Extreme Makeover for Hurtigruten Favorite: MS Richard With Will Emerge as Brand-New Ship

The single largest upgrade project in Hurtigruten’s history will see MS Richard With emerge as a brand-new ship, complete with more comfort, new technology and better views of the spectacular Norwegian coast

SEATTLE, WA – November 9, 2018 – Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, is placing its custom-built polar vessel MS Richard With into drydock at Norway’s Fosen Yard for a one-month full upgrade of all cabins, suites and guest areas.

“We are thrilled to give the ship named after our founder a new standard Richard With himself would be proud of. What we are doing will add a new dimension to the expression ‘total makeover,’” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.

And, it is just the beginning: This is the first of a two-step upgrade that will transform the custom-built polar water vessel into one of the most modern and environmentally-friendly cruise ships in the world. Over the course of the next two years, Hurtigruten will replace diesel propulsion with large battery packs and green LNG (liquefied natural gas) engines on MS Richard With, and at least five other existing ships in Hurtigruten’s fleet.

“Hurtigruten is strongly committed to being the frontrunner in green change. As we introduce the ships on the Norwegian coast, they set new standards for the industry to follow,” Skjeldam says. “We strongly believe that Hurtigruten, and our responsible and innovative approach to sustainable solutions, is the perfect fit for the modern-day explorer. Hurtigruten is experiencing a substantial global growth. The expansion we have seen so far, is just the beginning.”

The major upgrade of MS Richard With—which will operate Hurtigruten’s legendary and original Bergen to Kirkenes voyage—will include a number of new features:

  • All staterooms and suites will be fully upgraded to match Hurtigruten’s new standards. On deck 6, a number of cabins will be merged into 14 larger suites, some with large bay windows and spectacular views.

  • In addition to a full makeover, the aft-facing Torget main restaurant will be fitted with large deck-to-ceiling windows.

  • The Brygga bistro found on other Hurtigruten ships will be replaced by an upgraded and larger arcade, as well as a brand-new Activity Center, which will act as the onboard headquarters for Hurtigruten’s Expedition Team.

  • Kysten Fine Dining—serving innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce such as ultra-fresh seafood—will appear slightly different from other Hurtigruten ships, and also will be open for a la carte lunch.

  • On deck 7, the gym will be enlarged, the sauna will be upgraded and two aft-facing outdoor hot tubs will be added.

  • Two new lecture halls will be added on deck 4, in conjunction to the open Kompass information and shopping area, where guests can enjoy exclusive offers on outdoor clothing and other items.

  • On deck 7, the informal and hugely popular Hurtigruten venue Multe Bakery—serving freshly baked cakes and pastries, smørbrød (open sandwiches with generous amounts of topping), smoothies, a large assortment of local ice cream with homemade toppings, premium coffee, organic herbal tea, and premium juice—will be added.

  • On the more technical side, the ship will also undergo several upgrades—including the installment of shore power facilities and a new air conditioning system.

After a recent order for a third, revolutionary hybrid electric-powered expedition cruise ship, Hurtigruten now operates a growing fleet of 17 custom-built vessels.

For more information, please contact:

Holly Winter
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
+1 305 443 5454
[email protected]

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ABOUT HURTIGRUTEN

Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 125 years of know-how, we offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, 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, three new ground-breaking ships will be delivered; MS Roald Amundsen in 2019, MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a third 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. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments we call home.