Cruising with Hurtigruten is unlike anything else; this cruise line boasts truly unique getaways that afford you the chance to explore Norway in the most authentic way possible. With Hurtigruten, discover quaint villages and bustling towns alongside dramatic coastlines and jaw-dropping fjords, all while enjoying travelling in total comfort.
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Hurtigruten
Dining
The journey you take on Hurtigruten cruises doesn't just take you along Norway's amazing coastline, it also takes you on a culinary journey that focuses not only on delicious food, but also on sourcing sustainable, fresh and local ingredients. No matter whether you choose to eat a three course, sit down meal or a more casual dining experience, you can expect authentic Norwegian cuisine lovingly prepared by some of the most passionate chefs at sea.
Some of the restaurants onboard Hurtigruten's fleet include:
- Kysten- at this a la carte restaurant, no two days are the same when it comes to sitting down for your meal. Serving everything from free-range reindeer meat to the freshest seafood, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Torget- this main restaurant on each ship serves breakfast, lunch and dinner which feature an array of Norwegian specialities.
- Brygga Bistro- if you're after a café style snack, this bistro-style restaurant serves pizza, sandwiches, burgers and steaks, as well as a range of tempting sweet treats.
Entertainment
While there may not be any onboard shows during your Hurtigruten cruise, this doesn't mean that there's no entertainment. With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the ships, guests can sit back with a drink in hand and marvel at the incredible views across the sea and the coastline of some of Norway's most breathtaking locations.
In addition, for those moments when the Northern Lights makes an appearance, the observation deck is the place to be, offering unrivalled, front seat views of one of the world's most beautiful sights.
Family
Although Hurtigruten are more than happy to welcome cruisers of all ages, they do not provide child care, kids clubs or specific family activities onboard, although much of what is on offer can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. It’s also worth noting that, for safety reasons, younger children will only be able to participate in select shore excursions. These details depend on the itinerary and activities planned, which can vary from sailing to sailing.
Destinations
Sailing to some of the most fascinating parts of the world, guests can expect to be staring up in awe at the Northern Lights, enjoying the stunning curved landscape of the Fjords, and more with a Hurtigruten cruise. These incredible opportunities are what makes each cruise aboard one of Hurtigruten’s incredible ships a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While cruising Norway, you’ll have the chance to capture the most incredible views – so, be sure your camera has plenty of memory, as you’ll want to remember these moments. On the traditional ‘coastal express’ routes, which often start in Bergen, the picturesque voyages will immerse you into Norwegian culture and give you a chance to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of places like Kristiansund, Batsfjord and Alesund. You can find out more about the top 5 accessible Norwegian cruise ports right here.
Excursions
Not only do Hurtigruten Cruises explore some wonderful destinations, they offer a range of exciting excursions for you to experience. From enjoying the incredible scenery of the Lofoten Islands on a horse to dog sledding through the snow in Norway. Some of the amazing excursions you can experience include Art Nouveau Walk, Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla, Nidaros Cathedral and Ringve Museum, and Scenery and huskies tour.
If you're looking to stretch your legs, you'll find some of the best cruise destinations for walking and hiking enthusiasts on these itineraries, too!
Things to do
Rather than flashy entertainment, Hurtigruten likes to ensure that guests can choose to enjoy their cruise at their own pace when onboard the ships. During sea days or after a day of shore excursions, onboard activities include ship bridge visits, painting activities and expert talks covering the science and history of the regions sailed. There are also quizzes, a ship library and an opportunity to tour the onboard art.
In addition, guests can choose to let off some energy at the ships' gyms and sweat our their stresses with a trip to the sauna before taking in the incredible ocean views and rugged Norwegian coastline from the warm waters of a hot tub on deck.
Useful Information
Dress code
On a Hurtigruten cruise, your comfort is paramount and a casual dress code is employed throughout – even during the Captain’s welcoming drinks. For shore excursions, functional clothing is advised – making the most of each destination is important, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes is definitely a good idea at the very least.
Customer reviews for Hurtigruten
The recent refurbishment of this ship has transformed it into a well laid out, comfortable and stylish cruise ship. The Expedition staff and all the crew without exception are very hardworking, courteous and helpful. The food is very good, particularly the buffet breakfast and lunches. The only complaint is that soup served at the 8pm dinner sitting was consistently cool/cold and the starter and main course portion sizes were too small, given that lunch was 8-9 hours earlier.
Excellent experience. room with no window didn't feel claustrophobic. ship had good facilities especially the lectures given by entertainment team. very interesting and informative. Food very nice . all drinks expensive although we realised this was the culture of the country. Crossing the Artic circle was a memorable experience. All staff very pleasant and helpful. Would recommend this trip as a special different type of holiday experience.
This was a good trip despite challenges with weather that can't be helped. Consequently very little visibility of Northern lights. Plenty of snow though! Nordlys is a good ship and although due for refit this year was still very comfortable. It must be remembered that this is a post ship so a lot of the stops are very short. However the scenery was fantastic and more spectacular than the Northern lights anyway. Would be interesting to do this to again in the summer. Don't forget you are effectively in Norway, so expect Norway prices for everything. The expedition team were well informed and very helpful in all aspects. Food superb. All in all a good trip with a very professional line. Would go with this company again.
18-29th March 2019.Ship excellent in comfort and food.Staff excellent.always helpful.Captain always in touch with passengers on any happenings.We had some bad weather and priority of the captain was to keep us safe.Sadly we didn't see the Northern Lights but you cannot control nature. . It was an excellent cruise with the boat and crew we had.The expedition team were so passionate when giving us the lectures about everything
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility
Are the ships accessible on Hurtigruten?
Hurtigruten provides a range of accessible staterooms and most public areas are wheelchair accessible. Please notify us of any special requirements at the time of booking.
Dress code
What is the dress code on Hurtigruten?
There is no formal dress code. We recommend practical, weather-proof clothing and layers for outdoor activities and landings.
Excursions
What excursions are available on Hurtigruten?
Many shore excursions and landings are included in your fare with Hurtigruten. Specialty tours may be available for an additional charge.
Families and Kids
Are babies allowed on Hurtigruten Cruises?
There's no minimum age to travel with Hurtigruten. However, infants must be 5 years old for Antarctica trips.
Is Hurtigruten suitable for families?
Hurtigruten is very family-friendly, offering supervised kids' clubs for various age groups, family cabins, and entertainment for all ages.
Food and drink
What is the food and drink like on Hurtigruten?
When it comes to dining on Hurtigruten, you are in for an incredible culinary journey! Operating under the banner of Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, the food and drink experience is all about celebrating authentic, seasonal flavours that mirror the breathtaking landscapes right outside your window.
Here is what you can look forward to on board:
- Locally sourced ingredients: Hurtigruten sources directly from around 70 local farms, fisheries, and bakeries along the coast. Expect regional highlights like melt-in-your-mouth cod from Vesterålen, award-winning cheeses from Lofoten, and local brews from Bergen.
- Scenic dining rooms: Ships typically feature a main restaurant, a bistro-style eatery, and a fine-dining à la carte restaurant. The dining rooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy fjord views while you eat.
- Expert culinary leadership: Menus are crafted in collaboration with renowned culinary ambassadors, including local chefs and Sámi food experts.
- Unique drinks: Sample exclusive beverages such as Havets Bobler (a sea-aged sparkling wine) and Arctic Barolo (red wine aged in the cold, dark waters of the Arctic Ocean).
- True sustainability: Hurtigruten's commitment to the coast includes working towards zero food waste by turning organic waste into fertiliser for local farms.
General
What is the pet policy on Hurtigruten?
Only certified service animals are permitted onboard Hurtigruten. Please contact our accessibility team for requirements and documentation.
Itineraries
What is the difference between Signature and Original voyages?
What is the difference between Hurtigruten's Original and Signature voyages? It all depends on how you want to experience the breathtaking Norwegian coast.
The Original Coastal Express
Since 1893, this iconic working route has been connecting coastal communities. It is perfect if you want to see as much of the coast as possible.
- Pace: You will visit 34 unique ports over 12 days, with an average of six stops a day.
- Experience: Port calls happen day and night, lasting from 10 minutes to 4 hours.
- Dining: You will enjoy full-board dining with three meals a day, but most drinks are not included.
Signature voyages
If you prefer a slower, more curated holiday with extra time to explore, a Signature voyage is the perfect choice.
- Pace: These premium sailings focus on up to 14 handpicked ports, giving you several hours to discover each destination.
- Experience: An expanded Expedition Team is on board to offer even more guiding and activities.
- Dining: These voyages are all-inclusive. You can enjoy award-winning food, an afternoon snack, and a wide choice of drinks in the restaurants and bars.
Both options offer incredible scenery, friendly service, and the chance to see the spectacular Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun!
Loyalty
Is there a loyalty programme for Hurtigruten?
Hurtigruten offers a loyalty program called the 1893 Ambassador Programme that rewards repeat guests with benefits such as onboard credit, priority boarding, and exclusive events. Open to anyone 18 or older.
Tips
Are tips included on Hurtigruten?
A daily service charge is automatically added to your onboard account to reward the crew. You can adjust this at Guest Services if necessary.
Transport
Are transfers included with Hurtigruten?
Travel to shore is typically conducted via Zodiac or small expedition boats. This requires a moderate level of mobility for boarding.
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