Hurtigruten has confirmed it will convert three of its existing ships to premium, hybrid-powered expedition ships. Utilising the same technology that is fuelling the Norwegian cruise company’s newest ‘green ship’, MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten plans to install battery packs to MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken and MS Midnatsol, relaunching them all by 2021 under new names and operating year-long itineraries along the Norwegian coastline.

Hurtigruten has made maritime history with its new ship, MS Roald Amundsen, operating wholly under battery power for the first time. The expedition ship operated silently and emission free off the west coast of Norway ahead of her maiden passenger cruise in coming days.

Last week LATTE sat down with the CEO of Hurtigruten, Daniel Skjeldam, to hear about the company’s growth aspiration in the Australian market, and learn why more and more Australians are choosing the Norwegian company to explore polar regions.

Travel advisors should be cautious using inexperienced expedition cruise operators piloting programs to polar regions, the CEO of Hurtigruten, Daniel Skjeldam believes. In Australia last week, Skjeldam raised concerns about the rapid rise of travel companies that are entering the Arctic and Antarctic cruise market with little, if any, past experience.

In 2019 and 2020 Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise line, will expand its business in the Asia-Pacific region substantially, building an Australia sales, marketing and operations team.

Hurtigruten will offer environmentally conscious guests even more tempting and healthy food options. A new strategic partnership with the EAT Foundation will extend the on-board menus, reduce food waste and allow guests to choose more plant-based foods.

Hurtigruten has confirmed its most extensive ship upgrade to date will include not only redesigned cabins and suites (including the debut of five large suites with panoramic views), but low-emission engines, a state-of-the-art Science Center, and four new restaurants.