Hurtigruten : Our cruise deals 2026 - 2027

The history of Hurtigruten

 

Founded in 1893 by Richard With, Hurtigruten, meaning "the fast route," revolutionized passenger and cargo transport in Norway. The Norway Coastal Express has followed its historic route since 1914, from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, connecting communities along Norway's coastline. Over time, Hurtigruten has grown into a major player in Northern European cruises.

Today, beyond its iconic Coastal Express route operated by seven comfortable ships, Hurtigruten also offers unique experiences like the North Cape Express and the Spitzbergen Express aboard the MS Trollfjord. These itineraries fully embrace Norwegian culture and landscapes. The North Cape Express departs from Oslo, heading to the North Cape in search of the Northern Lights. The Spitzbergen Express sails from Bergen to the North Cape and further explores Svalbard, unveiling its natural wonders and Arctic wildlife.

 

 

Hurtigruten’s fleet

 

MS Kong Harald

A modernized hybrid ship in 2023, MS Kong Harald accommodates 590 passengers. Guests can relax in the outdoor solarium or sauna while enjoying breathtaking views from the panoramic lounge and observation lounge. Enriching activities and lectures are provided by the Coastal Experience Team guides. Passengers can choose from three dining options: the main restaurant Torget, Norwegian specialties at the à la carte Kysten restaurant, and the casual Brygga bistro. The ship also features a bakery, an ice cream shop, and a boutique. A fitness center is available for guests.

 

MS Richard With

Modernized in 2023, MS Richard With is a hybrid vessel with a bar offering a wide range of beverages, an expansive outdoor solarium, an observation lounge, a panoramic lounge, and a boutique. With a capacity of 590 passengers, it boasts various facilities, including three dining options (Torget main restaurant, Kysten à la carte restaurant, and Brygga bistro), an ice cream shop, a bakery, a sauna, and a fitness center. Coastal Experience Team guides organize diverse enriching activities and lectures on board.

 

MS Trollfjord

Renovated in 2023, MS Trollfjord pays tribute to Norway’s nature with decor inspired by the fjords it navigates. The ship accommodates up to 500 passengers and features a spacious two-story panoramic lounge, an outdoor solarium, a panoramic sauna, and a library. It hosts three restaurants: the main restaurant Flora, the Árran brasserie offering traditional Norwegian cuisine, and Røst, a refined Arctic cuisine restaurant. The Coastal Experience Team enhances cruises with lectures on Norwegian culture, nature, and history and organizes onboard activities like morning yoga, craft workshops, and photography courses.

 

 

Why choose a Hurtigruten cruise?

 

Choosing Hurtigruten to explore Norway and Spitzbergen means opting for a unique and authentic experience. The company, rooted in Norwegian history for nearly 130 years, offers unparalleled proximity to spectacular coastal landscapes, majestic fjords, and local culture.

Hurtigruten is renowned for its iconic Norway Coastal Express route, with 34 stops at coastal communities. These coastal express ships transport both travelers and locals, along with cargo, adding authenticity to the experience. In Spitzbergen, Hurtigruten invites guests to encounter exceptional Arctic wildlife, including the iconic polar bear.

Beyond the Arctic Circle, Hurtigruten cruises offer a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights and experience the Midnight Sun, creating unforgettable memories. Onboard specialists enrich the journey with lectures on history, culture, geology, wildlife, and flora of the visited destinations.

Hurtigruten stands out with its ecological commitment, including banning heavy fuel oil, eliminating single-use plastics, and using hybrid-powered ships.

 

 

Hurtigruten cruise destinations

 

Cruises in Norway

Hurtigruten’s Norway Coastal Express provides an authentic cruise experience along the Norwegian coastline from Bergen to Kirkenes and back in 12 days, stopping at 34 coastal communities.

Discover spectacular Norwegian fjords like Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord, and Geirangerfjord. Cross the Arctic Circle and participate in a traditional ceremony on the ship’s deck. Explore picturesque fishing villages in the Lofoten Islands. In Tromsø, immerse yourself in Sami culture, the traditional reindeer-herding Indigenous people. Visit the North Cape for breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean.

Shorter Norwegian cruises are available for passengers, such as a return trip from Kirkenes (cruises departing from Kirkenes) or a Bergen–Kirkenes–Trondheim journey.

During winter, Hurtigruten offers the North Cape Express, a 16-stop itinerary aboard the MS Trollfjord from Oslo or Bergen to the North Cape. These cruises highlight the Northern Lights and feature fewer but longer stops, averaging seven hours per port.

 

Cruises in Spitzbergen

Spitzbergen, located in the Svalbard archipelago, is a unique Hurtigruten destination showcasing the Arctic’s wild beauty. Hurtigruten's Svalbard cruise, known as the Spitsbergen Express, takes place during summer aboard MS Trollfjord, offering travelers the chance to admire the Grand North’s spectacular landscapes by ship or kayak and observe polar bears in their natural habitat during guided excursions. The Midnight Sun enhances every experience.

 

Cruises in Scandinavia

Hurtigruten also offers Scandinavian cruises starting in Stockholm, Sweden. Guests can explore the city before heading to Helsinki by ferry. The journey continues with a bus tour through Finland to Kirkenes, where passengers board the Coastal Express to explore Norway's coast with scenic stops until Bergen. This unique route highlights Scandinavian diversity, from Sweden and Finland’s tranquil lakes and forests to Norway's iconic fjords.

 

 

Popular departure ports with Hurtigruten

 

Hurtigruten offers several departure ports, depending on the itinerary:

 

- Norway Coastal Express: Those cruises departing from Bergen travel along the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes and back, with options for one-way or round-trip journeys. One-way journeys also allow embarking from Kirkenes.

 

- North Cape Express: Cruises depart from Oslo to the North Cape and return to Bergen or follow the reverse route. Passengers can opt for segments, with Tromsø as a departure or arrival port.

 

- Spitzbergen Express: This itinerary starts in Bergen, reaches Longyearbyen in Spitzbergen, and returns to Bergen. One-way cruises from Longyearbyen to Bergen are also available.

 

 

Services aboard Hurtigruten ships

 

Dining aboard Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten’s onboard gastronomy combines Norwegian traditions with international flavors.

 

Norway Coastal Express cruises offer three fare levels: Basic, Select, and Platinum. All include full board with three daily meals in the main restaurant Torget. Platinum includes premium breakfasts, dining at Kysten’s fine dining restaurant, and a captain’s dinner.

North Cape Express and Spitzbergen Express cruises are all-inclusive, offering continuous dining in Flora’s main restaurant. Suite passengers enjoy gourmet full-board dining at Røst.

 

Beverages during your Hurtigruten cruise

Norway Coastal Express cruises: Basic fares do not include beverages. Select fares offer unlimited water, tea, and coffee. Platinum fares add a dinner drink package, including wines, beers, teas, and sodas, plus a welcome champagne bottle.

North Cape and Spitzbergen Express fares are all-inclusive, with meal-time drink packages including wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Suites include an exclusive drink package for bar selections after dinner.

 

Hurtigruten’s social and environmental commitment

 

Hurtigruten has an ambitious environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy aiming to minimize its ecological footprint. It eliminated heavy fuel oil in 2010 and modernized its fleet with hybrid-electric ships equipped with SCR systems and state-of-the-art water treatment systems, significantly reducing emissions and environmental impact.

Onboard, Hurtigruten has made significant efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and implement rigorous waste sorting. Its upcoming zero-emission ship, "Sea Zero," scheduled for 2030, represents the future of sustainable cruising.

 

 

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Hurtigruten cruises

 

When is the best time to cruise with Hurtigruten?

Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express voyages, traveling between Bergen and Kirkenes round trip, explore Norway’s fjords year-round. From October to March, the Northern Lights offer a unique spectacle, while in June and July, the Midnight Sun creates an ethereal atmosphere.

The North Cape Express itineraries, available in winter and spring, sail from Oslo to the North Cape (Honningsvåg) and return to Bergen, or vice versa, often with opportunities to observe the Northern Lights.

During summer and autumn, Spitzbergen Express cruises reveal breathtaking ice landscapes and unique Arctic wildlife, including polar bears.

 

Can you see the Northern Lights on a Hurtigruten cruise?

The Northern Lights are a highlight of Hurtigruten’s cruises along the Norwegian coastline between October and March. Ship officers monitor the skies and announce sightings of the auroras, ensuring passengers don’t miss this extraordinary phenomenon.

Hurtigruten also offers a "Northern Lights Promise," guaranteeing a memorable experience. If the Northern Lights don’t appear during your cruise in Norway's auroral season, Hurtigruten provides a second chance with a complimentary 6- or 7-day classic cruise the following year. This promise applies to North Cape Express and Coastal Express cruises under Select and Platinum fares.

 

Are Hurtigruten cruises family-friendly?

Hurtigruten places no age restrictions on children aboard its ships. For shore excursions, children under 12 must have the captain’s approval to disembark, whether accompanied or not. It’s important to note that the ships do not feature play areas or specialized children’s facilities, making these cruises more suitable for older children who can actively participate in and appreciate the activities offered during excursions.

 

What cabin types can I book on a Hurtigruten ship?

Hurtigruten offers various cabin types: Polar Inside cabins, Polar Outside cabins, Arctic Superior Outside cabins, and Expedition Suites.

Located on upper decks, Arctic Superior cabins provide more space and better views than Polar Outside cabins. Arctic Superior cabins include tea and coffee facilities, and on the MS Trollfjord, they also feature a minibar.

Expedition Suites offer both space and comfort, with a seating area and sofa for relaxing after a day of exploration. Some suites also include bathtubs. On MS Trollfjord, Expedition Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows or private balconies, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the scenery from the comfort of their cabin.

All Hurtigruten Coastal Express and MS Trollfjord ships include at least one cabin accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

 

What activities are available onboard Hurtigruten ships?

Hurtigruten ships feature panoramic lounges and observation lounges for enjoying breathtaking landscapes and the Northern Lights. They also offer a sauna, solarium, fitness center, and a boutique for souvenirs and equipment. The Coastal Experience Team onboard organizes activities and thematic lectures, enriching the cruising experience.

 

Can I book shore excursions with Hurtigruten?

Yes, excursions can be booked online through the Hurtigruten website or onboard. Booking in advance generally offers better rates. To book online, enter your reservation code on Hurtigruten’s website, select the excursion of interest, and click "Add to Reservation." You will then be contacted to complete payment and confirm your booking.