Hurtigruten announced a refurbishment programme in November that will see four of its coastal ships undergoing a total makeover in 2016. The company is already undertaking a total refurbishment of the newly acquired Spitsbergen.

Hurtigruten has also announced plans to operate the Spitbergen as an additional ship on the Norwegian coastal route next summer, before she officially takes the place of the Midnatsol in autumn 2016. The Polarlys will be the first ship to be refurbished in January 2016, during a 22 day programme of round the clock works. The upgrading of the Kong Harald, Nordkapp and Nordnorge will follow.

The ships will be fitted with a modern Scandinavian interior, reflecting the coastal landscapes of the arctic. All common areas of the ships will see changes with the reception areas, cafes, bistro areas and the aft deck all to be renovated. Facilities on the Spitsbergen will be similar to those already offered across the fleet and she will boast suites with a private balcony and full length windows – offering passengers their own private space from which to watch the northern lights or midnight sun.