New Expedition Cruise Ships
An exciting era of cutting-edge expedition ships has arrived, and following in the footsteps of famous explorers has never been so luxurious, so immersive and so environmentally friendly.
State-of-the-Art Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen
Expedition cruising takes guests into the heart of remote regions, so minimising impact on the environment was at the forefront when Hurtigruten designed its latest expedition ships. Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, launching in 2019, will feature the latest hybrid technology to create a more sustainable way of travelling. Expedition teams will ensure guests get the most out of their adventures and small custom-built explorer boats have been designed to handle even the most extreme conditions. To further enhance guests’ experiences, the Activity Center on Roald Amundsen and the Nansen Science Center on Fridtjof Nansen will be hubs for learning more about the destinations visited, with advanced technology such as VR headsets. Fridtjof Nansen will also be equipped with a fleet of underwater drones. Named after famous Norwegian explorers, the ships will feature a comfortable design using Scandinavian materials. All cabins and suites will have a view of the changing surroundings, whilst 50 percent will feature private balconies. Both ships will feature three restaurants for relaxed international cuisine and fine dining options. Be among the first to experience this new way of expedition cruising with Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen set to explore the Antarctic, Chilean Fjords and South America.
Exploring the underwater world with Ponant
Ponant’s latest additions to the fleet are setting a new standard in luxury expedition cruising. Named after great French explorers, Le Laperouse and Le Champlain join the fleet in 2018, followed by Le Bougainville and Le Dumont-D’Urville in 2019. Inspiration for these four new sister ships comes from those who set off on adventures in search of new lands. These are the first ever cruise ships to feature a multi-sensory underwater area, ‘Blue Eye’, which is designed to reflect the underwater world. Two huge windows shaped like the eye of a cetacean look deep into the ocean and integrated digital screens project live underwater images. The state-of-the-art technology also gives guests a chance to experience the underwater world with ‘Body Listening’ sofas vibrating in harmony to the sounds of the ocean. Elsewhere on the ships, a marina allows easy access into the sea for kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving and snorkelling, whilst a submersible mini-port enables direct access to the 10 Zodiac boats. Take in the views from the infinity pool and the spa area where the sauna has a panoramic window. All of the 92 luxurious cabins and suites feature private balconies up to 30m2 in size. Discover a wide range of destinations in luxury and style: follow in the footsteps of the Vikings around Iceland and the Arctic Circle, cruise the turquoise waters of the Seychelles, explore the heart of Indonesia with an expedition to Borneo and beyond, delve deep into the Amazon rainforest and learn about the ancient cultures of Papua New Guinea. Ponant has also announced it will be launching the world's first luxury icebreaker cruise ship in 2021. The hybrid electric icebreaker will have cutting-edge technology to make Ponant a pioneer in environmental protection. It will be able to visit the far extremes of the world including the Geographic North Pole, Greenland's extreme North East and the icy wilderness of the Antarctic.
Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht, is also Scenic's first ocean cruise ship and has been designed with guests’ enjoyment and pleasure in mind. Launching in August 2018, this pioneering ship will provide luxury 6-star accommodation while also offering unique experiences, led by the expert Discovery Team, including optional helicopter and submarine excursions. Zodiacs, kayaks, e-bikes and snorkelling equipment ensure the ultimate adventure of a lifetime. The beautifully designed spacious suites all feature butler service, a separate living area and private veranda. For the ultimate indulgence there are the opulent Owner’s Penthouse Suites which offer a spacious curved terrace with private Jacuzzi for the best views on board. Relax and unwind in the tranquil Spa Sanctuary with its indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, plunge pool and indulgent spa treatments, or work out in the yoga and pilates studio and well-equipped gym. Indulge yourself with a choice of ten different dining experiences featuring enticing menus created by Scenic’s expert team of chefs, and perhaps immerse yourself in the world of gastronomy with culinary lessons in the dedicated on-board cooking emporium. In Scenic Eclipse’s inaugural season discover Antarctica and the remote Falkland Islands, cruise through the dramatic fjords of Chile and Norway and explore the Arctic regions of Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard. Follow the Viking trail to Atlantic Canada, uncover the historic cities of the Mediterranean and relax in the tropical Caribbean.
HANSEATIC inspiration
With a design concept inspired by nature, Hapag Lloyd’s luxurious HANSEATIC inspiration ship will have more open deck space than any other expedition ship. Come face-to-face with nature and enjoy breathtaking views from one of the two glass-floored balconies or the Observation Deck with its 180-degree view. 16 onboard Zodiacs and E-Zodiacs have eco-friendly electric drive systems for landings in remote areas while the marina makes a fantastic platform for water sports in warmer climates. Almost all spaciously designed cabins and suites will feature balconies or French balconies. Three on board restaurants offer a choice of dining experiences, with the Bistro Restaurant featuring an outdoor seating area so guests can take in the dramatic scenery whilst enjoying the fine cuisine. After an exhilarating day exploring the remote expedition regions there is the choice to relax by the pool and spa, work out in the well-equipped fitness centre, try stand-up paddling and kayaking from the marina or visit the interactive Knowledge Studio. During its first year, HANSEATIC inspiration will make a Transatlantic crossing before exploring the wilderness of the Western Arctic, South America and the Chilean Fjords, New England and the Great Lakes between Toronto and Chicago, and the ever-popular Antarctica.
Crystal Endeavor
Crystal Endeavor is an upcoming polar-class mega-yacht designed for expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctic and tropical locations and will offer extreme adventures by air, sea and land. Carrying just 200 guests, the yacht’s public spaces will include expedition rooms, a full-service spa and six restaurants, and the spacious suites will all feature private verandas and butler service. Facilities on board will include two helicopters for flightseeing expeditions as well as submarines, zodiacs, jet skis, paddle boards, snorkelling and scuba equipment and powerful underwater scooters.