A pair of fresh expedition ships-the MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen-are on their way from Hurtigruten, and new details are starting to emerge on what's to be expected onboard as well as where they will sail.
"With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, Hurtigruten aims to be one step ahead when exploring the world. Our new ships will be moving boundaries for the technology, for the industry and for our guests," said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam, in a press release.
As we already know, the upcoming vessels will be named after historic figures in polar exploration and hybrid powered by diesel and electricity. It is now also known that the high-tech propulsion will be paired with a unique observation area, science center and trio of restaurants-quite a lot for a relatively intimate 530-guest, 20,889-gross ton ship.
As I previously surmised, the upper portion of the ships' bows will showcase a special Observation Deck. Two levels will include an enclosed indoor section plus an outdoor portion above. This will put such spaces closer to the very front of the ship than ever before.
Behind the forward venue will also be the Amundsen Science Centre or Nansen Science Centre relative to each ship. Featured therein will be the likes of state-of-the-art touch screens and science equipment, lecture areas, a library and specialty spaces for photography, biology and other workshops.
It will altogether serve as the hub for guest and crew gatherings, as well as headquarters for the onboard Expedition Team. Remarkably, this only augments the more traditional forward-facing Explorer Lounge located above on deck 10 for enjoying the passing scenery with a drink in hand. (Observation lounge aficionados have much to be excited about.)
As for the three restaurants, each ship will dish up cuisine of Nordic and Norwegian-inspired venues. Aune Main Dining will be dubbed after ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim will be an informal and social meeting space named for a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. And the Lindstrøm specialty restaurant will represent Adolf Lindstrøm, a popular chef among polar heroes.
Rich Scandinavian interior design will be on display throughout, boasting granite, oak, birch and wool materials. All private accommodations will be outside varieties, and half of them will sport balconies. Aft suites, in particular, will have outdoor whirlpools for its guests to enjoy.
Everyone will additionally have access to the Wellness area, a panoramic sauna, gymnasium and pool deck with an infinity variety, whirlpools and bar. Onboard adventure features will include Blueye underwater drones, kayaks and inflatable Explorer Boats.
The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen are currently being built at Kleven Yard in Norway and will launch in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Leveraging the line's 125 years of destination experience, Hurtigruten has also revealed its initial 2019 and 2020 itineraries:
-In Antarctica, the MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Fram will operate 11- to 21-day voyages from South America-more than ever before.
-In the Arctic, the MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen and MS Nordstjernen will depart Longyearbyen on 4- to 14-day sailings.
-The MS Fram will additionally be deployed in Greenland on certain cruises.
"Hurtigruten's growing fleet of custom built expedition ships takes our guests to some of the world's most spectacular destinations," added Skjeldam, in the release. "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."
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