Hurtigruten has added MS Midnatsol to its Signature fleet following an extensive refurbishment, with the ship setting course for Svalbard on May 19 on its first sailing on The Svalbard Line.
Hedda Felin, Hurtigruten CEO, said demand for Norwegian coastal and Svalbard voyages from Australia was stronger than ever.
“The Svalbard Line has been very well received, and with MS Midnatsol we are further strengthening the offering with additional departures and a ship specially rebuilt for this type of travel,” Ms Felin said.
The refurbishment covers dining, accommodation and facilities throughout the ship. New onboard restaurants include the Sami-inspired Arran restaurant and fine dining venue Røst on Deck 8, alongside main restaurant Flora, all serving menus based on local ingredients from the regions the ship sails through. The Panorama Lounge has received a new bar, while the gym and sauna have been upgraded. All cabins have been refurbished, including a full upgrade of Arctic Superior cabins, with nearly 9,000 square metres of carpeting replaced throughout. The ship has also been adapted to comply with the Polar Code for safe operations in polar waters.
During the summer season from June to August, MS Midnatsol will sail between Bergen and Longyearbyen in rotation with MS Trollfjord, offering weekly departures to Svalbard. In winter from December to February, the ship will alternate with MS Finnmarken on weekly departures from Hamburg on the North Cape Line.
Damian Perry, Hurtigruten APAC Managing Director, said demand for the Signature portfolio from Australia and New Zealand had never been stronger.
“The Signature Voyage style has always resonated deeply with Australian travellers and MS Midnatsol now delivers that experience at its fullest,” Mr Perry said.
