Named after a couple of the greatest Polar history heroes, ms Fridtjof Nansen and ms Roald Amundsen, the new hybrid powered expedition vessels of Hurtigruten, will combine premium onboard experience and state of the art technology with line’s 125 years of experience.
Hurtigruten company soon published the first cruises of 2019-2020 season, unveiling the most extensive Antarctica and Arctic program in its history. Highlights include:
- Antarctica voyages onboard ms Fridtjof Nansen, ms Roald Amundsen and ms Fram ranging 11-21 days.
- Arctic voyages from Longyearbyen onboard ms Fram, ms Nordstjernen and ms Spitsbergen ranging 4-14 days.
- Greenland expedition cruises onboard ms Fram.
Currently being built at Kleven Yard, Norway, ms Roald Amundsen and ms Fridtjof Nansen are due to debut in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and have been promoted as the most advanced, greenest and safest expedition ships.
One of the most interesting exterior design features of the vessels will be the 2-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck which is expected to be wrapped around the top of ships’ raked bow.
In the vast space behind it, passengers will find the core of onboard experience: Amundsen (Nansen) Science Centre. The immersive area, packed with high tech gadgets and state of the art technology like science equipment and touch screens, will be the place where passengers and crew will meet and mingle. The venue will have a small library, lecture spaces, speciality areas for workshops in biology, photography, and more.
In addition to vast Observation Decks, cruisers will enjoy the scenery through the large panoramic windows on the located on Deck 10 forward-facing Explorer Lounge.
Scandinavian materials from nature, including granite, birch, wool and oak will be used to create stylish public areas and staterooms. All cabins will be outside, with 50% of them featuring private balconies. The aft suites will have private outdoor Jacuzzis with great views.
Both ships will boast 3 restaurants inspired by Norwegian and Nordic heritage:
- Aune Main Dining which is named after the Norwegian polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune;
- Fredheim is an informal social meeting place which is named after 1900s hunting station located on Svalbard;
- Lindstrom speciality restaurant which is named after the favourite chef of Norwegian polar heroes, Adolf Lindstrom.
Both ms Fridtjof Nansen and ms Roald Amundsen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, such as a fleet of Blueye underwater drones, large inflatable Explorer Boats and kayaks.
After completing their daily adventures, passengers will be able to rejuvenate in the vessels' Wellness area, panoramic sauna, gym, or on the pool deck with an infinity pool, pool bar and jacuzzis.