Hurtigruten reveals new hybrid ships
Get ready to explore the most remote and spectacular areas of the planet with the world’s first battery-powered hybrid expedition cruise ships and their new itineraries
Image courtesy of Hurtigruten
An artist’s conception of the new hybrid-powered ships at sea.
Hurtigruten
Tromsø, Norway
Named after two of the greatest heroes in polar history, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, Hurtigruten’s new hybrid-powered expedition ships will combine state-of-the-art technology and premium on-board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destination expertise.
“With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, Hurtigruten aims to be one step ahead when exploring the world,” says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
2019/2020 voyages
Hurtigruten’s 2019/2020 season reveals the most extensive Arctic and Antarctica program in the company’s 125-year history. Highlights include the following voyages:
• The first Antarctica voyages on board the MS Fridtjof Nansen. With three ships operating out of South America for the full 2019/2020 season, Hurtigruten offers more options and departures than ever before. Antarctica adventures on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, and MS Fram range from 11 to 21 days.
• Several Hurtigruten expedition ships—among them the MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, and MS Nordstjernen—operating 4- to 14-day Arctic voyages out of Longyearbyen.
• Greenland expedition voyages on MS Fram.
“Hurtigruten’s growing fleet of custom-built expedition ships takes our guests to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. From the majestic wildlife on Svalbard, the rugged fjords of Eastern Greenland, and the beauty of the Norwegian coast to the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. Nowhere else comes close,” Skjeldam says.
MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen
Now under construction at Kleven Yard in Norway, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will debut in 2018 and 2019 and have been branded as the world’s greenest, safest, and most advanced expedition ships.
Image courtesy of Hurtigruten
Artists have envisioned what the two-level observation deck might look like at night under the northern lights.
Packed with state-of-the-art technology, such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive area will be the place guests and staff and crew meet, mingle, and create a deeper understanding of the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard headquarters for Hurtigruten’s Expedition Team.
In addition to indoor and outdoor observation decks, guests can enjoy the scenery and drinks through the large panoramic windows on the forward-facing Explorer Lounge on deck 10.
The stunning scenery will be reflected in a comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch, and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 percent will have private balconies, and aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.
Both ships will feature three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage:
• Aune Main Dining—named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune.
• Fredheim—the ships’ informal and social meeting place named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard.
• Lindstrøm—a specialty restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes.
Image courtesy of Hurtigruten
A drawing of the Fredheim dining area.
Both MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a vast variety of custom-built expedition equipment, including a fleet of Blueye underwater drones, kayaks, and large inflatable Explorer Boats used for landings in otherwise inaccessible destinations.
After completing the daily adventures, guests can rejuvenate in the Wellness area with a panoramic sauna, a gym, or the pool deck featuring an infinity pool, Jacuzzis, and a pool bar.
Book your adventure at www.hurtigruten.us. Hurtigruten is the original Norwegian coastal route. The company also offers travel to Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Canada, the Amazon rainforest, around Spitsbergen and Antarctica, and along the South America coasts.
This article originally appeared in the Jan. 26, 2018, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
