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Hurtigruten Coastal Express

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Hurtigruten expeditions

Hurtigruten Coastal Express has been sailing Norway’s coastline since 1893, offering one of the most authentic ways to experience the fjords, Arctic towns, and breathtaking natural phenomena. Operating year-round, Hurtigruten ships connect Bergen in the south with Kirkenes in the far north, calling at more than 30 ports along the way. For 2026 and 2027, guests can enjoy the same combination of locally inspired cuisine, welcoming service, and unforgettable scenery. From the Midnight Sun in summer to the Northern Lights in winter, a Hurtigruten voyage remains a quintessential Norwegian adventure.

Featured Itineraries

Why choose Hurtigruten expeditions

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Year-round sailings

Daily departures across Norway’s fjords

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Northern Lights promise

Free voyage if Lights don’t appear

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Authentic heritage

Serving Norway’s coast since 1893

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Seasonal contrasts

Midnight Sun and Arctic winter charm

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Immersive excursions

Over 200 optional experiences ashore

Hurtigruten expeditions Ships

MS Kong Harald

MS Kong Harald

590 Guests

MS Kong Harald is one of Hurtigruten’s beloved coastal ships, named after the current King of Norway. Built in 1993 and refurbished in 2016, she carries 590 guests and around 70 crew. Her warm Nordic interiors, panoramic lounges and locally inspired dining make her an ideal vessel for travelling through the dramatic fjords, coastal villages and Arctic regions of Norway.

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MS Midnatsol

MS Midnatsol

570 Guests

MS Midnatsol is a modern expedition ship that combines Scandinavian comfort with Hurtigruten’s pioneering spirit of exploration. Carrying around 970 guests, she was originally built for voyages along Norway’s spectacular coastline but is equally at home in polar regions such as Antarctica, thanks to her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation systems.

Her name, meaning Midnight Sun, reflects her Norwegian heritage and the long summer days experienced above the Arctic Circle. Onboard, guests enjoy bright, contemporary interiors, panoramic lounges, and a relaxed atmosphere that celebrates adventure, community and the beauty of the natural world.

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MS Nordkapp

MS Nordkapp

590 Guests

MS Nordkapp is one of Hurtigruten’s classic coastal ships, offering an intimate and authentic way to experience Norway’s spectacular fjords and Arctic landscapes. Built in 1996 and refurbished in 2016, she accommodates around 590 guests and 57 crew members. With her cosy Nordic interiors, panoramic lounges and regional cuisine, MS Nordkapp combines comfort with the spirit of adventure, ideal for travellers seeking a relaxed and scenic voyage along Norway’s coastline.

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MS Nordlys

MS Nordlys

590 Guests

MS Nordlys, meaning Northern Lights, is one of Hurtigruten’s classic coastal vessels, offering guests an authentic journey through Norway’s fjords and Arctic landscapes. Built in 1994 and refurbished in 2019, she carries up to 590 guests in a warm, relaxed atmosphere inspired by the beauty of the aurora borealis. With contemporary Nordic interiors, locally sourced cuisine and panoramic observation areas, MS Nordlys delivers a comfortable and cultural exploration of Norway’s coastal heritage.

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MS Nordnorge

MS Nordnorge

590 Guests

MS Nordnorge sails the celebrated Hurtigruten coastal route, delivering a blend of essential transport and scenic cruising along Norway’s dramatic coastline. With her modest size and agile design, she ports at remote towns and fjords larger vessels cannot reach. Guests onboard enjoy regional cuisine, panoramic public areas, cultural programming and the ever-changing natural beauty of the Norwegian coast.

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MS Polarlys

MS Polarlys

650 Guests

MS Polarlys is part of Hurtigruten’s renowned coastal fleet, offering an authentic voyage through Norway’s fjords and coastal towns. Built in 1996 and refurbished in 2016, she accommodates around 619 guests and 65 crew. Combining expedition spirit with Scandinavian design, MS Polarlys provides a warm, informal atmosphere, ideal for exploring the stunning landscapes of the Arctic Circle and Norway’s western coast.

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MS Richard With

MS Richard With

590 Guests

Named after Hurtigruten’s founder, MS Richard With has been exploring Norway’s breathtaking coastline since 1993. Carrying up to 690 guests, she perfectly embodies the spirit of the original Hurtigruten coastal voyage — part working ship, part passenger vessel — offering a homely, welcoming atmosphere unlike any other.

MS Richard With is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic experience of Norwegian life at sea. Recently refurbished, she features comfortable cabins, inviting lounges, and panoramic observation spaces where the ever-changing coastal scenery takes centre stage. With warm hospitality, delicious Norwegian cuisine, and enriching onboard lectures, this ship offers the perfect way to experience Norway’s fjords, towns, and remote islands in classic Hurtigruten style.

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MS Trollfjord

MS Trollfjord

822 Guests

Named after one of Norway’s most picturesque fjords, MS Trollfjord is a flagship of Hurtigruten’s classic coastal fleet. She carries guests on unforgettable journeys along Norway’s coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, blending modern comfort with traditional seafaring heritage. With interiors inspired by the landscapes she sails through, including locally sourced wood, stone and slate, MS Trollfjord offers an inviting, Scandinavian atmosphere. Her itineraries showcase spectacular fjords, mountain ranges and Arctic light, while onboard, guests enjoy authentic Norwegian cuisine and warm hospitality that captures the true spirit of coastal Norway.

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MS Vesterålen

MS Vesterålen

490 Guests

MS Vesterålen is one of Hurtigruten’s most intimate and characterful ships, offering a truly authentic way to explore Norway’s dramatic coastline. Originally launched in 1983 and refurbished in 2022, she carries just 490 guests, creating a relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere. Named after the first Hurtigruten ship to sail in 1893, MS Vesterålen combines classic maritime heritage with modern comfort, offering a unique, close-up experience of Norway’s fjords, villages and Arctic wonders.

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Hurtigruten expeditions cruise types

ocean

Ocean

scenic-itineraries

Scenic itineraries

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All-inclusive

enrichment-focus

Enrichment focus

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Relaxed atmosphere

Onboard details

Life onboard a Hurtigruten Coastal Express voyage is informal yet comfortable, blending modern amenities with heritage and tradition. The fleet is designed for the Norwegian coastline, balancing function and warmth with welcoming service.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • Fleet of versatile ships.
  • Voyages year-round since 1893.
  • Daily departures from Bergen.
  • Over 30 ports of call.
  • Scenic lounges and observation decks.
  • Seasonal highlights: Northern Lights or Midnight Sun.
  • Locally inspired Norwegian cuisine.
  • Over 200 shore excursions.
  • Communal and informal atmosphere.
  • Focus on authentic cultural immersion.
Hurtigruten Cruises Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation ranges from cosy Polar Inside cabins to Arctic Superior staterooms and Expedition Suites with balconies. Cabins are simple but comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms and practical amenities. Suites offer extra space and seating areas for extended views. The focus is on warmth, rest, and a welcoming base after exploring.

Hurtigruten Cruises Dining

Dining

Dining onboard highlights Norwegian flavours through the “Coastal Kitchen” concept, using locally sourced ingredients delivered along the route. Seasonal menus feature seafood, game, and Nordic specialities, with buffet and à la carte options. Some ships also offer casual cafés or speciality venues, making dining an authentic part of the journey.

Hurtigruten Cruises Amenities

Amenities

While not luxury ships, amenities are well-suited to scenic coastal travel. Expect panoramic lounges, sun decks, small shops, and relaxed bars. Lecture programmes add insight, and some vessels include saunas, Jacuzzis, or small fitness rooms. The atmosphere is friendly and communal, encouraging conversation and cultural immersion.

Hurtigruten Cruises Wellness

Wellness

Many ships feature small wellness areas, including fitness rooms, hot tubs, and saunas with ocean views. Wellness is also found outdoors: fresh Arctic air, wide-open seascapes, and time spent on deck create a natural sense of calm and renewal.

Hurtigruten Cruises Entertainment

Entertainment

Entertainment is quietly cultural, with lectures on Norwegian history, wildlife, and local traditions. Occasional concerts or demonstrations may appear, but evenings are informal and relaxed. The coastline itself provides the main spectacle, from fjords to Northern Lights.

Hurtigruten Cruises Families

Families

Hurtigruten welcomes families with multi-occupancy cabins and shore excursions suited to all ages. Activities like dog sledding, reindeer encounters, and hiking offer memorable shared experiences. While the atmosphere leans adult and educational, adventurous older children and teens will find plenty to enjoy.

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FAQs

Whether it’s life on board or daily excursions ashore, these FAQs are designed to guide you through the Hurtigruten Coastal Express experience.