Stepping Onboard Midnatsol
Our Cruising Specialist, Jade and Marketing Executive, Margaret, were lucky enough to be invited onboard Hurtigruten's refurbished expedition ship Midnatsol when she docked in Edinburgh Leith.
Hurtigruten is a company with a strong heritage, dating back to 1893. Expert knowledge combined with purpose-built expedition ships allows Hurtigruten to offer once-in-a lifetime voyages to some of the most remote regions in the world. Their 500-passenger ship, Midnatsol, was refurbished last year ready for her maiden season exploring the dramatic landscapes of Antarctica, Patagonia and the Chilean fjords.
Standing alone, Midnatsol looked huge as she towered above the dock at Edinburgh Leith. However, if she had been moored next to one of the large mainstream vessels carrying around 4000 passengers, she would have looked tiny. Inside she didn’t disappoint. The sun poured in through the numerous windows illuminating the interior and there was a real feeling of space. Although the decor was modern, the unusual artwork on display gave Midnatsol her own unique identity.
Public areas were warm and inviting and you could imagine guests reminiscing on the day’s activities with newfound friends. There was a Jacuzzi on the Sun Deck, a lovely addition, although probably not used that often on voyages to Antarctica! The two-storey Panorama Lounge offered plenty of seating and large windows for taking in the ever-changing vistas, while the restaurant was light and had tables accommodating two to six guests with a large buffet station in the centre. We were also lucky enough to visit the Bridge and view the specialist equipment used by the Captain and officers to steer the ship – a unique experience.
On a Hurtigruten expedition voyage, the cabins are purely a base at sea as the emphasis is placed on landings ashore, insightful lectures in the Lecture Hall and the opportunity to connect with one’s inner explorer. The cabins on Midnatsol were comfortable and well-appointed. There was a range of cabin grades, from Polar Inside to Arctic Superior Outside and Expedition Suites. Expedition Suites featured additional amenities including a seating area and mini-bar.
Hurtigruten offer a range of landings on expedition voyages. Midnatsol is equipped with Polarcirckel boats and kayaks which are stored on the Expedition Landing Deck. The company strives to make the Polarcirkel boats as environmentally-friendly as possible, reinforcing its commitment to leave the smallest footprint possible.
Hurtigruten has recently invested in a brand new expedition ship, Roald Amundsen. Launching in 2018, Roald Amundsen will take just 530 guests to some of the world's most remote regions and will be the first expedition ship ever to use electric hybrid technology, reducing fuel consumption and allowing guests to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of Antarctica in near-total silence. All of the 265 cabins will have a view, with many suites featuring a balcony, perfect for taking in the scenery. The stylish interior decor will take inspiration from nature, with Scandinavian oak, birch and granite featuring in the cabins and public areas, including the modern Lindstrom and Fredheim restaurants, which will offer fine Norwegian dining.
Click here to view all our exciting Hurtigruten expedition voyages, from Antarctica to the Arctic and Amazon.