Hurtigruten, which translate to the fast route, used to be the most important communication link between the north and south of Norway, transporting mail, cargo and passengers. Today a cruise with Hurtigruten is a breathtaking experience; a glimpse into the Norwegian coastal life and traditions, as well as a front row view of the majestic Norwegian scenery.
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What is the difference between the northbound and southbound route?
What is the difference between the service levels and what is the cost?
Will I meet a representative from Authentic Scandinavia during my trip?
The Northbound route starts in Bergen and reaches Kirkenes in 6 nights / 7 days. The Northbound route is sometimes referred to as the "cultural" stretch since it stops in the cities like Ålesund, Trondheim and Tromsø at daytime. On the northbound journey the ships make a detour to the Geirangerfjord between June and August, and to the Hjørundfjord between September and October.
See the day-by-day timetable for the northbound cruise.
The Southbound route travels from Kirkenes to Bergen in 5 nights / 6 days. It is often called the "nature" stretch since you for example pass the Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands during daytime. Also other highlights like Raftsundet, the Helgeland coast and Torghatten and unique excursions like breakfast at the North Cape (during summer), a Midnight Concert in Tromsø or a tour to Vega are experienced only on the southbound route.
See the day-by-day timetable for the southbound cruise.
Both stretches have their charm and uniqueness. For deciding on which stretch you prefer, you might also want to have a look at the possible shore excursions that can be done each way.
The Hurtigruten fleet sailing the coastal route consists of seven ships, while Havila operates the ramaining four. Together they offer daily departures along the Norwegian coast.
The facilities provided by the Hurtigruten ships are uniform, but the choice of colours, materials and design means that each ship retains its own character. They have large, comfortable lounges providing good views, fully licensed restaurants, cafés and bars, and souvenir shops that also sell a selection of toiletries. The newest ships have several bars, restaurants and cafés with varied menus, extended conference facilities and internet cafés.
| Ship | Built | Renovated | Passenger capacity | Car capacity | Jacuzzi |
| Nordnorge | 1997 | 2016 (partly) | 590 | 32 | yes |
| Polarlys | 1996 | 2016 (partly) | 619 | 26 | yes |
| Nordkapp | 1996 | 2016 (partly) | 590 | 24 | yes |
| Nordlys | 1994 | 2019 (fully) | 590 | 24 | No |
| Richard With | 1993 | 2018 (fully) | 590 | 12 | No |
| Kong Haralad | 1993 | 2016 (partly) | 590 | 0 | yes |
| Vesterålen | 1983 | 2019 (soft) | 490 | 24 | No |
Hurtigruten ships operate on a set schedule, and carry goods, vehicles and passengers between ports. You may expect some noise and vibration in a few cabins, which may be more noticeable during the loading of goods. This varies depending on the location of your cabin and the type of ship.
An overview of the services included is specified for each tour (at the bottom of the tour page).
Kindly note however that Hurtigruten operates with dynamic rates; instead of offering set prices Hurtigruten will decide the price for the cruise based on the capacity level on board each ship/departure at the time of booking. The price for the cruise can therefore vary from full price to a price reduction of up to 25% (starting price). Early booking is recommended.
Since 2017, Hurtigruten operates with three different service levels: basic, select and platinum. Our tour prices are based on the basic service level. It is possible to upgrade to select which includes free Wifi, complimentary tea and coffee, choice of preferred dining time (if available - must be booked in advance) and - for the voyages over 5 days - the option to book a specific cabin (against a fee for the stretches Bergen-Kirkenes and Kirkenes-Bergen; no cost for Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen). The upgrade to platinum (only possible for voyages over 5 days) includes all select services plus inclusive drinks with dinners, specialty dining, visit to the ship's bridge, private airport transfers and other services. See an overview of the different service levels.
The cost for the upgrade is not a fixed price but depending on availability on each departure. Please contact us on info@authentic-scandinavia.com or through the request form during the booking process for an offer.
For the cruises of 5 days or more, it is possible to choose your cabin in advance for an additional cost (you need to upgrade to service level select and pay a fee for that unless you do the full cruise Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen where choice of cabin is included with select).
For all shorter cruises and if you decide to keep the service level basic, your cabin will be assigned to you upon check-in.
Since we offer tours throughout the Nordic countries, the Baltis and Russia we do not have staff available to meet you in person during your travels with us. Please rest assured however that we are always available through phone and email during our office hours and through our emergency phone outside our office hours should you require any assistance during your travels.
Airport transfer is not included in the tour price. You can use public transport which we will provide information on. It is also possible to use the Hurtigruten airport shuttle (additional cost).
It is possible to book excursions on board but you might risk that they are fully booked, especially those with limited space like RIB safaris etc. Excursions by bus are usually still available. If you want to make sure you can join the excursions you want, we recommend booking in advance. Authentic Scandinavia sells the excursions for the same price as they are sold for on board (small price differences might occur due to the exchange rate).
Temperatures along the Norwegian coast in winter usually vary between 2°C and -10°C. Summer temperatures vary between 10°C and 25°C depending on the latitude. Read more about the weather.
All vessels are equipped with stabilizers. On the Norwegian coast the ships enter the open sea for a few hours on only a few occasions. The majority of the time the ships sail between mainland Norway and the coastal islands where the sea is generally calmer.
If you are prone to seasickness we recommend that you purchase seasickness pills. Also, if you've ever had motion sickness when traveling by car, plane, or amusement park rides, you may be more susceptible to seasickness while aboard. Seasickness pills are available for sale on board.
Take practical, warm and windproof clothing for going out on deck. During autumn and winter, bring long (woolen) underwear and warm socks, a scarf, gloves and a warm hat. Smart, but casual clothes are worn on board. No need to wear formal clothes for dinner; jeans with a nice shirt absolutely do (only exception is for cruises over Christmas and New Year's where you might want to dress up a bit). Good footwear is vital for excursions. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera as well as your sunglasses (also during winter).
You can bring up to 50 kg luggage on board but please make sure you don't bring more than what you can carry yourself since there is no luggage service. You have to store your luggage in your cabin or in the luggage room (at your own risk).
Yes, there is a tour leader on board all year round, speaking English and often additional languages. On some departures this service is managed by the reception. The tour leader can assist with information and booking of excursions as well as transfers.
Onboard you will also find the expedition team offering interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team host a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey.
The emphasis on board is on relaxation and getting away from the commercial entertainment which is so often a part of conventional cruises. Hurtigruten's aim is to get closer to unique environments and share the experience with the passengers.
Hurtigruten offers some on-board activities, demonstrations and lectures by the expedition team. The activities, which take place inside the vessels and outside on deck, are related to the seasons and areas you are sailing in, for example the Arctic Circle baptizing or a king crab presentation (no shuffle board, bingo and the like). You are invited to join in all these activities which will be announced in the day-to-day programmes.
Musical entertainment on some stretches of the voyage may be offered in the bar area.
On the Norwegian Coastal Voyage, ships do not leave territorial waters and are rarely far from land. There is no doctor or pharmacy on board and medical assistance is available at ports or, in an emergency, by helicopter.
If you are prone to seasickness, we suggest you carry effective medication. Some tablets are available on board for sale but they may not be appropriate for every passenger.
All ships have pay phones. There is generally good coverage for mobile telephones.
All ships with have a Wifi network on board (additional costs apply unless you have upgraded to service level select or platinum).
The electric current supplied in the power sockets on board the ship is on the 220-volt AC standard, and requires a 2-pin continental-type plug. If you need power adapters or converters you can buy one in the shop on-board the ship.
Laundry rooms with washing machines, dryers and irons are available on all ships. Tokens may be purchased from reception.
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. It is not permitted when the ships are in port and fueling. Smoking in the cabin is prohibited and subject to a fine.
The currency used on board is Norwegian Kroner. All major credit cards (VISA, Master Card, Diners and American Express) are accepted on board. Please note that a PIN code is required when paying with your personal credit.
Hurtigruten offer a Cruise Card system on board allowing 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 (credit card or cash in NOK, EUR, GBP or USD as deposit required).
The facilities of the cabins vary between the ships and the various cabin grades. Towels and shower gel/liquid soap are provided in all cabins. Most of the ships have hair dryers in all cabins. If not, you may borrow one from the reception. Tea/coffee making facilities are available in Arctic Superior cabins and Expedition Suites.
Hurtigruten cannot accept liability for any loss. Valuables may be handed in at reception to be kept in the ship`s safe.
Check-in will take place inside the ship in reception area in all ports except Bergen where you find a terminal.
The times for checking out of cabins are according to the ship’s timetable. On arrival in Bergen, Kirkenes and Trondheim (southbound) special rules apply:
Cabins for departure from Bergen are available from 18:00 hrs.
Check-out on arrival in Kirkenes is before 8:30 hrs.
Check-out on arrival in Trondheim (southbound) is before 8:00hrs.
Check-out on arrival in Bergen is before 10:00 hrs.
Yes, children up to 15 years receive a reduction of 25% on the adult rate.
Yes, this is always recommended but Hurtigruten requires all guests to have travel insurance including cancellation cover and providing medical cover for illness or injury and repatriation while overseas.
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