Description

From the magnificent fjords of Norway to the awesome ice-filled bays of Antarctica, Hurtigruten is renowned for its comprehensive collection of voyages to remote, beautiful and dramatic coastlines from the far north to the distant south. With over 120 years of maritime experience and our fleet of sixteen intimate and comfortable ships, we offer voyages that go beyond the traditional cruise, allowing closer encounters with environments, wildlife and people along shorelines near and far.

Ships

	MS Finnmarken The first Hurtigruten ship to bear this name was introduced in 1912 and her worthy successor has been designed to reflect the elegance of the past. Her Art Nouveau style interior is complemented by modern panorama lounges, bars and bistro and conference facilities. A swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and outside Jacuzzis are also on board.	Launched: 1st January 2002 Tonnage: 15,500 Length: 445 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 1,000 Rating: stars

	MS Fram MS Fram continues the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology making it extraordinarily suited for expedition voyages in polar regions. Fram means forward – raising expectations of the voyage at hand.	Launched: 1st January 2007 Tonnage: 11,647 Length: 114 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 318 Rating: stars

	MS Kong Harald Although this ship is named after today’s King of Norway, Harald, you will find other famous Norwegians on board as well: The bar is named after Nobel Peace Laureate, the Norwegian polar pioneer Fridtjof Nansen and the café is named after explorer Roald Amundsen. As with MS Richard With, MS Kong Harald was launched in 1993 to mark Hurtigruten´s centenary. In the ship’s interior you will see decorative details of the King’s Crown emblem.	Launched: 1st January 1993 Tonnage: 11,204 Length: 399 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 622 Rating: stars

	MS Lofoten MS Lofoten, our old time favourite, was launched in Oslo in 1964, and provides you a voyage of real nostalgia and intimate informal atmosphere. The ship is named after the Lofoten Islands justnorth of the Arctic Circle, famous for their dramatic scenery and often described as ‘a masterpiece’. MS Lofoten is the second Hurtigruten ship to carry this name. She was refurbished and refitted in 2003, but most of the original style and atmosphere are preserved. With unique lounges and panoramic decks, this ‘old lady’ is simply incomparable. The cabins are plain, but very cosy.	Launched: 1st January 1964 Tonnage: 2,621 Length: 286 feet Total Crew: 40 Occupancy: 400 Rating: stars

	MS Midnatsol The name Midnatsol (Midnight Sun) is something to live up to, and this ship, dedicated to the Norwegian summer, does just that. The interior’s bright, colourful décor is inspired by the warm sunny climate, a motif also reflected in the many pieces of Norwegian modern art on display. MS Midnatsol was put into service on 15 April 2003 and is the fourth Hurtigruten ship to bear this name. The ship has a strong environmental profile and a modern design, with Norwegian materials used extensively throughout its interiors. Together with her sister ship, MS Trollfjord, MS Midnatsol is among the newest in the fleet. What characterises both ships is the large, two-storey panorama lounge above the bow and the large glass expanses that allow natural light to enter as well as providing extraordinary views. There are also 23 beautifully appointed suites, some of which have a balcony.	Launched: 15th April 2003 Tonnage: 16,151 Length: 445 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 1,000 Rating: stars

	MS Nordkapp MS Nordkapp is named after one of the highlights of the Hurtigruten voyage, the northermost point of mainland Europe, the North Cape (71º N). It has attracted explorers since it was named by Richard Chancellor who was passing the cape in 1553 while searching for a Northeast passage. The ship was built in 1996, and on board you are surrounded by artworks from the renowned Norwegian artist, Karl Erik Harr. MS Nordkapp is part of the ship class built in the 1990s and has been upgraded with junior suites and Jacuzzis. The godmother of MS Nordkapp is Norway’s Queen Sonja.	Launched: 1st January 1996 Tonnage: 11,386 Length: 404 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 622 Rating: stars

	MS Nordlys MS Nordlys is named after the spectacular natural phenomena visible in these waters between October and March. Nordlys, meaning the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis), which appear in the sky of the Northern Hemisphere as green and sometimes red flaming “waves” and will leave you with memories that will last forever. MS Nordlys was built in 1994 and its art, décor and colours are all inspired by the Northern Lights phenomenon. With her light and delicate interior, Norwegian artists have created a unique and distinct environment on board. Passengers are encouraged to relax in the ship’s elegant maritime atmosphere, countless lounges and comfortable reclining chairs.	Launched: 1st January 1994 Tonnage: 11,204 Length: 403 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 622 Rating: stars

	MS Nordnorge Nord-Norge means the northern part of Norway, mostly situated inside the Arctic Circle. MS Nordnorge was built in Norway in 1997 and is the second ship in Hurtigruten to have this name. Between 2002-2007 MS Nordnorge gave her guests memorable experiences in Antarctica. On board MS Nordnorge guests can admire the work of artists such as Johanne Marie Hansen-Krone, Ellen Lenvik and Dagfinn Bakke. The interior décor very much reflects an Art Nouveau and Art Deco influence.	Launched: 1st January 1997 Tonnage: 11,384 Length: 404 feet Total Crew: 70 Occupancy: 623 Rating: stars

	MS Polarlys MS Polarlys was built in 1996, and she is the third ship in Hurtigruten to have this name. Polarlys is the Norwegian word for polar light, a name given to the special Arctic phenomenon we chase in our winter programme “Hunting the Light”. MS Polarlys is a stylish ship, furnished with mahogany panelling, polished brass, and a choice selection of Norwegian contemporary art. Together with the extensive use of wood in the public areas, this has created a unique maritime atmosphere.	Launched: 1st January 1996 Tonnage: 11,341 Length: 404 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 619 Rating: stars

	MS Richard With MS Richard With is named after the founder of Hurtigruten, Captain Richard With. His establishment of the Norwegian Coastal Express back in 1893 had an enormous impact on life along the Norwegian coast. This ship was delivered to us in 1993, 100 years after our founder completed his first ever Hurtigruten voyage. On board there is beautiful art by the famous Harr family. The panorama lounges, Horisont and Syvstjernen, treat you to unforgettable views of the surrounding scenery. There are also Jacuzzis and eight junior suites on board.	Launched: 1st January 1993 Tonnage: 11,205 Length: 399 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 623 Rating: stars

	MS Trollfjord The ship is named after the famous Trollfjord, situated between the Vesterålen and the Lofoten Islands. Trollfjord is one of the highlights of the voyage south, and is famous locally for “The battle of the Trollfjord” which took place here in the winter of 1890. The ship has a comfortable interior, with an extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone. MS Trollfjord´s maiden voyage was in 2002 and she is one of the newest ships in the Hurtigruten fleet. Being MS Midnatsol´s sister ship, they share many of the same characteristics, such as the beautiful panorama lounge and suites. On board the ship you will discover original paintings by the Lofoten artist Kaare Espolin Johnsen, paintings that were originally on board the old Hurtigruten ship MS Harald Jarl.	Launched: 1st January 2002 Tonnage: 16,140 Length: Unknown Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 822 Rating: stars

	MS Vesteralen MS Vesterålen was built in 1983 and is named after the first Hurtigruten ship to sail in 1893, DS Vesterålen. Vesterålen is also the name of the area in which Hurtigruten’s first home port, Stokmarknes, is situated. Vesterålen lies just north of Lofoten and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery of the coastal voyage. The ship is one of the smallest ships in the fleet. She was upgraded both in 1988 and 1995, and is characterised by her bright, cheerful public areas and lounges. Throughout your voyage you will enjoy views from the panorama lounge and notice the extensive art collection on board. With the limited passenger capacity, a voyage on MS Vesterålen is truly something special.	Launched: 1st January 1983 Tonnage: 6,261 Length: 354 feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 516 Rating: stars

Further Information

About Hurtigruten

When seasoned Norwegian Sea Captain Richard With came up with the idea of starting a year-round steam ship service to link northern and southern Norway, the local Governor asked his associates, "Is this captain a dreamer, or can it be done?"

It was the late 19th century, and though the Industrial Revolution had brought all kinds of comforts and technologies to Oslo and the ports of the south, the region beyond Bergen was still seen as a remote wilderness hemmed in by dramatic landscapes. Richard With's proposal for a service in daylight hours, from Trondheim to Hammerfest on a weekly basis, bringing mail, passengers and cargo was audacious enough, but he went further, claiming that in time, he would be able to sail this distance both day and night, both summer and winter. This was unheard of, as the first complete map of the Norwegian coast had yet to be made, and no pilot could possibly know all the topographical challenges.

The rugged landscape north of Bergen had for centuries only been accessible from the sea. From before the time of the Vikings, ships had sailed along the coast, exploiting the channels and harbours - kept free of ice by the Gulf Stream - in search of the best fishing grounds.

The route became a lively trading channel, as boats burdened first with dried fish and later flour, syrup and sugar provided isolated communities with commerce and provisions. The delivery of mail was the initial reason for the establishment of what was then known as the Coastal Express.

For ninety years, the Coastal Express was the most important communication link between south and north. It is from these times that the name Hurtigruten dates, translated as 'fast route', this was quite literally the quickest route to north Norway. Each ship had its own post office, its own stamp and its own post officer on board - indeed it was only in 1983 that mail delivery was transferred to planes and vehicles. Up until then, the Coastal Express was simply the most reliable of the alternatives, known for arriving on time all year around, regardless of weather conditions.

This symbiosis between the ships and the people may well account for the affection many Norwegians have for the route. Ask a coastal resident to tell you about Hurtigruten and they sometimes become emotional. The history and tradition of the route, and the epic endeavour of the captains and crews who have helped steer so many coastal communities into the modern age, have never been regarded with anything but admiration.

It is with this heritage and experience that the Hurtigruten fleet has moved forward to operate in Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica, offering the most professional and proficient expedition voyage operation on the planet.

Let us take you there

As part of the Hurtigruten family you can be assured that we will provide the best in specialist knowledge, experience and expertise from your initial enquiry to your safe return. Offering voyages that will exceed all expectations, you are sure to bring home wonderful memories that will last forever. Discover how from the fjords of Norway to the waters of the high Arctic and the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula, Hurtigruten are the specialists in intimate and informal voyaging worldwide.

Norway

In our home waters of the Norwegian coast, our ships have been part of the country’s very
lifeline for over a century. Beneath the Midnight Sun or the mystical Northern Lights, daily
departures across the Arctic Circle from Bergen to Kirkenes, take us right to the heart of coastal Norway. Calling at 34 ports, most never visited by commercial cruise liners, our ships deliver freight, post and passengers to remote communities, some of which are home to just a few hundred people. Sailing along this beautiful coastline, through magical fjords to enchanted islands, we enjoy a genuine, friendly and unpretentious voyage which is truly Norwegian.

Spitsbergen, Greenland, South America, Antarctica

Our Nordic influence and distinctive maritime heritage have inspired us to go further, to explore regions of exceptional natural beauty and offer voyages to some of the most desirable places on Earth. With regular shore excursions and on board lecturers we join an international mix of passengers to encounter, discover and develop our understanding of the shorelines and wildlife that lie far beyond our natural horizons – Spitsbergen, Greenland, South America and Antarctica

Cruises