Brand new cruise operator Havila Voyages has announced that its first two ships will finally set sail in August cruising along the Norwegian coast.
Havila Capella will make her maiden voyage on the 24th, while Havila Castor is expected to make her debut a week later on 30 August.
When they launch, Capella and Castor will be among the most environmentally friendly ships to sail along the Norwegian coastal route.
Havila has confirmed that the two new ships are progressing well, with sea trials for Capella taking place in mid-May. She will then be delivered to Norway in July, where final preparations for her maiden voyage will be made. Castor will follow shortly after.
Matthew Valentine, UK manager, said: “The coastal voyage is the ultimate bucket-list trip, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Norwegian culture and enjoy unique experiences such as the midnight sun and magical Northern Lights.”
A large battery pack fitted to each ship will allow them to sail through the fjords and other vulnerable areas for up to four hours at a time – quietly and emission free. The batteries will then be charged in one of the numerous ports along the route, using clean hydropower.
Other environmental initiatives include the use of LNG, a hull specially designed to be energy efficient in the Norwegian coastal conditions and a heat recovery system.
Prices start from £241 per person for a two-day trip from Trondheim to Bergen on cabin only basis.
The six-day Southbound voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen starts from £497 per person, while the 12-day round trip costs from £829 per person on full board basis.