Hurtigruten announced it was planning an extensive renovation project which is due to transform MS Finnmarken into a premium expedition ship. The refurbishment is scheduled for the first quarter of next year, after which the vessel will sail itineraries along the coastline of Norway.
The project is expected to renovate all of the staterooms and suites with natural Scandinavian materials like birch, granite, oak, and wool. On deck 8 aft, in the current gym & sauna area, Hurtigruten will add 5 large suites with big panoramic windows.
The refurb will also add 4 new restaurants, such as Restaurant Aune, the line’s new, Scandinavian-themed main dining room concept for expedition cruises. Also new is Restaurant Lindstrom, a specialty venue named after the favorite chef of Norwegian polar heroes, as well as Fredheim, named after a 1920s hunting station in Svalbard. Deck 8 will also receive an outdoor grill venue.
Hurtigruten will add the signature Science Center “edutainment” area which will also serve as the headquarters for the expedition team, on deck 4, while a larger wellness area, including a lounge, gym, panoramic sauna, and treatment rooms, is to be added on deck 7.
Finnmarken's outdoor pool area will be fully renovated, the shop expanded, and the car deck will be replaced by the launching area for explorer boats (ribs) and expedition equipment.