We’ve heard of underwater lounges and now another cruise line will have underwater drones!
Expedition cruise line Hurtigruten is well known for offering cruises to remote destinations like Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. The cruise line is going one step further by introducing underwater drones on MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam, said:
“Hurtigruten is building the world’s greenest and most advanced expedition ships. With the introduction of underwater drones, we are adding a new dimension for our guests.”
The two cruise ships the drones will be featured on are the world’s first powered by hybrid battery technology and will be entering service for Hurtigruten in 2018 and 2019.
Skjeldam also added:
“Ninety percent of the ocean remains unexplored, and with underwater drones on our ships we can take our guests to areas less explored than the surface of Mars. This provides the opportunity for adventurous guests to become real explorers.”
The Blueye Pioneer drones are in partnership with Blueye Robotics and they will be able to be used in the extreme weather conditions that the cruise line usually sails in. They will have a compact size, weighing at 15 pounds and features four robust thrusters, and stability. Blueye Pioneer’s high-definition, wide-angle video camera uses special technologies that work in low light conditions and can stream true-color images to screens on the Hurtigruten ships or to the digital diving masks worn by guests aboard smaller Explorer Boats.
The two new class cruise ships are environmentally friendly and bring new technologies to the industry. They are being constructed at the Kleven Yards in Norway and will be able to carry 600 passengers. Onboard the polar vessels will be pools, bars, dining venues, jacuzzis and special observation decks so guest can get up close with nature.
