With over 125 years of know how, Hurtigruten, the largest polar cruise operator and leader in exploration travels, launched the first of two hybrid ships it is planning to add to its fleet over the next few years. Currently, Hurtigruten cruises sail to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more.

Hurtigruten’s new hybrid ship, MS Roald Amundsen was named after and honours the legacy of the first man to cross Antartica and reach the South Pole. As an industry leader in sustainability, Hurtigruten has made a deep commitment to improving the marine environments by equipping these new ships with the most innovative sustainable technology that allows it to cut emission by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrids ships such as the MS Roald Amundsen reduces fuel consumption and CO2-emissions by 20%, making them the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ship.

“This opens a new chapter in maritime history. MS Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship equipped with batteries, something deemed impossible just a few years back. With the introduction of MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten sets a new standard not only for cruising, but for the entire shipping industry to follow,” announced Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten.

Eco-friendly Expedition Cruises Set For 2019/2020 Season

MS Roald Amundsen’s maiden season includes expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast and up to Svalbard and Greenland before traversing across the legendary Northwest Passage, like its namesake explorer Roald Amundsen did in his famed journey. MS Roald Amundsen will be the first hybrid electric–powered expedition ship to cross the Northwest Passage - a pinnacle moment in sustainability within the cruise industries as a whole. Following this passage the ship will then continue its eco-friendly expedition cruise along the west coast of North and South America before heading to the extreme south for a full 2019/2020 Antarctic season.

Ship Features

The cabin’s and ship’s interiors are inspired by the stunning scenery guests will witness while aboard the ship. Scandinavian materials from nature such as granite, oak, birch and wool are used to create a relaxed and stylish atmosphere in both the cabins and public areas. All together the ship can accommodate 530 guests in 265 cabins, all of which are outside. Half of the cabins come with private balconies, and aft suites feature private outdoor hot tubs that are sure to wow guests.

Further, the ship will also have a two level indoor and outdoor observation deck, a high-tech science centre an infinity pool, a panoramic sauna, a fitness and wellness centre, three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage, numerous bars, and an elegant Explorer Lounge, all of which come together to provide a laidback atmosphere that makes cruising with Hurtigruten feel so unique.

Amundsen Science Center

What makes cruising with Hurtigruten so special is the core of the onboard experience. Hurtigruten invites guests to expand their minds and indulge in their curiosities by mingling with the ships hand picked Expedition Team to create a deeper understanding for the areas they are exploring. The ships science centre venue features lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more that guests can partake in if they want to feel like a true explorer.

As previously mentioned, the construction of MS Roald Amundsen, is only one part of a three ship series and a US$850 million investment in building the world’s greenest cruise line. The second ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen is currently under construction and is set to embark on her maiden voyage in 2020. The third hybrid-powered sister ship is planned, with a possible launch in 2021.