Accommodations
MS Polarlys features a welcoming selection of cabins and suites, each designed to provide a comfortable and inviting retreat after a day of exploration. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family or friends, you’ll find an option that suits your needs. From compact, functional cabins to more spacious suites with added comforts, every space is thoughtfully arranged to offer a cosy base for your coastal journey. No matter how you travel, MS Polarlys ensures a relaxing stay as you take in the beauty of Norway’s scenic shoreline.
Polar Inside cabins on MS Polarlys provide a snug space to unwind between adventures. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, many feature separate beds, including some that transform into a sofa during the day to maximise space. Others include an upper berth, making them a flexible choice for families or friends travelling together. Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom, complete with a shower and hairdryer, providing everything you need to get ready for the exciting day ahead.
Prefer a room with a view? Polar Outside cabins bring the added benefit of natural light, thanks to a porthole or picture window that lets the ever-changing scenery take centre stage. These bright and welcoming cabins are available in twin or three-berth layouts, featuring similar configurations to the inside cabins – some with convertible sofas and others with upper berths. A private bathroom with a shower is included as standard, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
For those who prefer a little more room, the Arctic Superior cabins are a popular choice. These feature a double bed, a small seating area, and thoughtful extras like tea and coffee-making facilities. With their calm, airy décor and extra comforts, they provide a peaceful space to relax between ports. The Expedition Suites add a touch of indulgence to your journey. These spacious cabins include a double bed, a separate sitting area, a television, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a coffee station. It’s the perfect place to unwind in private after a day exploring Norway’s spectacular coastline.
Activities
A journey aboard MS Polarlys is every bit as enriching as the destinations themselves. After a day spent exploring quiet harbours or soaking up the charm of coastal towns, returning to the ship feels like coming home after a long, exciting day. Hurtigruten encourages a slower, more mindful style of travel, inviting you to connect with nature, admire stunning landscapes, and fully immerse yourself in the journey.
From the moment you board MS Polarlys, you’ll feel its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed to balance tranquillity and togetherness, the ship offers a blend of peaceful, cosy corners and inviting social spaces. Whether you’re in the mood to enjoy quiet reflection or connect with fellow travellers, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
Time at sea offers the rare opportunity to step away from the rush of everyday life. As the ship glides through Norway’s serene coastal landscapes, you might find yourself watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, seeing the first light of dawn spill over glassy fjords, or simply enjoying the pleasure of a good book, a warm cup of coffee, or sharing an unexpected conversation with someone new.
One of the highlights of sailing aboard MS Polarlys is the insight and enthusiasm of the Coastal Experience Team. Their passion for Norway’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage brings every aspect of the journey to life. Through engaging talks, captivating stories, and carefully curated excursions, they offer a richer understanding of the places you visit. Whether you’re learning about ancient legends, the life of coastal communities, or the seasonal journeys of seabirds, their knowledge adds depth and meaning to every stop along the route.
Entertainment
Entertainment aboard MS Polarlys is intentionally understated, offering moments that enhance your connection to the voyage rather than distract from it. Rather than grand stage shows, you can expect meaningful, down-to-earth experiences that reflect the character of the Norwegian coast. You might find yourself enjoying the soft melodies of live folk music drifting through the lounge, sampling regional delicacies during an informal tasting, or joining a seasonal celebration that reflects local customs. However, more often than not, entertainment is about connection, with a focus on authenticity and atmosphere. Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature, Norway, and the journey itself.
Food & Drink
Dining aboard MS Polarlys is a true celebration of Norway’s rich culinary traditions. With a strong focus on regional cuisine, Hurtigruten crafts menus that reflect the flavours of the landscapes you travel through. From seafood caught in the icy northern waters to tender meats from rural farms and wild berries gathered along the hills, the ingredients are as local as the ports you visit. As the journey unfolds, so too does the menu, offering a deliciously varied selection of options.
Torget, located on Deck 4, is the heart of the ship’s dining experience. Here, you’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a welcoming, informal setting. Start your day with a generous buffet, including fluffy pancakes, smoked salmon, creamy porridge, eggs, yoghurt, freshly baked breads, and energising smoothies and shots. Lunchtimes offer hearty, regionally inspired dishes that celebrate Norway’s seasonal ingredients. Dinner is usually a warm and welcoming buffet or a thoughtfully crafted set menu. Don’t miss the dessert selection, which might include rich puddings, traditional cakes, or refreshing sorbets.
Also on Deck 4 is Kysten, the ship’s fine dining venue. Named after the Norwegian word for ‘coast’, Kysten showcases the finest local ingredients, including fresh seafood, grass-fed meats, and artisanal cheeses. Presented in a contemporary, elegant setting, each dish is thoughtfully prepared to bring out the region’s distinct character. An expertly curated wine list complements the menu, adding an extra layer to your culinary experience.
For a more casual experience, Brygga offers a relaxed bistro-style atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Norway’s bustling harbours, Brygga serves up a satisfying selection of wraps, pizzas, burgers, salads, and comforting classics. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back lunch or quick evening bite in friendly surroundings.
On Deck 7, Multe brings together the warmth of a bakery with the indulgence of an ice cream parlour. Treat yourself to oven-fresh pastries, silky scoops of ice cream, and traditional Norwegian treats, such as smørbrød —the country’s signature open sandwich. For an authentic taste of the Arctic, try something topped with cloudberry jam, a rare and delicately flavoured delicacy from the far north.
Just a few steps away, the Explorer Lounge and Bar offers the perfect place to unwind with a drink in hand and the spectacular coastline in view. With its comfortable seating and wraparound windows, it’s a natural gathering spot throughout the day. Choose from fresh juices, local beers, fine wines, barista-made coffee, herbal teas, or rich hot chocolate as you take in the scenery or share stories with fellow travellers.
Relaxation & Fitness
Well-being aboard MS Polarlys is all about simplicity and balance. Surrounded by fresh air and stunning coastal scenery, it’s easy to relax, recharge, and take time for yourself. Whether you want to stay active, enjoy some quiet moments, or simply soak up the atmosphere, the ship offers plenty of ways to feel refreshed throughout your journey. The fitness room on Deck 7 is bright and inviting, equipped with treadmills, bikes, and free weights, perfect for maintaining your routine while enjoying inspiring views of the Norwegian coast.
If you prefer a gentler pace, the Outdoor Walking Deck on Deck 5 is ideal for a peaceful stroll in the fresh air, with ever-changing landscapes as your backdrop. For deeper relaxation, make your way to Deck 6, where two outdoor hot tubs await. With the cool air on your face and dramatic scenery surrounding you, it’s an ideal place to unwind and enjoy some quiet time. For a soothing end to the day, visit the sauna on Deck 2. This peaceful retreat offers warmth, calm, and a space to clear your head — a perfect reminder to slow down and savour the journey.
MS Polarlys destinations
MS Polarlys is a familiar sight along Norway’s legendary coastal route, journeying between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the far north. This iconic sailing takes you deep into the heart of coastal Norway, visiting more than 30 ports that range from lively cities to tucked-away villages. Each stop reveals a different side of the country, from colourful waterfronts and dramatic mountain backdrops to quiet harbours where daily life carries on as fishing boats come and go. Highlights along the route include historic Trondheim, art nouveau Ålesund, Arctic Tromsø, and the striking Lofoten Islands, each offering its own blend of culture, nature and everyday charm. No two voyages are the same. The scenery evolves with every stretch of coastline, and the time of year adds its own magic, from summer’s endless daylight above the Arctic Circle to the magical winter spectacle of the Northern Lights. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, sailing aboard MS Polarlys offers an ever-changing window into Norway’s breathtaking and beautifully varied coastline.
