By
Alex Smith |
Two new Havila Voyages ships, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux, are to begin sailing on the historic Norwegian coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Havila Polaris has arrived in Bergen and will sail to Tomsø, where it is planned to be put into service on 21 August. Its sister ship Havila Pollux will enter service on 23 August. The addition of the two vessels will bring the number of ships in Havila Voyages’ fleet up to four.
“We had hoped to bring Havila Polaris home by July last year, so it's good that after a long wait that we finally have her in Norwegian waters,” said Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages.
Passengers can choose whether to sail from port to port or embark on the complete journey along the Norwegian coast. In addition to Bergen and Kirkenes, the ships dock at Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde, and Kristiansund. During the summer, the route also includes Geirangerfjorden and Hjørundfjorden, while in winter the ships spend up to 10 hours at the dock in Ålesund.
With the two new ships in operation, the number of departures from Bergn will double from six to 12 departures per month. The ships dock in Bergen at 14:45 local time before embarking on a new journey at 20:30.
“With the last two ships, accessibility to and within our region is further increased,” said Tom Anker Skrede, director of tourism at Destination Ålesund and Sunnmøre. “This gives both tourists and residents opportunities to experience coastal culture, fjord landscapes, and the unique cities in a fantastic way all year round.”