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Havila Voyages confirms August debut

Start-up Norwegian cruise line Havila Voyages plans to start sailing in August.

The company is to introduce two 179-cabin ships operating along the coast of Norway.

Havila Capella is to enter service on August 24, while Havila Castor is expected to sail a week later on August 30.

Prices start at £241 per person for a two-day sailing from Trondheim to Bergen on cabin only basis.

A six-day southbound voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen leads in at £497pp, while the 12-day round trip starts at £829pp on full board basis.

Havila Capella is due to start sea trails in mid-May ahead of being delivered to the company in July, where the final preparations for its maiden voyage will be made. Havila Castor will follow shortly after.

Two more ships  – Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux – will join the fleet in 2022 as planned, according to the company.

The vessels will be operating as part of a ten-year contract with the Norwegian government to sail the coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes.

The 12-day return voyage visits 34 ports sailing up into the Arctic Circle.

Large battery packs fitted to each ship will allow them to sail through the fjords and other vulnerable areas for up to four hours at a time emission free.

The batteries will then be charged in one of the numerous ports along the route, using clean hydropower.

Other environmental initiatives include the use of LNG, a hull specially designed to be energy efficient in the Norwegian coastal conditions and a heat recovery system.

The combination of these changes means that each ship’s CO2 emissions have been cut by around 25%. The company has a goal to offer zero-emission voyages in the longer term.

UK country manager Matthew Valentine said: “We are incredibly excited about welcoming our first guests on board in August.

“The coastal voyage is the ultimate bucket-list trip, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Norwegian culture and enjoy unique experiences such as the Midnight Sun and magical Northern lights.”

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