​Hurtigruten introduces new expedition ship: MS Finnmarken slated for total makeover

After the most extensive upgrade in Hurtigruten’s 125 years of history, MS Finnmarken will reemerge as a brand new premium expedition cruise ship.

From 2021 the fully refurbished MS Finnmarken will explore handpicked destinations along the rugged Norwegian coastline on year-round expedition cruises.

Already from 2020, guests travelling on Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Voyage along the Norwegian coastline will get a unique opportunity to experience a brand new MS Finnmarken.

- We will transform her into a full-fledged premium expedition cruise ship, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise you need for creating a perfect adventure, Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.

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The keel-to-mast upgrade will bring several new features to the ship. Some of the highlights includes:

MS Finnmarken. Photo: Agurtxane Concellon/Hurtigruten 

Substantially upgraded, low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations (Tier 3), installment of shore-power connectivity and preparing her for future battery pack installation.

High-res image: MS Finnmarken. Photo: Agurtxane Concellon/Hurtigruten

High-res image: Explorer Lounge & Bar. Photo: Hurtigruten

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All cabins and suites will be fully refurbished. Using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool, this will create a relaxed and stylish look and feel, and add to the premium on-board experience. On deck 8 aft, in the current gym and sauna area, five large suites (pictured above) with large panoramic windows and spectacular views will be added.

High-res image: Corner Suite || Balcony Suite || Stateroom 1 || Stateroom 2 || Photo: Hurtigruten

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Four brand new restaurants will be added:

Restaurant Aune (pictured), Hurtigruten’s new expedition cruise main restaurant concept. Aune will be social and informal with the use of natural elements in design and interiors, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner based on a Scandinavian identity.

Restaurant Lindstrøm, a specialty restaurant named after the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes, will be added. Lindstrøm will be an upper premium fine dining restaurant with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking that are contrasted with modern cuisine.

The informal eatery Fredheim, named after a legendary 1920s hunting station in Svalbard that sheltered adventurers from around the world will be added on deck 7. In addition, a new grill venue will be added outdoor on deck 8.

High-res image: Restaurant Aune. Photo: Hurtigruten

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Hurtigruten’s signature Science Center (pictured above) will be added on deck 4. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features, the edutainment area will also be the on-board HQ for the ship’s Expedition Team.

High-res image: Finnmarken Science Center. Photo: Hurtigruten

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The new larger wellness area (pictured above) will be added on deck 7, and includes a lounge, treatment rooms, gym and panoramic sauna.

The outdoor pool area will be fully refurbished, the shop expanded, and her car deck will be replaced by the launching area for Hurtigruten explorer boats (ribs) and other expedition equipment.

MS Finnmarken’s extensive art collection will be preserved during the refurb, which will take place in the first quarter of 2020.

High-res image: Wellness & Gym. Photo: Hurtigruten

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The original - since 1893

- Imagine standing on the deck watching the northern lights glimmer above in a star-riddled sky, sailing within nearly touching distance of a sheer 1,000-metre high mountainside, or experiencing small communities, perpetual daylight and a never-setting sun north of the Arctic Circle. This is what you get when booking your Norwegian adventure with Hurtigruten, Skjeldam says.

Hurtigruten started what is today perceived as “the most beautiful voyage in the world” – the 2500-kilometer, 11-day 

round trip voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes - more than 125 years ago.

Visiting 34 ports along the coast, Hurtigruten’s coastal ships source fresh produce from local suppliers, interacts with local communities, and offers more than 90 different excursions, taking part in hikes, boat trips, dogsledding and many other outdoor activities led by the on-board Expedition Teams.

- Hurtigruten is The Original. Having sailed the Norwegian coast every day since 1893 gives us unparalleled knowhow and love for these waters. Coastal Norway is and will stay our home – while we simultaneous¬ly explore a growing number of other adventurous destinations around the world, Skjeldam says.

Hurtigruten’s 2020 Original Coastal Voyages are now open for booking. Please visit www.hurtigruten.com to book your adventure.