Norway Explorer will take the place of Midnatsol on Coastal Norway route

     Seattle – Hurtigruten has announced the purchase of a new expedition ship. The ship, temporarily named MS Norway Explorer, was built in Portugal in 2009 at the Viana do Castelo shipyard, and is now making her way to Scandinavia. After she undergoes a total reconstruction including adapting for polar waters; upgrading the cabins, suites and public spaces for the 320 guests; and adjusting the power plants and emissions so as to meet Hurtigruten's high standards, the ship will join the fleet along the Norwegian Coastal Voyage route. Fitting well into the company's planned expansion to offer more expeditions, the new ship will replace the Midnatsol, which will join the MS Fram in Antarctica for the 2016/17 season.

     “The new ship's maneuverability and optimal size will bring Hurtigruten`s guests even closer to nature,” says CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “We invest in our fleet to ensure that Hurtigruten remains a world leader in sustainable explorer travels along the Norwegian coast and polar destinations as well as enrich our guests' unique experiences by expanding our service at destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard and Antarctica.”

     A leader in exploration travel, 123-year-old Hurtigruten is continuing to expand its marketing and sales efforts in North America as it invests in its future. Having been taken private late in 2014, the company is gearing up to offer new itineraries, an array of new soft and hard adventure excursions and expansion of its highly regarded expedition leader teams over the next few years.

     The company's fleet of now 13 intimate ships, each which carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere. Additional information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.us; by phone at 877-301-3117; or fax at 888-524-2145. To order brochures 24 hours a day, call 800-582-0835.

Facts about MS Explorer Norway

Number of guests: 320
Total berth capacity: 180
Gross tonnage: 7025
Length: 97.53 m
Width: 18 m
Draft: 5 m
Propeller System: 2x 360 Azimut thrusters
Machinery: Diesel Electric
Speed: 17.4 knots

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Gillies and Zaiser
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HTN-17-June 2015