Roald Amundsen is the


world’s first hybrid cruise ship, with engines powered by liquefied natural gas supported by battery packs – a combination said to cut CO2 emissions by more than 20%. The ship will also be free of single-use plastic. “The environment is front


and centre of all we do, to ensure the passengers of tomorrow have the same experience as passengers of today,” says Hurtigruten head of UK trade sales Mark Walter. Hanseatic Inspiration and


Greg Mortimer run on low- pollutant marine gas oil. Aurora says its low-polluting engines reduce emissions by 80%, while the X-Bow cuts fuel consumption by up to 60% by cutting through the ocean. All four ships have advanced recycling systems and GPS positioning that allows them to be ‘at anchor’ without actually dropping an anchor and disturbing the seabed.


48 February 2020


The Discovery Team plays a vital part in the expedition experience with lectures and presentations


GETTING ASHORE As there are no ports in the polar regions, clients are taken ashore in Zodiacs. On older ships, passengers have to step, somewhat precariously, from the ship onto the boat and at the other end struggle over the side of the boat onto sand or rocks. Aurora has made things


easier at the ship end by adding a rear platform from which to climb into the Zodiacs. On Scenic Eclipse, passengers get in and out of the Zodiacs via steps that open out from the hull. Hurtigruten also uses


travelweekly.co.uk/cruise


PICTURES: CHRISTIAN WYRWA; SHUTTERSTOCK; SCOTT PORTELLI


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