Hurtigruten reports that it is planning an extensive renovation project that will transform the MS Finnmarken into a premium expedition cruise ship. The refurb is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020, after which the ship will sail itineraries along the Norwegian coastline.
The project will renovate all of the ship’s cabins and suites using natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool. On deck eight aft, in the current gym and sauna area, Hurtigruten will add five large suites with large panoramic windows.
The revamp will also add four new restaurants, including Restaurant Aune, the cruise line’s new, Scandinavian-themed main restaurant concept for expedition cruises. Also new will be Restaurant Lindstrøm, a specialty restaurant named after the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes, and Fredheim, named after a legendary 1920s hunting station in Svalbard. Finally, deck eight will receive a new outdoor grill venue.
The cruise line will add its signature Science Center, an “edutainment” area that will also serve as the onboard headquarters for the ship’s expedition team, on deck four, while a new, larger wellness area – including a lounge, treatment rooms, gym and panoramic sauna – will be added on deck seven.
The outdoor pool area will be fully refurbished, the shop expanded, and the ship's car deck will be replaced by the launching area for Hurtigruten explorer boats (ribs) and other expedition equipment.
The ship’s art collection will be preserved during the renovations, Hurtigruten said.
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