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Hurtigruten expeditions

MS Vesterålen

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.

Ship facts

best-time-to-go

1983

Launch Year

best-time-to-go

2022

Refit Year

guest-capacity

490

Capacity

weight

6261 tonnes

Gross Tonnage

length

108m

Length

length

16.5m

Width

max-speed-knots

17 knots

Speed

Featured Itineraries

Ship features

MS Vesterålen offers an intimate and educational experience focused on coastal culture and natural beauty.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • One of the smallest ships in the Hurtigruten fleet
  • Refurbished with light, modern interiors in 2022
  • Dedicated Coastal Experience Team offering lectures and storytelling
  • Panorama Lounge and observation deck for scenic viewing
  • Main restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine
  • Casual café and bar with regional specialities
  • Exhibition areas showcasing Hurtigruten’s heritage
  • Sauna and small fitness room
MS Vesteralen Accommodation

Accommodation

Cabins on MS Vesterålen range from comfortable Inside and Outside Cabins to Arctic Superior and Mini Suites. All feature private bathrooms and Scandinavian décor. Suites offer additional space, larger windows and extra amenities for enhanced comfort.

MS Vesteralen Dining

Dining

Dining onboard reflects Hurtigruten’s Coastal Kitchen philosophy, featuring fresh, locally sourced Norwegian ingredients. The main restaurant offers buffet breakfasts, plated lunches and seasonal à la carte dinners. Guests can also enjoy lighter fare, coffee and regional pastries in the café, while the bar provides a cosy setting for evening drinks and socialising.

MS Vesteralen Amenities

Amenities

Public areas include the Panorama Lounge, bar, café, and small fitness room. The ship’s open decks are ideal for photography, wildlife spotting and viewing the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun. Exhibitions and displays onboard share stories of Hurtigruten’s rich maritime history.

MS Vesteralen Wellness

Wellness

There is no full spa onboard, but guests can enjoy a traditional Norwegian sauna and peaceful relaxation areas overlooking the ocean.

MS Vesteralen Entertainment

Entertainment

Entertainment focuses on enrichment and discovery rather than nightlife. The Coastal Experience Team leads lectures, storytelling sessions, and presentations on Norwegian culture, wildlife, and geography.

MS Vesteralen Families

Families

MS Vesterålen welcomes families, though the ship’s intimate, expedition-style atmosphere is best suited to adults and older children with an interest in travel and exploration.

Polar Inside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
Polar Inside | Upper deck for 1 traveller
Polar Inside | Upper or middle deck for up to 2 travellers
Polar Outside | Accessible cabin on lower deck
Polar Outside | Lower deck for 4 travellers
Polar Outside | Upper deck for 3 travellers
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
Arctic Superior | Upper deck for up to 2 travellers
Expedition Suite | Mini Suite for up to 2 travellers

Polar Inside | Middle deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to two people on the lower, middle or upper decks have separate beds (one of which converts into a sofa) or bunk beds.

Amenities

  • Double or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk

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FAQs

We know peace of mind matters. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about life onboard MS Vesterålen.