Life Onboard Hurtigruten
Overview
Founded in 1893 by shipping pioneer Richard With, Hurtigruten was created to solve a practical challenge: how to safely and reliably connect Norway’s coastal communities. At a time when much of the coastline was isolated for large parts of the year, Hurtigruten established a dependable maritime route that transformed life along the fjords. What began as a vital transport link has since become one of the most iconic voyages in the world. Today, Hurtigruten continues to operate the legendary Coastal Express, sailing daily between Bergen and Kirkenes. It’s a working coastal route that calls into dozens of ports, from bustling towns to tiny Arctic settlements. Guests have the privilege of experiencing Norway as it truly is. Alongside the Coastal Express, Hurtigruten offers its carefully curated Signature Voyages, with options of sailing the North Cape Line and the Svalbard Line. These sailings focus on delivering a more immersive way to explore Norway’s coastline. Guests can enjoy extended time in each destination, seasonal highlights such as the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun, and a deeper connection to Norway’s culture and landscapes. Throughout it all, Hurtigruten remains proudly Norwegian, rooted in heritage, shaped by the sea, and dedicated to showcasing the very best of the country’s extraordinary coastline.
Accommodations
Accommodation aboard Hurtigruten’s Norwegian coastal ships is designed to be comfortable, welcoming, and perfectly suited to scenery-led travel. Cabins are practical, serving as a cosy retreat between venturing out on exciting excursions and panoramic sailing, with a calm, Scandinavian feel that mirrors the landscapes outside.
Across the fleet, guests can typically choose from Polar Inside Cabins, which serve as the perfect snug base for those who enjoy spending most of their time out on deck in the lounges, and Polar Outside Cabins, which feature a picture window that brings in natural light and ever-changing coastal views. For added comfort, Arctic Superior Cabins provide an upgraded feel, often with more space and enhanced features, making them an ideal choice if you like a little extra room to unwind after a day exploring ashore.
On both the Coastal Express and the Signature Voyages, including the North Cape Line and the Svalbard Line, the overall approach to accommodation remains consistent: warm, understated, and in keeping with Hurtigtuen’s authentic coastal character. On selected ships such as MS Trollfjord, guests may also find suite options that offer additional space and seating areas while retaining the same relaxed Norwegian style found across the fleet.
Whichever cabin category you choose, the emphasis is on comfort. You can expect a restful, well-designed space that complements the rhythm of coastal sailing and ensures you’re refreshed for each new stretch of Norway’s remarkable shoreline.
Activities
Life on board Hurtigruten revolves around the coastline itself. Days are shaped by the ever-changing scenery outside. Witness dramatic fjords, colourful harbour towns, towering cliffs, and breathtaking landscapes. Panoramic lounges and open decks ensure you’re always close to the view.
Shore excursions are a key part of the experience and are available at many ports along the route. These may include guided city walks, cultural visits, scenic coach tours, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and unforgettable seasonal adventures such as husky sledging or snowmobiling in winter.
On the Signature Voyages, the pace allows for more time in select destinations, offering deeper insight into Norway’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether it’s learning about coastal traditions, tasting regional cuisine, or experiencing the Arctic environment first-hand, exploration is always grounded in Norway’s unique story.
Entertainment
Entertainment aboard Hurtigruten is understated and centred around enrichment. Evenings are relaxed and sociable, often spent in the ship’s lounges, enjoying the scenery or sharing stories with fellow travellers. On some sailings, members of the Coastal Experience Team host engaging presentations about Norway’s history, wildlife, culture, and seasonal phenomena such as the Northern Lights. These talks provide valuable context to the landscapes you encounter along the route.
Gentle live music may feature on selected voyages, adding to the cosy atmosphere, but the real evening spectacle often lies outside, whether it’s a pastel Arctic sunset, snow-dusted peaks under moonlight, or the magical dance of the aurora overhead.
Food & Drink
Dining with Hurtigruten is a celebration of Norway’s coastal heritage, with menus inspired by the landscapes and communities you sail through. The emphasis is on hearty, high-quality food that feels authentic to the region, with meals especially welcome after a day spent out in the fresh sea air.
Breakfast and lunch are generous and varied, with buffet-style spreads that include everything from fresh pastries and Scandinavian breads to smoked fish, cheeses and seasonal salads. Hot dishes, cereals, fruit and brewed coffee or tea set you up for a day of sightseeing, excursions or scenic sailing.
In the evenings, dinners are typically served in the main dining rooms, where chefs bring together simple, well-prepared dishes that highlight local produce. Fresh seafood often takes centre stage, with catches such as Arctic char, cod, salmon or king crab showcasing Norway’s maritime heritage. You’ll also find classic comfort dishes with a Nordic twist, think rich stews, skilfully prepared vegetables and regional specialities that bring the flavours of the fjords to your plate. There is also often a good choice of international favourites, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste.
Bars and lounges offer a welcoming place to unwind at the end of the day, with a selection of wines, beers, and spirits available, including Norwegian favourites and local craft options. Whether you’re warming up with a drink after an excursion, toasting the Northern Lights, or enjoying a quiet evening as the coastline slips by outside, Hurtigruten’s onboard atmosphere remains informal, friendly, and unmistakably Norwegian.
Relaxation & Fitness
While exploration is at the heart of the Hurtigruten experience, there are still opportunities to relax and recharge on board. Many ships feature saunas and fitness rooms, perfect for unwinding after time spent outdoors. On selected vessels, outdoor hot tubs offer a particularly memorable way to soak up the scenery, whether surrounded by snow-covered peaks or sailing through serene fjords. Walking decks provide space for gentle exercise in the fresh sea air, while interior lounges offer comfortable spots to read, reflect, or simply watch Norway glide past. Hurtigruten strikes a balance between activity and comfort, ensuring you can embrace the adventure while still enjoying restful moments along the way.
1893 Ambassador Programme
Hurtigruten’s loyalty scheme is the 1839 Ambassador Loyalty Programme, named after the year the company was founded. It’s free to join and open to anyone, even if you haven’t sailed with Hurtigruten before. The programme has two levels: Level 1 starts as soon as you receive your membership number, while Level 2 is unlocked after sailing with Hurtigruten for 3+ consecutive nights. Benefits include free Wi-Fi, a welcome gift in your cabin, and 5% off excursions. Level 2 also adds 5% off Hurtigruten voyages (plus Level 1 benefits).
Hurtigruten Destinations
Hurtigruten is dedicated to showcasing Norway in a way few other cruise lines can match. Rather than simply visiting the highlights, Hurtigruten journeys reveal the true rhythm of the Norwegian coast.
The most iconic voyage is The Coastal Express, Hurtigruten’s legendary route sailing between Bergen and Kirkenes. Calling at a remarkable number of ports along the way, it offers an ever-changing tapestry of fjords, islands and coastal communities, with scenery that transforms dramatically with the seasons. In winter, snow-dusted landscapes and the possibility of the Northern Lights create a magical atmosphere, while summer brings long daylight hours and the golden glow of the Midnight Sun.
For travellers seeking a more curated pace, Hurtigruten also offers its Signature Voyages. The North Cape Line focuses on Norway’s far north, with time in key destinations and a strong emphasis on Arctic scenery and seasonal highlights. Meanwhile, the Svalbard Line sails into the realm of the High Arctic, combining Norway’s spectacular coastline with the extraordinary landscapes of Svalbard — a place that feels wonderfully wild, remote and unforgettable. Whether you choose the heritage-rich Coastal Express or one of the Signature Voyages, Hurtigruten’s destinations remain rooted in the same promise: authentic Norway, experienced slowly, meaningfully and close to the coastline.
Types of Cruises
Hurtigruten offers a distinctive style of cruising that appeals to travellers who value scenery, culture and authenticity. Voyages are relaxed, enriching and shaped by the landscapes you travel through, making them ideal for guests who want to experience Norway in a more genuine way. Whether you’re drawn by Norway’s fjords, Arctic landscapes, wildlife, local traditions or simply the romance of travelling by sea, Hurtigruten offers voyages that feel purposeful, memorable and unmistakably Norwegian.
