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Hurtigruten switches focus to Antarctica
Hurtigruten is to double its capacity to Antarctica next year by repositioning the MS Midnatsol, which currently operates in Norway.
It will operate with an enhanced entertainment programme, said the cruise line, including an interactive science lab and dedicated programme for younger guests.
Sister ship MS Fram will continue to operate from Ushuaia, with sailings including the Falkland Islands and South Orkney Islands and from September 2016 the Midnatsol will sail from Punta Arenas to explore the Chilean Fjords, Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn.
"This is an important strategic choice for Hurtigruten," said CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
"We are positioning ourselves even stronger in the growing exploration market. The company is a leading, responsible player in sustainable travel. With the modern and flexible MS Midnatsol we meet the growing global demand for active nature-based experiences with an attractive product."
With a capacity of 500 passengers, the Midnatsol is more than double the size of the MS Fram and will be the largest passenger vessel to offer landings in Antarctica.
She will also offer a ‘softer style’ of adventure cruise, said the operator, while the Fram will appeal to more adventurous travellers.
For the first time, Hurtigruten will also be offering a product to appeal to families with a new ‘Young Explorers’ programme.
Midnatsol will undergo some adjustments prior to the Antarctica sailings, but it already has an ice class 1C, helipad, a redundant propulsion system and will be equipped with a customized oil retention system.
The smaller MS Fram will continue to offer a more adult-focussed programme with more challenging and extreme excursions than the Midnatsol, such as longer and harder hikes and a brand new skiing expedition across the Antarctic Peninsula.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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