Sneak peek at Hurtigruten’s new hybrid ships – and 2019-2020 polar adventures

Get ready to explore the most remote and spectacular areas of the planet – and take a sneak peek at the world’s first battery powered hybrid expedition cruise ships and their new itineraries.

Named after two of the greatest heroes in Polar history, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, our new hybrid powered expedition ships, will combine state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations. The result: The next generation of adventure travel.

- With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, Hurtigruten aims to be one step ahead when exploring the world. Our new ships will be moving boundaries for the technology, for the industry and for our guests, says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

As the world leader in exploration travel, we have now published the first voyages of the 2019/2020 season, revealing the most extensive Arctic and Antarctica program in Hurtigruten's 125-year history. Highlights include:

Update! Launching MS Roald Amundsen

Currently under construction at Kleven Yard in Norway, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will debut in 2019 – and has been branded as the world’s greenest, safest and most advanced expedition ships.

Saturday, 18 February 2018: Hurtigruten’s new MS Roald Amundsen touched water for the first time during a ceremony at the Kleven Yard in Ulsteinvik, Norway. The successful launch marks an important milestone in the construction of the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ship, that will be fitted with large battery packs for reduced emissions. 

Photos from the launch:

  • Named after famous explorer Roald Amundsen, our brand new expedition ship tested the waters of Ulsteinvik for the first time February 18th 2018.
  • A boat is docked next to a body of water
  • MS Roald Amundsen launching
  • MS Roald Amundsen testing the waters in Ulsteinvik
  • MS Roald Amundsen touching water for the first time
    • Photo: Hurtigruten
Get an introduction to MS Roald Amundsen from Expedition Leader Karin Strand

One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center / Nansen Science Center.  

Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s hand picked Expedition Team.  

  • Outdoor infinity pool and hot tubs on MS Roald Amundsen
  • Science Center on board MS Roald Amundsen
  • A large ship in the water
  • The Explorer Lounge on MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen
  • The Explorer Lounge on MS Fridtjof Nansen

In addition to vast in- and outdoor Observation Decks, guests can enjoy the scenery and drinks through the large panoramic windows on the forward-facing Explorer Lounge on deck 10.

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views. 

  • A hotel room with a bed and a chair in front of a window
  • A bedroom with a bed and desk in a hotel room
  • A living room filled with furniture and a fireplace
  • A dining room table
  • Arctic Superior cabin with balcony

Both ships will feature three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage:

  • Aune Main Dining, named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune.
  • Fredheim - the ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard.
  • Lindstrøm, a speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes.
  • Fredheim Restaurant on MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen
  • Lindstrøm, the specialty restaurant on board
  • Aune Main Dining

Both MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a vast variety of custom built expedition equipment, including a fleet of Blueye underwater drones, kayaks and large inflatable Explorer Boats used for landings in otherwise inaccessible destinations.

After completing the daily adventures, guests can rejuvenate in the Wellness area, a panoramic sauna, a gym, or the pool deck featuring an infinity pool, jacuzzis and a pool bar.

Ship details: MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen

  • Built: 2018 Kleven Yards, Norway
  • Gross tonnage: 20.889
  • Length: 140 m
  • Beam: 23,6 m
  • Draft: 5,3 m
  • Guests: 530
  • Cabins: 265
  • Crew: 151
  • Cruising speed: 15 knots
  • Flag: Norwegian
  • Ice class: PC-6