Hurtigruten has added MS Midnatsol to its Signature fleet, as the cruise line sees “strong growth in demand for Norwegian cruises from Australia”.
The newly added ship, MS Midnatsol, has undergone “extensive upgrades” across its dining, accommodation and facilities.
Onboard restaurants have been redesigned to include the Sami-inspired Arran restaurant and fine-dining restaurant Røst, alongside the main restaurant Flora, while the Panorama Lounge has a new bar, and the gym and sauna have both been upgraded.
All cabins have also been refurbished, including a full upgrade of the Arctic Superior cabins and partial upgrades of Polar cabins and suites.
Hurtigruten CEO Hedda Felin says the ship will be added to the signature collection because of demand for Norwegian coastal and Svalbard voyages, “driven by travellers who want more time in each destination and a closer connection to local culture”.
“We are seeing strong growth in demand for voyages along the Norwegian coast and to Svalbard from Australia, both in summer and winter.
“The Svalbard Line has been very well received, and with MS Midnatsol we are further strengthening the offering with additional departures and a ship specially rebuilt for this type of travel.
“More and more travellers are looking for journeys with plenty of time in each port, close contact with nature, and food and drink experiences connected to the places they visit. We are seeing strong international interest in exactly this kind of travel.”
Hurtigruten’s APAC managing director Damian Perry says demand has well exceeded previous years.
“Demand for our Signature portfolio from both partners and guests across the APAC region has never been stronger, and that’s reflected in everything we’ve announced this year, from our new Fjord and Arctic itineraries to the remodelling of MS Midnatsol.
“The Signature Voyage style has always resonated deeply with Australian travellers, and MS Midnatsol now delivers that experience at its fullest.
“As a sister ship to MS Trollfjord, the vessel brings the same exceptional onboard offering, including fine dining at Røst, with its Sami-inspired, hyper-local Norwegian cuisine, that has made this style a firm favourite in the region.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure travellers have every opportunity to experience Norway’s landscapes and culture aboard one of our most beloved vessels.”
During the European summer season (June-August), MS Midnatsol will sail between Bergen and Longyearbyen in rotation with MS Trollfjord, and in winter (December-February), the ship will alternate with MS Finnmarken on weekly departures from Hamburg on the North Cape Line.
For more information, visit Hurtigruten.
