Adventure travel at sea
Hurtigruten, the Norwegian exploration cruise line, plans to add two new hybrid powered expedition ships, due to be delivered in 2018 and 2019, which is expected to revolutionise adventure travel at sea.
The new ships are expected to be the first expeditionary ships sailing fully electric with sustainable hybrid technology. “We are combining Hurtigruten’s more than 120 years of know-how with cutting-edge technology and design, and a strong commitment to sustainability, to offer the modern-day adventure traveller unprecedented experiences,” says Daniel Skjeldam, Chief Executive Officer, Hurtigruten.
The latest innovative, environmental-friendly technology will allow for a total reduction in fuel consumption and hence CO2-emissions by 20 per cent, informed Skjeldam. The new exploration ships will be named after the two most influential Norwegian polar pioneers – Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen – from the era when the company itself first started offering adventure travels, points out Skjeldam
Elaborating on the various facilities that the ships will offer, Skjeldam explains that the new ships are designed by RollsRoyce, in collaboration with the Norwegian yacht designer Espen Øino. The ships will have large observation platforms on several decks for guests to get up-close to nature and wildlife. Six out of 10 cabins will have their own balcony; two out of 10 will be suites. The vessels will have three restaurants with menus reflecting local flavours and destinations. A special pool deck will include infinity pools, Jacuzzis and bars. 2018 and 2019 itineraries for Roald Amundsen will be announced in November. The ships can carry 530 guests and has 265 cabins. In the Arctic, Hurtigruten now offers voyages to Greenland, Iceland, around Spitsbergen and from 2017 to Arctic Canada. In the southern hemisphere, it takes guests to the waters around Antarctica along both coasts of South America and from 2017, will also sail to the Amazon rainforests, added Skjeldam.
We are combining Hurtigruten’s more than 120 years of knowhow with cutting-edge technology and design