in New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, Louisiana, Rhode Island and other states over the next few weeks.
“These roadshows are a great way to familiarize travelers with Hurtigruten’s expeditions to the the world’s most remote and pristine destinations and shows them the endless possibilities for authentic and memorable experiences with Hurtigruten as their guide,” says Gordon Dirker, Managing Director, Hurtigruten North America. “These expedition leaders are fearless and adventurous professional explorers who exemplify the excellent staff and crew whose goal is to give travelers exhilarating and memorable experiences.”
For Westphal and Orheim, their ‘office’ is located in some of the most remote wilderness in the world and coming to work every day is an adventure filled with vast landscapes, wildlife, and glaciers. Their ‘co-workers’ could be elephant seals or penguins. But this work also demands preparation, fitness, and an explorer mindset. Over the next few weeks, travelers will be able to hear tales from Hurtigruten expedition staff who will discuss their voyages and talk about what it’s like to be a professional explorer.
These events will give travelers with a great sense of adventure and love of nature a chance to to embrace their inner explorer for at least a day and learn about all Hurtigruten has to offer:
– Discover Hurtigruten’s expedition destinations in Antarctica, Spitsbergen, Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Canada, South America, Central America, and Europe and
– Discover what it means to travel expedition style on a Hurtigruten voyage
– Learn about the exotic wildlife one sees on an expedition voyage
– Learn about opportunities to explore the natural history of remote areas and the fascinating cultures of Europe, Morocco, and South America
– Hear epic tales from real-life adventurers
– Get answers to questions about expedition travel
Featured Speakers
Ralf Westphal – Expedition Leader
Ralf WestphalThe making of this explorer started with his work as an Outward Bound instructor helping at-risk youth. This experience amplified his passion for nature, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Ralf pursued a career as an outdoor professional, which led to prominent positions as a sea kayak guide and polar bear guide. These experiences, combined with his work as an ethnographical researcher and polar historian, contribute to his inescapable love affair with nature and his impressive expertise in the outdoors and expedition travel.
Olav Orheim – Glaciologist and Climatologist
Olav OrheimRenowned as one of the world’s leading geologists, Olav’s list of accomplishments is long. He held a professorship in glaciology for nearly two decades at the University of Bergen; helped establish Troll Station, Norway’s permanent research station in Antarctica; and chairs the boards of the Fram Museum in Oslo and GRID-A, a non-profit environmental foundation created to support the United Nations. He’s led numerous scientific expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, and Olav’s expedition stories will have you on the edge of your seat.
