MS Kong Harald

MS Kong Harald current position

MS Kong Harald current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 63.44377 N / 10.40744 E) cruising en route to KIRKENES. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of MS Kong Harald

MS Kong Harald current cruise is 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes. The itinerary starts on 17 Mar, 2024 and ends on 23 Mar, 2024.

Specifications of MS Kong Harald

Year of build1993  /  Age: 31
Flag state Norway
BuilderVolkswerft Stralsund GmbH (Stralsund, Germany)
Classcruiseferry (Ro-Pax ship)
Ferry route / homeportsBergen-Kirkenes
Speed17 kn / 31 km/h / 20 mph
Length (LOA)122 m / 400 ft
Beam (width)19 m / 62 ft
Gross Tonnage11204 gt
Passengers590
Crew70
Passengers-to-space ratio23
Beds498
Decks7
Cabins227
Decks with cabins4
Last Refurbishment2016
OwnerHurtigruten AS
OperatorHurtigruten Cruises

MS Kong Harald Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Feb 24 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Feb 24 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $3336
2024 Feb 24 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $3935
2024 Mar 01 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Mar 06 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Mar 06 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $3481
2024 Mar 06 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $3481
2024 Mar 12 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Mar 17 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Mar 17 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $1488
2024 Mar 17 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $1488
2024 Mar 23 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Apr 30 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Apr 30 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2034
2024 Apr 30 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2034
2024 May 06 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 May 11 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 May 11 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2088
2024 May 11 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2088
2024 May 17 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 May 22 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 May 22 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $4601
2024 May 22 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2990
2024 May 28 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Jun 02 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Jun 02 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2850
2024 Jun 02 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2850
2024 Jun 08 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Jun 13 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Jun 13 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2639
2024 Jun 13 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2639
2024 Jun 13 12 days, one-way from Stockholm to Bergen Stockholm
2024 Jun 19 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Jun 24 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Jun 24 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2736
2024 Jun 24 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2736
2024 Jun 24 12 days, one-way from Stockholm to Bergen Stockholm
2024 Jun 30 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Jul 05 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Jul 05 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2850
2024 Jul 05 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2850
2024 Jul 05 12 days, one-way from Stockholm to Bergen Stockholm
2024 Jul 11 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Jul 16 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Jul 16 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2639
2024 Jul 16 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2639
2024 Jul 16 12 days, one-way from Stockholm to Bergen Stockholm
2024 Jul 22 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Jul 27 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Jul 27 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2639
2024 Jul 27 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2639
2024 Aug 02 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Aug 07 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Aug 07 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2550
2024 Aug 07 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2550
2024 Aug 13 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Aug 18 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Aug 18 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2453
2024 Aug 18 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2649
2024 Aug 24 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Aug 29 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Aug 29 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2453
2024 Aug 29 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2453
2024 Sep 04 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Sep 09 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Sep 09 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2024 Sep 09 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen
2024 Sep 15 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Sep 18 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $6824
2024 Sep 20 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Sep 20 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2024 Sep 20 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen
2024 Sep 26 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Sep 29 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2024 Oct 01 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Oct 01 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2668
2024 Oct 01 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2668
2024 Oct 07 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Oct 10 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $6824
2024 Oct 12 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Oct 12 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2668
2024 Oct 12 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2668
2024 Oct 14 11 days, one-way from Helsinki to Oslo Helsinki
2024 Oct 18 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Oct 21 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $6823
2024 Oct 23 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Oct 23 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2435
2024 Oct 23 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2435
2024 Oct 29 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Nov 01 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $6823
2024 Nov 03 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Nov 03 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2277
2024 Nov 03 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2276
2024 Nov 09 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Nov 12 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $6940
2024 Nov 14 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Nov 14 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2277
2024 Nov 14 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2276
2024 Nov 20 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Nov 23 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2024 Nov 25 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Nov 25 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2047
2024 Nov 25 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2047
2024 Dec 01 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Dec 04 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2024 Dec 06 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Dec 06 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $1895
2024 Dec 06 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $1895
2024 Dec 12 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Dec 15 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2024 Dec 17 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Dec 17 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $1895
2024 Dec 17 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $1895
2024 Dec 23 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2024 Dec 26 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2024 Dec 28 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2024 Dec 28 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2277
2024 Dec 28 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2276
2025 Jan 03 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jan 17 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $7582
2025 Jan 19 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Jan 19 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2435
2025 Jan 19 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2435
2025 Jan 25 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jan 30 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Jan 30 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2435
2025 Jan 30 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2435
2025 Feb 01 11 days, one-way from Helsinki to Oslo Helsinki
2025 Feb 05 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Feb 10 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2563
2025 Feb 10 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Feb 10 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2562
2025 Feb 16 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Feb 19 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2025 Feb 21 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Feb 21 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2768
2025 Feb 21 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2767
2025 Feb 27 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Mar 04 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Mar 04 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2668
2025 Mar 04 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2668
2025 Mar 10 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Mar 13 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2025 Mar 15 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Mar 15 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2668
2025 Mar 15 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2668
2025 Mar 21 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Mar 24 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $7583
2025 Mar 26 11 days, round-trip 11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise Bergen $2668
2025 Mar 26 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen $2668
2025 Mar 26 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Apr 01 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Apr 12 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Apr 23 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 May 04 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 May 15 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 May 26 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jun 06 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jun 17 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jun 28 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jul 09 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jul 20 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Jul 31 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Aug 11 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Aug 22 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Sep 02 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Sep 13 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Sep 24 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Oct 05 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Oct 16 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Nov 07 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Nov 18 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Nov 29 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Dec 10 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Dec 21 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Jan 01 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Jan 12 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Jan 23 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Feb 03 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Feb 14 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Feb 25 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Mar 08 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Mar 19 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes

MS Kong Harald Review

Review of MS Kong Harald

The 1993-built MS Kong Harald cruise ship is the first in a series of six “contemporary” Hurtigruten boats, together with Nordlys, Nordnorge, Nordkapp, Polarlys, Richard With. Together with these fleetmates, Kong Harald serves Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program for cruiseferry travel by cargo-passenger ships.

The vessel (IMO number 9039119) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 257200000) and registered in Tromso.

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Hurtigruten is a Norwegian passenger shipping company specializing in cruise and ferry services. The "Norwegian Coastal Express Route" (Bergen-Kirkenes) is a cargo-passenger ferry service along Norway's western and northern coast. Hurtigruten's cruise ferries sail nearly the entire length of Norway and complete this roundtrip itinerary in 11 days. The route also includes Lofoten Islands and Vesteralen Islands.

MS Kong Harald cruise ship

The 600-passenger ship Kong Harald was named after Harald, the King of Norway, but other famous Norwegians can also be found onboard. The bar is named after the Norwegian polar pioneer and Nobel Peace Laureate Fridtjof Nansen, the cafe – after the explorer Roald Amundsen. MS Kong Harald was introduced in 1993 and marked Hurtigruten’s centenary. Decorative details of King’s Crown emblem are to be seen in the ship’s interior.

Decks and Cabins

MS Kong Harald staterooms (227 total, in 8 grades) include 2x Suites, 204x Outside, 21x Inside. Cabin sizes vary from 55 to 325 ft2 (5-30 m2). Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 3. Most staterooms are outside and sized 85-140-ft2 (8-14 m2). There are no balcony cabins.

Standard cabin amenities include lower and upper bunk beds, bedside reading lamps, foldable table with chair, LCDTV, radio, phone, mini-fridge, electronic safe box, wardrobe with dressers and cabinets, en-suite bathroom (WC-shower, bath products, hairdryer), individual air-conditioning, blankets (for sitting outside).

The boat has 7 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Kong Harald features some qualities which separate her from the traditional cruise ships. The everyday conveniences are offered in a large ship setting. Enjoy plentiful food portions in the main restaurant or try a quick bite in the ship’s bistro. Hurtigruten dining boasts authentic Norwegian specialties and international cuisine.

Follows the complete list of ms Kong Harald restaurants and food bars.

  • Brygga Bistro offers cafe-style food and is perfect for a light lunch. It serves beverages, sandwiches, and burgers throughout the day.
  • Kysten Arctic Fine Dining offers a more private, intimate setting. This exquisite restaurant serves some of the world's best seafood, exotic meat and other produce directly sourced from the Arctic.
  • Torget Restaurant is the ship’s dining room (capacity 240 seats, nonsmoking) with floor-ceiling windows, buffet station and Galley / Kitchen. The dining room offers buffet-style Breakfast (incl bacon, eggs, sausages, cold meats, selection of cheeses, seafood, bread, also cereals, fruits, porridge, a self-service station for coffee-tea-juice) and Lunch (incl salads and soups, hot/cold meats, pate, seafood, vegetables, desserts). The 4-seating Dinner is waiter-served (with 3-course menu /Scandinavian-Norwegian specialties). Wine by the bottle costs extra (a wine package is available for purchase at the restaurant).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The total passenger capacity of MS Kong Harald is only 622. Guests onboard the cruise ship are able to enjoy a voyage revealing the full beauty of the fjords of Norway. Many small elements part of the cruise like the Explorer Lounge, onboard saunas, the Sun Deck with panoramic views, fitness centre, a bar for after-dinner drinks, make the stay more pleasant. Cruising onboard MS Kong Harald is exciting, but more exciting are the shore excursions available in each port of call.

MS Kong Harald cruise ship

Follows the complete list of ms Kong Harald lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • The Car Deck (capacity of 45 cars)
  • Lecture Halls / Meeting rooms generally host multimedia presentations and expert lectures by scientists and wildlife experts. They are also used for business-, a large group- and private meetings, conferences at sea, special events, etc.
  • Information Desk is for booking Hurtigruten tours/shore excursions, featuring dog sledding, bus tours to small towns (embarkation in the next port along the Kong Harald itinerary), “Northern Lights” and “North Cape” themed excursions. The Info Center also provides printed daily onboard program schedule.
  • The Shop is selling mostly traditional Norwegian souvenirs and gifts, also toys and Hurtigruten logo merchandise.
  • Kompass Adventure / Reception Desk (24h guest services, assistance, offers a reduced variety of drinks, snacks, sandwiches)
  • The fore-located Explorer Lounge & Panorama Bar has a comfortable seating indoor area and offers 270-degree panoramic views from floor-ceiling windows, as well as bookcrossing and board games.
  • Multe Bakery & Ice Cream (patisserie with knitting corner and puzzles) offers freshly-baked cakes and pastries along with a range of local ice creams and coffee beverages. Guests can try the stockfish, brown cheese, and cloudberry ice cream.
  • The Fitness room is a small gym, equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights.
  • Infirmary (Hospital and Pharmacy) is a small medical facility not served by a resident doctor or nurse. 
  • Outdoor Explorer Deck (Sun Deck) is an open-air space with the best vantage points. There is an outdoor seating area by the ship’s funnel with plenty of tables and chairs. This is also the place for the Hurtigruten Polarlys' special ceremony called "Arctic Circle baptism", which includes a Neptune-costumed crewmember, ice-cold seawater, and a free shot – for warming up.
  • The fore-located Navigation Bridge and the adjacent Captain’s Suite and officers quarters are inaccessible for passengers. The Kong Harald ship has two outdoor whirlpools (aft-located hot tubs).
  • The full-circle Promenade Deck is an open-air deck space perfect for daily observation and strolling.
  • 6 service boats, of which 4 are used for passenger tendering and 2 lifeboats.

Itineraries

MS Kong Harald itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages. Ship's routes include the beautiful Norwegian fjords.

Havila-Hurtigruten ferry route (Norwegian Coastal Express cruise ship itinerary map)

Kong Harald is mostly used as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, some guests stay on board for roundtrip 12-day itineraries out of Bergen and Kirkenes.

MS Kong Harald - user reviews and comments

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MS Kong Harald Wiki

Named after the King of Norway, the majestic Kong Harald cruise ship pays tribute to famous Norwegians - the Amundsen Cafe and Nansen Club Bar. Distinctive works of many local artists are displayed throughout. The crew varies in size on each sailing to maintain a ratio of 1 crew member for every 3 passengers. Most of the cruise passengers are 50+ Europeans, with some Americans who travel as individuals or in organized groups.

Fun fact is, that the ship doesn't have stabilizers to prevent movement in case the weather gets rough.

The Kong Harald ship offers voyages along the coast of Norway. Many passengers use the vessel as transportation (ferry for both cars and passengers). Departing from port Bergen, Finnmarken sails to port Kirkenes roundtrip. This is an Arctic outpost near Russia’s border with Norway. Norwegian coastal cruise passengers can opt for 5-11 nights stays, with the full 12-day sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes, then going back southbound. In most ports of call are offered Hurtigruten-sponsored excursions and tours. A ceremony "Crossing the Arctic Circle” welcomes newcomers.

On Hurtigruten Norwegian coastal voyages, the line offers flight-cruise package deals. Bookings are protected with ATOL Certificate. ATOL stands for "Air Travel Organisers' Licensing" (Civil Aviation Authority, UK).

Drydock refurbishments review

By 2023-Q4, Hurtigtuten's all 7x "Norwegian Coastal Express" ferryboats (Kong Harald, Richard With, Nordlys, Nordnorge, Polarlys, Trollfjord, Nordkapp) were scheduled to complete drydocks for powerplant conversions (from diesel-only to diesel-electric / battery-hybrid), during which new low-emission diesel engines and large battery packs were installed.

  • For this project (budgeted ~EUR 100 million), on May 11, 2021, Hurtigruten Group signed a contract with Kongsberg Maritime to deliver the hybrid equipment packages for the boats.
  • Each ship was fitted with 2x SAVe Energy storage systems (1120 kWh lithium-ion batteries) controlled via SAVe CUBE (drive switchboards that control the thrusters) and 2x Bergen B33:45V diesel engines (diesel generator sets with SCR-Selective Catalytic Reduction to optimize CO emissions control).
  • Kongsberg's equipment also included re-blading of the propellers, installing new thruster motors (retractable stern 360-degree azimuthing thruster), AC (switchboards/current switches), new safety and communication systems, new gears, bulbous bow (the hull was optimized to reduce drag), new boilers (improving heat recovery from the engines), new wastewater treatment plant.
  • The drydocks were conducted by Myklebust Verft AS (shipyard in Gursken, Norway's Gurskoya Island).

All Hurtigruten ships now have shoreside-power capabilities (plugs for electricity supply at port berths).