5 Things To Expect On The Hurtigruten Coastal Cruise Of Norway

Cruising along the coastline of Norway for 12 days, the Hurtigruten calls at small communities every few hours, day and night. For some, the Norwegian coastal voyage is a dream come true, a chance to take in Norway’s spectacular scenery in the most relaxed way possible. But it’s not for everyone, especially those used to action-packed modern cruises.

The eight ships in the Hurtigruten fleet servicing the coastal route do vary in size and facilities, but the core concept is the same. While competitor Havila now operates a handful of new ships on the route, Hurtigruten still operates departures on most days.

Here’s what to expect when taking a trip on one of the Hurtigruten coastal voyage ships.

The landscape is the entertainment

If you’re used to Broadway shows, live music, water slides, and constant fun and games on a cruise, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. The landscape is the star attraction on a Hurtigruten Norway trip.

Unlike larger cruise ships which often sail far from land, Hurtigruten vessels often take the inside passage along the Norwegian coastline, weaving in between islands to provide an unbeatable scenic sail.

The dramatic Lofoten wall, the intimate Trollfjord, and the sail-ins to attractive coastal towns like Ålesund and Kristiansund are just some of the natural highlights.

There is an onboard expedition team who will give presentations on destinations and culture, but the primary focus is the landscape. They’ll also be on hand to help you spot whales, eagles and other wildlife. On every public deck, comfortable chairs line the large windows and there is a generous amount of outdoor deck space.

Lots of short port calls

The cruise-like coastal voyage experience is bolted on to the basic function of the Hurtigruten as a cargo and local passenger ferry serving communities big and small all along the coast. This means regular port calls throughout the day and night, some as short as just ten minutes.

Longer stops in larger towns including Ålesund, Trondheim, and Tromsø allow passengers more time to explore, while excursions are available in most of the bigger ports. In some cases, excursions include a coach trip that will meet the Hurtigruten at the next port of call.

Fantastic food

Hurtigruten takes pride in its food offering, which is a genuine unique selling point of the cruise. Because of the multiple daily port calls, fresh ingredients are taken onboard throughout the journey, including specialities from many small ports along the route.

Breakfasts and lunches are lavish buffets, while most dinners are served a la carte at set times. Generally the daily specials will be based on one of the ports visited that morning.

Hurtigruten has struck deals with many local farms and seafood suppliers ensuring a truly local, sustainable focus to every meal served.

High onboard prices

Unlike almost every mainstream cruise line, there are no unlimited drinks packages covering alcohol on Hurtigruten or Havila. The coastal ships are Norway registered and sailing under Norwegian law, which means no price-based promotion of alcohol, a high alcohol tax, and relatively high salaries for the predominantly Norwegian crew.

Prices onboard for everything from clothing in the shop to beers, wines and cocktails are on a par with mainland Norway. Wine and beer packages are available for dinner, but these are more about pre-ordering and pre-paying rather than offering substantial savings.

A deep knowledge of Norway

Everyone working onboard from the captain to the deck hands share a deep love for Norway and coastal culture. There is an expedition team onboard that will share information about destinations and themes along the route, but every crew member will be able to share their own tips.

If the concept of the coastal voyage appeals but the full 12-day voyage feels too long for you, there are other options. Shorter voyages are available, such as Bergen to Kirkenes one-way (you can fly back!) or even port-to-port ferry-like trips such as Bodø to Trondheim.

Note that while Hurtigruten Norway does share a brand with Hurtigruten Expeditions, the latter company uses different ships and a different concept on expeditions cruises around the world, more in line with Quark and Lindblad.