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- The Coastal Express – South
The Coastal Express – South, 31 December 2026
5 nights
MS Vesterålen
31 Dec '26Cruise overview
Sail from Kirkenes in Norway’s far north to Bergen. Explore Senja’s wilderness, Lofoten’s fishing villages, and the island maze of the Helgeland Coast. This voyage is perfect for nature lovers, offering authentic Norwegian experiences and more time in spectacular, remote areas.
Itinerary
Kirkenes
Kirkenes is a small town in the North-East of Norway, bordering both Russia and Finland, located only 250 miles away from the Arctic Circle. Known for its wildlife, beautiful scenery and winter sports activities, Kirkenes has a kind of fantastical charm.
Mehamn
Finnsnes
Bodø
Trondheim
Ålesund
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
Expedition Suite | Mini Suite for up to 2 travellers
These refurbished suites situated on the upper deck have separate bedroom, double bed, chair, TV, and coffee and tea facilities.
- Double or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Shower
- TV
- Media/Entertainment Station
- Coffee Machine
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Arctic Superior | Upper deck for up to 2 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to 2 people on the upper decks have a double bed, a small desk, a chair, TV, and coffee and tea facilities.
- Double or Twin Configuration
- Shower
- TV
- Coffee Machine
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable outside cabins for up to 2 people on the upper or middle decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and a chair. Some cabins have limited or no view.
- Twin
- Sofa Bed
- Shower
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These standard outside cabins for up to 2 people on the middle decks have bunk beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and a chair.
- Twin
- Sofa Bed
- Shower
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Polar Outside | Upper deck for 3 travellers
These comfortable outside cabins for up to 3 people on the middle decks have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.
- Twin
- Sofa Bed
- Shower
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Polar Outside | Lower deck for 4 travellers
These comfortable outside cabins for up to 4 people on the middle or lower decks have bunk beds and a chair. Some have a double bed and bunk beds, sofa, and a chair. The cabins have portholes with limited view.
- Double
- Pullman Bed x2
- Shower
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Polar Outside | Accessible cabin on lower deck
Two wheelchair accessible rooms for up to 5 people on deck 3. These spacious cabins have wider doors, and accessible WC. One has double bed, pullman and a single bed. One has bunk beds, sofa, and chair.
- Double
- One Single Bed
- Pullman Bed
- Shower
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Polar Inside | Upper or middle deck for up to 2 travellers
These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up 2 people on the middle or upper decks have separate beds or bunk beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and chair. Some have a hairdryer.
- Twin
- Sofa Bed
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Polar Inside | Upper deck for 1 traveller
These comfortable standard inside cabins for one person are on the upper deck.
- One Single Bed
- Shower
- Toiletries Provided
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
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.
- Double or Twin Configuration
- Sofa Bed
- Shower
- Toiletries Provided
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Desk
Deck 7
- Fyret Lounge & Bar
Deck 6
- Observation Deck
Deck 5
- Trollfjord Lounge
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 4
- Vesterålstuen Lounge & Bar
- Lecture Hall
- Library
- Fitness
- Playroom
- Shop
- Cafe
- Restaurant
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 3
- Reception
- Gangway
- Luggage
- Laundry
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 2
- Car Deck
- Car Lift
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 1
- Inside Cabins
Ship features
MS Vesterålen offers an intimate and educational experience focused on coastal culture and natural beauty.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Wellness
Wellness
There is no full spa onboard, but guests can enjoy a traditional Norwegian sauna and peaceful relaxation areas overlooking the ocean.
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.
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.