The world’s greenest cruise ship has completed its inaugural sailing of the Northwest Passage, making it the first battery-hybrid powered ship to complete the legendary voyage.
Part luxury cruise vessel and part research station, Hurtigruten's MS Roald Amundsen completed the 3000 nautical miles passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific by hybrid propulsion. It is named after the Norwegian polar pioneer who made the first complete passage from 1903 to 1906.
Equipped with large battery packs and groundbreaking technology, the MS Roald Amundsen has made global green waves in the cruise and shipping industry. Using batteries to support its engines mean that emissions are reduced by more than 20%. The new boat has a two-storey indoor and outdoor observation deck that is wrapped around the ship’s bow.
Behind the observation deck is the Amundsen Science Centre fitted with touchscreens and high-tech gadgetry, so passengers can learn about the landscape and wildlife witnessed on the voyage. The ship's expedition teams share their expertise on subjects like photography and biology, and passengers can use either kayaks and inflatable explorer boats available for landing in otherwise inaccessible locations.
All of the ship's cabins are outside, and some private balconies and outdoor jacuzzis. There are three different restaurants, along with a wellness area, a panoramic sauna, a gym, and a pool deck with swimming area, whirlpools and a bar.
Having traversed the Northwest Passage, MS Roald Amundsen will sail further along the coast of North- and South America, before spending the winter offering one-of-a-kind expedition cruises in Antarctica. During the summer of 2020, the ship will then return to North America, for a series of expedition cruises in Alaska.
For further information, please see Hurtigruten's website here.