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…
Here’s how to get upgraded to first class (simple and easy)
Want to fly first class without the price tag? Try out these strategies
Overhead sign showing security check point lanes designated for first class and TSA Precheck passengers.

Flying first class is the dream, but those cushy seats often come with a steep price tag. The good news is that you don’t always have to pay full price to experience the luxury of first class. The first time I got upgraded, it was pure luck. I had no status, no fancy credit card, and definitely no clue what I was doing. But thanks to an overbooked economy cabin and a kind gate agent, I found myself settling into a roomy seat, champagne in hand. 

After that experience, I made it my goal to find out how to get upgraded as much as possible. So, follow these strategies if you’re wondering how to get upgraded to first class on your next flight.
1. Join an airline loyalty program

Read more
Joshua Tree National Park to close busiest entrance for massive revamp: What to know
West entrance at Joshua Tree National Park undergoes massive transformations
joshua trees in desert

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most ecologically interesting national parks in the country, so it's great to see that it's getting some TLC. This April, the National Park Service is closing down all traffic from Monday, April 7th, to Thursday, April 10th, for some updates to the West entrance station.

As the busiest entry point in the park, seeing a whopping 515,000 vehicles in 2023, this new entrance station will be built one-third mile south of the current location and will feature two inbound lanes and one outbound lane, as well as a bypass lane in each direction. Four booths will be constructed in place of the one that's already there, which is going to improve park access for everyone. This project is funded by fee revenue through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

Read more
Essential things to do before leaving for vacation: Check these off your list
Don’t leave for vacation without doing these 10 things
Hikers on vacation

I used to think preparing for vacation just meant packing a suitcase and heading to the airport. That is, until I came home from a trip to find my mailbox overflowing, my houseplants dried out, and an unsettlingly high electricity bill from forgetting to turn off the AC. Needless to say, I quickly learned that going on vacation requires some pre-trip preparation, and that includes making sure things at home are taken care of. Ever since that chaotic return, I’ve made it a priority to check off a complete pre-trip list before heading out the door, and you should too! Here are the things to do before leaving for vacation. 
Your vacation pre-trip checklist
1. Check your travel documents and reservations

Let me tell you, nothing derails a trip faster than realizing your passport is expired or your hotel booking isn’t confirmed. Save yourself the headache by double-checking everything in advance.

Read more