Hurtigruten is to host the first ever ship christening ceremony in Antarctica this autumn, making history.
Roald Amundsen, the world’s only hybrid-powered expedition cruise ship, will be help Hurtigruten to recreate the ritual the renowned polar explorer invented in 1917.
Amundsen smashed a chunk of ice, rather than the traditional bottle of champagne, against Maud’s hull saying: “It is not my intention to dishonour the glorious grape, but already now you shall get the taste of your real environment.
For the ice you have been built, and in the ice, you shall stay most of your life, and in the ice, you shall solve your tasks.”
Hurtigruten will is yet to announce the chosen godmother to officially name the vessel and crush the ice on her bow.
“We can think of no better place to name the truly unique Roald Amundsen than the waters of Antarctica, where no ship has ever been christened before,” said Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO.
“With over 125 years of polar experience, Hurtigruten will use the first-ever ship naming ceremony in Antarctica to pay our respects to our oceans, the environment and past and present explorers.”
Roald Amundsen already made history this summer by being the first cruise ship in the world to sail solely on battery power.
She was purpose-built for providing expedition cruises in polar and environmentally sensitive regions and the ship’s battery packs support low-emission engines, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20% compared to traditional cruise ships of the same size!
Roald Amundsen will be the first hybrid-powered ship to traverse the Northwest Passage in a voyage that will follow the explorer Amundsen’s original expedition route.
“This opens a new chapter in maritime history,” said Skjeldam.
“Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship equipped with batteries, something deemed impossible just a few years back.
With the introduction of Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten sets a new standard not only for cruising, but for the entire shipping industry to follow.”
Guests can exect the vessel’s interiors to reflect modern Scandinavian design and onboard highlights to include:
-The Amundsen Science Centre
-Observation decks
-Infinity pool
-A panoramic sauna
-A wellness centre
-Three restaurants
-Bars
-An Explorer Lounge
-Aft-facing suites with private outdoor hot tubs
Roald Amundsen will offer expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast to Svalbard and Greenland in her maiden season. the first hybrid-powered ship to traverse the Northwest Passage in a voyage that will follow the explorer Amundsen’s original expedition route.
In the 2019-2020 season, she will also sail itineraries along the west coast of North and South America.
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What do you think of Roald Amundsen and its christening being the first ever in Antarctica? Would you love to be there to witness it? Will you be stepping onboard this Hurtigruten ship? Let us know below!
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