Thousands witness the christening of explorer ship MS Spitsbergen, near the Arctic Circle and under the midnight sun
Thousands of people came out in Svolvaer, Norway to witness the christening of the MS Spitsbergen, the newest explorer ship from Norwegian shipping powerhouse, Hurtigruten.
The new explorer ship is named MS Spitsbergen after the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago. Located in the northernmost part of Norway, next to the North Pole, Spitsbergen is also where Hurtigruten founder, Richard With first started explorer tourism in the Arctic in 1896.
“Adventure travel is one the fastest growing global tourism mega trends. The MS Spitsbergen destinations offers everything the new adventure traveler seeks: Spectacular scenery, authenticity, a unique history and atmosphere, and access to active nature-based experiences. Svolvaer in many respects mirrors the modern Hurtigruten: a world leading provider of explorer cruises with activity, learning and sustainability at its core”, says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
Polar pioneer, mountaineer godmother
MS Spitsbergen Godmother, Cecilie Skog, popped the champagne bottle against the ship’s side and officially christened the Spitsbergen. Skog is one of the most awarded contemporary Norwegian explorers, with numerous achievements including expeditions to the North Pole; the South Pole; Mount Everest; Antarctica; and Greenland. She has also climbed the ‘Seven Summits’, standing on top of the highest mountain on each of the earth’s seven continents.
Arctic adventure awaits
After its first season in Norway, MS Spitsbergen will alternate between the Norwegian coast and polar expeditions. Starting in 2017, guests can sail with her to Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe and Shetland Islands, as well as to Arctic Canada. Among the many exceptional landings in Canada is L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the first Viking settlements were discovered in 1960.
“Archeological findings suggest this is the place where pioneer explorer Leiv Eriksson went ashore and named it Vinland. Sailing here, and other historic sites with MS Spitsbergen, more than a 1000 years on, resonates with our Viking spirit and Hurtigruten’s pioneering ambitions”, adds Skjeldam.
MS Spitsbergen 2017/18 voyages will include:
· In the wake of the Vikings: Norway-Shetland-Faroe Islands-Iceland
The Vikings crossed the North Sea and landed on the British Isles. Although they are often thought of as barbaric raiders, they were also accomplished explorers and settlers.
· The Vinland saga adventure: Iceland-Greenland-Canada
Between year 800 and 1000, the feared and fabled Vikings carried out a number of expeditions to explore the North Atlantic Ocean. This expedition follows a route described in the Vinland Saga.
· Exploring the Arctic land of the caribou: Canada
This expedition includes the chance to visit two national parks, several different settlements and intriguing cities. Along the way, guests will be able to view remarkable archaeological remains and get an insight into the interesting history of the Vikings.
· Crossing Baffin Bay: Canada-Greenland
An expedition that explores the unspoiled regions on both sides of Baffin Bay. From Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada; via the grand landscape of Baffin Island; to Greenland where guests can touch an iceberg with their bare hands and marvel at the power of nature in Ilulissat Icefjord.
· Thule, north and beyond: The west coast of Greenland
A unique Arctic expedition exploring the northwest coast of Greenland, along the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet, which stretches 1,500 miles north, covering up to 80% of the island.
· Island hopping in the north Atlantic: Greenland-Iceland-Faroe Islands-Shetland Islands-Norway
Guests can explore the spectacular and unspoiled scenery of Greenland. They can then visit Saga island, Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, and the charming Faroe and Shetland Islands.
· Elves, sagas and volcanoes of Island: Circumnavigation of the island of Iceland
Mythical Iceland is the perfect destination for adventurers looking to explore wilderness, wildlife, history and settlements.
About MS Spitsbergen
Total berth capacity: 243
Gross Tonnage: 7344
Length: 100,54 m
Width: 18 m
Speed: 17 knots
Propeller system: 360 deg. pod and tunnel thrusters
