The world's first hybrid cruise ship is currently on its maiden voyage, an 18-day trip to Antarctica with 450 guests onboard. Here's a look inside.
The MS Roald Amundsen is the world's first hybrid cruise ship.
It runs on Rolls Royce-built engines powered by low sulfur diesel fuel and batteries, which, according to the ship's developer, lowers the ship's CO2 emissions by 20%.
In addition to its operating systems, the ship is also committed to sustainability in other ways. There are no single-use plastics aboard and the uniforms worn by the crew are made from recycled ocean plastic.
Source: Hurtigruten
The cruise ship is currently on a full capacity, 18-day maiden voyage to Antarctica.
The maiden voyage started in Valparaíso, Chile before cruising south along the coast of South America toward the Drake Passage. From there, the ship spends three days in Antarctica before returning to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Passengers can disembark in Antarctica and partake in activities that include kayaking, hiking, whale-watching, and penguin-watching.
Source: Hurtigruten
And it's not just science and sustainability on board: Like other cruise ships that support travels of that length, the ship is flush with luxury amenities. The ship has 264 cabins.
Source: Hurtigruten
The Scandinavian-inspired interior design features oak, granite, birch, and wool throughout the cabins.
Source: Hurtigruten
All passengers have access to the infinity pool and the hot tubs on the observation deck ...
Source: Hurtigruten
... including a science center where passengers can attend lectures and learn more about Arctic exploration.
Source: Hurtigruten
The MS Roald Amundsen is just one example of the luxury travel industry becoming more eco-friendly in 2019.
Business Insider previously reported that a model for the first hydrogen-powered yacht was unveiled in September by Sinot, a Dutch yacht-design company. The 367-foot vessel will be completely powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel-cell technology. Its only emission will be water.
Beyond boats, luxury African safaris are also embracing the eco-friendly. In August, Business Insider's Katie Warren reported on a Botswana safari company equipped with conservation camps for children, where lessons on the environment, health, and nutrition are taught.
Increased attention to sustainability and conservation in the luxury travel sector play into the larger trend of "transformational travel." Ultimately, the ultra-wealthy want to leave their vacation with a transformative, emotional experience to bring home, and in some cases, want to make a positive impact on the places they visit.
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