MS Midnatsol
A remarkable addition to Hurtigruten’s impressive fleet, MS Midnatsol invites you to explore the popular Coastal Express route to some of Norway’s most stunning coastal destinations in complete comfort. Boasting stylish interiors featuring modern Norwegian artwork, stunning regional cuisine in elegant restaurants, and an impressive sauna, you can rest assured that you’re in for an excellent time onboard. You’ll also be invited to enjoy interesting presentations throughout your voyage, hosted by Hurtigruten’s expert team, elevating your exploration of Norway and its remarkable fjords.
The ship in numbers
- Launched 2003
- Tonnage 16,151
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 4
- Decks 7
- Lifts 3
- Pools 0
- Restaurants 3
- Maximum capacity 970
- Crew 75
- Refurbished 2024
What's onboard
Dining
When you cruise with Hurtigruten and MS Midnatsol, you’ll be invited to indulge in a sensational selection of culinary experiences, with regional cuisines at the forefront of a varied dining experience, encouraging you to explore the world around you more deeply through food. From light bites at stylish cafes to à la carte dining in refined restaurants, MS Midnatsol offers a dining experience for every occasion.
When you’re not admiring the stunning coastlines you’ll be sailing along, or unwinding in one of the comfortable lounge spaces onboard, you’ll find the following dining options to enjoy:
- Flora - the main restaurant on MS Midnatsol, Flora boasts bountiful breakfasts and lunch buffets alongside sensational evening meals you won’t want to miss
- Brasserie Árran - this refined restaurant is home to quick and tasty dishes, with everything from salads and sandwiches to burgers and classic rustic Norwegian dishes on the menu
- Røst - a stylish à la carte restaurant where Hurtigruten’s talented culinary team invite you to indulge in the finest ingredients the Norwegian coastline has to offer
Those staying in the stylish suites onboard can also order room service twice daily for an additional charge; with a selection of sensational menu items, this is a great way to make the most of your comfortable accommodation while cruising.
Entertainment
While cruising with Hurtigruten aboard MS Midnatsol, you’ll be invited to further your connection to Norway and the world around you through engaging entertainment experiences and fascinating cultural experiences – both onboard and off.
This included everything from interesting lectures on the surrounding landscapes and engaging interactions with each experienced member of the Hurtigruten team to inclusive experiences like morning yoga, film nights, hands-on arts and crafts, and so much more. You’re not going to find a huge theatre space with Broadway-style shows on this cruise ship, but there’s still a lot to enjoy when you have downtime.
If sessions in the lecture hall onboard aren’t to your tastes, the 1893 Bar boasts a wide array of international and regional beverages, with sweeping views of the Norwegian coastline to enjoy alongside them.
Things to do
Throughout your adventure aboard MS Midnatsol, you’ll be invited to participate in a range of interesting recreational activities, from morning yoga sessions and film nights to interactive quizzes, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts workshops, and so much more. You’ll also find a retail space onboard for some shopping at sea, and a quiet library space that’s ideal for someone hoping to tuck into a good book between disembarkations.
Hurtigruten is also committed to ensuring everyone onboard can enjoy remarkable wellness facilities, including a comfortable sauna on MS Midnatsol – which features stunning panoramic views – and a comprehensive Fitness Room with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll never miss a moment of stunning scenery.
MS Midnatsol Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for MS Midnatsol
This was our 5th Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage and the only time it was to some extent disappointing. Midnatsol is the newest of the fleet on the coastal voyage but is over 20 years old and ready for refitting. TV systems were difficult to navigate and many items on the menu system didn't exist - the system was designed for when the ship did expedition voyages. Cabins are basic but adequate. Air conditioning didn't work properly but was improved by the engineer - we could have changed cabins but didn't want to repack. Crew were excellent - well trained and friendly. There was a coastal experience team who gave excellent daily talks. Food we found generally unappetising. Breakfast was a good selection. Lunch was a buffet and dinner sometimes served, sometimes a buffet. For Christmas buffets they had 200 people turning up at the same time so queues were so long that we failed to get main courses. Food was generally colder than we are used to. The buffet layout made it difficult to put together a coherent meal. Waiter service was sometimes slow. We expected tera and coffee making in cabin but it was initially missing. Apparently there had been a website error and wasn't part of the package. It was provided when we asked. Alcohol is expensive. Around £10 for a small glass of wine or a beer. In practice you could take some on board for the cabin. We didn't take excursions having done things before. They are expensive and some are just put on to have something to offer. In mid winter there is total darkness above the Arctic Circle. Sometimes there is a lovely glow in the sky which makes things really beautiful in the snow. This time there was a lot of cloud and things were very dark. Temperatures were high - rarely below freezing. We have experienced -18C in the past and it can be colder.
We went to Antarctica November 2018 - what an amazing experience, expedition staff were fantastic and wanted you to see the best things. We were lucky with the weather lots of penguins, whales and snow - a holiday of a lifetime.
I traveled on the Midnatsol in January 2017 to Antarctica. The trip of a lifetime! The ship was great - have taken Hurtigruten before. The crew was wonderful - helpful, informative, and pleasant to all. Hurtigruten traveling is not a trip to take if you want dancing and need to entertained. But if you enjoy an expedition-type trip and enjoy wildlife, ice bergs, and beautiful and exciting travel, this is the way to travel. Also, as safety is always a concern for me, this ship is very ice proved. Our room, two beds with nice large window, was pleasant and very clean. Already saving my money for my next trip!
The MS Midnatsol was a delight. It has recently been refurbished to a high standard. All areas were always kept clean and tidy. Cabins were comfortable and cleaned every day. Food was excellent. The multiple stops made were expected and allowed us to disembark often to walk around and explore. All in all - perfect
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on MS Midnatsol?
You can choose from standard Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, alongside a selection of spacious, premium Suites.
Families and Kids
Is MS Midnatsol family-friendly?
Families are permitted, but the ship is primarily designed for adults with no dedicated kids' clubs or youth facilities.
Does MS Midnatsol have waterslides?
No, this ship focuses on a more relaxed, elegant pool deck experience without waterslides.
Food and drink
What speciality dining is there on MS Midnatsol?
Onboard Midnatsol, the speciality restaurant is Røst, a fine dining venue included for Suite guests and available as an upgrade for everyone else. You'll also find Brasserie Árran for casual lunches and dinners, alongside the main restaurant, Flora.
What are the main dining options on MS Midnatsol?
Enjoy complimentary, multi-course meals in the elegant Main Dining Room, or visit the casual buffet for relaxed, flexible dining.
Itineraries
Which ports does MS Midnatsol usually sail out of?
The ship frequently sails from Bergen, Oslo, or expedition hubs like Ushuaia and Longyearbyen depending on the season.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard MS Midnatsol?
Its excellent service, comfortable accommodations, and the unique destinations it visits.