Hurtigruten, hailing from Norway, boasts over 130 years of extensive seafaring experience and specializes in Norwegian coastal voyages. Founded in 1893, "Hurtigruten" means "The Fast Route" in Norwegian. It initially operated between Trondheim and Hammerfest, later extending the route from Bergen to Kirkenes, a service that continues to run to this day.

Hurtigruten currently operates a fleet of 10 ships, mostly named after Norwegian places, people, or natural phenomena. These are primarily smaller vessels with a capacity of fewer than 1,000 passengers, allowing them to access ports and glacial areas that large cruise ships cannot reach.

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The Coastal Express

The Coastal Express is arguably Hurtigruten's most classic itinerary. Departing from Bergen in southern Norway, it stops at 34 ports along the way, passing through magnificent fjords and Norwegian towns, crossing the Arctic Circle to reach Kirkenes in the far north.

The most unique aspect of this route is that, in addition to being a sightseeing cruise, it serves as local transportation. You might encounter local residents boarding or disembarking, or watch the ship dock to load and unload cargo. In larger ports, the ship stops for 1 to 4 hours, giving travelers ample time to explore the city, while stops at cargo ports are brief.

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Coastal Express cabins are divided into Polar Inside, Arctic Superior, and Expedition Suites. Fares include three daily meals, selected tea and coffee, Wi-Fi, and thematic lectures. Guests staying in suites enjoy more space, priority check-in, welcome gifts and drinks, and a complimentary traditional Norwegian wool sweater.

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There are three restaurants on board: the main restaurant Torget, the fine dining restaurant Kysten, and the bistro Brygga. You can taste delicious dishes made with fresh Norwegian seafood, as well as pizza, burgers, and other delicacies.

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🚢 Classic Coastal Express Ships:

◾ MS Kong Harald >>
◾ MS Midnatsol >>
◾ MS Nordkapp >>
◾ MS Nordlys >>
◾ MS Nordnorge >>
◾ MS Richard With >>
◾ MS Polarlys >>

Signature Voyages

In addition to the classic route, Hurtigruten has curated "Signature Voyages" with more refined details and upgraded experiences, including two themed itineraries: The North Cape Line and The Svalbard Line, featuring more nature exploration and cultural depth.

The North Cape Line reaches Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in Europe, where you can see the Midnight Sun in summer and the beautiful Northern Lights in winter. The Svalbard Line sails to the Svalbard archipelago, visiting Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world. On the tundra formed by the cold climate, you have the chance to see wildlife such as reindeer, seabirds, and whales, hear historical stories from local guides, and experience dog sledding.

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The cabin configuration for Signature Voyages is the same as the classic route, but with the addition of photography workshops and access to public facilities like the library, gym, and sauna. Suite amenities and benefits are further upgraded, including an in-room mini-bar, a Norwegian wool sweater set, priority check-in, unlimited selected alcoholic beverages, complimentary dining at the fine dining restaurant, complimentary afternoon tea, and extra On-Board Credit.

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Currently, only MS Trollfjord is operating on Signature Voyages. The ship features three specialty restaurants: the main restaurant Flora, the bistro Brasserie Árran, and the fine dining restaurant Røst.

Røst utilizes Norwegian seafood to create Michelin-star level delicacies and offers afternoon tea occasionally. Suite guests can book for free, while guests in standard cabins can book for a fee.

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🚢 Signature Voyage Ships:

◾ MS Trollfjord >>
◾ MS Finnmarken (Note: Rebranded as MS Otto Sverdrup for expedition, please confirm current status) >>

Onboard Activities

Hurtigruten ships are accompanied by a professional Expedition Team, with members specializing in various fields such as natural landscapes, wildlife, and Norwegian history and culture. The team holds lectures on board to help travelers gain a deeper understanding of Norway's terroir and natural phenomena, enhancing the voyage experience.

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Some lectures are combined with seasonal food tasting events, such as tasting fresh shrimp or wild berries. When passing through Trollfjord in summer, Trollsoup is served. This soup, inspired by Norse mythology, usually includes seasonal vegetables or seafood and is full of Norwegian fantasy elements.

Travelers interested in photography can join the "Photography Club." Whether you are a beginner or experienced, everyone is welcome! Professional photographers will share shooting tips and inspiration, encouraging travelers to upload photos to the enthusiast app to share the beautiful scenery of the journey with others.

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Natural Wonders

From September to March of the following year, the nights are long, making it the best time to view the Northern Lights! Hurtigruten offers the "Northern Lights Promise": if you do not see the Northern Lights on a voyage of 11 days or more during the aurora season, they will compensate you with a 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Coastal Express voyage.

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During the summer period of constant daylight, cities within the Arctic Circle such as Svolvær, Harstad, Tromsø, Hammerfest, and North Cape can witness the Midnight Sun from May to July, a spectacular sight where the sun hangs high even at midnight. In the cities on the Svalbard archipelago, this natural phenomenon can be witnessed from April to August.

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Shore Experiences

Hurtigruten's shore excursions are a feature not to be missed, with over 130 itineraries to choose from!

Travelers who love outdoor activities can choose to go kayaking in Ålesund, ride ATVs at the North Cape, or go snowshoeing for a polar hike in Tromsø, among other thrilling adventures.

For those who prefer history and culture, guided tours of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, city tours of major cities, and Viking culture tours are highly recommended.

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