Hurtigruten has announced a tripling of berths to Antarctica, a dedicated ship for “more extreme experiences,” the major refurbishment of four of its Norwegian coastal voyage ships, and the launch of a new ship – MS Spitsbergen.

The company has also confirmed the expansion of its 2017 Explorer Program: four ships (up from two this year) will sail expedition voyages; Hurtigruten’s Arctic program will stretch to the Newfoundland and Labrador provinces of Canada, adding to the current roster of Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland; and an Amazon River voyage.

 “We want to offer our guests unique and meaningful experiences regardless of the water temperature,” says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “Hurtigruten attracts guests who want to be involved, not be passive spectators. They want active excursions, to interact with local people, to learn about the cultures, geography, geology, climates and history of the destinations they are visiting, and they want to sail with a company dedicated to sustainable travel and the environment.”