Hurtigruten is increasing its fleet to 13 with the addition of its first new vessel in over a decade.
Given the temporary name Ms Norway Explorer, the ship will replace MS Midnatsol on itineraries along the Norwegian coast, when MS Midnatsol sails to Antarctica for the winter season of 2016/2017..
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said Norway Explorer will be a ‘strong addition’ to the fleet because her maneuverability and optimal size will take guests places larger vessels can’t reach.
“We invest in our fleet to ensure that Hurtigruten remains a world leader in sustainable explorer travels along the Norwegian coast and in polar waters.”
Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO
Norway Explorer was originally built in 2009. She is current making her way from Portugal, where she has been cruising, to Scandinavia where she will undergo a total reconstruction.
As part of her makeover, she will receive Hurtigruten livery, renovated cabins and she’ll be adapted to sail in polar waters (ice breakers).
When she starts sailing with the cruise line, she will carry 320 guests in 180 cabins.
“The vessel complements our fleet of expedition ships and also opens a window of opportunity to expand our service and offers at destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard and Antarctica.”