Plan Your Hurtigruten Vacation
Originally a communications and travel link between the villages on Norway's western coast, Hurtigruten (formerly known in the United States as Norwegian Coastal Voyage) provides an up-close look at the fascinatingly intricate fjords, mountains, and villages that were once isolated and difficult to navigate. The Hurtigruten itineraries are often described as "the world's most beautiful voyages," as they provide access to some of the most stunning scenery and the unique cultures of Norway, many of them above the Arctic Circle.
Nine Hurtigruten ships sail year-round on Norwegian coastal express routes. Options include 6-night northbound, 5-night southbound, or 12-night round-trip sailings, calling at 34 ports in each one-way segment. Others spend part of the year on Antarctic and Chilean Fjord itineraries or take trips to Spitsbergen, an island midway between Norway and the North Pole. The MS Fram also makes summer expeditions to Greenland as well as a world cruise. These are also working ships, transferring both cargo and passengers, but the ships have the look and feel of traditional cruise ships. However, Mother Nature is the star of this show. Tour leaders on board all voyages assist with practical, cruise-planning details, but these are not traditional cruises.
Key Hurtigruten Tips
Are you a first-time cruiser? View our helpful hints and tips on Your Shipmates, Dress Code, Junior Cruisers, and much more! See Tips
Top Reasons To Cruise
- Norway Coastal Cruising No-frills, nontraditional cruising is the line's hallmark, with year-round departures from Norway.
- The Hurtigruten Route The line calls at 34 ports of call on any of the 6, 7, 11 or 12-day coastal voyages.
- Unique Excursions The Northern Lights and remote regions, plus polar circle landings in Greenland, Spitsbergen, and Antarctica are all excursion options.
- Simple Transportation The line offers 1,000 short port-to-port Norwegian coastal cruise possibilities.
- No Frills on Board These are not traditional leisure cruises; don't expect big-ship amenities or activities.
Is This Line Right For You?
Choose This Line If
- You wish to sail past some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, including such remote spots as Antarctica and Greenland.
- You don't mind a ship short on activities and big-ship features that goes to the smaller villages with little to offer but their quaint charm.
- You are a confident, independent traveler and comfortable controlling your daily activities.
Don't Choose This Line If
- You require large-scale entertainment activities found on big cruise ships; you will be happier elsewhere.
- You want to work out. Some Hurtigruten ships have compact gyms, but the smaller ones do not.
- You can't keep up. Ships call at dozens of villages, and destination-intense activities can be vigorous.
What To Expect On Board
Ships of the Line
Originally a communications and travel link between the villages on Norway's western coast, Hurtigruten (formerly known in the United States as Norwegian Coastal Voyage) provides an up-close look at the fascinatingly intricate fjords, mountains, and villages that were
once isolated and difficult to navigate. The Hurtigruten itineraries are often described as "the world's most beautiful voyages," as they provide access to some of the most stunning scenery and the unique cultures of Norway, many of them above the Arctic Circle.
Hurtigruten Nine Hurtigruten ships sail year-round on Norwegian coastal express routes. Options include 6-night northbound, 5-night southbound, or 12-night round-trip sailings, calling at 34 ports in each one-way segment. Others spend part of the year on Antarctic and Chilean Fjord itineraries or take trips to Spitsbergen, an island midway between Norway and the North Pole. The MS Fram also makes summer expeditions to Greenland as well as a world cruise. These are also working ships, transferring both cargo and passengers, but the ships have the look and feel of traditional cruise ships. However, Mother Nature is the star of this show. Tour leaders on board all voyages assist with practical, cruise-planning details, but these are not traditional cruises.
Hurtigruten Nine Hurtigruten ships sail year-round on Norwegian coastal express routes. Options include 6-night northbound, 5-night southbound, or 12-night round-trip sailings, calling at 34 ports in each one-way segment. Others spend part of the year on Antarctic and Chilean Fjord itineraries or take trips to Spitsbergen, an island midway between Norway and the North Pole. The MS Fram also makes summer expeditions to Greenland as well as a world cruise. These are also working ships, transferring both cargo and passengers, but the ships have the look and feel of traditional cruise ships. However, Mother Nature is the star of this show. Tour leaders on board all voyages assist with practical, cruise-planning details, but these are not traditional cruises.
Hurtigruten Nine Hurtigruten ships sail year-round on Norwegian coastal express routes. Options include 6-night northbound, 5-night southbound, or 12-night round-trip sailings, calling at 34 ports in each one-way segment. Others spend part of the year on Antarctic and Chilean Fjord itineraries or take trips to Spitsbergen, an island midway between Norway and the North Pole. The MS Fram also makes summer expeditions to Greenland as well as a world cruise. These are also working ships, transferring both cargo and passengers, but the ships have the look and feel of traditional cruise ships. However, Mother Nature is the star of this show. Tour leaders on board all voyages assist with practical, cruise-planning details, but these are not traditional cruises.
Food
The itinerary is the primary point of emphasis on these cruises, and dining takes a far less prominent role than on cruises for the American market. There are two dinner seatings, and the three-course dinners allow no individual selection—everyone on a given evening will
have the same appetizer, entrée, and dessert. While the line does its best to meet special dietary requirements, all requests for special meals must be made well in advance of departure. There is a 24-hour café, but it is not free. Liquor, wine, and beer, priced in Norwegian kroner, are expensive.
Entertainment
Destination-rich itineraries are the star on all Hurtigruten ships. Expect no formal splashy entertainment, casinos, shows, cabarets, or nightclubs. In lieu of traditional programming, cruisers can strike up meaningful conversations with interesting fellow passengers, enjoy
the pools and hot tubs on younger ships, or simply look up, out, and beyond to appreciate privileged tranquility and beauty.
Fitness and Recreation
All ships except MS Lofoten,Nordstjernen, and Vesterålen have a small fitness center on board. Among the newer ships, Finnmarken has a swimming pool; Midnatsol, Trollfjord, and Fram have hot tubs. There is an Internet café on board
all ships except MS Vesterålen, Lofoten,Nordstjernen, and Polar Star. Internet packages can be purchased from reception.