HURTIGRUTEN has confirmed the details of a new “Destination Norway” expedition product, which will explore the country’s coastline using three vessels dedicated to the itinerary.
Existing ships MS Trollfjord, Midnatsol and Finnmarken will undergo a full refit, including an interior makeover and complete engine upgrade to the latest environmental standards, before being deployed on the product.
Destination Norway will be available ex Dover, Hamburg and Bergen, with the Bergen departures targeting long haul markets including Australia and New Zealand, according to Hurtigruten MD Asia-Pacific Damian Perry.
The ships are currently deployed on Hurtigruten’s Norwegian coastal voyages between Bergen and Kirkenes, with the refurbishment also seeing existing cargo space replaced by a full expedition launch platform with Zodiacs and other equipment.
The power plants will mirror other Hurtigruten innovations, which see its vessels powered by a combination of LNG, biogas and batteries along with shore power whenever in port.
“We want to have the greenest, most sustainable fleet in the world,” Perry said, while the ships’ interiors will be upgraded to the same standard as the brand new MS Roald Amundsen and its two sister ships which include next year’s Fritdjof Nansen and a third, as-yet-unnamed, vessel.
The new Bergen-to-Bergen Destination Norway itineraries will cruise the region for 10 days with an all-inclusive offering featuring beverages at mealtimes and daily shore excursions.
Perry said Hurtigruten aims to highlight its long-time expertise to the Australian marketplace.
“We are bringing a new strong message about our business and brand, as a truly professional expedition company,” he said.
