Hurtigruten: Norwegian Coastal Express Will Turn 130 Years Old
During the year 2023, a year-long celebration of the 130-year history of the Norwegian Coastal Express and Hurtigruten will be held, with highlights including unique food, historical lectures on current topics, and excursions.
“We will commemorate the famous Coastal Express’ first 130 years of service by paying tribute to those who came before us, as well as the coastal towns that they served and those we continue to serve today.” The company’s CEO, Hedda Felin, said that “we will bring together the contemporary and the old in this year-long celebration, with freshly improved hybrid ships, anniversary dinners, historical lectures and excursions.”
“On July 2, 1893, Captain Richard With and the steamer DS Vesteraalen set off on the Norwegian Coastal Express’s first voyage, which was the world’s first transatlantic passenger ship. We have been the original coastal journey since then, offering a unique opportunity to see the Norwegian coast firsthand, just as generations of Norwegians have done before us,” Felin said. “We are proud to be the first coastal voyage.”
Menus with a twist; programs; and green technology
Special lectures on Hurtigruten’s history and the towns they visit will be included on sailings in 2023, as will anniversary dishes that bring together typical Norwegian home cuisine from over the years and use fresh local ingredients sourced from the communities they travel through. As part of the celebration of the Coastal Express’s heritage, limited edition items will be be offered.
The Hurtigruten ship MS Richard With, named after the company’s founder, is now docked for a technological upgrade. This summer, the ship will be transformed into a cutting-edge hybrid vessel with massive battery packs and all-new engines. MS Kong Harald and MS Nordlys will be the first hybrid ships to enter service in 2023.
Modern technology and environmentally friendly modifications will be installed on all seven coastal ships, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx emissions by an incredible 80%. These upgrades will include shore power connection and the usage of biofuel, among other things.
In operating a heritage journey with such rich traditions, we are really proud. On board the Coastal Express, we’ll be celebrating our 130th year of bringing international tourists and local passengers together on a single ship, all while transporting critical cargo, commodities, and services to and from local towns and businesses in our 34 ports of call,” Felin added.
Bookable voyages for the 2023 and 2024 season are now available, including short weekend getaways as well as 12-day round-trips.
