HURTIGRUTEN has officially welcomed its hybrid powered expedition cruise ship MS Roald Amundsen to the line’s fleet by holding the first ever naming ceremony in Antarctica. Taking place yesterday in Chiriguano Bay, Brabant Island, the event was attended by crew and guests from more than 20 countries, many of whom...
HURTIGRUTEN has officially welcomed its hybrid powered expedition cruise ship MS Roald Amundsen to the line’s fleet by holding the first ever naming ceremony in Antarctica.
Taking place yesterday in Chiriguano Bay, Brabant Island, the event was attended by crew and guests from more than 20 countries, many of whom watched on from the vantage point of inflatable explorer boats.
The ceremony saw godmother Karin Strand crush a chunk of ice against the ship’s hull for good luck, replacing the traditional champagne bottle.
Upon completing her duties, Strand then read out the same words that Roald Amundsen used when christening his own ship Maud back in 1917: “It is not my intention to dishonour the glorious grape, but already now you shall get the taste of your real environment, for the ice you have been built, in the ice you shall stay most of your life, and in the ice, you shall solve your tasks”.
Commenting on the official welcoming of Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said the Norwegian explorer would have been proud of the company’s newest addition.
“With the ship carrying his name and legacy, Hurtigruten is pushing borders, challenging the industry, and pushing towards a greener and more sustainable operation,” he said.
See all the videos from the big day HERE, and pics can be viewed on CW’s Facebook page HERE.
Pictured: Daniel Skjeldam, Karin Strand, and the ship’s skipper Kai Albrigtsen celebrate the historic moment.
