By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Hurtigruten is to transform Finnmarken into its newest expedition ship. The upgrade will feature new engines, renovated accommodation and the line’s signature science centre.
The keel-to-mast transformation will integrate new upgraded, low-emission engines that comply with all current and upcoming regulations. Finnmarken will also be installed with shore power connectivity to prepare for any future battery instalments.
Finnmarken’s cabins and suites will be fully refurbished using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool. The gym and sauna on deck 8 aft will be replaced with five large suites with large panoramic windows.
The renovation will also bring four new restaurants to the expedition ship. Restaurant Aune will be a social and informal space, serving Scandinavian breakfast, lunch and dinner. Restaurant Lindstrøm is a premium fine dining restaurant serving traditional Norwegian cooking with a modern twist. Informal eatery Fredheim will be located on deck 7, while a new grill venue will be added outdoors on deck 8.
“We will transform her into a full-fledged premium expedition cruise ship, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise you need for creating a perfect adventure,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten. “Imagine standing on the deck watching the Aurora Borealis glimmer above in a star-riddled sky, sailing within nearly touching distance of a sheer 1,000-metre high mountainside, or experiencing small communities, perpetual daylight and a never-setting sun north of the Arctic Circle. This is what you get when booking your Norwegian adventure with Hurtigruten.”
Finnmarken will also feature Hurtigruten’s signature Science Center on deck 4. The centre will provide passengers with high-tech gadgets, science equipment and other interactive features. There will also be a new larger wellness area on deck 7 that includes a lounge, treatment rooms, gym and panoramic sauna. The ship’s extensive art collection will be preserved during the refurb, which is planned to take place in early 2020.
From 2021 Hurtgruten’s renovated ship will sail to destinations along the Norwegian coastline on year-round expedition cruises.
“Hurtigruten is ‘The Original’. Having sailed the Norwegian coast every day since 1893 gives us unparalleled knowhow and love for these waters,” said Skjeldam. “Coastal Norway is and will stay our home – while we simultaneously explore a growing number of other adventurous destinations around the world.”