Tag Archives: expedition ships

Hurtigruten names new expedition ships

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Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal and expedition cruise line, said two new ships it is building for 2018 and 2019 will be called the Roald Amundsen and the Fridtjof Nansen.

While they may not exactly trip off the tongue, the names honor the two most influential Norwegian polar pioneers from the era when the company first started offering adventure travel.

The 530-passenger ships will be designed by Rolls Royce and built by Kleven Yards in Norway.

The interior will mirror the exterior waters and landscapes, Hurtigruten said. Materials will be predominantly Norwegian and be inspired by nature using granite, oak, birch and wool, among other materials.

The ships will have large observation platforms on several decks for guests to get close to nature and wildlife. Six out of ten cabins will have balconies; two out of ten will be suites.

The vessels will have three restaurants with menus reflecting local flavors and destinations. A pool deck will include infinity pools, Jacuzzis and bars.

Hurtigruten said itineraries for the new ships will be announced in November.

Kleven Maritime to Build Up to Four Expedition Ships

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Kleven Maritime to Build Up to Four Expedition Ships

Norway’s shipbuilder Kleven Maritime has entered into an agreement with a compatriot cruise company Hurtigruten Cruises to build up to four new explorer vessels.

Under the contract, the shipbuilder is scheduled to deliver two new vessels, designed for Arctic and Antarctic voyages, in the summer of 2018.

The deal includes an option for another two ships which would join their owner in 2019.

The new ships will be constructed at Kleven Verft shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway.

Designed by Rolls-Royce, the new vessels will feature a length of 140 meters and a width of 23 meters.

The expedition-style vessels will have a capacity to carry 600 passengers.

The Hurtigruten cruise company currently operates a fleet of fourteen ships.

World Maritime News Staff

Lindblad acquiring expedition ship for Galapagos cruises

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Lindblad Expeditions Holdings has agreed to spend $18 million to acquire the Via Australis, an expedition ship that Lindblad will use for Galapagos Islands cruises, replacing the National Geographic Endeavour.

The company expects to take possession of the ship in the second quarter of 2016 and deploy the ship in the third quarter following a $10 million refurbishment. The ship will bear the National Geographic name.

“The Via Australis will be the ideal platform for our Galapagos expeditions far into the future. Opportunities to acquire high-quality expedition ships on attractive terms are infrequent so we seized this one,” said Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “The Via Australis will provide us with increased profitability on the same route through more operating days, revenue enhancement opportunities, operating efficiencies and cost savings compared to the National Geographic Endeavour. Additionally, it will require significantly lower capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.”

The Via Australis is one of two ships that currently sails for Australis, a Chile-based expedition line specializing in Patagonia cruises. According to Australis’ website, the ship was built in 2005 and can accommodate up to 136 passengers in 64 cabins.

After the refurbishment, the ship will have 50 cabins (46 doubles and four singles) for a maximum capacity of 96 guests, Lindblad Expeditions said.

Lindblad said the ship is a great fit for Galapagos cruising because it is “quiet and maneuverable, a great asset when approaching marine life.” Also, the ship offers “great viewing from all public spaces,” he said.

The ship will be equipped with Zodiacs and sea kayaks. The Zodiac platform can deploy two landing crafts at the same time, Lindblad Expeditions said.

The expedition ship will also have a fitness room and a wellness spa.