After the successful introduction of MS Roald Amundsen earlier this year, Hurtigruten has now planned renovations to three of their ships to also make them into hybrids. MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken and MS Midnatsol are all to face these modifications and to reappear as MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Eirik Raude in 2021. This once again follows Hurtigruten’s objective of creating a more sustainable method of cruising, so here is what you can expect from the three new vessels once they re-emerge.

HOW WILL THEY BE MORE SUSTAINABLE?

Each ship will be fitted with a battery pack, much like the one found on MS Roald Amundsen, and will be able to sail almost silently with the use of hybrid power. Plus, shore-powered equipment will also mean the ships can operate only using battery power while docked, cutting their emissions down to zero.

These changes benefit the cruiser massively, as you will be choosing a more green method of cruising and none of the 530 passengers on board each ship will have to deal with the noise of an engine in their cabin. This is also a unique benefit for wildlife sailings, as you will be able to get closer to the animals for the perfect action shot.

RENOVATIONS

Included in the monumental facelift, cruisers can expect a new feel throughout each of the ships, with the main changes coming to the dining. The original venues will now be renamed Restaurant Aune, offering the same continental cuisine throughout the day, and Restaurant Lindstrom, a new speciality dining venue that will invite guests to experience the best of Norway’s culinary delights.

In addition to the dining changes, each suite and stateroom is also being renovated with the addition of some new suites. Plus, public spaces are being redesigned to bring the outdoors in. Each ship will gain a small tender area that will make ports more accessible and shore excursions easier for less mobile guests.

WHERE WILL THEY BE SAILING TOO?

With the recent announcement that Hurtigruten will be sailing one their vessels from the UK in 2022, the English market will get the chance to see the spectacular side of the Norwegian Fjords. You can choose from popular itineraries like ‘Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition’, which takes guests to popular stops like Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund, the famous Kristiansand Fjord, Tromso and finally up to Honningsvåg before looping back down and completing its round-trip to Dover.

These three vessels are all currently sailing along the Norwegian coast and are planning to add more cruise stops to their already extensive cruising seasons. Even though you’ll have to wait until 2021 for all three vessels to complete their refurbishments, this is another step towards a more sustainable cruising future where guests can see the world in style and support the areas that they are visiting.