Hurtigruten has named its two new hybrid powered expedition ships.

The first two ships have been named the Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen after the two Norwegian polar pioneers from the era when the company itself first started offering adventure travels. The ships are due to be delivered in 2018 and 2019, according to a statement.

“On December 14th, it will be exactly 105 years since Roald Amundsen became the first person in the world to plant his flag on the South Pole,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten. “It has been 128 years since Fridtjof Nansen skied across Greenland and it is 120 years since Richard With, Hurtigruten’s founder, first started exploration tourism in the Arctic. So what could be more natural and appropriate than to name our new ships after these inspiring trailblazers.”

The new ships are designed by Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the recognized Norwegian yacht designer Espen Øino.

The company said the interiors will mirror the exterior waters and landscapes.

“Materials will be predominantly Norwegian and be inspired by nature with the innovative use of granite, oak, birch, wool, among other materials. All of which will be characterized by an innovative Scandinavian approach to interior design,” said a statement.

Six out of ten cabins will have their own balcony; two out of ten will be suites.

The vessels will have three restaurants with menus reflecting local flavours and destinations. A special pool deck will include infinity pools, Jacuzzis and bars. 

“These ground-breaking expedition ships will revolutionize adventure travel at sea,” added Skeldjam. “We are combining Hurtigruten’s 120-years of know-how with cutting-edge technology and design, and a strong commitment to sustainability, to offer the modern-day adventure traveller unprecedented experiences.”