Norway has one of the most beautiful coastlines. To discover this via land can be challenging as the many fjords make travelling by car lengthy and difficult. This is where Hurtigruten cruises hit the mark as the best way to discover this part of Norway.
Since 1893, the Hurtigruten ships have cruising the Norwegian coast. While the ships remain working ships that are used to transport cargo, vehicles and people from port to port, they also have a travelling cruise incorporated into the journey. On each ship you will find modern facilities carefully blended with true character.
The Itinerary
The Classic 12-day round trip voyage calls on 34 ports as it sails the world-famous Norwegian fjords. Departing Bergen, embark on a coastal route sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains to Kirkenes on the Russian border and return. Winter brings the perfect time to cross the Arctic Circle and hunt the Northern Lights, while engaging in amazing shore excursions like husky dog-sledding, snow mobile expeditions, snow shoeing and more.
The ship
MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) – one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage. Christened by Norway´s Queen Sonja in 1996, the ship started sailing the Norwegian coast in April 1996 with her maiden voyage to the Shetland Islands. MS Nordkapp was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, a Multe bakery and ice-cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of two jacuzzis. The front of the ship features a bar and panoramic viewing area and downstairs there is a large compass area with reception, a tour guide, conference room and shop.
The cabin
With a passenger capacity of 590 across 480 beds, you would be surprised to find the cabins are spacious and the numbers on board do not make for a crowded ship. Each of MS Nordkapp cabins has a private bathroom with WC/shower (hairdryer, the floor is heated), ample wardrobe and drawer space, digital radio, direct dial phone and flat TV. All rooms are air-conditioned and include amenities, furniture and complimentary services.
Rooms range from inside cabins to suite with private balcony. Suites have a private balcony, separate sitting area, mini-bar/fridge, 1 or 2 separate rooms (separate bedroom), double beds. Mini Suites (aka Junior Suites) have 1 view window, a seating area (TV, mini-bar/fridge). Outside cabins have each 1 view window, and 1 sofa bed and also offer wheelchair friendly cabins. Obstructed view cabins are located on lower decks and have each 2 porthole Windows. Inside cabins have 1 single and 1 sofa bed (some are with upper/lower beds configuration).
The experience
Stepping on-board Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp, the first thing you notice is the laid- back atmosphere. There is no need for dressing up at meal-time, comfortable and casual clothes are suitable for the entire journey. In winter, temperatures can drop well into the negative, so it is good to layer up and have reasonable winter clothing like a good waterproof jacket, snow boots, scarf, gloves and headwear. It is not just the ship and destinations visited that make the Hurtigruten experience special, but the people you meet on board. From staff to other guests, you will come away with new friendships.
Dining times are set for dinner which is mostly a set menu with the occasional night a buffet. Breakfast and lunch are buffet and dine as you please. The food on board is exceptional, locally sourced and regional to where you are on the itinerary. Drink packages can be purchased on board. If you feel a bit peckish in between mealtimes, there is a café and a-la-carte on board serving up snacks and light meals.
As the ship services the different ports along the fjords, sometimes the stops will be short (only 30 minutes) and this may happen in the middle of the night. It is therefore worth planning your shore visits prior to arriving on the ship. Feeling like stepping off in Bodo at 3am in the morning for 5 minutes to say you have been there, you can (as long as you are back on the boat for departure). For the longer stops, there is a wide choice of optional excursions where Hurtigruten Guides will lead you and interpret the cultural and natural treasures on your voyage. Even if you choose not to step off the ship, you can still engage in complementary lectures and onboard activities. Be aware that weather can affect certain activities and especially in the winter months when this is unpredictable, so cancellations can occur.
Tips and tricks
Here are few handy tips and tricks for your winter cruise on the MS Nordkapp to make your journey that much better.
- Photographers – take a tripod if you want to capture those Northern Lights. This is essential as you are shooting in long exposure and battling with the moving ship at the same time.
- Download the Aurora Lights App, it is handy for getting an idea of when the lights could appear.
- Leave the option in your cabin to receive messages on. This ensures that you will get a notification from the bridge if lights have been spotted, which can often be late at night or early morning.
- Pack clothes that can be layered as you are forever moving between the temperatures. The ship is air-conditioned but if you want to pop outside for a quick viewing or photo, the temperatures will require more clothing.
- Take moisturiser. While the cabins have shampoo/body wash and conditioner, there is no moisturiser. As you are in conditions that will dry the skin, this is essential to pack.
- With the lack of fresh air flow in the cabins, it is always good to have a car air-freshener to hang in your cabin.
- Buy the coffee and tea package as it is well worth it.
- You can take your own alcohol onboard, but it can only be consumed in your cabin.
- Do splurge out on some shore excursions – they are well worth it, and it is too difficult to try organise anything outside of the ship’s trips yourself.
How to Book
To book your clients on Hurtigruten, visit the travel agent portal at https://agentportal.hurtigruten.com/. Here you will find all your options of quotes, booking and additional information for your clients. Alternatively, you can pick up the phone and call the reservations team on 1300322062 or email apac@hurtigruten.com
