Hurtigruten has added a series of shorter pre-inaugural voyages from the UK on its new hybrid battery powered expedition cruise ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, after learning that it will be completed earlier than expected.
The vessel is packed with green technology and large battery packs and is, like her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ship.
The groundbreaking ship is set for delivery by the end of 2019, well ahead of her 1 April inaugural voyage from Hamburg to the Norwegian coast.
Hybrid powered MS Fridtjof Nansen, top of page and above, during sea trials in the Norwegian fjords Image: MOTION AIR/Hurtigruten
“Pre-inaugural voyages are normally offered to specially invited guests only. We want to share the special occasion and give more explorers the opportunity for a first-hand experience of the incredible MS Fridtjof Nansen and our unique expedition cruises,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
Departing from London (7 March), Liverpool (12 March) and Portsmouth (17 March), the exclusive five-night pre-inaugural voyages will take guests exploring hand-picked destinations in and around the British Isles including the Isles of Scilly, Fowey, Isle of Man and Dartmouth.
The four-night voyage to the Norwegian capital of Oslo will depart London’s iconic Tower Bridge and take guests through the Kiel Canal and Aalborg in Denmark.