Havila Voyages has started sailing, with Havila Capella operating an itinerary on the Norwegian coast.

The 640-passenger ship – which was delivered to the line in November 2021 – is cruising from Bergen to Kirkenes.

Havila Capella features an observation lounge with a glass roof, deck and promenade areas, as well as two restaurants, all in a “modern and stylish Nordic design that reflects Norwegian landscapes and uses natural materials”.

There are no buffets on board, with guests personally served at their tables for all meals – a concept that will cut food waste by a total of 60 tonnes per year, according to Havila.

The expedition cruise line plans to welcome a further three ships – Havila Castor, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux – to the fleet in 2022.

These will be “designed to be the most environmentally friendly ships to operate from Bergen to Kirkenes”, Havila Voyages stated.

Havila said it had spent approximately NOK 500 million (£42 million) on sustainability measures.

Ships will be fitted with battery packs, enabling them to sail through fjords and other vulnerable areas for up to four hours emission and noise free.

Havila Voyages CEO Bent Martini said: “As we have established a new shipping company and built the first new ship in 18 years with three more new ships in store, I think we should dare to say that the 12 December 2021 is a historic day both for Havila Voyages and for the coastal route Bergen-Kirkenes.

“The batteries allow us to sail for four hours without noise and emissions, and we can sail quietly and sustainably through world heritage fjords and pristine nature.”

Speaking to Cruise Trade News in late 2020, Havila Voyages UK country manager Matthew Valentine said the line would offer “a range of unique and authentic Norwegian cultural experiences”, including “husky sledding or snowmobiling”.