MS Nordlys, Hurtigruten

Joined Nordlys at Bergen to start the classic 'there and back' cruise. The first thing that struck me was the relaxed efficiency. Everything was done with a pleasant smile. The ports of call were numerous and interesting if only for the fifteen minutes that we were there. The noise from the cargo handling was non existent. The most noise came from the young people who joined and became exited and then left. It was most queer to see teenagers dossing wherever they could but it must be remembered that this is a coastal ferry. A word of caution about the meals. Breakfast was a treat; lunch was perfection but if you missed the start of the evening meal then forget it. You were not allowed in. There was only one choice for evening dinner; take it or leave it. The cabin was a twin outside and was perfectly adequate. The viewing area was really good but another word of caution; we fancied two cups of drinking chocolate with 'something' in them and a small packet of crisps £32 thank you very much. Take your own and drink it in you’re cabin. The ship's staff were more than helpful and there was no language difficulty (English spoken by all). We returned on MAY 17, (don’t you dare forget that day) which is Norway's national day with red, white and blue bunting everywhere. It made for a festive end to our cruise, a cruise that I shall always remember and strive to do again.

I was lucky enough to join Hurtigruten for 3 nights on one of their Southbound journeys from Tromso, high above the Arctic Circle, to Trondheim. With 11 ships and 34 ports of call Hurtigruten is by far the best way to see the breathtaking Norwegian coastline. Before joining our ship we experienced one of the highlights of this trip: a husky safari through the snowy, Norwegian wilderness (definitely recommend pre-booking this trip!) and you can 'mush' your own sled if the dogs behave.