Hurtigruten christens MS Spitsbergen

Hurtigruten has christened MS Spitsbergen, the company’s new explorer vessel, at a ceremony in Spitsbergen. 

The 335-passenger ship will offer voyages to destinations including Canada, Iceland and Greenland.

“Adventure travel is one the fastest growing global tourism mega trends and Lofoten offers everything the new adventure traveller seeks: Spectacular scenery, authenticity, a unique history and atmosphere, and access to active nature-based experiences. Svolvaer in many respects mirrors the modern Hurtigruten, being a world leading provider of explorer cruises with activity, learning and sustainability in the core,”  Daniel Skjeldam, the Hurtigruten CEO, said.

The ship was christened by Cecilie Skog, a Norwegian explorer who has been to the North Pole, South Pole, Mount Everest and Greenland.

MS Spitsbergen will join Hurtigruten’s fleet of explorer ships on Norway’s coastline, and will set sail on her first voyage from Bergen on July 24, 2016.

Magnus Zetterberg, UK managing director of Hurtigruten said: “This has been a big year for Hurtigruten, and with the christening of MS Spitsbergen, we are making headway towards becoming a world- leading adventure travel provider. We look forward to welcoming people from across the globe on-board the new jewel in our ever-growing fleet.”

Skjeldam added: “Archeological findings suggest this is the place where pioneer explorer Leiv Eriksson went ashore and named it Vinland. Coming here and to the other historic sites with MS Spitsbergen, more than a 1000 years later, resonates with our Viking spirit and Hurtigruten’s pioneering ambitions.”