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.
Launched: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1,211
Unknown
Unknown
0 Stars
Built in 1992 in Denmark and in service under the name "Saqqit Ittuk", MS Disko II was converted to an expedition vessel in 2004. Due to its size and equipment it is ideally suited for voyages along Greenlands coast. It offers a modern yet cosy atmosphere with a panorama lounge with bar and library corner, a restaurant and 26 comfortable outside cabins. The ship has an open bridge policy so you're always welcome to observe the captaon navigating the waters of the Arctic.
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1st January 2002
15,000
Unknown
1,000
3 Stars
The interior of MS Finnmarken is decorated by 11 well known Norwegian artists in the art nouveau style reminiscent of the first D/S Finnmarken, which was introduced on this route in 1912. The new ship has been dsigned to reflect the elegance and style of classic cruise ships of the past. The ship has panorama lounges, a sauna and swimmimg pool
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1st January 2007
11,647
Unknown
400
3 Stars
Named after the ship used by famous Norwegian Explorer Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram's interior has been inspired by Greenland and the Arctic region.
The ship has a glass-enclosed observation lounge and excellent leisure facilities including a gym, sauna and two heated outdoor Jacuzzis.
Ms Fram is a purpose built 12,700-ton vessel that incorporates all the best of both practical and traditional design.
As with all our ships the decor includes original artwork and superbly appointed interiors that have been inspired by the Arctic and Greenland regions, with a main reception area, a glass-enclosed observation salon and excellent leisure facilities, including gym, sauna and heated Jacuzzis. Items of the original Fram will also be displayed throughout the vessel, linking the present MS Fram with the rich history of its illustrious past.
Launched: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1,065
Unknown
Unknown
0 Stars
The MS Islander is a small and elegant ship, originally built in 1995 and refurbished in 2002 and 2004. It has 24 state cabins, each tastefully furnished with rich mahogany finishing and most have a large picture window. The public area includes a spacios lounge with bar, library, a Gym, small wellness centre, restaurant and an observation area. A massage therapist and a video chronicler are onboard througout the voyages.
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1st January 1993
11,200
Unknown
691
0 Stars
Although the ship is formally named after the king of Norway; you will also find other famous Norwegians on Board! The bar is named after Fridtjof Nansen, and the cafe after Roald Amundsen. True to tradition, many well known artists have put their own individual stamp on this exquisite ship.
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1st January 1964
2,621
40
171
0 Stars
Built in 1964 the MS Lofoten is the only traditional ship still in operation on the Norwegian Coastal voyage during wintertime. In the year 2000 the ship was named a listed vessel by the Norwegian Director General of Historic Monuments. The ship has been refurbished and updated several times, most recently in 2004 for the new voyages into the Fjords of western Norway and around the Lofoten Islands.
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Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
0 Stars
The colour scheme abord this ship was determined by the seasons. It is springtime in the cafe, autumn in the bar, and winter in the panorama lounge above. North Norwegian artists have put their stamp on the ship; newer works of art mingle with older works taken from older vessels.
Launched: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st January 2003
15,000
Unknown
1,000
0 Stars
The latest addition to the fleet, MS Midnatsol, was delivered in April 2003. It has similar capacity and facilities as its sister ship the MS Trollfjord with large panorama lounges as wellas cafes and bistros with plenty of light and wonderful views. The colour scheme reflects the ships name which is Norwegian for midnight sun.
Launched: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st January 1982
6,257
Unknown
500
0 Stars
The ship was built in 1982, but has been refitted as recently as 1995. From Leden, the long panorama lounge perched high above deck, passengers have almost a 360 degree view. Scattered throughout the ship are oil paintings, coloured wood cuttings, silk screen paintings, wall hangings, watercolours and lithographs by renowned artists such as Karl Erik Harr.
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1st January 1996
11,386
Unknown
691
0 Stars
On board MS Nordkapp, passengers are surrounded by art works by the renowned North Norway artist Karl Erik Harr. His beautiful, varied and exciting themes from coastal culture make the ship a floating art gallery. There are also tastefully decorated public areas and fantastic views from the panorama lounges.
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1st January 1994
11,200
Unknown
691
0 Stars
It is only natural that art, decor and colours inspired by the northern lights should characterise a ship of this name. The wwodwork, brass fittings and textiles all help make the public areas the comfortable, elegant rooms thay are. Artists with roots in this part of the country are represented, such as Inger Sitter and Arnulf Opdahl.
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2,193
Unknown
Unknown
0 Stars
The ship was built in 1956 to operate on the Norwegian coastal voyage service and modernised in the early eighties. In recent years the ship has been used for voyages around the Spitsbergen Archipelago during the summer season.
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1st January 1996
12,000
Unknown
737
0 Stars
MS Polarlys is an exciting ship, decorated with exotic mahogany, polished brass and a choice selection of Norwegian contemporary art. There are sculptures and carvings in marble, paintings and glass art, and an unparalleled view from almost every quarter of the ship.
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1st January 1993
11,205
Unknown
691
0 Stars
Built in 1993, the ship is named after the founder of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. The art on board is by Eva, Karl Erik and Jan Harr. Their work demonstrates an intimate acquaintance with this part of the country and with the coastal voyage itself. The panorama lounges Horisant and Syvstjernen treat passengers to an unforgettable experience of the surrounding landscape.
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1st January 2002
15,000
Unknown
822
0 Stars
MS Trollfjord has a modern design, featuring Norwegian materials for most of the interior. It has large panorama and observation areas as well as cafes and bistros with plenty of light and wonderful views. The interior and works of art, all of which are Norwegian, complement each other perfectly. The ship's propulsion system will produce minimal noise and vibration, so that the ship will be extremely quiet.
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1st January 1983
6,261
Unknown
560
0 Stars
Vesteralen was the name of the very Coastal Ship. Todays MS Vesteralen was refitted in 1995, and is characterised by bright, cheerful public areas and lounges. Enjoy the view from the panorama lounge, and admire the collection of art, featuring artists with links to the North Norwegian Landscape.
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1st January 2002
4,998
20
94
0 Stars
Built in 1969 the Polar Star is the first icebreaker to be fully converted to expedition cruising and will as such rank high among the small fleet of arctic expedition cruise ships. All the cabins are outside and have a window or porthole. The ship has a comfortable dining room, a large panorama lounge, a lecture room, a library and a bar. She is especially equipped for expedition cruising in polar waters and has a fleet of Zodiacs.
Launched: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st January 1997
11,386
70
691
3 Stars
MS Nordnorge was built in 1997, on board passengers can admire the exciting textiles and colour schemes, as well as the work of artists such as Johanne Marie Hansen-Krone, Ellen Lenvik and Dagfinn Bakke. The decor reflects an Art Nouveau and art deco influence. In addition, the ship has remained true to the norwegian Coastal Voyage tradition. The ship now also has two outdoor jacuzzis, located on deck 6.
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
MS Finnmarken
