Dublin Port welcomed its first cruise ship this season which Afloat observed departing Dublin Bay this afternoon when bound for the Outer Hebrides, writes Jehan Ashmore

The Norwegian flagged Spitsbergen at just 100m in length berthed close to the city-centre where the diminutive ship with just 220 passengers disembarked at Sir John Rogersons Quay. 

As for the giant cruiseships, they will in the majority, make instead anchorage calls off neighbouring Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Tenders from cruiseships will shuttle back and forth with the port in south Dublin Bay.

The ship operated by Hurtigruten Expeditions is named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago which is off northern Norway and is within the Arctic Circle.

On board are two observation lounge/bar areas, a restaurant, gift shop, sauna and spa, fitness room and hot tubs in addition to a Science Centre. At the prow of the ship is an open observation deck as well amidships above the passenger decks.

All of the passenger cabins include bathrooms with a shower/toilet. Most of the cabins have double beds, while some are equipped with separate beds where one doubles as a sofa, or upper and lower berths. All cabins have individual specifications.

The ship has its own Expedition Team which serves as a university at sea where lectures take place inside the ship as well as out on deck adding to the passenger educational experience.

Spitsbergen as Afloat reported was due to make a call to the Isle of Man on Sunday. Next destination to visit is the Isle of Arran tomorrow, 28 March and Barra (as mentioned in the photo caption) is understood to be the next port of call.

The ship is to make a return to Dublin in early April.

For a list of cruiseship schedules up to November and beyond, click here.

#NewestShip - An 'Arctic Interior' makeover is how Hurtigruten have described the theme for the new look refurbishment on board four of their Norwegian coastal ships previously reported on Afloat.ie.

In addition the newest vessel MS Spitsbergen will join the fleet in 2016 as Hurtigruten have confirmed that her refurbishment will be completed in time for her to operate from 8 May.

Facilities on MS Spitsbergen will be similar to those already offered across the fleet and she will offer 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.

For the first few months of operation, MS Spitsbergen will plot a parallel route alongside the MS Lofoten. However, while MS Lofoten will follow her regular schedule, MS Spitsbergen will not stop overnight, leaving her more time to spend in selected ports during the daylight hours. All of the regular excursions such as rib-boat rides, whale watching, horse-riding and sea eagle safaris will all be on offer.

She will also be the latest ship to offer Hurtigruten’s new Coastal Expedition concept, with a lecture programme, regular hikes and expedition team on-board. The new product will operate on three other coastal ships from 1 January 2016.

Prices for MS Spitsbergen will be the same as for the rest of the coastal fleet with the Classic Round Voyage starting from €2,670 (£2,202) per person (for the 15 August departure, based on 2 sharing an inside cabin on full board basis). Flights are not included.

From September, MS Spitsbergen will take the place of MS Midnatsol, will head south to Antarctica for the winter season. At that point she will operate the traditional Hurtigruten schedule, as a working ship.

The refurbishment work is being undertaken by the Norwegian Fosen Yard, who won the contract following an international tender process.