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Blue Water Holidays
Blue Water Holidays - ABTA - ATOL - CLIA
Experts in River and Small Ship Cruising Holidays since 2002
01756 706500 +44 1756 706500
Blue Water Holidays - ABTA - ATOL - CLIA
01756 706500
+44 1756 706500
Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Voyages

Norwegian Coastal Voyages with Hurtigruten

Right to the heart of Norway and its people, Hurtigruten carries passengers, mail and supplies to over thirty ports along the Norwegian coastline, most never visited by commercial cruise liners.

Cruise Collection 2020 / 2021 / 2022

Hurtigruten Norway Cruises Info

Flexibility

With daily departures year round, the journey begins in Bergen and travels north across the Arctic Circle and beyond whilst meandering through the dramatic splendours of the coast. As we weave in and out of narrow inlets, we sail along some of the world’s most beautiful coastline, nearly always in sight of land, and discover what makes this voyage unique.

Ports

Many of our ports of call are tranquil hamlets on tiny islands whose inhabitants depend for their very existence on the Hurtigruten ships to bring the communities essential supplies and reunite families and friends.

Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable. Some noise may be experienced during docking and loading/unloading. It may very occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail stops due to weather or other conditions. Some stops may be very short and some are at night.

Ships

Each ship has a distinct style and character and no two journeys will ever be the same as the changing seasons, climate, flora and fauna, local people you meet and the friendly English speaking crew, make each voyage a different experience.

Travellers

Like-minded people from across the world come to enjoy the magnificent scenery and informal atmosphere on board. Many take the opportunity to sail in summer during the period of the Midnight Sun, when the sun flirts with the horizon before curving skyward, bathing the glorious scenery in perpetual daylight. Winter provides the possibility of witnessing one of Nature’s lavish displays – the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights as it is more commonly known, dancing in the Arctic twilight.

As we board our Hurtigruten ship, we are part of a tradition that has spanned three centuries. It is this commitment to a proud heritage that has made Hurtigruten an essential part of Norwegian life.

Norway's stunning fjords The Aurora Borealis - The Northern Lights Nodkapp

Hurtigruten Excursions

The Coastal Voyage calls at 34 ports betwen Bergen and Kirkenes, close to the Russian Border.

Make the most of your voyage with our wide selection of excursions. We recommend that you pre-book excursions as this gives you the opportunity to secure space on your chosen excursions. Only remaining places will be sold on board.

Our programme gives you the choice between informative city tours, visits to cultural sites, bird watching trips or more active adventures such as dog sledging and snowmobiling, ensuring there is something on offer for everyone.

Norway Coast Map

Hurtigruten Extensions

Norwegian Coastal Voyage Extensions

There are many fabulous opportunities available should you wish to extend your trip to discover more of beautiful Norway.

Visit breathtaking fjords, explore steep mountain landscape or take an extraordinary scenic train journey across the roof of Norway. Experience the magic of Sognefjord, enjoy life in the Norwegian capital or stay in the magical snow hotel.

Extensions in Bergen

Norway in a Nutshell
This magnificent journey takes you by bus, train and ferry through some of the most wonderful scenery in the area, traversing a landscape of breathtaking fjords, rural idyll and the spectacular Flåm Mountain Railway.

Sognefjord in a Nutshell
Combine a cruise on the Sognefjord with a spectacular train journey on the Flam Railway.

Island Seafood Dinner and Boat Trip
Enjoy a boat trip from Bergen to Cornelius Seafood Restaurant for an exquisite dining experience by the sea, before returning to Bergen.

Fjord cruise to Mostraumen
Enjoy a cruise up the narrow Osterfjorden to the village of Modalen. Along the way, enjoy plenty of photo opportunities.

Extensions in Kirkenes

Gamme Cabins
Stay overnight in a beautiful Scandinavian cabin in Arctic Kirkenes. Cosy up next to the Snowhotel in winter or enjoy being close to nature in the Arctic spring.

Snowhotel
Enjoy a special Arctic experience at the Snowhotel, contructed entirely from snow and ice, and decorated with snow sculptures.

Extensions in Oslo

Panorama Tour
Join a guided bus tour of Oslo and learn about the city's history. Take in the main sights and enjoy breathtaking views from Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You'll be able to walk through the Vigeland Sculpture Park with its bronze and granite sculptures.

  • Pulpit Rock
  • Reindeers
  • Oslo
  • Bergen Tram
Bergen Oslo

Ships and Cabins

Hurtigruten Ships and Cabins

The Hurtigruten fleet consists of fourteen ships with eleven operating on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage route at any one time. The ships vary depending on their size and age and are described below where you will find pictures and a deck plan of each vessel

Expedition Ship

The MS Fram meaning “onwards” in Norwegian, is the most modern ship of our fleet specifically designed for expedition voyaging. With her maiden voyage in early 2007, she will spend the summer months along the coast of Greenland and the European winter in Antarctica. Named after the ship used by famous Norwegian Explorer Fridtjof Nansen, this is a truly individual vessel, inspired by explorers old and new.

More information and deckplans for:

MS Fram

MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016 and offers voyages along the Norwegian coastline. Named after the archipelago, this 202-passenger ship has a professional Expedition team on board and is equipped for sailings in polar waters.

More information and deckplans for:

MS Spitsbergen

MS Fram MS Spitsbergen

Millennium Ships

These three modern ships joined the fleet in 2002 and 2003. Each vessel has its own distinct style and character, offering the latest in cabin comfort and facilities and spacious panorama lounges. The ships have two outdoor Jacuzzis, and MS Finnmarken also boasts a small outdoor swimming pool.

More information and deckplans for:

MS Midnatsol (view Virtual Tour)
MS Trollfjord (view Virtual Tour)
MS Finnmarken (view Virtual Tour)

MS Finnmarken

New Ships

These ships were built between 1993 and 1997 and combine the small ship atmosphere with space, style and comfort. Each has its own design and features works of art by Norwegian artists. You can enjoy the passing scenery whatever the weather from the well appointed panoramic lounge.

Following a refurbishment, Nordkapp, Nordnorge, Polarlys, Kong Harald and Richard With have stylish new public areas including the Multe Bakery. All the ships have a Scandinavian feel with the interior decor reflecting the ever-changing coastal landscapes.

More information and deckplans for:

MS Nordkapp
MS Nordnorge
MS Polarlys
MS Nordlys (view Virtual Tour)
MS Richard With
MS Kong Harald

MS Richard With

Mid-Generation Ships

Dating from the 1980s these fine vessels were able to offer larger cabins than the traditional ships that had previously operated Hurtigruten. They each have a restaurant, coffee shop, panorama lounge and ample deck space. These three ships are favourites of travellers who enjoy the real ‘working ship’ experience, along the Norwegian Coastline.

More information and deckplans for:

MS Vesterålen (view Virtual Tour)

MS Vesteralen

Traditional Ships

The only remaining traditional ship still in service sails during the winter months when other ships operate our sailings beyond the coast of Norway. This small and elegant member of the Hurtigruten fleet – steeped with heritage and character – are firm favourites for many of our repeat travellers. In the European summer months this ship operates some of our Explorer voyages amongst the Norwegian fjords

More information and deckplans for:

MS Lofoten

MS Lofoten

Useful Info

Useful Information

Weather and Climate
Summer temperatures in northern Norway vary between 10°C and 30°C depending on latitude.  Temperatures in winter in northern Norway can be consistently below freezing and with wind chill they can easily reach -20ºC.

Dining Room and Meals
The usual meal times are: 
Breakfast from 07:30 to 10:00 hrs (open sitting) 
Lunch from 12:00/13:00 hrs (open sitting) 
Dinner from 18:30hrs (assigned seating). At some periods there may be two dinner sittings (times advised on board).

The food is Norwegian and breakfast is buffet style with a selection of cold meats, cheese, eggs, cereals and fruit. Lunch is the famous Cold Table with a choice of fish dishes, cold meats, salads, a selection of hot dishes, desserts and fruit. Dinner is a three-course set meal from our coastal menu; there is not usually a choice of menu but alternatives are available on request. Occasionally the Cold Table may be served in the evening and the set meal at lunch time.

Hurtigruten will always do its best to meet dietary requests but can not guarantee to do so. It is essential that you advise, in writing, of all special requirements at the time of booking. Clients on strict diets, eg vegans, may find that the food offers limited variety.

Cafeteria and Refreshments
Hot and cold drinks and snacks may be bought in the cafeteria, usually open 24 hours a day. Passengers can purchase a thermo coffee cup with the ship's logo and have as much coffee/tea as they want.

All ships are fully licensed, with a bar on board; the price level is the same as on mainland Norway.

It is safe to drink tap water on board. Ship's purified water and mineral water in bottles, soft drinks, wine and the coffee deal can be purchased on board. Wine packages are also available; these include one bottle of ship's purified water every day.

What to Wear
Dress on board is informal. Although some passengers may choose to change for dinner the dress code is 'smart/casual' rather than formal. The weather in Norway can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily. Where necessary, excursions include use of appropriate clothing.

Shore Excursions
Pre-booking excursions, where possible, is recommended as only remaining places will be sold on board. Excursions booked on board will be payable in Norwegian Kroner and the price may vary as a result of exchange rate fuctuations. Pre-booking of shore excursions is possible until 4 weeks prior to departure. If you choose to pay by credit card, pre-bookings can be made until 2 weeks prior to departure.

Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers, sailing times and weather and/or local conditions. If pre-booked excursions have to be cancelled, you will get a refund.

Itinerary
Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable, as shown in brochures and on our website. The ships carry goods, vehicles and foot passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life. Some noise may be experienced during docking and loading/unloading. It may very occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail stops due to weather or other conditions. Some stops may be very short and some are at night.

With the exception of MS Nordstjernen and MS Lofoten, the vessels are equipped with stabilisers. On the Norwegian coast the ships enter the open sea for a few hours on only a few occasions during the whole voyage. The majority of the time the ships sail between mainland Norway and the coastal islands where the sea is generally calmer.

Please ensure that you are back on board by sailing time, especially if the ship has arrived late as it may leave as scheduled to make up time. The departure time is advised at the gangway and ships are not able to wait for passengers who are late. If you miss the ship it is your responsibility to make arrangements to rejoin the voyage at the next possible stop or to return home.

Cabins
For bookings with unspecifed cabin grades/numbers, requests for adjacent cabins or accommodation in a specific area of the ship etc cannot be guaranteed. The facilities of the cabins vary between the ships and the various cabin grades. Inside cabins do not have a window. Towels and shower gel are provided and hairdryers are available on all ships except for MS Vesteralen (some cabins), MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen. Tea/coffee making facilities are available in suites only.

On MS Lofoten, MS Nordstjernen and MS Vesteralen some cabins have portholes which might be covered during the winter period.  There are no safety deposit boxes in the cabins (except in some suites on MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol) and Hurtigruten cannot accept liability for any loss. Valuables may be handed in at reception to be kept in the ship's safe.

Entertainment
The emphasis is on relaxation and getting away from the commercial entertainment so often a part of conventional cruise programmes. Our aim is to get closer to unique environments and share the experience with fellow passengers. Occasionally some musical entertainment on some stretches of the voyage may be offered but there is no organised entertainment programme (except on Theme Voyages).

Language
Norwegian and English are the official on board languages. The Tour Leader speaks Norwegian, English and German.

Internet
There is an internet cafe on board all ships except MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen. Be aware that the bandwidth is low. Wireless internet will be rolled out on board all ships in 2012.

Shops
There is a shop on board all ships. It sells souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries. On MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen this service is handled by the coffee shop.

Information on Board
The Reception Desk is open 24 hours a day. Each ship has a Tour Leader on board who informs about and sells excursions, issues a daily programme and news bulletin and makes announcements regarding places of interest, disembarkation, etc. Occasionally this service may be carried out by the Reception. All Tour Leaders speak Norwegian, English and German.

Laundry
Laundry rooms with washing machines, dryers and irons are available on all ships except MS Nordstjernen. Tokens may be purchased from reception. On board MS Nordstjernen arrangements for laundry can be made with the crew at a fee.

Electricity
220V AC 2 pin sockets are continental Europe style, and you may need to bring an adapter/converter.

Anouncements
Announcements on board are made in several languages. No public announcements are made at night. If you would like to know about an appearance of the Northern Lights activate the telephone button in your cabin or advise Reception.

Currency in Norway
We suggest that you take a small amount of local currency (Norwegian Kroner-NOK) in cash. Major credit cards are widely accepted except possibly at smaller businesses. You may be asked to provide identifcation when you pay by credit card or exchange money.

Cruise Card and Currency on Board
For your convenience, we offer a Cruise Card system on board all ships. This system allows you to charge all on board purchases to your cruise card. Cruise card accounts can be created at all points of payment on board the ship. We accept VISA, Master-Card, Diners, American Express or cash (NOK, EUR, GBP, USD) as deposit. On your last night on board, an itemised statement will be delivered to your cabin door. The cruise card account needs to be settled by 22:00.

For your convenience, your cruise card charges will be billed automatically to your credit card. Any discrepancies must be reported before disembarkation. This also applies if you want to pay part cash and part credit card. The currency used on board is Norwegian Kroner. Exchange rates are similar to those in a hotel. Please check with the reception for methods of payment.

Gratuity Policy
It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal voyage, but if you feel that individual crew members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, this is entirely at your discretion.

Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. It is not permitted when the ships are in port. To show respect for the environment, please use the provided ashtrays. Throwing cigarette ends overboard is strictly prohibited. Smoking in the cabin is prohibited and fined with NOK 1.500.

Wheelchair Users/Disabled Passengers
With the exception of MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen, all of our ships have elevators/lifts and at least one wheelchair accessible cabin for disabled passengers. Please contact our reservations department for further information and advise us at the time of booking if special transfers need to be arranged. Guests who require a wheelchair must bring their own foldable wheelchair and travel with a companion who is able to assist them. There is a ramp in all ports, but, as working ships, no designated crew member will be able to assist. NB: Airlines usually do not allow wet battery wheelchairs on aircraft. 

Excursions are not suitable for passengers with electric wheelchairs although some are possible with a manual, foldable chair. Please contact the Tour Leader on board who will be able to advise which excursions are suitable. Drivers and guides are not permitted to lift wheelchairs or passengers at any time.

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