Hurtigruten

From the magnificent Norwegian Fjords to the ice-filled bays of Antarctica Hurtigruten is renowned for its comprehensive and adventurous voyages to some of the most remotely beautiful and dramatic coastlines on the planet. Hurtigruten means ‘Fast Voyage’.  The vessels are working ships transporting not only cruise passengers but local people and cargo up and down the Norwegian coast.  Although working ships they are extremley comfortable and well appointed. There is no entertainment onboard just simply the company of like minded people enjoying conversation about the days events and sights.
Coastal Heritage
When not seeking the wildlife of Antarctica, Spitsbergen and Greenland, or exploring the islands and fjords of Norway the fleet serves as a lifeline; working ships carrying passengers and cargo along 2000 kilometres of spectacular Norwegian coastline. The schedule caters for short stops day and night as well as longer stays in exciting and fascinating ports to allow exploration ashore.

History of Hurtigruten
Whilst the 19th century and the Industrial Revolution had brought comforts and innovative advances to the citizens of Oslo and the southern ports, the region beyond Bergen was still seen as a remote wilderness, hemmed in by dramatic landscapes and unforgiving seas.
So when a seasoned Norwegian sea captain called Richard With proposed a regular steam ship service to link northern and southern Norway, many saw it as an unrealistic folly. Originally intended as a weekly daylight service from Trondheim to Hammerfest, delivering mail, cargo and passengers, this audacious mariner then proposed to extend the service to travel both day and night, winter and summer. His intention was to sail through waters that at this juncture had still not been mapped, through a landscape that for centuries had only been accessible from the sea.
For 90 years the Coastal Express became the most important communication link between the north and south and it is from these pioneering voyages that the Hurtigruten tradition stems. Translating as ‘fast route’, it was the quickest and most reliable passage into the remote lands of northern Norway, regardless of weather conditions. Indeed it was not until 1983 that the mail delivery was finally entrusted to road and air routes. It is this heritage and experience that marks out Hurtigruten as one of the most professional and proficient expedition voyage operations on the planet.
Following the Second World War it was vital to rebuild the fleet as quickly as possible and the first 4 commissioned ships set new standards in comfort and service, quickly followed by 11 more over the following decade. The latter years of the 20th century saw Hurtigruten’s role change, as cars became more popular and the ship’s original remit changed. New ships were built with passenger comfort in mind, with more cabins and panoramic lounges being included to accommodate a new kind of traveller. A new generation of ships was built between 1993 and 2007, ensuring that today we have a fleet of custom designed vessels capable of safely negotiating not only the rugged coastal waters of Norway and the Arctic, but also the remote lands of Spitsbergen and Greenland and the southern oceans off Antarctica.
Home From Home
On board the ships, large, comfortable lounges give unequalled views as you glide silently and slowly through some of the world’s most beautiful and untouched scenery. As you would expect, the ships offer the highest standards of design, complemented by works of art inspired by the land and seascapes through which they sail.
Relaxed and Informal
No dressing up for dinner – no fuss, no frenzy – the aim is to sail calmly through the crisp clean air, close to the ever-changing environment. Hurtigruten operates open seating for the buffet at breakfast and lunchtime, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Fresh Seasonal Cuisine
Menus are planned around fresh, seasonal ingredients and take advantage of local produce to satisfy appetites stimulated by the fresh sea air. The restaurants are fully licensed and the set dinner takes place at the guests reserved table. Coffee and drinks can be enjoyed in one of the lounges or bars.
Friendly and Helpful Crew
A multi-lingual tour Manager is on board the ships to assist with the shore excursions, helping guests to book if they have not already pre-booked their trips ashore, and to provide information on the highlights of the day. Additionally, there is a reception desk open 24 hours a day.
Simple Style
There may be some musical entertainment in the bar and occasionally there may be a local choir or band in one of the lounges, but there is no organised entertainment programme in the evenings to detract from the gentle flow of the voyage.
Space to Learn
Lecture theatres and meeting rooms are available on most ships, creating an ideal environment in which guests can listen to a guest lecturer on one of our theme Voyages. If you are travelling on one of our Hurtigruten explorer voyages a team of tour guides and/or lecturers will be on hand to give briefings and lectures and answer any questions guests might have.
Extra Comforts
All ships, except for the older, smaller, vessels have a lift, a library to really ‘get away from it all’ and a café serving snacks 24 hours a day. The newer additions to the fleet have Jacuzzis and a fitness room and MS Finnmarken boasts an outdoor swimming pool.
Home on the Water
Guests choose from a wide range of comfortable cabins. They vary in size and location, sometimes within the same grade and as a general rule, outside accommodation on the higher decks have a picture window while the lower decks have portholes.
A choice of suites on MS Midnatsol, MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken enables guests to select a cabin with a balcony or bay window and some have a bath/Jacuzzi. MS Fram has been specifically designed and enhances Hurtigruten’s reputation as the leading expedition voyage operator and her suites and cabins reflect the high standard of this latest addition to the fleet. On MV Polar Star all cabins are outside and have a window or porthole and private facilities.
Suites
Suites are graded QJ, Q, M, MG, and MX and have a seating area with TV. They have a shower/WC and most have a double bed (this may be two single mattresses set in a double frame which cannot be separated).
Standard and Superior Cabins
Cabins grades I, L, J, N, P and U all have private facilities and twin beds, one of which can be turned into a sofa. Grades A, D and some I, J and N have upper and lower berths and D grades on MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen have a wash basin only.
Special Cabins
With the exception of MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen, all our ships have at least one specially equipped cabin for disabled passengers. Special non-allergy cabins are available on MS Finnmarken. Prices for cabins that can accommodate three or four people are available on request and inter-connecting cabins are available on some of the ships.
General Information
Please note that for safety reasons, cabins on the two lower decks of MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen may have closed portholes during the winter period.

If you are interested in travelling with Hurtigruten please complete the form below with your enquiry and we will be in touch as soon as we can.