Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, will begin refurbishing three of their cruise ships for advanced upgrades over the next few years. Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, each ship will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021 on yet-to-be-disclosed itineraries.
As they are transformed into fully-fledged premium expedition cruise ships, the current Trollfjord, Finnmarken, and Midnatsol, will be renamed Maud, Otto Sverdrup, and Eirik Raude, respectively. Otto Sverdrup will have battery packs installed during a 2020 drydock, with a letter of intent for the same battery installation on Maud and Eirik Raude in 2021. The battery packs will support the ship engines, and drastically cut emissions.
The keel-to-mast upgrades will introduce several new features and venues on each of the ships. For example, using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch, and wool, all public areas will be redesigned to create a relaxed and stylish look and feel and add to the premium onboard experience. All cabins and suites will be completely refurbished, including several new suites with spectacular views.
Hurtigruten’s signature Science Center will be added to each ship. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment, and other interactive features, this edutainment area will also serve as the onboard headquarters for the ship’s Expedition Team.
Three brand-new restaurants will be added, matching Hurtigruten’s restaurant concepts for its growing fleet of expedition cruise ships. First, the main restaurants will be transformed into Aune; social and informal, with the use of natural elements in design and interiors, Aune will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner based on Scandinavian identity.
Restaurant Lindstrøm, a specialty eatery named after a favorite chef of Norwegian polar heroes, will be an upper premium fine dining restaurant with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking that are contrasted with modern cuisine.
The informal eatery Fredheim, named after a legendary 1920s hunting station in Svalbard that sheltered adventurers from around the world, will also be part of the refurbishment. In addition, a new outdoor grill venue will be added outdoor on the top decks.
Maud, the current Trollfjord, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen’s Maud from 1917. The original Maud got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway, who also had her namesake in Hurtigruten’s 1925 flagship Dronning Maud.
Otto Sverdrup, the current Finnmarken, is named after one of Norway’s most notable polar heroes. Alongside Fridtjof Nansen, he was the first to ski across Greenland, a key contributor to several expeditions and captain on the legendary polar ship Fram. Sverdrup also has a close connection to Hurtigruten: Between the expeditions he was a captain on board Hurtigruten ships.
Eirik Raude, the current Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous Viking chiefs in history. Eirik Raude—also known as Eric the Red—got his name from his huge red beard, and is not only known for discovering Greenland, but also for giving the island its name.
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