Hurtigruten Announces Names For Its Two New Expedition Ships

​Hurtigruten has announced the names of two of its four new expedition cruise ships and they will be named after two of the most influential Norwegian pioneers.
 
The first of the new ships will be named Roald Amundsen and will launch in 2018, whilst the second launching in 2019 is to be named Fridtjof Nansen. Both ships will boast state-of-the-art Scandinavian design and the latest environmentally friendly marine technology.

​“It is exactly 105 years since Roald Amundsen became the first person in the world to plant his flag on the South Pole; 128 years since Fridtjof Nansen skied across Greenland; and 120 years since Richard With, Hurtigruten’s founder, first started exploration tourism in the Arctic. What could be more natural and appropriate than to name our new ships after these inspiring trailblazers,” said Hurtigruten’s CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
 
The two 530-passenger cruise ships will have the capability of sailing under electrical propulsion for around 30 minutes by utilizing hybrid power using a battery system which will reduce fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent.
 
Many of the cabins on board the new ships will feature balconies, whilst there will also be a number of suites. Each ship will also feature three restaurants, a pool deck with an infinity pool, as well as a number of bars and lounges offering spectacular views. Viewing platforms located on the bow of the ships will allow guests to get up-close with the wildlife and nature in the destinations they visit.
 
Itineraries for Roald Amundsen are to be announced in November.