Video Tour: Total Makeover for Hurtigruten Ships
After a successful financial turnaround over the recent years, Norwegian explorer cruise line Hurtigruten now upgrades the vessels sailing the Norwegian coast, as well as their new expedition ship MS Spitsbergen. The vessels MS Kong Harald and MS Polarlys are now as the first two ships totally renewed. In this article you can see the brand new New Arctic Interior aboard MS Polarlys.
Hurtigruten, the leader in polar exploration, is also the lead in the fast growing global adventure tourism market at sea. For the first time in ten years, the company has purchased a new explorer ship, effectively tripling its capacity in Antarctic waters.
"We are reinventing the Hurtigruten experience! By combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability, we aim to ensure the position as world leader in nature-based explorer travels in polar waters," says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
The first step of the refurbishment program includes the total renewal of four Norwegian coastal ships, including a modern Scandinavian interior – with inspiration drawn from the spectacular nature outside the windows and under the keels. In addition, the new MS Spitsbergen will be refurbished both on the inside as well as the out, to better prepare her for sailing in polar conditions.
The Norwegian shipyard Fosen Yard has won the contract in an international tender.
“New Arctic Interior”
The first ships to be renewed are MS Kong Harald, MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp, and MS Nordnorge, all of which will undergo a total makeover during 2016. MS Spitsbergen will be completed in the spring.
"Adventure travelers of today are looking for the unique and authentic. By renewing the fleet, we are able to offer a world-class onboard environment that complement what nature puts forward outside," says Skjeldam.
MS Polarlys was given new interior end in early 2016.
"The interior reflects the breathtaking coastal landscapes we sail past. We have made it stylish and yet unpretentious; the colors are earthy and from the coast and the sea. Many of the materials are natural, such as wood, slate, and leather. Forms originate from nature, and guests will be welcomed by shapes that bear resemblance to fire, waves, and seaweed," says Skjeldam.
The new look has been named New Arctic Interior. Have a look at the video from the newly refurbished MS Polarlys below: