Hurtigruten is good for:
- Those who want to explore Norway
- Guests looking for a truly unique cruise experience
- Anyone who cares about amazing sights and nature
Hurtigruten might not be good for:
- Guests who want lots of onboard activities
- Families traveling with children
Hei, venn!
That means “hello, friend” in Norwegian. I’m telling you this because you should really get used to everything related to Norway if you’re planning a cruise with Hurtigruten. Even the name has a lot of Norwegian history behind it, as it means “the fast route.” Hurtigruten ships, however, aren’t exactly the fastest ones around, but they explore Norway like no one else. Seriously, if you want to experience this beautiful country like a local, sail through fjords, and feel 99% Norwegian for a week or two, this is the cruise line for you.
Hurtigruten mainly cruises along the coast of Norway and around the island of Svalbard in the Arctic, focusing all 33 of its itineraries on exploring the region in detail. It’s not your typical cruise experience like what you’d find on mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean or luxury ones like Oceania. Hurtigruten ships feel like a mix between a ferry and a cruise ship, and many itineraries even welcome locals who use the vessels to travel between towns. This cruise line operates ferries that sail along Norway’s coast, not only taking you to beautiful ports but also transporting people, vehicles, and even mail to remote villages.
Before we move on, remember that you can always click the Request a Quote button and get in touch with us. Contacting Famvia is free and booking through us doesn’t cost a dime extra. We can help you plan your trip, choose the perfect stateroom, and give tips about the many ports in Norway and the Arctic. Even better, our advisors might have access to special deals that help you save money, which is fantastisk!
They have eight ships in total, and all of them offer experiences that are completely different from a traditional cruise. At first, it might look like you are traveling on a ferry boat. Well, let’s rephrase that… a fancier ferry boat, with excellent restaurants that use local ingredients and focus heavily on seafood. These ships are less about onboard activities and more about the destinations and the stunning scenery passing by. Hurtigruten stops at several ports during its itineraries, bringing you closer than ever to the charming villages and fjords of Norway.
This is such a unique cruise line that sometimes it may stop at a port for just 15 minutes to unload supplies, or for up to 8 hours if the crew needs to deliver mail to a nearby village. Guests are welcome to step ashore and explore these small towns that few other cruise lines ever visit, but make sure to return on time. Hurtigruten offers excursions in some locations, and in those cases, the ship will wait for the guide to return with all passengers. In all other cases, the ship follows a strict schedule for arrival and departure. Like we said, this isn’t your usual cruise-cruise experience, as many Norwegians use it to travel around the country, so punctuality is extra important.
Hurtigruten is also unique in the way that they set up their cruises. They divide their itineraries into two kinds of voyages: the signature voyages and original voyages. Signatura Voyages are all inclusive and tend to resemble more a traditional cruise, with two main itineraries, The Svalbard Line and The North Cape Line. Original voyages are more like a traditional ferry boat, where drinks and food aren’t inclusive in your fare, and your ship stays closer to Norway as it explores the country in detail.
You probably know by now if Hurtigruten is right for you. Do you want to explore Norway in detail and don’t mind sailing on a ship that isn’t ultra-luxurious? Then you’ll love it here. Each ship has guides and experts who offer daily lectures and are always happy to share stories about local villages or Norway’s rich history. There are no live shows or piano bars onboard, but you will find a small fitness center and a sauna on most ships. There are no swimming pools either, though some ships feature a whirlpool on the top deck.
Keep in mind that these are older vessels that have been used for transportation for decades, so rooms may not feel brand new. Only some of the top suites have balconies, while the majority of rooms feature portholes or windows. This is a cruise line made for travelers who want to truly explore a country, where the journey and destinations come first, and the ship itself comes second.
So, ready to become a true Norwegian and get some of the most beautiful pictures of your life? I know you are. Lykke til og ha det gøy!
Hurtigruten Reviews
The Good
Norway 200%: Hurtigruten is 200% Norwegian. It explores Norway like no one else, with an entire crew made up of Norwegians and dozens of itineraries focused on this beautiful country. You’ll visit charming villages, sail through countless fjords, and see some of the most stunning scenery in the world. If you want to experience Norway like a local, choose the Original Voyages that explore the coast in detail. If you prefer a more traditional cruise experience, go for the Signature Voyages that depart from Oslo and sail all the way to the North Cape.
Completely Unique: Are you tired of the traditional cruise experience? I promise you, Hurtigruten is completely different from any other cruise line out there. Their ships are a mix between a ferry and a cruise ship, and they even welcome locals who use them just to travel from one town to another. So, every time you stop at a port, there’s a good chance some passengers will leave and new ones will come aboard. These ships are also designed with a purpose, as they often carry goods, cars, and supplies to distant villages along the Norwegian coast. You’ll still enjoy great food and drinks, but in a completely different way.
Scenery: If there is one thing every Hurtigruten passenger agrees on, it’s that the views from their ships are absolutely stunning. These ships are operated by people who truly understand Norway and follow itineraries that visit remote locations and ports that no other cruise line reaches. You’ll sail through hundreds of fjords on a single trip, stop at charming tiny villages, spot unique wildlife, and breathe in the breathtaking landscapes of Norway like no one else. If you want to stay close to nature and take incredible Instagram-worthy photos, this is the cruise line for you.
Sustainability: This is a positive that might not immediately impact your trip, but in the long run, it could be one of the most important aspects of Hurtigruten. The company focuses on sustainable fuel sources, minimizing energy use, and turning food waste into fertilizer at the ports they visit. Local ingredients are used in each restaurant, ensuring fresh meals while supporting local farmers. They are also planning a ship called the Sea Zero, which will run with zero emissions during normal operations along the Norwegian coast by 2030. Bravo, Hurtigruten.
The Bad
Lack of things to do onboard: This isn’t a cruise line for those looking for thousands of activities on a ship. In fact, there are no live shows on any of the ships, and live music is very rare. Most onboard activity focuses on lectures and learning about local history, though you can also hit the gym or relax in the sauna. Whirlpools are available on only a few ships. This is a cruise line we wouldn’t recommend for children or anyone who gets bored easily onboard. But hey, who needs tons of activities when the scenery around you is this gorgeous?
A little bit pricey: Hurtigruten cruises are generally on the higher side, considering this isn’t a luxury cruise line. The ships look nice and the service is excellent, but we’re not talking about ultra-modern staterooms or the finest restaurants at sea. A 2-day Original Voyage starts at $310 per guest, while a 7-day cruise begins at $1,720. Signature Voyages tend to be slightly more expensive, starting at around $2,000 per guest. This is the price you pay for a niche and exclusive cruise line that explores Norway in detail. Keep in mind that Hurtigruten employs a 100% Norwegian crew and follows government-approved routes, which also affects the cost.
How Much is a Cruise on Hurtigruten?
A cruise onboard Hurtigruten isn’t exactly cheap, but keep in mind this is a niche cruise line that explores Norway and the Arctic like no one else. Cruise prices vary widely, as trips can range from just 2 days to 17 days. Costs also depend on whether you choose an Original Voyage, which focuses on the coast of Norway, or a Signature Voyage, which feels more like a traditional all-inclusive cruise.
Prices fluctuate, but the following gives you an idea of what a cruise costs at the time of writing:
- 2-Day Viking Capital to the West Fjords Original Voyage: $310
- 5-Day West Fjords to the Arctic Capital Original Voyage: $890
- 7-Day The Coastal Express Original Voyage: $1,720
- 7-Day the North Cape Line Signature Voyage: $1,800
- 12-Day The Coastal Express Roundtrip Original Voyage: $2,100
- 15-Day The North Cape Line Roundtrip Signature Voyage: $3,300
- 14-Day The Svalbard Line Roundtrip Signature Voyage: $4,200
What is included in your Hurtigrutens fare?
Good question! In fact, what is included in your fare will depend if you are booking an Original Voyage or a Signature Voyage.
Signature Voyages are all-inclusive, and include:
- Your Accomodation
- Wi-Fi
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the ship’s main restaurant
- Daily lunch and dinner in Brasserie Árran
- Unlimited selected drinks in Flora, Brasserie Árran, and 1893 Bar during opening hours
- Unlimited selected tea and coffee
- An afternoon snack in the bar
Original Voyages are not all-inclusive, and your fare covers:
- Your Accomodation
- Wi-Fi
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner in the ship’s main restaurant
- Unlimited selected tea and coffee
Hurtigruten Fleet
Hurtigruten has eight ships in its fleet, and they all share a similar design style. None of them have a swimming pool, though some feature whirlpools, and most include a gym and a sauna. These aren’t luxurious ships, even if the service onboard is amazing and the food is considered very good. Most of their ships are old, having launched in the 1990s, but they’ve gone through major refurbishments over the years. The staterooms are simple but cozy, and most rooms are either indoor or oceanview cabins with portholes that let you enjoy the passing scenery.
Here’s a list of all their ships, the year they launched, and what makes each one stand out:
- MS Trollfjord (2002; 3 restaurants; fine dining; 500 passengers)
- MS Midnatsol (2003; 3 restaurants; 500 passengers)
- MS Kong Harald (1993; 3 restaurants; whirlpool; 590 passengers)
- MS Nordkapp (1996; 3 restaurants; whirlpool; 590 passengers)
- MS Nordlys (1994; 3 restaurants; 590 passengers)
- MS Nordnorge (1997; 3 restaurants; whirlpool; 590 passengers)
- MS Polarlys (1996; 3 restaurants; 650 passengers)
- MS Richard With (1993; 3 restaurants; whirlpool; 590 passengers)
Hurtigruten Destinations
Hurtigruten focuses only on Norway and the Arctic. It explores Norway like no other cruise line in the world, so if you are in Scandinavia and want to experience the local scenery, you can count on them to travel like a local and learn about the country’s culture and coastal villages.
Destinations with Hurtigruten are divided into two main categories of voyages: Signature Voyages and Original Voyages.
Signature Voyages
Signature Voyages feel more like a traditional cruise and go off the beaten path, usually visiting more cities and villages than those along the classic coastal route. These trips are always all-inclusive and focus on the cultural side of each destination rather than simple transportation. They stay longer in port, include more onboard lectures from local guides, and offer more opportunities for excursions.
Signature Voyages focus on two main types of itineraries:
- The Svalbard Line: Sail along Norway’s coast and across the sea to the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and the last town before the North Pole.
- The North Cape Line: Your Northern Lights adventure from Oslo to the North Cape at the top of Europe. These cruises start in southern Norway and stop at more than 13 ports, taking you all the way to the northern tip of the country.
Original Voyages
Original Voyages are the classic routes introduced by Hurtigruten, offering coastal itineraries that take you all over Norway. These routes began over 130 years ago, and the ships welcome both travelers and locals as they transport goods and passengers from one destination to another. Their most famous itinerary is:
- The Coastal Express: This is the itinerary that might make you start speaking Norwegian. The full 12-day journey stops at 34 coastal communities, big and small, both day and night. The ship docks in villages and towns for 10 to 45 minutes, and in larger cities for a few hours.
Is Hurtigruten for you?
Hurtigruten is perfect for travelers who want to truly experience Norway and the Arctic from a fresh perspective. It’s also ideal for those who are tired of traditional cruising and want something completely different. The crew is entirely Norwegian, and most passengers onboard are from Norway too. This cruise line visits everything from tiny fishing villages to big city centers, giving you a full picture of Norway’s stunning scenery.
Hurtigruten also attracts many guests aged 60 and up who want to relax and appreciate nature in a more authentic way. The line explores the Arctic like few others do, and since the crew members are all Norwegian, they know the region inside and out. The guides also do an excellent job during lectures and excursions, making the experience even more special.
We wouldn’t recommend Hurtigruten for families traveling with children or for those looking for a cruise filled with onboard entertainment. Activities are very limited, and most of your time will be spent admiring the passing scenery or relaxing as you wait to reach the next port. This also isn’t what we’d call a luxurious cruise line. While the service is excellent and the food is quite good, the ships themselves are simple, and the staterooms are modest and basic.
So, there you have it. If your goal is to explore Norway above all else and experience the country in its most authentic way, then you’ll absolutely love Hurtigruten.
Activities Onboard Hurtigruten
Do you love nature? I mean, really love it, enough to spend hours watching beautiful rivers, charming villages, and some of the most stunning fjords in the world, the kind that could easily be Hollywood movie sets? If you said yes, then you’re going to have a fantastic time onboard Hurtigruten.
That might sound like cheating, but the main activity here is simply sitting on the top deck with a drink in hand and enjoying the scenery. You’ll see forests, fjords, fishing villages, and towns, and truly get a sense of what Norway is all about.
Onboard activities are fairly limited. You’ll find a few experts giving lectures, and the expedition teams are always ready to help, but that’s about it. The ships also have small fitness centers and saunas, so you can stay in shape while enjoying the passing scenery. Some ships feature a whirlpool and offer local food tastings, but none have swimming pools, live shows, or piano bars.
As we mentioned before, Hurtigruten is more about the destinations and Norway itself than nonstop onboard activities. And that’s part of its charm! It’s hard to complain when you’re visiting so many incredible places and your main activity is exploring as many ports as possible.
Why book Hurtigruten with us?
At Famvia, we are cruise specialists. Going on a river cruise? We can help you. An ocean cruise? Send us a message. Looking to spend some time in Norway on a Signature or Original Voyage with Hurtigruten? We are the right agency to contact. We are so good that we not only understand their itineraries inside out, but we can even spell their name correctly. Most of the time.
Famvia can help you choose the perfect Hurtigruten ship to take you to Norway and the Arctic. We’ll also guide you when it’s time to decide between a Signature or an Original Voyage and help you pick the best stateroom. Remember, these ships are a mix of a ferry and a cruise, and some rooms can be a bit noisy if they’re near machinery, so let us handle that for you.
Simply click the Request a Quote button to get in touch. Our personalized planning services are complimentary, and we look forward to crafting an unforgettable journey just for you. Yes, you won’t pay a dime more when booking through us, and you may even save money if we have access to special deals and promotions. That’s a win-win situation for sure! Det er utrolig!
Hurtigruten Additional Info
Passport
Always bring your passport when traveling with Hurtigruten. All guests must present a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months after the voyage at check-in.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included in your cruise fare, but tipping is not expected onboard Hurtigruten. However, tip boxes and envelopes are conveniently placed inside the restaurant for those who wish to show their appreciation to the crew.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available for all guests onboard Hurtigruten at no extra cost. Keep in mind that signal strength may be spotty (especially for streaming), as you will be traveling through some remote regions.
Dress Code
There’s no dress code onboard and no formal nights. You can even wear slippers to dinner if you like! Just remember, you’ll probably need to dress warmly most of the time.
Laundry
Hurtigruten offers onboard laundry facilities equipped with washing machines, dryers, and irons on all their ships. You can conveniently purchase tokens for these facilities at the reception.
Carry-on Drinks Policy
Hurtigruten doesn’t officially mention this, but reports from past guests say you can bring alcohol from the ports back onboard. Just make sure to enjoy it in your cabin and not in public areas. That’s good to know, since alcohol can be quite expensive on some cruises. It might be a smart move to stop by a local supermarket, stock up, and keep your drinks in your cabin.
Loyalty Program
Hurtigruten’s loyalty program is called the 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Programme, and it’s really easy to understand. You reach the first level just by registering and you don’t even need to sail with them. To reach level two, you only need to cruise for three or more consecutive nights, which covers about 99 percent of their itineraries. There are just two tiers, and both offer small discounts on excursions and even on future cruises, which definitely come in handy.
Book your dream vacation with Hurtigruten!
Now that you know a lot about Hurtigruten… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Hurtigruten? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the whirlpools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. Until the next one!
