Hurtigruten Cruises

Hurtigruten ships have been a staple along the Norwegian coast since 1893. Today, Hurtigruten's Coastal Express fleet consists of seven ships, each with its own character, design and cabin configuration. The Coastal Express connects 34 ports along the Norwegian coast, carrying passengers, cars and cargo between coastal communities throughout the year. Many of the ships have been refurbished with modern Scandinavian interiors and comfortable cabins. When you choose your date, you may also be choosing your ship, so ask us for advice.

THE COASTAL EXPRESS

The Coastal Express runs all the way from Bergen to Kirkenes North Bound (7 days), Kirkenes to Bergen South Bound (6 days) or up and back Round Voyage (12 days). The ships call at 34 ports along the Norwegian coast, day and night, giving travellers the opportunity to experience both the spectacular scenery and the everyday life of coastal Norway.

The Coastal Express is particularly appealing to travellers who want to experience Norway's coastline at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, local communities and optional excursions along the way.

PORT-TO-PORT VOYAGES

Hurtigruten is perfect for shorter voyages too. The ships offer port-to-port travel between the 34 ports along the Norwegian coast, making it possible to experience just a section of the route rather than committing to the full voyage.

The ships are an important part of everyday coastal life, carrying passengers, cars and cargo between communities. Stops can range from just a few minutes to several hours, depending on the port and direction of travel. On the northbound voyage, some ports are visited at night, while on the southbound journey they can be experienced in daylight, giving you a different perspective on the same coastline.

So, do contact us at 50 Degrees North and speak to a local, and ask for advice. Combining a shorter coastal voyage with time on land is a great way to experience more of Norway. Our tip for you: combining a short voyage with a magnificent stay in a fisherman's cabin (rorbu) in the Lofoten archipelago is something really worthwhile that most people miss out on.

SIGNATURE VOYAGES

Hurtigruten's Signature voyages offer a different way to experience the Norwegian coast, with more time spent in selected ports and a greater focus on longer stays and deeper exploration.

Signature voyages include Hurtigruten Cruises, with selected itineraries offering an expanded Expedition Team programme, longer stays and additional opportunities to explore the Norwegian coast.

CABINS & CABIN SIZES

All Hurtigruten ships have a range of comfortable cabins, although the exact cabin categories, size and location vary between ships. The main cabin categories on the Coastal Express are Polar Inside, Polar Outside, Arctic Superior and Expedition Suites.

Polar Inside cabins have no window and are generally the most affordable cabin option. Depending on the ship and cabin, beds may be configured as separate beds or combined into a double.

Polar Outside cabins have a window or porthole and are located on different decks throughout the ship. Some have views towards the mid-level walking deck.

Arctic Superior cabins are outside cabins generally located on the upper or middle decks and offer more space and a higher level of comfort.

Expedition Suites are the most spacious cabins, located on the upper decks and offering large windows with views of the passing scenery.

Cabin sizes and configurations vary between ships, so if you have a particular requirement or preference, ask us for advice before booking.

If you are on a budget, inside cabins with no windows are an affordable option, and you can spend your days and evenings in the panorama lounges and on deck. If you like a splurge, the Expedition Suites offer more space and excellent views of the Norwegian coast.

Do also think about which side of the ship you want to be on, although the best advice is to remember that you will be moving in both directions on a round voyage. On a northbound voyage, the scenery is different again when you return south, so there is no single side that guarantees the best views throughout the journey.

SEASONALITY & PRICING

Travelling along the Norwegian coast is spectacular in all seasons. Spring, from March to May, brings longer days, fresh green landscapes and spring blossom. Summer, from June to August, offers long light days, green landscapes and the Midnight Sun in northern Norway. Autumn, from September to November, brings changing colours and crisp air, while winter, from December to February, offers snowy landscapes, the Polar Night and excellent opportunities to experience the Northern Lights.

The Coastal Express operates throughout the year, so there is no bad time to travel. The best season depends on what you want to experience. Talk to us about your priorities and we can help you choose the right time to travel.

From June to August, the northbound voyage includes a side trip into the spectacular Geirangerfjord. At other times of year, the route includes Hjørundfjord, Urke and Molde instead.

Seasonal pricing varies according to the voyage, ship, cabin category, travel date and availability. Rather than relying on fixed low- and high-season percentages, we recommend checking the available fares for your preferred dates at the time of booking.

LIFE ON BOARD

Each ship has a different style and design. The Coastal Express ships have comfortable lounges and plenty of deck space offering panoramic views of the world's most beautiful coastal scenery. The onboard cuisine is influenced by traditional dishes, local ingredients and the different seasons.

Hurtigruten's Norway's Coastal Kitchen concept brings the flavours of the Norwegian coast onboard, with ingredients sourced from around 70 local farms, fisheries and bakeries. Food and drink are also sourced from local producers at ports along the route.

On the Original Coastal Express, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the main restaurant, Torget, on voyages of four days or longer. Tea and filter coffee are also included. For something special, Kysten offers a fine-dining experience as an upgrade.

The ships have panoramic lounges, outdoor walking and observation decks, fitness rooms and lecture facilities. Most also have a sauna and some have outdoor hot tubs, although facilities vary between ships.

The welcoming and informal atmosphere combined with comfortable cabins, lounges and decks will ensure a relaxed and scenic voyage. There is generally no traditional cruise-ship entertainment on board, so bring your cards, Kindle or a good book. The scenery and the experience of coastal Norway are the main attraction.

Just remember that when you are travelling along the coast on the Hurtigruten, you are joining a piece of history and practical everyday life in Norway. The ships still operate as an important part of coastal transport, carrying passengers, cars and cargo between communities. When the boats stop, it is not just to let you have a stroll around the local World Heritage Site.

The ships along the Norwegian coast have an Expedition Team providing lectures, presentations, guiding, gatherings and other activities. On the Coastal Express, the team also offers photography guidance and helps guests make the most of the scenery and destinations along the route.

Many of the Hurtigruten ships have accessible cabins and facilities for guests with reduced mobility. Accessibility varies between ships and cabin categories, so please speak to us about your requirements before booking.

EARLY BIRDS

Generally speaking, book early for the best choice of sailing dates and cabin categories. Hurtigruten uses capacity-controlled pricing, so fares can vary according to availability, cabin category, ship and departure date.

Early-booking offers and other promotions can vary, so the best bet is to ask us if a discount or special offer applies for your dates.

Further reading

A Hurtigruten voyage is one way to travel Norway's coast, and it sits within a wider set of journeys along the same waters. Our Norwegian coastal voyages set out the full range of routes, from the classic Bergen to Kirkenes sailing to shorter northbound and southbound legs. For travellers who want time ashore as well as at sea, our coastal voyages combined with a land journey pair the coast with the fjords, cities and Arctic north. If the aurora is the main reason to travel, our Northern Lights voyages focus on the winter sailings beneath the polar night. And for practical guidance and first-hand accounts, our coastal voyage articles and guides range from what to pack to what a day on board is like.

Image credits: Hurtigruten, Oscar Ferrara