Hurtigruten to upgrade coastal fleet

Hurtigruten is to renovate four of its coastal ships in 2016 to match the refurbishment currently underway on the company’s newly acquired vessel, the MS Spitsbergen.

MS Spitbergen, which is due to enter the fleet in May, will operate as an additional ship on the Norwegian coastal route next summer before it officially takes the place of MS Midnatsol in autumn 2016.

“We are a first mover company and we are now 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”, said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

MS Polarlys will be refurbished in January, during a 22 day extensive programme. The MS Kong Harald, MS Nordkapp and MS Nordnorge will follow.

“The interior will reflect the breath-taking coastal landscapes we sail past,” added Magnus Zetterberg, managing director of Hurtigruten UK. “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.”

The refit will include all public areas of the ships including the reception, cafes, bistros and the aft deck.

Images of the new interiors can be viewed here.