Tag Archives: Havila Voyages

Covid delays debut of start-up Norwegian cruise line

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Covid delays debut of start-up Norwegian cruise line

The first two of start-up Norwegian cruise line Havila Voyages’ four new coastal ships have taken to the water following construction delays due to Covid-19.

The twin launch of the 6,200-ton vessels took place at the Tersan shipyard in Turkey on Saturday.

But the first two ships will not be ready for the new year as originally planned as the coronavirus pandemic has affected the shipyard over the last six months.

Delivery may now take place during the first quarter of 2021,” based on current knowledge,” according to Havila Voyages’ chief executive Arild Myrvoll.

In anticipation of the new 179-cabin ships, the firm has received approval for two replacement vessels.

But demand for the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes is currently “very uncertain”, and the need for capacity at the start of the new contract on January 1 is under evaluation, the company disclosed.

The coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions are affecting the entire travel industry and are also making it difficult for Havila Voyages to be specific about what will happen next year.

“But we are pleased to note that there is a lot of interest in Havila Voyages from travel agencies and tour operators. We are in great demand and are looking forward to getting going,” Myrvoll added.

The ships have been on land for longer than usual to expedite the construction process as much as possible, with several tasks streamlined.

Myrvoll added: “This means that the work on the ships that have been launched is well underway with regard to plumbing, machinery, electricity and fixtures and fittings.

“It will be good to start providing people living along the coast, and tourists, with safe transport and environmentally friendly sailing on the world’s most beautiful coastal voyage.”

Havila Castor and Havila Capella will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) supported by giant battery packs.

They will be the most environmentally friendly ships on the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021, the company claims.

The batteries will enable them to run for four hours without creating noise or emissions.

Havila Voyages has an agreement with the Norwegian transport ministry to operate four of the 11 ships that sail the coastal voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021 to 2030.

New cruise line to run Norwegian voyages

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Havila - neue norwegische Postschiffe ab 2021

A new cruise line is being formed to run “environmentally responsible” itineraries along the Norwegian coast from spring 2021

Havila Voyages is a new family-owned Norwegian shipping company which has ordered four ships, designed to be the most environmentally friendly to operate along the coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes.

This will pitch the company in direct competition with long-established Hurtigruten.

The first two 179-cabin ships – Havila Castor and Havila Capella – will operate from next year with two more – Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux – following in 2022.

The ships are operating as part of a ten-year government-funded contract to sail the historic route, with Havila operating four of the 11 ships departing daily from Bergen.

Each of the new ships will be fitted with what are claimed to be the world’s largest battery packs, meaning they can sail through fjords and other vulnerable areas for up to four hours emission-free. The batteries will then be charged in the numerous ports along the route, using clean hydropower.

Newly-appointed UK country manager Matthew Valentine, who joins from Hurtigruten,  said: “2020 has not been an easy year for the travel industry, especially the cruise sector.

“We clearly didn’t plan to launch a new cruise line during a worldwide pandemic, so it is really heart-warming to have received such a positive response from the UK travel trade.

“We have some exciting plans for the launch of Havila Voyages and I’m delighted to once again be working with operators and agents from across the UK.

“We know that the success of our business will rely on us building strong trade partnerships, so I look forward to catching up with as many industry colleagues as possible in the near future.”

The 12-day Havila Voyage, costing from £829 per person cruise-only in December 2021, takes in 34 ports while passengers can choose to join the round trip, complete just the northern or southern journey or even spend two or three days on board.

Excursions offered to include a whale safari, king crab fishing in a frozen fjord, dog-sledging in the Arctic wilderness or snowmobiling across the North Cape Plateau.

Prices lead-in at £241pp for a two-day trip from Trondheim to Bergen,  cruise-only basis.

The six-day southbound voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen starts at £497pp.

A range of payment options is offered with cheaper, non-refundable rates or a choice of more flexible options.

Agents and tour operators will be able to make a booking via Havila’s B2B booking system once a contract is in place.