MS Spitsbergen was christened by Norwegian explorer Cecilie Skog in Svolvaer, one of the famous Lofoten Islands.

It will alternate between coastal and polar expeditions but will set sail on her maiden voyage from Bergen on the July 24, spending its first season on the coast of Norway.

Hurtigruten UK managing director Magnus Zetterberg said: “This has been a big year for Hurtigruten, and with the christening of MS Spitsbergen, we are making headway towards becoming a world-leading adventure travel provider.”

Chief executive Daniel Skjeldam added adventure travel to be one of the fastest growing global tourism trends and considered the Lofoten Islands the perfect place for MS Spitsbergen to be christened.

“Lofoten offers everything the new adventure traveller seeks: spectacular scenery, authenticity, a unique history and atmosphere, and access to active nature-based experiences,” he said.

MS Spitsbergen accommodates 335 guests and during 2017 it will sail to Greenland, Iceland, Canada and the Faroe and Shetland Islands.