Hurtigruten introduced a new way to see what lurks beneath the most remote polar waters of the world. On its expedition ships, the line introduced an underwater drone (ROV / remotely operated underwater vehicle) which streams real-time videos of leopard sharks, orcas, penguins and many other creatures beneath water.
The company recently revealed plans to bring along a 15-pound robotic device with video camera (Blueye Pioneer), adapted for low light plus power thrusters to keep it moving.
This new kind of drone zips beneath the water surface and streams images back to screens on the ships. Travelers can wear masks with digital displays which may make them feel like they are on a dive deep in the ocean.
The cruise line plans to start by outfitting a couple of hybrid-powered vessels - Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen - with the underwater drone.