The Roald Amundsen completed her inaugural sail and is officially on route to Antarctica
The electrifying Roald Amundsen completed her inaugural sailing of the Northwest Passage and is officially accepting passengers for its first sailing season.
The luxury hybrid is the first of its kind and one of the most technologically advanced vessels currently on the sea. It includes seven-deck tall video screen that projects images of local sights, it runs on clean diesel, and includes two large battery packs that have the ability to sail 20 to 30 minutes on battery power alone.
“The cruise industry is a huge contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. We are contributing to global warming. That’s why we as a company have chosen to lead,” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said in a statement.
Founded in the spirit of exploration and natural wonder, Hurtigruten has been operating since 1893 and their emphasis on the environment has been undeniably ahead of their time.
“We don’t just talk the talk. We walk the walk,” Skjeldam said. “It’s important that we as an industry invest in innovative solutions that are not paying back immediately... Our goal as a company is to operate 100 percent emissions-free.”
Aside from its impressive sustainability efforts, the ship boasts striking Scandinavian design, with warm public areas and functional yet cozy suites. The ship boasts 256 staterooms and carries 530 passengers; all rooms are outside cabins and 50 percent have balconies.
Guests will also note the surprising amount of natural light that seems into the ship at all hours of the day. The large, floor to ceiling windows are everywhere onboard—from the cabins to the dining rooms, which allow for a spacious feeling, and ample views of the open sea and its wildlife.
The ship is currently on route to Antarctica and will then head up the coast to Vancouver, where it will sail roundtrip expeditions to Alaska for the summer 2020 season.