Hurtigruten is going to be doing the most extensive cruise ship upgrade in its history. The MS Finnmarken will be transformed into premium expedition cruise ship with new features and enhancements.
The Largest Upgrade in Hurtigruten’s History
The cruise ship which is operated by Hurtigruten is going to be having a huge upgrade 2020. It will be the most extensive upgrade in the 126-year history of the cruise line.
MS Finnmarken will become a brand new premium expedition cruise ship after receiving redesigned staterooms and suites, a state of the art Science Center, four new restaurants and low emission engines.
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says:
“We will transform MS Finnmarken into a fully-fledged, premium expedition cruise ship, with all the comforts, facilities, and expertise you need to create a perfect adventure.”
The cruise line which operates a fleet of 14 expedition cruise ships has details deatils of everything that will be added and upgraded on the MS Finnmarken:
Low Emission Engines
Substantially upgraded, low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations (Tier 3), installment of shore-power connectivity, and preparing her for future battery pack installation.
Cabins and Suites
All cabins and suites will be fully refurbished. Using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch, and wool, this will create a relaxed and stylish look and feel, which will add to the premium onboard experience.
On deck 8 aft, in the current gym and sauna area, five large suites with large panoramic windows and spectacular views will be added.
New Restaurants
Aune will be social and informal with the use of natural elements in design and interiors. It will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner inspired by Scandinavian cuisine.
Lindstrøm, a specialty restaurant named after a favorite chef of Norwegian polar heroes, will be a premium fine dining restaurant with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking that are contrasted with modern cuisine.
Fredheim, an informal eatery, is named after a legendary 1920s hunting station in Svalbard that sheltered adventurers from around the world. It will be added on deck 7 and, in addition, a new grill venue will be added outdoors on deck 8.
Science Center
Hurtigruten’s signature Science Center will be added on deck 4, packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment, and other interactive features. This edutainment area will also be the onboard headquarters for the ship’s Expedition Team.
Wellness Center
The new wellness area will be added on deck 7, complete with a lounge, treatment rooms, gym, and panoramic sauna.
Outdoor Pool Area
The outdoor pool area will be fully refurbished, the onboard shop will be expanded, and the car deck will be replaced by the launching area for Hurtigruten explorer boats and other expedition equipment.
Art Collection
MS Finnmarken’s extensive art collection will be preserved during the refurbishment, which will take place in the first quarter of 2020.
Return to Service
Once the ship has completed the huge transformation it will return to sailing along the Norwegian coastline. The vessel will offer 6-day, 7-day, and 12-day voyages.
The 15,700 gross ton MS Finnmarkens joined the fleet in 2002 and was built in Norway. The ship can accommodate around 1,000 guests and has seven passenger decks.
Photo Credit: Jakub KaslJakub Kasl / Photo competition / Hurtigruten
