| |
 |
| |
Hurtigruten Norway Cruises
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Experience the natural unspoilt coastline of Norway on what some call the world’s most beautiful voyage. Set sail on a Hurtigruten Voyage and enjoy the scenic and dramatic coastlines.
Springtime in Norway is truly a scenic delight, with the snow beginning to melt and colour returning to the coastline - the perfect time to visit Geirangerfjord. Exploring during the summer, means you can experience up to 24 hours of sunlight above the Arctic Circle giving you more time to enjoy the sights and make new discoveries. Go in search of the spectacular Northern Lights during winter. Create a real Arctic adventure by opting for one of our exciting winter excursions which include husky dog sledging, snowmobiling and King Crab Safari.
|
| |
|
|
|
Classic Voyage South |
5 Nights
|
Kirkenes - North Cape - Hammerfest - Tromso - Lofoten Islands - Trollfjord - Arctic Circle - Trondheim - Kristiansund - Molde - Bergen
|
|
Classic Voyage North |
6 Nights
|
Bergen - Alesund - Geirangerfjord (summer) - Molde - Trondheim - Arctic Circle - Bodo - Lofoten Islands - Tromso - Hammerfest - Honningsvag - North Cape - Kirkenes
|
|
Classic Round Voyage |
11 Nights
|
Bergen - Alesund - Geirangerfjord (summer) - Molde - Trondheim - Arctic Circle - Bodo - Lofoten Islands - Tromso - Hammerfest - Honningsvag - North Cape - Kirkenes - Honningsvay - Hammerfest - Tromso - Lofoten Islands - Trollfjord - Arctic Circle - Trondheim - Kristiansund - Molde - Alesund - Bergen
|
|
|
 The Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) ships have been part of the Norway’s 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. As we weave in and out of narrow inlets, we sail along some of the world’s most beautiful coastline, nearly always in sight of land. Many of our ports of call are tranquil hamlets on tiny islands whose inhabitants depend for their very existence on the Hurtigruten ships to bring the communities essential supplies and reunite families and friends.
Tourists from across the world come to enjoy the magnificent scenery and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling on the Hurtigruten is the natural way to meet those who live and work along its shores. Many communities still depend on agriculture and fishing, as they have done for centuries. In cities such as Bergen and Tromsø, and towns like Svolvær, traditional wooden houses and churches and flanked by modern hotels and facilities. In the many small ports visited, such as Brønnøysund and Skjervøy, quaint little houses huddle in the midst of imposing landscapes.
This is an intimate encounter with history and culture. All guests on this coastal voyage experience a wonderful range of geology and geography, moods and moments. The 2000 km long coast takes our ships from the temperate climes of the south, to the wild, desolate Finnmark plateau, a journey that brings with it dramatic changes in climate and landscape.
Endless day, endless night. Each season casts its own spell on the Norwegian coastline. As the ship changes latitude it may feel as if you are travelling through all the seasons in a single journey. Between the extremes of Midnight Sun and polar night, and between the temperate south and the Arctic north, natural light always plays an important role, dramatising the scenery and enhancing the experience. Whenever you choose to travel, your voyage will be unique.
Click here to view cruise map
HURTIGRUTEN EXPERIENCE
Hurtigruten voyages go beyond traditional cruising, taking you closer to the breathtaking environments, fascinating people and spectacular scenery of Arctic Norway’s coastline. Enjoy relaxing days, local cuisine, and the warm company of like-minded adventurers.
HURTIGRUTEN SPRING - Three seasons in one journey (Apr - May)
Spring in Norway is a beautiful adventure, a quiet explosion of life, smells, colours and light. Warmth returns to the shores of Norway and sunlight rejuvenates the coastline. Each week brings a marked increase in both daylight hours and the greenery of the fjords. During the voyage, see metre high snowdrifts to roaring waterfalls of melt water. At the higher latitudes of the Arctic region, snow is still seen well into spring.
HURTIGRUTEN SUMMER - In the Land of the Midnight Sun (1 Jun to 15 Sep)
Brilliant warm sunshine bathes the shores, fjords, mountains peaks and bays in fire red, soft pink and golden yellow, complemented by the deep, soft greens of pine and hardwood. Come summer, the Land of the Midnight Sun truly lives up to its name. The intense, extended daylight, lasting 24 hours a day above the Arctic Circle, makes every Norwegian ‘night’ a joy to behold.
HURTIGRUTEN AUTUMN - The period of bright colours (16 Sep to 14 Nov)
As summer fades, the Norwegian coastline shifts from one beautiful season to another. Hurtigruten sails on, into a season of autumnal colours; russet, ochre and rouge fill the mountainsides, hilltops and woods. See a sprinkling of snow on the highest peaks and witness nature prepare for the long winter ahead.
HURTIGRUTEN WINTER - Hunting the Arctic Lights (15 Nov - 31 Mar)
Experience the natural, unspoilt beauty of the Norwegian winter aboard Hurtigruten. Winter is one of the most special times to explore Norway’s northern reaches. The landscape is covered in pure white snow and the air is fresh and crisp. The night sky teases you with the chance of witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights. Make the most of your trip and include exciting winter activities such as snowmobiling and dog-sledging.
|
|
.jpg) 
What to pack:
Clothing:
• The dress code aboard the ship is informal. Bring casual and comfortable indoor clothing.
• Water - and windproof jacket
• Comfortable shoes/walking shoes
• Cap or headband
• Scarf
• Gloves or mittens
• Swimsuit (many of the ships offer Jacuzzi on board)
In winter: Woollen underwear and spikes for your shoes, boots can be useful.
Other Recommended Equipment:
• Backpack: Bring a small waterproof backpack for carrying essentials on excursions and trips ashore.
• UV protective sun glasses (even during winter as the reflections of snow and ice can be harmful to the unprotected eye)
• Camera and films: During your voyage you will have the opportunity to photograph wonderful nature and unusual scenery so we strongly recommend that you bring your camera equipment that will allow you to capture this unforgettable experience. A UV or skylight filter and lens hood may be useful. If you use special brands of film make sure you bring your own. We advise you to bring extra batteries and memory cards with a large capacity if you have a digital camera. There are sockets in the cabins for charging your camera/batteries.
• Coastal/city maps and travel guides
• Binoculars: To get a closer look at wildlife and scenery
Hurtigruten on board shop carries a small selection of warm clothes in various sizes and sells postcards, stamps, souvenirs and a limited supply of toiletries.
Recommended reading:
• Lonely Planet: Norway
• DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Norway
• Paul Watkins: The Fellowship Of Ghosts
• Erling Storrusten: Hurtigruten, the World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage
• Norway Insight Travel map
• Bradt Travel guides: Wildlife of the North Atlantic
Life on board Hurtigruten:
Announcements
Announcements on board are made in several languages. These announcements may also be heard in your cabin by activating the telephone system. No public announcements are made at night so if you would like a call, for example to view an appearance of the Northern Lights, please advise the reception.
Cabins
The times for checking out of cabins are according to the ship’s timetable and may vary from day to day. On arrival in Bergen, Kirkenes and Trondheim (southbound) special rules apply:
• Cabins for departure from Bergen are available from 18:00 hrs.
• Check-out on arrival at Kirkenes is before 8:30 hrs.
• Check-out on arrival at Trondheim (southbound) is before 8:00hrs.
• Check-out on arrival at Bergen is before 10:00 hrs.
If you are travelling in a suite different check-out timings may apply, please contact the reception.
The facilities of the cabins vary between the ships and the various cabin grades. Towels and shower gel/liquid soap are provided in all cabins, in addition to this all cabins (except for MS Lofoten, MS Nordstjernen and some cabins on board MS Vesterålen) also have a hair dryer.
Tea/coffee making facilities are available in suites only.
It is possible to hire cots on board; a limited number can be pre-booked. Please note that cots do not fit into all cabins.
For bookings with unspecified cabin grades/numbers, requests for adjacent cabins or accommodation in a specific area of the ship etc cannot be guaranteed.
On MS Lofoten, MS Nordstjernen and MS Vesterålen some cabins have portholes which might be covered during the winter period.
There are no safety deposit boxes in the cabins (exceptions: some suites on board MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol and all cabins on board MS Finnmarken have safety deposit boxes) and Hurtigruten cannot accept liability for any loss. Valuables may be handed in at reception to be kept in the ship`s safe.
Cafeteria
Hot and cold drinks and snacks may be bought in the cafeteria, usually open 24 hours a day. During the winter, times are advised on board. When leaving from Bergen the cafeteria opens at 16:00 hrs.
Cars and vehicles
Please meet at the quayside latest 1 hour prior to departure in Bergen, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø and Kirkenes.
Times in Bergen for driving the cars on board:
• In the summer season (15 Apr-30 Sep): from 18:00 hrs.
• In the winter season (01 Oct-14 Apr): between 19:30 and 21:30 hrs.
For all other ports, please be at the quayside at the latest 30 minutes prior to departure.
If you are bringing a car from Bergen and further north than Bodø, please be at the quayside no later than 2 hours prior to departure. Passengers must embark with their luggage via the Hurtigruten Terminal. Only the driver is allowed in the car when driving on or off the ship. The control key card for your car must be shown to the crew on the car deck (you will receive this at check-in). Your car key will be kept by the crew on the car deck. In the high season there is limited car capacity on certain short stretches. Please note that there will be no access to the car deck during the voyage and it is not possible to go ashore by car when the ship calls at ports. Caravans cannot be brought on to the ships. MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen do not have a car deck.
Children’s playroom
There is a playroom for children on all ships except on MS Lofoten and on MS Nordstjernen. MS Trollfjord and
MS Midnatsol have a separate area where children can play.
Conferences
Most ships have conference facilities. If there is a meeting in progress you may find that a section of the dining area or public area has been reserved for this purpose.
Cruise card and currency on board
For your convenience, Hurtigruten offers a Cruise Card system on board all ships. This system allows you to charge all on board purchases to your cruise card. Cruise card accounts can be created at all points of payment on board the ship. Hurtigruten accept VISA, Master Card, Diners, American Express or cash (NOK, EUR, GBP, USD) as deposit.
On your last night on board an itemised statement will be delivered to your cabin door. The cruise card account needs to be settled by 22:00. For your convenience, your cruise card charges will be billed automatically to your credit card. Any discrepancies must be reported before disembarkation. This also applies if you want to pay part cash and part credit card.
The currency used on board is Norwegian Kroner. Exchange rates are similar to those in a hotel. Please check with the reception for methods of payment. Please note that a PIN code is required when paying with your personal credit card on board.
Electric current
220v AC. - 2 pin Continental-type for which an adapter is required. If you need an adapter/converter, please bring your own with you.
Embarkation/disembarkation
In Bergen the Hurtigruten ships sail from the Hurtigruten Terminal, Nøstegaten 30, N-5010 Bergen. Taxi drivers will understand if you ask to be taken to the Hurtigruten Terminal and it is sign-posted as such locally. Luggage lockers are available in the terminal at a charge of NOK 30 (3 x 10 kroner coins are required.) The terminal is staffed and open for luggage check-in from 13.00 hrs. Passenger check-in begins at 15.00 hrs and embarkation takes place from 16.00 hrs. Cabins are available from 18.00 hrs.
Period - Departure - Embarkation
01. Oct - 15. Apr - 22.30 hrs - From 16.00 hrs
15. Apr - 14. Sep - 20.00 hrs - From 16.00 hrs
15. Sep - 31. Dec - 22.30 hrs - From 16.00 hrs
There are no restaurant facilities in the terminal and passengers are free to explore Bergen until embarkation time. A buffet dinner is served in the evening of departure from Bergen, usually between 18.00-21.00 with open seating this evening only.
Round Voyage guests will find their table assignment for the rest of the voyage in the envelope they receive at check-in.
When disembarking in Bergen, luggage will be delivered to the baggage belt in the terminal. On the last day of the round voyage you will be asked to vacate your cabin a few hours before arrival. Information regarding luggage handling and disembarkation at other ports is available on board.
Entertainment
There is usually live music in the bar area during the evening and occasional visits by local choirs and musicians, but there is no organised entertainment programme (except as specified on theme voyages) as the emphasis of the voyage is on relaxation and scenery.
Gratuity policy
It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal voyage, but if you feel that individual crew members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service this is entirely at your discretion.
Hand hygiene
Hurtigruten wishes to ensure that your voyage will be as pleasant as possible and would like to ask you, for the sake of your own health and that of other people, to be especially careful with hand hygiene during your voyage. Anti bacterial hand gel is available throughout the ship.
Hurtigruten’s 1893 Ambassador
programme Hurtigruten’s 1893 Ambassador Programme offers special privileges to returning customers who have sailed with us for 3 or more consecutive nights. Within this programme you will find a host of benefits specially chosen to ensure that every voyage you take with us in future is a special and memorable experience. For full details how to join, please visit our website: www.hurtigruten.com
Internet
There is an internet cafe on board all ships except MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen. Be aware that the bandwidth is narrow and reception intermittent. Wireless networks in most public areas to connect laptops, mobile phones etc., will be implemented on all ships during 2012.
Itinerary/working ships
Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable. Ships carry goods, vehicles and foot passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life. Ships are calling at ports around the clock. You may expect some noise and vibration in a few cabins during loading of goods. This varies depending on the location of your cabin and the type of ship. Also, noise affects people differently and what may be a problem for one person may not be a problem for others.
With the exception of MS Nordstjernen and MS Lofoten, Hurtigruten vessels are equipped with stabilisers. On the Norwegian coast the ships enter the open sea for a few hours on only a few occasions. The majority of the time the ships sail between mainland Norway and the coastal islands where the sea is generally calmer. Please ensure that you are back on board by sailing time, especially if the ship has arrived late as it may leave as scheduled to make up time. The departure time is advised at the gangway and ships are not able to wait for passengers who are late. If you miss the ship it is your responsibility to make arrangements to re-join the voyage at the next possible stop or to return home.
As Christmas approaches itineraries may change in order for ships to host dinners and celebrations for local communities.
Language
Norwegian and English are the official on board languages. The personnel at the Reception and some of the service crew often also speak German. The Tour Leader speaks Norwegian, English and German.
Laundry
Laundry rooms with washing machines, dryers and irons are available on all ships except MS Nordstjernen. Tokens may be purchased from reception.
Meals/Special requests
The usual meal times are:
• Breakfast from 07.30 to 10.00 (open sitting)
• Lunch from 12.00/13.00 (open sitting)
• Dinner from 18.30/19.00 (assigned seating)
During the high season there may be two meal sittings (times advised on board).
Full board begins with a buffet dinner on departure from Bergen and ends with brunch on the arrival day back in Bergen.
The food is Norwegian and breakfast is buffet style with a selection of cold meats, cheese, eggs, cereals and fruit. Lunch is the famous Cold Table with a choice of fish dishes, cold meats, salads, a selection of hot dishes, desserts and fruit. Dinner is a three-course set meal from our coastal menu; there is not usually a choice of menu.
Occasionally the Cold Table may be served in the evening and the set meal for lunch. It is safe to drink tap water on board. Ship’s purified water and mineral water in bottles, soft drinks, wine and our coffee deal can be purchased on board. Wine packages are also available; these include one bottle of ship’s purified water every day.
Coffee/tea deal: Passengers can purchase a thermo coffee cup with the ship’s logo and have as much coffee/tea as they want. It is only valid on the ship where it was purchased and you can have as much coffee and tea you want from the date you bought the mug and throughout the year.
Specific diets, e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free etc., are generally available if sufficient notice (at least two weeks) has been given to us in order to advise the ship. All ships are fully licensed; the price level is the same as on mainland Norway. Restaurant opening hours vary depending on season and number of guests on board. Further information is available on board.
Medical
On the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ships do not leave territorial waters and are rarely far from land. There is no doctor or pharmacy on board and medical assistance is available at ports or, in an emergency, by helicopter. Some of the crew are trained in first aid and there is a First Aid cabin on all ships. If you need assistance please contact
the reception. It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure they comply with any health requirements at the time of travel for Norway.
If you have any mobility or hearing/sight problems, please advise reception on arrival. This will ensure that you receive assistance in the event of any emergency. If you are prone to seasickness, please carry effective medication. Some tablets are available on board, for which a charge is generally made, but they may not be appropriate for every passenger.
Safety
An Information Meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and Kirkenes and includes details of safety on board. Please familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures as shown in the cabins (there is a diagram on the cabin door and in public areas), and ask at reception if in doubt.
In many ports there may be a good deal of activity on the quay with cars joining/ leaving the ships and/or goods being loaded or unloaded. Please be alert to such traffic when embarking and disembarking. Take care during winter months when it is icy underfoot, particularly on the outside decks and when disembarking the ship or
alighting from coaches.
Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep valuable items, including mobile telephones and cameras, out of sight.
Shore excursions
Pre-booking excursions, where possible, is recommended as only remaining places will be sold on board. Excursions booked on board will be payable in Norwegian Kroner and the price may vary as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. Pre-booking of shore excursions is possible until 2 weeks prior to departure, provided pre-payment is recieved by ITT.
Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers, sailing times and weather and/or local conditions. If prebooked excursions have to be cancelled you will get a refund on board in NOK.
Shops
There is a shop on board all ships. They sell souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries. On MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen this service is handled by the coffee shop.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. It is not permitted when the ships are in port. To show respect for the environment, please use the provided ashtrays. Throwing cigarette ends overboard is strictly prohibited. Smoking in the cabin is prohibited and subject to a fine of NOK 1500.
Snow, ice and precipitation
Please take care when walking on the outside decks as surfaces may be slippery.
Suite service
We are pleased to introduce a range of extras if you book a suite on board one of our ships. They include a fruit basket upon embarkation, bathrobe, tea/coffee making facilities, an invitation to visit the bridge, complimentary coffee deal on board throughout your voyage and late check out.
For a fee you also have the option to have breakfast served in your suite and to use the mini bar. If there is available capacity you may book and pay for an upgrade to a suite when on board.
Telephone/mobile phones
All ships have pay phones. Phone cards can be purchased from reception. Mobile phones may be used on board although reception may vary, check with your provider for costs when using your phone abroad. Passengers are requested to restrict the use of mobile telephones in public areas to avoid disturbing fellow travellers.
Tour leader
Each ship has a Tour Leader on board who sells and gives advice regarding excursions, issues a daily programme and news bulletin and makes announcements regarding places of interest, disembarkation, etc. Occasionally this service may be carried out by the reception. All Tour Leaders speak Norwegian, English and German.
Wake-up calls
When arriving at night disembarking passengers will be woken half an hour to an hour before arrival. On early morning arrivals a wake-up call will be made to allow time for you to vacate the cabin for it to be prepared for the next occupants. You may use the ship’s public facilities and the luggage room until you disembark.
What to wear
Dress on board is informal. Although some passengers choose to change for dinner the dress code is smart/casual’ rather than formal. The weather in Norway can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily.
Where necessary, excursions include use of appropriate clothing. Please also see the equipment list in this booklet.
Wheelchair users/disabled passengers
With the exception of MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen, all of our ships have elevators/lifts and at least one wheelchair accessible cabin for disabled passengers. Please contact our reservations department for
further information and advise us at the time of booking if special transfers need to be arranged. Guests who require a wheelchair must bring their own foldable wheelchair and travel with a companion who is able to
assist them. There is a ramp in all ports, but, no designated crew to assist. NB: Airlines usually do not allow wet battery wheelchairs on aircraft.
Excursions are not suitable for passengers with electric wheelchairs although some are possible with a manual, foldable chair. Please contact the Tour Leader on board who will be able to advise which excursions are suitable. Drivers and guides are not permitted to lift wheelchairs or passengers at any time.
For assistance at train stations please call NSB (Norwegian State railways) on: +47 815 00 888, for assistance when using the Oslo airport train (Flytoget) please call +47 64 821772. Please call at least 24 hours before you travel.
Wildlife
The Hurtigruten brochures include pictures and descriptions of wildlife, which may be seen from the ships and during excursions. Spending time on outside decks increase your chance of spotting wildlife, but there is
no guarantee of sightings.
Ship contact details:
MS Midnatsol: +47 99 48 72 77
midnatsol@hurtigruten.com
MS Trollfjord: +47 99 48 72 76
trollfjord@hurtigruten.com
MS Finnmarken: +47 48 03 40 00
finnmarken@hurtigruten.com
MS Nordnorge: +47 97 59 10 00
nordnorge@hurtigruten.com
MS Polarlys: +47 99 48 72 75
polarlys@hurtigruten.com
MS Nordkapp: +47 97 58 10 00
nordkapp@hurtigruten.com
MS Nordlys: +47 99 48 72 74
nordlys@hurtigruten.com
MS Richard With: +47 97 57 10 00
richard.with@hurtigruten.com
MS Kong Harald: +47 99 48 72 73
kongharald@hurtigruten.com
MS Vesterålen: +47 48 01 80 00
vesteralen@hurtigruten.com
MS Lofoten: +47 91 35 20 00
lofoten@hurtigruten.com
MS Nordstjernen: +47 97 49 10 00
nordstjernen@hurtigruten.com
Hurtigruten reserves the right to make changes.
This information is correct at the time of release (March 2012) but may change at any time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
