Skip to main content

High Seas Hybrid: World’s Most Eco-friendly Cruise Ship Will Sail in 2018

From an environmental perspective, it’s easy to see how cruise ships have long been one of the harshest modes of travel. They’re big, slow, fuel-hungry, and rife with excess. However, forward-thinking cruise line Hurtigruten is looking to change the game with the launch of what they’re calling “the world’s greenest cruise ship.”

In 2018, the MS Roald Amundsen — named for legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen — will set sail for the world’s southernmost reaches. The ship’s first itinerary will head to Patagonia, the fjords of Chile, and the Falkland Islands before pushing onward to the Polar Circle and, finally, Antarctica. While the itinerary alone is worthy of the company’s hardcore nature exploration ethos, it’s what’s under the eco-friendly cruise ship’s hull that’s truly noteworthy. The long list of state-of-the-art marine technology will include a best-in-class hybrid engine that is powered by electricity and designed to be the world’s most environmentally conscious by substantially reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Recommended Videos

The MS Roald Amundsen is part of an initiative to prove to the world that hybrid propulsion is not only possible, but it is the future of sustainable cruise travel. The vessel will be the first of two hybrid ships added to Hurtigruten’s fleet in the coming years. The technology on both ships will also feature a cutting-edge hull construction and better use of onboard electrical systems to cut CO2 emissions by as much as 20 percent.

Beyond the high-tech engineering, the ship is sleek, comfortable, and thoroughly modern on the inside. A two-story indoor/outdoor observation deck wraps around the bow of the ship to offer panoramic views. As the ship will be part luxury cruiseliner and part research station, it will also include installations designed to educate passengers about their destinations. A science center behind the observation deck will be outfitted with touchscreens and other interactive tech with access to a wealth of information about the wildlife and terrain outside. Every cabin offers a window, while half boast private balconies. Suites even upgrade to private jacuzzis. The ship also features plenty of creature comforts including a pool deck, a sauna, a gym, three restaurants, and a bar.

For passengers, cruising on a hybrid ship is not just a social statement. The technology promises a better all-around experience onboard as it allows the ships to sail silently. This is a substantial breakthrough for polar exploration vessels as it provides for unprecedented, up-close access to marine wildlife.

Reservations have yet to open, but the Amundsen’s itineraries will be bookable via the Hurtigruten website in 2018.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
25 U.S. states set for spectacular fall colors, AccuWeather says
Amazing autumn leaves are coming to 25 states
AccuWeather

A riot of reds, oranges, and golds is on the way for much of the country this autumn, according to AccuWeather’s newly released fall foliage forecast. The weather service predicts that 25 states will see vivid, eye-popping color displays (a brighter outlook than last year) while some of the nation’s most popular leaf-peeping hotspots could face a lackluster season.

“There will be drastic differences in fall foliage across this country this year,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. He points to New England, the Rockies, and the Midwest as the top regions for dazzling autumn scenery but warns travelers not to wait too long: the peak color window may be shorter than usual.

Read more
This new wine country hotel is a dream escape for food lovers
A Michelin chef’s new Sonoma retreat is redefining wine country luxury
Appellation Healdsburg

A fresh chapter in Sonoma’s luxury scene has arrived with the opening of Appellation Healdsburg, the flagship property for the new culinary-driven hotel brand co-founded by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger. Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, the 108-room retreat offers agrarian elegance and immersive food experiences, offering guests a taste of wine country living from the moment they arrive.

Check-in sets the tone: visitors are welcomed at a custom butcher-block front desk with a seasonal treat, whether it’s a sun-warmed tomato from the hotel’s own culinary gardens or a still-warm chocolate chip cookie.

Read more
The best times to book flights and hotels for fall, according to Expedia
Expedia reveals the best days to fly and stay this fall
travel in fall

Last week, Expedia dropped its Fall Travel Outlook, outlining everything travelers need to know to score the best prices on fall travel during shoulder season. The report, which outlines the best times to fly, best times to stay, and top fall destinations, showcases why fall is the perfect "sweet spot" time to travel for savvy travelers.

Not only do airfares drop during the shoulder season, but vacation rentals and hotels also drop, making fall the perfect time to explore destinations on your bucket list. These key takeaways from Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook will help you plan your fall trip smarter.

Read more