Secret Atlas has announced the launch of MV Vikingfjord, sailing to Svalbard and East Greenland in 2024.
The cruise line is famous for its low-impact, environmentally friendly expedition micro cruises exploring the fragile polar regions in small groups of 12—or privately.
With this launch, the former Norwegian maritime vessel has been upcycled and converted into a high-end expedition micro cruise ship with eight ensuite cabins, a sauna and outdoor hot tub, and a modern interior designed by Maritime Montering.
Passengers can join frequent shore landings with two zodiac boats guided by expedition leaders who are experts in their specialist fields.
To keep the ship's eco-footprint as minimal as possible, a fuel-efficient engine with Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) cleaning has been fitted to reduce emissions by 95%—with fewer vibrations and less harm to wildlife. Once available, MV Vikingfjord can also burn biodiesel instead of Marine Gas Oil.
The ship will feature an ice-strengthened hull with a 1B rating, allowing the ship to get up close to landscapes and wildlife with minimal disruption.
Andy Marsh, Secret Atlas co-founder, says, "We're thrilled to introduce MV Vikingfjord to our fleet, which will further enable our guests to explore the polar regions in an environmentally conscious way without compromising on experience or adventure.
It was essential for us that Vikingfjord was as sustainable as a ship can be at present, and being upcycled, we can minimize the enormous environmental impact often not taken into account when building a new ship from scratch."
"Vikingfjord has also been designed with inclusivity, catering to all, from experienced explorers to first-time adventurers. MV Vikingfjord voyages also offer a No Single Supplement on board—the first of its kind in the region.
We believe that by experiencing the incredible beauty of this region, we can inspire our guests to become ambassadors for the protection of the environment" he adds.
From April 2024, adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts can embark on an expedition to Svalbard onboard MV Vikingfjord with 9-15 day photography and expedition tours encountering polar bears, walruses, whales, and up to 2,000 glaciers.
Later in August 2024, MV Vikingfjord will sail to Greenland as one of the least populated places on the planet with towering icebergs, uninhabited fjords, Northern Lights, sheer granite peaks, and fast-moving glaciers where passengers can delve into the life of the remote Ittoqqortoormiit community.
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