HURTIGRUTEN: CLASSIC SUMMER VOYAGES
The Classic Round Voyage with Hurtigruten is a spectacular summer journey. Enjoy the changing landscape of over 2,400km of coastline. Below you will find the Summer highlights, day to day cruise itinerary and prices. Hurtigruten’s Classic Voyages offer 12-, 11-, 7- and 6-day options. The ports that are visited by night on the journey northbound are visited by day on the journey south. In the larger towns and cities you will have plenty of time to go ashore or join our varied excursions.
HURTIGRUTEN 12-DAY ROUNDTRIP
DEPARTURE | USD | |
Jun-2021 | 2,661 | Request Quote |
Jul-2021 | 2,661 | Request Quote |
Aug-2021 | 2,545 | Request Quote |
HURTIGRUTEN 7-DAY NORTHBOUND
DEPARTURE | USD | |
Jun-2021 | 2,204 | Request Quote |
Jul-2021 | 2,204 | Request Quote |
Aug-2021 | 2,116 | Request Quote |
HURTIGRUTEN 6-DAY SOUTHBOUND
DEPARTURE | USD | |
Jun-2021 | 1,700 | Request Quote |
Jul-2021 | 1,700 | Request Quote |
Aug-2021 | 1,629 | Request Quote |
HURTIGRUTEN 12-DAY ROUNDTRIP
DEPARTURE | USD | |
Jun-2021 | 3,362 | Request Quote |
Jul-2021 | 3,362 | Request Quote |
Aug-2021 | 3,130 | Request Quote |
HURTIGRUTEN 7-DAY NORTHBOUND
DEPARTURE | USD | |
Jun-2021 | 2,555 | Request Quote |
Jul-2021 | 2,555 | Request Quote |
Aug-2021 | 2,379 | Request Quote |
HURTIGRUTEN 6-DAY SOUTHBOUND
DEPARTURE | USD | |
Jun-2021 | 2,051 | Request Quote |
Jul-2021 | 2,051 | Request Quote |
Aug-2021 | 1,909 | Request Quote |
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Geirangerfjord and Trollfjord, both of which are at their most beautiful at this time of year.
- Above the Arctic Circle you can experience the Midnight Sun and 24 hours of daylight.
- Enjoy the views as we sail through the incredible Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands.
- See some of Norway’s UNESCO-listed sites – Bergen’s Bryggen District, Geirangerfjord, the Meridian Column (Hammerfest) and the Vega Islands.
June – August
Departs From
Northbound Voyage
Day 1-7
The journey begins
Location: Northbound Voyage
Day 1 Embarkation in Bergen
Before sailing from Bergen, you may wish to explore this cultural gateway to the fjords. Spend some time in one of the outdoor cafés and restaurants in the Bryggen district, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Other attractions include the Fløibanen Funicular and the Fish Market.
Day 2 Alesund and Geirangerfjord
We sail further north to Ålesund, a beautiful town renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. From here we set course into the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord where you can enjoy a scenic excursion including a breath-taking drive down the winding Trollstigen Pass.
Day 3 The Royal City of Trondheim
The architecture and surroundings in Trondheim create a beautiful setting for any outing, whether as part of a guided tour in Nidaros Cathedral or a casual stroll through the Bakkland district. In the evening we continue to the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Day 4 Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands
Crossing the Arctic Circle is one of the highlights before we arrive in Ørnes. The Arctic Circle marks the southern extremity of the polar, 24-hour sunlit day – often referred to as the “Midnight Sun”. In the evening we reach Svolvær, the picturesque capital of the Lofoten Islands. These islands are renowned for their small fishing villages with their Bohemian atmosphere, surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stock-fish racks and ‘rorbuer’, the traditional, red fishermen’s residences.
Day 5 Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic
During the night we pass the magnificent Trollfjord and sail through the spectacular and narrow Raftsund strait. Here, you can admire the rugged mountainous landscape jutting up against the horizon under the endless sun. We continue to Tromsø, a city with many lively restaurants and cafés.
Day 6 Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Today we arrive in Honningsvåg, the starting point of our optional excursion to the spectacular North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. From the fishing village of Kjøllefjord you can get a “Taste of Lapland” by meeting a Sámi family.
Day 7 Kirkenes, the voyage turning point
The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border and the Sámi communities of Northern Scandinavia.
Day 7-12
Explore
Location:Southbound Voyage
Day 7 Kirkenes, the voyage south begins
Summer in Kirkenes is superb with an average temperature of 14°C in July. The town is known as the Capital of the Barents Region and the Gateway to the East, with people here speaking Norwegian, Sámi, Finnish and Russian. As we turn south, the northbound ports previously visited by night are now seen by day.
Day 8 Hammerfest and Tromso
Start the day with a summer breakfast at the North Cape Hall (optional excursion), firmly perched on the massive cliff marking the northernmost tip of mainland Europe. We also make a stop in Hammerfest before our next major port of call, Tromsø, where you can take part in a very special musical experience, the Arctic Cathedral Midnight Concert.
Day 9 Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands
Passing through the Lofoten Islands the ship negotiates a stunning network of inlets and isles, before moving on to what is the highlight of the voyage for many, a possible detour into the spectacular and dramatic Trollfjord. Perhaps join an optional fantastic RIB safari through the Lofoten Archipelago under the Midnight Sun!
Day 10 Arctic Circle, Seven sisters
As we sail along the Helgeland coast you can enjoy views of myriad islets, fertile farmland and lush meadows. Today will also be our last day north of the Arctic Circle. The Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is close to our call in Sandnessjøen and can be explored during our optional excursion.
Day 11 Trondheim and Kristiansund
We arrive in Trondheim in the early morning. Nidaros Cathedral, in which three Queens and seven Kings have been crowned, is Scandinavia’s largest medieval building and worth a visit. The town of Kristiansund, located on the scenic Atlantic Road, holds the rather obscure title of Norway’s ‘cured cod capital’ owing to the nature of its main export.
Day 12 Bergen, disembarkation
Our arrival in Bergen sees the end of this magnificent summer journey.
*Note: Some excursions are not available for the entire season.
PRICING INFO
Price includes
- Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- English speaking tour leader on board
- Entrance fee to the Hurtigruten Museum (except on The Voyage North, due to the schedule)
Not included
- Transfers
- Optional excursions
- Luggage handling
Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Prices may change at any time before departure date, the applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking.
PLEASE NOTE
- All prices shown are in USD per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin, voyage only
- The ship departure date determines the price of your voyage
- Not all cabin grades are available on all ships.
- Single Supplement:
- 2015: June, July – 75%
- August – 75%
- Supplement for suites available on request.
Days 1-7 NORTHBOUND EXCURSIONS
2B GEIRANGER WITH TROLLSTIGEN PASS

1 Jun – 31 Aug
Ports: Geiranger
Duration: 7 hr 30 mins
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-AES2B
2G MOUNTAIN HIKE IN HJOURNDFJORD
1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: HJRUNDFJORD
Duration: 2 h 45 mins
Level: 4 – For guests with very good physical mobility
Code: H-HJF2G
2H HIKE WITH A VISIT TO SHEILING
1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: SHIELING
Duration: 2 h 45 mins
Level: 3 – For guests in good physical condition
Code: H-HJF2H
3A NIDAROS CATHEDRAL & RINGVE MUSEUM

3 Apr – 2 Sep
Ports: Trondheim
Duration: 3 hr
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-TRD3A
3G KAYAKING ON THE RIVER NID

03 Jun – 02 Sept
Ports: Trondheim
Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Level: IV – For guests with very good physical mobility
Code: H-TRD3G
4A SVARTISEN GLACIER

01 Jun – 31 Aug
Ports: Ornes
Duration: 6 hr
Level: 3 – For guests in good physical condition
Code: H-ORS4A
4D RIB-SAFARI TO SALTSTRAUMEN

15 Mar – 3 Nov
Ports: Bodo
Duration: 2 hr
Level: 3 – For guests in good physical condition
Code: H-BOO4D
4F LOFOTR VIKING FEAST SUMMER

1 Apr – 30 Sep
Ports: Stamsund
Duration: 3 hr
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-STU4F
4G Highlights Of Lofoten

1 Apr – 31 Aug
Ports: Stamsund- Svolvaer
Duration: 3 hrs
Level:
Code: H-STU4G
5C SCENERY & HUSKIES

1 Jun – 31 Aug
Ports: Tromso
Duration: 3 hr 30 mins
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-TOS5C
5G KAYAKING

1 May – 31 Aug
Ports: Tromso
Duration: 3 hr 30 mins
Level: Level: 3 – For guests in good physical condition
Code: H-TOS5G
5H WHALE WATCHING

1 Jun – 31 Aug
Ports: Risoyhamn – Finnsnes
Duration: 7 hrs
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-RIN5H
5J HIKING IN Tromso

6 Jun – 4 Sep
Ports: Tromso
Duration: 3 hr
Level: 4 – For guests with very good physical mobility
Code: H-TOS5J
6A THE NORTH CAPE

1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: Honningsvag
Duration: 3 hr
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-HVG6A
6B BIRDWATCHING SAFARI

1 May – 31 Aug
Ports: Honningsvag
Duration: 3 hr
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-HVG6B
6C SAMI CULTURE

06 May – 05 Sep
Ports: Kjollefjord
Duration: 1 hr 15 mins
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-KJD6C
6G Cultural Walk in Honningsvag

10 Jun – 10 Aug
Ports: Honningsvag
Duration: 2 hrs
Level:
Code: H-HVG6G
7B RIVERBOAT TO THE RUSSIAN BORDER

1 Jun – 30 Sep
Ports: Kirkenes
Duration: 2 hr 30 mins
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-KKN7B
7E ATV/QUAD SAFARI TO THE RUSSIAN BORDER

1 May – 30 Sep
Ports: Kirkenes
Duration: 2 hr 30 mins
Level: 3 – For guests in good physical condition
Code: H-KKN7E
7H KING CRAB EXPEDITION – KIRKENES

07 Apr – 06 Jun
Ports: Kirkenes
Duration: 3 hrs
Level: 3 – For guests in good physical condition
Code: H-KKN7H
7I MOUNTAIN WALK WITH HUSKIES

7 Jun – 6 Sept
Ports: Kirkenes
Duration: 3 hrs
Level: 4 – For guests with very good physical mobility
Code: H-KKN7I
Days 7-12 SOUTHBOUND EXCURSIONS
10B UNESCO VEGA ARCHIPELAGO

15 Jun – 31 Aug
Ports: Sandnessjoen
Duration: 4 hr
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-SSJ10B
10C VISIT THE SALMON

10 Jun – 09 Sep
Ports: Bronnoysund
Duration: 1 hr 45 mins
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-BNN10C
11A TRONDHEIM WITH NIDAROS CATHEDRAL

1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: Trondheim
Duration: 2 hr
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-TRD11A
11C THE ATLANTIC ROAD

1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: Trondheim
Duration: 2 hr
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-TRD11A
11D TRONDHEIM CITY WALK

1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: Trondheim
Duration: 2 hr 15 mins
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-TRD11D
12A BERGEN CITY SIGHTSEEING

1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: Bergen
Duration: 2 hr
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-BGO12A
8A BREAKFAST AT THE NORTH CAPE

8 May – 7 Oct
Ports: Honningsv
Duration: 6 hr
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-HVG8A
8B THE NORTHERNMOST TOWN IN THE WORLD

1 Jan – 15 Mar, 1 Jun – 15 Sep
1 Nov – 31 Dec
Ports: Hammerfest
Duration: 1 hr
Level: Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-HFT8B
8G HIKING IN HAMMERFEST

08 Jun – 07 Sep
Ports: Hammerfest
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Level: 4 – For guests with very good physical mobility
Code: H-HFT8G
8C MIDNIGHT CONCERT AT THE ARCTIC CATHEDRAL

1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: Tromso
Duration: 1 hr 15 mins
Level: Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-TOS8c
9A A TASTE OF VESTERALEN

1 Jan – 31 Dec
Ports: Harstad
Duration: 4 hr 15 mins
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-HRD9A
9B LOFOTEN ISLANDS

1 Apr – 31 Aug
Ports: Svolvaer
Duration: 3 hr
Level: 1 – For everyone
Code: H-SVJ9B
9C SEA EAGLE SAFARI

24 Mar – 15 Oct
Ports: Svolvaer
Duration: 2 hr
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-SKN9C
9D LOFOTEN BY HORSE

1 Jun – 31 Aug
Ports: Svolvaer
Duration: 3 hr 30 mins
Level: 2 – For most guests, requires some physical effort
Code: H-SVJ9D
9E RIB ADVENTURE IN LOFOTEN

1 Jun – 30 Aug
Ports: Svolvaer
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Level: 3 – For guests in good physical condition
Code: H-SVJ9E
9G FISHING IN LOFOTEN

April 9 – June 9
Ports: Svolvaer
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Level: 4 – For guests with very good physical mobility
Code: H-SVJ9G
9H HIKING IN LOFOTEN

9 Jun – 8 Sep
Ports: Svolvaer
Duration: 3 hr 30 mins
Level: 4 – For guests with very good physical mobility
Code: H-SVJ9H
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- All guests must have a valid passport or government ID card on board.
- We recommend taking a small amount of Norwegian Kroner (NOK) in cash, but all major credit cards are accepted on board.
- You must provide your own travel insurance. Please provide us with the name and contact details of your insurer.
- We recommend you take only hand luggage you can carry with you. Please pack any medications, passports, and other essentials in your hand luggage at all times.
- There are no safety deposit boxes on board and Hurtigruten cannot accept liability for any loss. You may check in valuable at reception to be held in the ship’s safe.
- 220v AC, 2 pin Continental type electricity is used on board. Please bring your own adaptor if needed.
- We want your voyage to be as pleasant as possible. Hygiene is an essential part of this. Please be especially careful with hand hygiene during your voyage. Anti bacterial hand gel is available throughout the ship.
- There is an Internet cafe on board (except MS Lofoten) but the bandwidth is narrow and reception intermittent. Wifi is also available in most public areas on board.
- Laundry rooms are available on all ships.
- It is safe to drink tap water on board.
- There is no doctor or pharmacy on board and medical assistance is available at ports, or in an emergency, by helicopter. The ships are rarely far from land.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Maritime Expressions
- Stern – Rear of the ship
- Bow – Front of the ship
- Starboard – Right side of the ship
- Port – Left side of the ship
- Bridge – The area from which the ship is navigated
- Cruise card – Onboard payment card
- Gangway – Walkway between land and sea
- Knot – Speed of the ship, nautical mile (1.852km)
- Stabilizers – Ship equipment to counteract roll caused by wind or waves
WHAT TO BRING
- Casual Clothing
- Water and Wind proof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cap/hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Bathing suit
- Backpack
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
Activities on board
As a part of the travel -experience, we offer some interesting on board activities, demonstrations and presentations during your voyage. The activities, which take place inside the vessels and outside on deck, are related to the seasons and areas we are sailing in. We invite you to join in all these activities, which we will announce in the day-to-day programs or on board.
À la carte menu
Our à la carte menu is a dining experience out of the ordinary – a dinner made from ultra-premium produce from our local suppliers. For those who are taking a classic voyage, full board is included in the price, and you can upgrade to our à la carte option for a small fee. Even if you don’t have full board, you are still welcome to order our à la carte menu.
On most of our ships, the à la carte menu will be served in separate areas of the restaurants. However, on board MS Midnatsol, MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken we reserve separate dining rooms exclusively for our à la carte guests. Enjoy two-, three, four- or five-course dinners, and choose from four different starters, five main courses, four desserts and our famous cheese, Additional wine and drinks packages are also available. You can only book the à la carte menu when you are on board.
Cabins
All classic voyages (Bergen – Kirkenes- Bergen, Bergen – Kirkenes & Kirkenes Bergen) the cabin number assignment is included (for USD bookings)
Please note that passengers walking by may sometimes obstruct the view from cabins that are on decks with open access to outside areas. Please ask our reservations team for advice on the best cabin location for you.
Cafeteria
You can buy hot and cold drinks and snacks in the cafeteria on board, which is usually open 24 hours a day. During the winter, opening hours may vary – these are displayed on board.
Changes to itinerary and excursions
The weather along the Norwegian Coast is unpredictable and might affect the itinerary or excursions. Our excursions may also be subject to a minimum or maximum limit in the number of participants. As Christmas approaches, itineraries may change, in order for ships to host dinners and celebrations for local communities.
Check in/out of cabins
Guest must check out of their cabins by 12:00, except at our major ports, which are listed below.
Correspondence
If you have made your booking with Hurtigruten through Cruise Norway, then you must continue to make all communication through Cruise Norway.
We will usually confirm your holiday at the earliest opportunity and inform you on current flight times, prices, including any applicable supplements or extras, etc. It can take slightly longer to confirm your holiday, if you book during the high season or within eight weeks of departure. This is because we might have to request your cabin, flight or hotel space. We will send you an invoice to confirm your arrangement.
If you are travelling with friends and would like to receive separate documents, please let us know at the time that you make the booking. We will usually send you your travel documents approximately 7–14 days before departure.
Credit cards/payment options/currency in Norway
Norwegian currency is used on board. Most major currencies may be exchanged. Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Diners Card are all accepted on board. You can also sign up for cruise card, which you can use to pay for your extras while on board, then settle the account at the end of your voyage. This may be subject to change.
We suggest that you take a small amount of local currency, the Norwegian Kroner (NOK) in cash. Major credit cards are widely accepted in Norway, except possibly at smaller businesses. You may be asked to provide identification when you pay by credit card or exchange money.
Electricity
The electric current supplied in the power sockets on board our ship is on the 220-volt AC standard, and requires a 2-pin continental-type plug. If you need power adapters or converters, please bring them with you.
Embarkation/disembarkation
In Bergen, the Hurtigruten ships sail from: Hurtigruten Terminal, Nøstegaten 30, N-5010 Bergen. If you are taking a taxi, you can simply ask the taxi driver to get you to “the Hurtigruten Terminal”. Luggage lockers are available in the terminal for a fee. The terminal is staffed and open for luggage check-in from 13:00 hrs. Passenger check-in begins at 15:00 hrs and boarding takes place from 16:00 hrs. Cabins are available from 18:00 hrs.
There are no restaurant facilities in the terminal and passengers are free to explore Bergen until embarkation time. A buffet dinner is served in the evening of departure from Bergen, usually between 18:00-21:00 with open seating this evening only. Round Voyage guests will find their table assignment for the rest of the voyage in the envelope they receive at check-in. When disembarking in Bergen, luggage will be delivered to the baggage belt in the terminal. On the last day of the round voyage you will be asked to vacate your cabin a few hours before arrival. Information regarding luggage handling and disembarkation at other ports is available on board.
Excursions
We recommend that you pre-book excursions, as they may be fully booked if you wait until you are on board. Excursions booked on board must be paid for in Norwegian Kroner, which means that the price may vary as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. You can pre-book shore excursions until 4 weeks before departure. If you choose to pay by credit card, you can make pre-bookings until 2 weeks prior to departure. Excursions and their contents are subject to limits on the maximum and/or minimum number of participants, sailing times and weather/local conditions.
Fitness room/gym
Some of the ships have Jacuzzis and a fitness room.
Gratuity policy
It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal voyage. However, if you feel that crewmembers should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, you will find tip boxes and envelopes in the restaurant on board.
Hotels
If you need help booking a hotel room before or after your voyage with us, please contact our booking team. They will be happy to assist you. The standard of the hotels we use is equivalent to 3 or 4-star. There is no official hotel rating system in Norway. All rooms have private facilities (except for the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes). Single rooms may be smaller and less conveniently situated. Some single rooms may be double rooms for sole occupancy, while others can be purpose built single rooms. Hotels may charge for some facilities e.g. saunas.
Insurance
An illness, an accident or an unexpected situation can arise before or during any type of vacation. Such an event might cause you to cut short your cruise, or cause your trip to be cancelled altogether. Because a cruise is a significant investment, Hurtigruten offers insurance to protect its passengers from financial loss in the event of an emergency. Details and prices vary, as do coverage limits and exclusions. If you decide to purchase insurance, you will have two options: Hurtigruten’s insurance plan or one from an independent insurance provider.
Information meeting
There will be an information and safety meeting before departure from Bergen and Kirkenes. Each ship has an Expedition Leader on board who sells and provides advices on excursions, issues a daily programme and news bulletins, and makes announcements regarding places of interest, disembarkation, etc. Occasionally, the reception desk may provide this this service. All our expedition leaders speak Norwegian, English and German.
Internet
There is an internet café on board all our ships, except MS Lofoten. You will also find wireless networks in most public areas to connect laptops, tablets, mobile phones etc. Be aware that the bandwidth is limited and the strength of the wireless signal varies.
Languages
Norwegian and English are the official on board languages. The personnel at the reception and some of the service crew often also speak German. The Tour Leader speaks Norwegian, English and German.
Laundry
Laundry rooms with washing machines, dryers and irons are available on all ships. You can buy laundry payment tokens at the reception desk.
Luggage
Luggage handling is not included in the cost of your voyage. You will need to carry your own luggage on and off the ship, except when in the port of Bergen.
Meals
Breakfast is usually served from 0730hrs (open seating), lunch from 1200/1300hrs (open seating) and dinner from 1830 (assigned seating). During the high season, there may be two lunch and evening meal sittings – the times will be displayed on board. The voyage begins with a buffet dinner on departure from Bergen, and ends with brunch on the arrival day back in Bergen. Breakfast consists of a wide selection of cold meats, cheeses, eggs, cereals and fruit, with fresh-baked bread, pastries and often “sveler” (small pancakes) and waffles freshly cooked in the restaurant. The all-inclusive package includes a mixture of buffets and set menus for lunches and dinners, while for those guests who wish to enjoy an enhanced dining experience, the à la carte menu available for a small additional charge. All vessels are fully licensed, and the prices on board are similar to those on the Norwegian mainland.
Medical assistance and emergencies
There is no doctor or pharmacy on board. However, officers are trained in first aid and can provide emergency medical assistance. The ships are also close to land should urgent medical assistance be required.
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the entire body of the sun is visible above the horizon 24 hours a day. This only happens north of the Arctic Circle. You can find the dates and locations for the Midnight Sun below.
Mobility
We welcome passengers who are not fully mobile, and all our ships (except the MS Lofoten) have at least one cabin equipped for travellers using a wheelchair. Our sales consultants will also try to book appropriate hotel rooms for you, if necessary. Passengers who use a wheelchair must bring their own, standard size, foldable chair. Guests who are able to navigate around the ship unaided in a wheelchair do not need to have a travel companion. Passengers who need assistance may need to be accompanied by a helper. Please discuss this with your booking agent.
In Norwegian ports, there is a ramp or gangway for embarkation/disembarkation. The excursions we offer have not been adapted specifically for passengers with walking difficulties. Please talk to your booking agent or the expedition leader on board, for advice on excursions that could be suitable for you.
It is extremely important that you inform us of special requirements when you book, so that we can make the necessary arrangements to serve you.
Noise on board
Our ships function as working ships, calling at ports around the clock. You can expect some noise and vibration in some cabins during docking and loading of goods. This varies depending on the location of your cabin and the type of ship.
Pets
Pets and other animals, except for service animals, are not allowed on board our ships.
Polar nights
The polar night is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the night lasts for more than 24 hours, which means the sun is below the horizon. This only occurs north of the Arctic Circle. You can find the dates and locations for the polar nights below.
Ports
From Bergen to Kirkenes, all our coastal ships visit 34 ports. See Ports for more information.
Rail
The Norwegian State Railways operates an excellent, though limited, system of lines connecting Oslo with Bergen, Trondheim and Bodø. Most long-distance day trains have first- and second-class seats and a buffet car or refreshment trolley service. Public phones are available in all express trains and most intercity trains. The train doors are wide and there is space for bulky luggage, such as backpacks or skis.
Safety and welcome meeting
It is a safety requirement that all Hurtigruten passengers attend a compulsory safety briefing in Bergen before the ship leaves port. After check in and before embarkation, please go to the first floor of the terminal building, where the safety briefing will be given at intervals by Hurtigruten staff.
The briefing will last between between 10 and 15 minutes, with the first taking place at 15:45 (embarkation is from 16:00, also from the first floor). The talk will include a demonstration of how to put on a life jacket and the instructions to be followed in the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency during the voyage. All passengers must attend this briefing, including those who have travelled with Hurtigruten before. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, if you have any concerns. When you have completed the safety briefing, please embark straight away. The last briefing will take place at 19:30. Guests who arrive after this time will be required to attend a safety meeting on board at 20:00 before the ship leaves Bergen.
Please familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures as shown in the cabins (there are diagrams on the cabin doors and in public areas). Please ask at the reception if you have questions about this. In many ports, there may be a good deal of activity on the quay with cars joining/ leaving the ships and/or goods being loaded or unloaded. Please be alert to such traffic when embarking and disembarking. Be careful during winter months when it is icy underfoot, particularly on the outside decks and when disembarking the ship or alighting from coaches. You can buy ice spikes and other winter clothing in the ship’s store.
Schedule
All our ships operate on a set timetable and schedule. When visiting ports along the route, please make sure that you are back on board in time. The departure time is displayed at the gangway. Unfortunately, because of our schedule, our ships cannot wait for delayed passengers. If you miss your ship’s departure, you will need to travel to the next harbour by yourself and at your own expense.
Shops
All our ships have a shop on board. The shops sell local products, souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries. On MS Lofoten, the cafeteria handles this service.
Smoking
Smokers are welcome to smoke in the designated areas on the outside decks. However, smoking is not permitted when the ships are in port and fuelling. The staff will inform you when smoking outside is not allowed. Smoking in the cabin is prohibited and anyone who does so will be fined.
Special requests
If you have any special requests (e.g. dietary or medical), please inform us at the time of booking. We will do our very best to meet such requests, but cannot guarantee to do so. Therefore, we cannot accept such requests as a part of our contractual agreements.
Stabilisers
With the exception of MS Lofoten, all of our vessels are equipped with stabilizers.
Telephones/mobile phones
You can use your mobile telephone on board, although the quality of the signal may vary. Check with your provider for costs when using your phone abroad.
Transfers
Transfers may be operated by private coach, scheduled airport coach or train, minibus or private car and are usually unaccompanied. We will forward the full details with your travel documents, including the “Arrival and Departure Information” brochure.
In Bergen, Oslo, Kirkenes, Trondheim and Tromsø, transfers are included in your package, if you have booked our arrival and departure package. If your booking doesn’t include any transfers, you may still be able to book some of the transfers before departure or buy the ticket from the bus driver.
Valuables
Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep valuable items, including mobile telephones and cameras, out of sight.
Vehicles/cars
The ships can accommodate cars. This means that you can combine a coastal voyage with a road trip by travelling with us. Also, if you want to take a break from driving and are considering booking hotel accommodation, Hurtigruten is an excellent alternative.
What to wear/dress code
The dress code on board our ships is casual, although some passengers choose to change for dinner. The weather in Norway can vary during the course of each voyage, or even during the day. To cater for these variations, we recommend a layered dress approach, so that you can easily adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions. For all voyages, you should bring along breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf and thermal clothing can be useful, together with thermal underwear, during the winter months. On land where it may be icy, sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions. A walking stick/trekking pole may also be useful.
What languages are spoken onboard ?
Ship announcements on board are made in several languages. Norwegian and English are the official languages on board and spoken by all staff. Some of the crew also speak German as well as the Tour Leader.
What time do i need to check out of cabin ?
Check out times change according to the ship’s timetable and may vary from day to day. If you are travelling in a suite, different check out times may apply. Please contact reception for more information.
What facilities will be in my cabin ?
Facilities vary between ships and cabin grades. Towels and shower gel/liquid soap are provided. All cabins (except on MS Lofoten and some cabins on MS Vesterålen) also have a hairdryer. Tea/coffee making facilities are available in suites only.
What do you provide for children on board ?
There are cots available to hire on board; a limited number can be pre-booked. Please note that cots will not fit in all cabins. There is a play area for children on board (except MS Lofoten).
Is there access for wheelchairs / disabled passengers?
With the exception of MS Lofoten, all our ships have elevators and at least one wheelchair accessible cabin. Please contact our reservations department for further information and advise us at the time of booking if special transfers need to be arranged. Passengers in wheelchairs must travel with a companion who can assist them.
What entertainment is there on board ?
There is usually live music in the bar area during the evening and occasional visits by local choirs and musicians, but there is no organized entertainment program.
Are gratuities expected by the staff ?
It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships in Norway. If you feel that a crew member should be rewarded for exceptional service, this is entirely at your discretion
Does the ship stop at night ?
Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service. They carry goods, vehicles and passengers between ports night and day. Some ports are arrived at in the middle of the night and you can expect some noise and vibration in some cabins during loading of goods. This varies depending on the location of your cabin and the type of ship. Please ask our reservation team’s advice on the best cabin for you.
What times are meals served ?
Usual meal times are:
-Breakfast from 7:30 – 10:00 (open seating)
-Lunch from 12:00/13:00 (open seating)
-Dinner from 18:30/19:00 (assigned seating)
During high season there may be two meal sittings.
The food is Norwegian and breakfast is buffet style. Lunch is the famous Cold Table with a choice of fish, cold meats, salads and also a selection of hot dishes. Dinner is a three-course set meal.
Should I book excursion in advance ?
Pre-booking excursions, where possible, is recommended as only remaining places will be sold on board. Excursions booked on board are payable in Norwegian Kroner (NOK) and the price may vary as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. You can pre-book up to four weeks before departure, or by credit card up to two weeks before departure.
Can I smoke on board ?
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. It is not permitted when the ships are in port. Throwing cigarette ends overboard is strictly prohibited, please use the ashtrays provided. Smoking in the cabins is prohibited and subject to a fine of NOK 1500