Hurtigruten Recent Press Releases
Hurtigruten Norway Unveils its First Zero-Emission Cruise Ship: World’s Most Energy-Efficient Cruise Vessel
– Set to launch in 2030, the ship will use 60 MWh batteries, retractable sails with solar panels, and A.I. maneuvering to eliminate emissions –
OSLO, Norway (June 7, 2023) – Weeks before the 130th anniversary, Hurtigruten Norway unveiled plans for its first zero-emission ship. Initially announced in March 2022, under project name ‘Sea Zero,’ the first-of-its-kind initiative has revealed early concept plans for the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship. Hurtigruten Norway presented the findings alongside its consortium of 12 maritime partners and research institute SINTEF, all joined in the pursuit of achieving emission-free marine travel. Tasked with developing energy-efficient and carbon-neutral technology solutions, the consortium shared key findings following its first year of research.
“When we initially announced the ‘Sea Zero’ project over a year ago, we were faced with the challenge of not knowing which technologies would be available to us in 2030. Our task was to pave the way for new innovations and enhance existing ones to align with our sustainability objectives. While some of these technologies have reached a relatively advanced stage, they still necessitate dedicated research and development to ensure successful implementation within the maritime context. On the other hand, certain technologies are still in early development and require fundamental research and thorough testing. Following a rigorous feasibility study, we have pinpointed the most promising technologies for our groundbreaking future cruise ships. We are committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability within just a few years,” said Hedda Felin, the CEO of Hurtigruten Norway.
In line with their focus on sustainable operations tailored to the Norwegian coast, Hurtigruten Norway plans for smaller, custom-built ships that leave a positive footprint with zero emissions to both sea and land. With the first ship ready in 2030, the company plans to transform its entire fleet into zero-emission vessels. Since only 0.1% of ships worldwide currently use zero-emission technology, Hurtigruten Norway’s project aims to drastically improve the greater cruise industry’s sustainability record and future of travel.
Hurtigruten Norway’s future ships will be electric and equipped with batteries that charge in port. Combining 60-megawatt battery solutions with wind technology, the vessel is expected to feature numerous firsts and improved solutions that do not exist on cruise ships today, including retractable sails with solar panels, artificial intelligence maneuvering, contra-rotating propellers, and multiple retractable thrusters. Additional technologies include proactive hull cleaning. air lubrication, advanced hull coating, and Battery levels will be displayed on the ship’s external sides, while the bridge, where the Captain and crew steer the ship, is expected to reduce significantly in size following enhanced A.I. maneuvering, mimicking that of an airplane cockpit. Hurtigruten Norway has operated along the Norwegian coast for 130 years and has superior knowledge of the 34 ports it stops at daily. The cruise line will thus use A.I. to collect data that learns the most efficient docking and undocking methods for each port, improving in- port operations in bad or challenging weather.
The three retractable, autonomous wing rigs will comprise 1500m2 (16,146 ft2) of solar panels and a total wind surface of 750m2 (8,073ft2), reaching a maximum height of 50m (164 ft) when fully extended.
Hurtigruten Norway strives for superior guest comfort and spectacular views on board its first zero- emission ship. A streamlined shape will result in less air resistance, reduce energy use, and increase passenger comfort. In addition to ample outdoor space, enlarged surface areas with dedicated windows will allow for unparalleled views of what is often described as ‘the world’s most beautiful coastline.’
“We are developing the concept for the world’s most innovative cruise design and researching to find the optimal design methods suitable for zero-emission ships. The streamlined shape, with its innovative hull and propulsion solutions, not only reduces energy demand but also increases passenger comfort. In the process, we are developing new design tools and exploring new technologies for energy efficiency,” said Henrik Burvang, Research and Innovation Manager at VARD, the design and shipbuilding company behind the concept visuals.
Guests will play a key role in minimizing energy consumption through an interactive mobile app, where they can operate ultra-modern cabin ventilation, as well as measure their own water and energy consumption.
Sea Zero has now entered a two-year phase in which the proposed technologies will be tried, tested, and developed further in pursuit of the final zero-emission ship. The current research and development phase focuses on battery production, propulsion technology, hull design, and sustainable practices that reduce energy use to an absolute minimum. Developing new technologies for onboard hotel operations, which can consume up to 50% of the ship’s total energy use, will be crucial to the project’s success. The goal is a 50% energy reduction compared to Hurtigruten Norway’s current ships.
While Hurtigruten Norway is working towards its first zero-emission ship, the company is currently undertaking one of the most extensive environmental upgrades in European maritime history with its existing fleet. Two of the seven ships have been upgraded to battery-hybrid-powered ships, with a third to be upgraded this fall. The five other vessels are being outfitted with various technologies that will cut CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx (nitrogen oxides) by 80%. In 2019, sister company Hurtigruten Expeditions introduced the world’s first battery-hybrid-powered ship, MS Roald Amundsen; the Expeditions arm now has three battery-hybrid ships out of its seven-ship fleet.
The new zero-emission ship is modeled at 135 meters (443 feet) long, with 270 cabins that hold 500 guests and 99 crew. Just as Hurtigruten Norway has been transporting cargo along the Norwegian coast for 130 years, the new ship will also have a significant cargo hold and transport cars.
Hurtigruten Announces BOGO Sale on 2020 Alaska Expedition Cruises
Between March 1 – 31, 2020, Hurtigruten is offering guests the opportunity to Buy One, Get One—book a cabin on board one of their 2020 Alaska expedition cruises and bring a plus one, free of charge.
Seattle, WA (March 2, 2020) – Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, has announced a BOGO sale, A Ticket for Two to Alaska: When guests book one berth on board one of the company’s select 2020 expedition cruises along the Alaska coastline, they can bring a plus one, free of charge*.
Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises to Alaska range between 8 and 16 days, and they visit four of the state’s five regions: Arctic, Southwest, Southcentral, and the Inside Passage. Each of the eight itineraries available on the offer takes place on board MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid electric–powered expedition cruise ship.
“We’re so excited to spend time in Alaska this summer,” said John Downey, president of Hurtigruten Americas. “Alaska offers a mix of nature, wildlife, and culture, and Hurtigruten offers a variety of ways to explore our 49th state. And with BOGO, we’re making it easier than ever for our guests to join us!”
Hurtigruten is offering eight itineraries as part of the BOGO sale:
- Epic Wilderness Expedition
o May 17, 2020
o June 24, 2020
- Treasures of the Alaskan Coast
o May 31, 2020
o June 11, 2020
o July 8, 2020
o July 19, 2020
- Inside Passage Wilderness Expedition
o June 24, 2020
o July 1, 2020
To learn more, visit https://www.hurtigruten.com/explorer-offers-new/AlaskaBogo/.
*Offer includes one complimentary cruise fare in the same cabin as first full fare guest. Only 15% discount for triple occupancy. In addition to 15% discount, fourth guest is complimentary for quad occupancy. Featured offer applies to the cruise portion of the tour only, including taxes, fees, and port expenses. Please note, there may be a small charge for the second guest’s hotel and transfer, if included as part of the booked tour. Offer applies to Alaska itineraries with the following 2020 departure dates: May 17, 31; Jun 11, 24; Jul 1, 8, 19. Valid for new, individual bookings, is capacity controlled, and subject to change at any time. Prices are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Hurtigruten. Fares are in USD. This offer is not combinable with any other offers. All expeditions are subject to availability at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply. Offer is valid March 1 – 31, 2020.
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About Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with over 126 years of know-how, they offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten’s fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, two new groundbreaking ships will be delivered: MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a second new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships, following the launch of MS Roald Amundsen in 2019. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments they call home.
Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen Makes History by Traveling the Furthest South of Any Company Ship
MS Roald Amundsen recently crossed the Antarctic Circle and kept going, reaching 70º south, the furthest any Hurtigruten ship has gone.
Seattle, WA (February 21, 2020) – Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, has announced a history-making event: The world’s first hybrid electric–powered expedition ship, Hurtigruten’s own MS Roald Amundsen, has traveled the furthest south of any company ship in the expedition cruise line’s 127 years of business.
After crossing the Antarctic Circle earlier this week, Captain Torry Sakkariassen and his crew continued south; on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 4:14 PM Antarctica time, MS Roald Amundsen reached the ice edge at 70º south.
“Our guests are thrilled! This is what Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises are all about, pushing new frontiers and creating unique experiences for guests from all over the world. We are following in the footsteps of polar hero Roald Amundsen himself, aboard his namesake ship,” said Captain Sakkariassen.
Nearly finished with her 18-day cruise that visits the Chilean Fjords and the Falkland Islands, as well as Antarctica, MS Roald Amundsen will complete one more cruise in the region before journeying up through South and Central America, and ultimately spending the summer in Alaska.
MS Roald Amundsen is the world’s first hybrid electric–powered expedition cruise ship, equipped with large battery packs that significantly reduce emissions, as well as a specially designed ice-strengthened hull, which allows her to operate in areas other ships cannot reach. Her sister ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, will also run on a hybrid electric–powered propulsion system, and will embark on her maiden voyage this spring.
With a growing fleet of small and custom-built ships, Hurtigruten is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line, offering expedition cruises to more than 200 destinations in over 40 countries.
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About Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with over 126 years of know-how, they offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten’s fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, two new groundbreaking ships will be delivered: MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a second new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships, following the launch of MS Roald Amundsen in 2019. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments they call home.
Hurtigruten Announces Flash Sale on Suites Across Entire Fleet
Between February 12 – 19, 2020, Hurtigruten is offering suites for as low as $2,672 per person on each of their ships, and in each destination they visit.
Seattle, WA (February 10, 2020) – Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, has announced their February flash sale: Between February 12 – 19, 2020, guests will save big on suites across their entire fleet of purpose-built ships. Created as a celebration of Valentine’s Day, “Suites for Your Sweet” offers Expedition Suite cabin categories for as low as $2,672 per person.
“What better way to celebrate your loved one than with a suite on board a Hurtigruten cruise?” said John Downey, president of Hurtigruten Americas. “On our brand-new ships, including MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, some of the suites even offer private balconies with private hot tubs. Imagine cruising along the Lemaire Channel in Antarctica with your special someone, in a luxurious and spacious suite, spotting penguins and whales feeding and swimming in the waters around you. We are excited that our flash sale will give future guests the opportunity to experience this grandeur for themselves.”
This offer is available across Hurtigruten’s entire fleet of ships—the intimate MS Fram, 2019’s MS Roald Amundsen, the newly built MS Fridtjof Nansen, and the soon-to-be-refurbished MS Otto Sverdrup, among others—and in each destination they visit. From expedition cruises that spend between 12 and 23 days exploring the Antarctic region (including the Falkland Islands, the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia, or South Georgia, as well) to shorter journeys that visit Canada and New England, Alaska, or Norway, regardless of the destination, travelers can book suites beginning as low as $2,672 per person.
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About Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 126 years of know-how, they offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten’s fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, two new groundbreaking ships will be delivered: MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a second new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships, following the launch of MS Roald Amundsen in 2019. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments they call home.
Hurtigruten Announces $100 Incentive to Travel Agents
When travel agents book clients on any of Hurtigruten’s Norway cruises using the brand-new Hurtigruten Agent Portal, agents will receive a $100 incentive.
Seattle, WA (February 5, 2020) – Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, announced today a special offer for all travel agents: When they book their clients on any Hurtigruten cruise that travels along the coast of Norway between February 1 – 29, 2020, using the newly developed Hurtigruten Agent Portal, the travel agent will receive a $100 incentive.
Hurtigruten has been cruising along the Norwegian coastline for over 125 years. They offer daily departures of their Classic Coastal Cruises; these include The Roundtrip Cruise (Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen, 12 days), The Cruise North (Bergen – Kirkenes, 7 days), and The Cruise South (Kirkenes – Bergen, 6 days), all of which are currently available with savings up to 40% when booked by March 31, 2020.
In 2019, Hurtigruten announced the launch of three brand-new expedition cruises along the coast of Norway: Magic of the Arctic Winter, with departure dates during January, February, October, November, and December; On the Cusp of Spring, with departure dates in March and April; and Summer Along the Coastline, with departure dates between May and September. Each of these journeys includes nine new and exclusive ports, combined with recognized Hurtigruten ports, depending on season and place of embarkation. And, while the first cruise doesn’t depart until January 2021, guests will save up to 20% per person when they book by February 28, 2020.
Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises to Norway will also include one onshore activity in every port, as well as a rich program of optional activities; in-depth lectures on the science, history, and culture of the region; an onboard science program; and more.
“We’re very excited to be able to offer this incentive to our travel agent community,” said John Downey, president of Hurtigruten Americas. “We hope this will not only encourage our agents to use our state-of-the-art portal, which makes it easier than ever to book clients on the cruise of their choice, but that it also spreads the news about Hurtigruten’s incredible itineraries in our home country of Norway.”
Both the Classic Coastal Cruises and the expedition cruises along the coast of Norway will count towards this special travel agent incentive, as long as the bookings are made within the new agent portal.
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About Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 126 years of know-how, they offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten’s fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, two new groundbreaking ships will be delivered: MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a second new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships, following the launch of MS Roald Amundsen in 2019. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments they call home.
