Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten (hurtigruten.com) 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 coasts. Hurtigruten's cruiseferries sail nearly the entire length of Norway and complete this roundtrip itinerary in 11 days. The route also includes the Lofoten Islands and Vesteralen Islands.

Hurtigruten's cruise fleet is operated by a separate company and travel brand—HX/Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Hurtigruten's competitor in the Norwegian cruiseferry market is Havila Voyages.

IMPORTANT: On November 30, 2024, Hurtigruten Group officially confirmed the sale of Hurtigruten AS to a consortium of existing investors for EUR 110 million. On November 28, the sale of the sister company HX was announced for EUR 140 million. Hurtigruten's new ownership is led by Arini Capital Management (a London-based asset manager), AlbaCore Capital Group (a London-based credit manager), and Barings LLC (an investment management firm owned by MassMutual/Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company).

Upon completion, Hurtigruten Group will receive an investment of approximately EUR 400 million, while HX secures EUR 140 million in junior funding.

Company History

The Hurtigruten company was established by government contract in 1893 to improve communications along Norway's jagged and lengthy coastline. On July 2, 1893, the steamship Vesteralen departed on the company's maiden voyage/first roundtrip itinerary from Trondheim, arriving in Svolvaer on July 3rd (after a 35.5-hour crossing) and at Hammerfest on July 5th (after 67 hours). The steamer was captained by Richard With (Hurtigruten's founder).

Hurtigruten's first expedition voyage took place in 1896.

Only Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab was willing to navigate the then poorly charted waters, which were especially difficult during the long, dark winters. Hurtigruten was a breakthrough for many communities. Mail to Hammerfest from central Norway (which previously took 3 weeks in summer and 5 months in winter) could now be delivered in just 7 days.

Encouraged by Vesteraalens' early success, several other companies obtained concessions to operate the coastal route, which was extended to run from Bergen (in the southwest) to Kirkenes (in the far northeast). Eleven ships visit each of the 34 ports daily, traveling both northbound and southbound. The 12-day roundtrip itinerary between Bergen and Kirkenes includes 65 port stops, with port stays ranging from 15 minutes to more than 4 hours.

Currently, Hurtigruten provides 24/7 cargo and passenger ferry service between Bergen and Kirkenes. The company receives a Norwegian subsidy to operate this service. However, in 2017, the subsidy arrangement was altered to prevent ferry competition. Some Norwegian interests also argued that Hurtigruten's monopoly on the Norwegian Coastal Service is not beneficial to the country, and that local passengers would benefit from more competitive options.

In the 1980s, Hurtigruten's role changed. Operating subsidies were phased out, and the company shifted its focus toward tourism. New, larger, and more luxurious vessels were introduced, with greater attention to restaurants, bars, hot tubs, and other amenities. Hurtigruten still serves important cargo and passenger needs and operates year-round. On March 1, 2006, the last two shipping companies, Troms Fylkes Dampskibsselskap (TFDS) and Ofotens og Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab (OVDS), merged to form Hurtigruten Group AS. A year later, it became Hurtigruten ASA. In addition to ferries, high-speed regional express ships, and the coastal route, the company operates cruises around South America, Antarctica, and Greenland.

At the end of 2014, the British private equity firm TDR Capital (specializing in control buyout investments in Europe) acquired Hurtigruten. In July 2014, TDR announced 3 potential buyers for the company and began receiving offers. Since 2014, TDR Capital has funded the purchase and refurbishment of MS Spitsbergen, as well as the capital for drydock refurbishments of four ships in the Hurtigruten fleet and two new shipbuilding orders (with an option for two more vessels) in an effort to revitalize the company.

When TDR bought Hurtigruten, the bid was valued at USD 884 million. TDR Capital acquired 90%, while both of Hurtigruten's original shareholders retained 5% each. Future plans include popularizing the brand (which specializes in explorer cruising/expedition-type vacations) in markets in Asia and the USA. New itineraries will be added, including exotic destinations such as the Amazon River (South America in general), the Caribbean, and other non-polar regions, in addition to the line's traditional Arctic and Antarctica cruises.

In 2017, Hurtigruten signed a strategic partnership with Alibaba Group's Fliggy (a subsidiary specializing in tourism). Via Fliggy, Hurtigruten scheduled Antarctica cruises (on the ship Midnatsol) exclusively for Chinese travelers in January and February 2018 and 2019. These itineraries were roundtrips from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Since July 2, 2018, the fleet has implemented a policy to eliminate single-use plastic products (such as bags, straws, cups, cutlery, toothpicks, aprons, stir pins, drink mixers, and coffee lids). This decision made Hurtigruten the world's first "plastic-free" shipping company. It is estimated that 15 tons of plastic enter the oceans every minute, making plastic pollution the world's single biggest threat to marine life. Hurtigruten's ban on single-use plastics was also extended to all hotels, restaurants, and other establishments contracted by the subsidiary company Hurtigruten Svalbard for land-based operations on Svalbard Islands.

Hurtigruten Group's CEO is Daniel Skjeldam, and Steven Taylor serves as the CCO.

Hurtigruten Norway's CEO is Hedda Felin. Hurtigruten Americas' President is Jeffrey Oar.

Hurtigruten Expeditions/HX's CEO is Gebhard Rainer, who will succeed Daniel Skjeldam on June 15, 2024.

In January 2021, Hurtigruten Group reorganized its cruise shipping operations into two separate entities—"Hurtigruten Expeditions" (rebranded "HX" in December 2023) and "Hurtigruten Norway." Both entities have different management teams (including separate CEOs).

Hurtigruten Expeditions/HX operates a fleet of smaller vessels deployed in regions such as South America, Antarctica, Alaska, North and Central America, Arctic Norway (Spitsbergen, Svalbard), Atlantic Europe (Iceland and Greenland), Southern Europe (Mediterranean), Canary Islands (Spain), and Madeira (Portugal). HX's current Nautical Itinerary Planner/Marine Operations Officer is Niclas Eriksson.

"Hurtigruten Norway" operates Norwegian coastal voyages (Bergen-Kirkenes/34-port route), providing both cruise and ferry services.

In 2023, Hurtigruten hired Alex McNeil (Quark Expeditions' Director of Expedition Experience & Innovation) as SVP of Expeditions Product & Guest Experience, as well as Alastair Newton (Director and Co-founder of Alavan Business Advisory Ltd) as Director of Expedition Operations.

Company Changes 2024

In January, HX expanded its leadership team with Alex Delamere-White (CCO/Chief Commercial Officer), Jim Sayer (Senior VP of Global Marketing, Managing Director, and VP of Europe), Nathaniel Sherborne (VP Sales and Marketing for the UK & Nordics, previously with P&O UK, Cunard, and Princess), Carla Brake (Senior Sales Director), Sheralyn Berry (General Manager for the Americas), Jennifer Kennedy (Business Development Manager, Southeast USA), Kent Phillips (Business Development Manager, Western Canada), and Ian Kivell (Business Development Manager, Eastern Canada).

Effective from November 2024, HX will be an all-inclusive cruise line, offering the following standard/complimentary amenities and services across its fleet and destinations:

• Daily land expeditions and activities (hikes, community visits, lectures, etc.)
• Full shipboard dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner with house wine and beer)
• Availability of wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails throughout the day and evening
• Unlimited access to beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Inclusive crew gratuities
• Participation in the onboard interactive science program (Science Centre + activities)
• Access to wellness facilities (sauna, hot tubs, gym, etc.)
• Complimentary photos captured by the ship's professional photographer
• Expedition gear and a reusable water bottle for guests to take home

In May, HX appointed Chloe Couchman as Executive VP of Public Relations and Communications, reporting directly to the CEO.

In June, HX signed a partnership with Air Greenland (Greenland's flag carrier) for fly-cruises in 2025 (ship Fridtjof Nansen) with direct flights between Copenhagen and Nuuk. The new offers include pre- and post-cruise packages with fares inclusive of waterfront lodge stays (Ilimanaq) and fishing tours (Nuuk).

(news ID 13929) In October, details were announced about the Sea Zero ship's technology. Key features include battery technology (max storage capacity 60 megawatt-hours), contra-rotating propellers, retractable stern thrusters, the OceanWings sails (wind propulsion system combined with solar panels), air lubrication hull technology (air bubbles injected beneath the hull to decrease drag), modern hull design, anti-fouling coatings, improved insulation, ventilation systems, and energy management, all aimed at driving efficiency gains. The project is being developed in collaboration with Norwegian shipbuilder Vard Group AS.

Company Changes 2023

In December, at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Trondheim, Hurtigruten's Nidelven Bla was named "World's Best Cheese." Produced by Gangstad Gardsysteri AS, the gourmet blue mold cheese has been available onboard most Hurtigruten ships (including those serving the Coastal Express route) since 2015.

In November, Hurtigruten Norway signed a partnership with Arctic Umiaq Line AS (a Greenland-based passenger and freight ferry line) to promote sustainable travel and tourism in Greenland.

In September, HX appointed Sheralyn Berry as General Manager for the Americas (USA-Canada-Latin America). Previously (2018-2023), she was Contiki Holidays' President for Canada.

In 2023, Hurtigruten Norway celebrated its 130th Anniversary since its first Norwegian Coastal Express voyage in 1893. In September, the sister company Hurtigruten Expeditions (operating a 6-ship fleet) was rebranded to "HX."

(news ID 11940) In March 2023, Hurtigruten launched the "Sea Zero" ship project in partnership with SINTEF (a Trondheim-based independent research organization founded in 1950) and a consortium of 12 maritime companies. The project (budgeted EUR 13 million/USD 14M/GBP 11.5M) received EUR 7 million (~USD 7.5M/~GBP 6.2M) in public funding. The two-year research and development phase (2023-2025) aims to develop a battery-based powerplant, a hybrid propulsion system, and an optimized hull design to reduce onboard energy consumption (used for hotel operations). Hurtigruten's Sea Zero project (originally unveiled in October 2022) will result in the construction of the world's most energy-efficient cruise vessel, reducing energy consumption by 40-50%.

In December 2022, Hurtigruten purchased 1,700 wax-sealed bottles of sparkling wine from the family-owned Rathfinny Wine Estate (Polegate, East Sussex, UK) and placed them at a secret location off Arctic Norway’s coast to age. In May 2023, after six months of aging on the seabed (at a depth of 34 m/112 ft), the bottles (branded Havets Bobler) were retrieved and introduced fleetwide to celebrate the company's 130th Anniversary. The first "Arctic-aged" champagne was tasted on May 12th by celebrity sommelier Nikolai Haram Svorte in Sandnessjoen. The special wine-tasting event was attended by Tina Gurra (Hurtigruten's Director of Beverages) and Mark Driver (Rathfinny Estate's co-owner).

Company Changes 2022

In March 2022, Hurtigruten Group AS acquired a 24.9% stake in Metropolitan Touring (Quito, Ecuador-headquartered travel company and luxury brand) specializing in South America and Galapagos voyages.

In October 2022, Hurtigruten Expeditions signed a deal with Speedcast (an Australian satellite technology provider) and implemented fleetwide SpaceX Starlink (satellite internet) connectivity. The fast internet is unlimited and offered complimentary to both passengers and the crew.

Company Changes 2021 (Hurtigruten Galapagos Cruise Charter)

In June 2021, Hurtigruten Expeditions signed a boat charter deal with Metropolitan Touring (a company specializing in Galapagos and South America voyages) for the luxury yacht Santa Cruz 2 (with a maximum capacity of 90 passengers). The boat underwent extensive drydock renovations in 2021 (including upgrades to all staterooms and public areas).

The first Hurtigruten Galapagos cruise was scheduled to depart on January 7, 2022.

Hurtigruten's 8-night/9-day Galapagos Islands itinerary includes hotel stays in Quito, Ecuador (two nights, pre- and post-voyage), 6 nights of cruising (roundtrips from Baltra Island), and two domestic flights (between Quito and Baltra).

The maiden season (2022) included a total of 32 expedition packages combining voyages with land tours in the Galapagos, Cusco-Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca (Andes Mountain, Bolivia and Peru), and Manuel Antonio National Park (off Costa Rica's coast).

In December 2021, bookings were opened for the Galapagos 2023-2024 seasons, and new itineraries were announced. The 6-night "Eastern Galapagos" was joined by a 4-night "Northern Galapagos," a 4-night "Western Galapagos," and an 8-night B2B/back-to-back (Northern and Western Galapagos). Hurtigruten also expanded its land program by adding the luxury hotel Mashpi Lodge (capacity 47 beds, northwest of Quito) as a 3-night pre-/post-tour accommodation option for any Galapagos voyage.

Company Changes 2020

In late November 2020, Hurtigruten sold the MS Lofoten to Sorlandet Maritime Videregaende Skole (Maritime High School). Since August 2021, the 1964-built vessel has been used as a training ship (including as a hotel ship) for students. The deal included the option for Hurtigruten to occasionally charter the vessel during non-school periods.

For 2020, Hurtigruten reported a loss of EUR 160.6 million (~USD 194M), compared to a EUR 17M (~USD 20.5M) loss in 2019. As of December 31, 2020, the company had EUR 72M (~USD 87M) in liquidity (cash and cash equivalents), with an average monthly cash burn of EUR 13M (~USD 16M). Hurtigruten's current fleet consists of 16 vessels, including 11 expedition ships (5 for Arctic-Antarctic voyages) and 7 ferries (under a 10-year contract with Norway's Ministry of Transportation).

Hurtigruten Svalbard (Catamaran Cruises)

In May 2019, Hurtigruten partnered with Brim Explorer (a Norwegian company specializing in eco-friendly cruising) to introduce a battery-powered catamaran (a double-hulled vessel with 2 parallel hulls) custom-designed for scenic polar exploration. The new boat operates various daily-scheduled sea excursions from its homeport in Longyearbyen (on Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard, Norway) under the new "Hurtigruten Svalbard" brand.

The 2020-launched hybrid catamaran has a length overall (LOA) of 24 m/79 ft, large battery packs, and is one of the world's newest fully electric-powered ships. The vessel's batteries can be recharged shoreside and provide power for up to 10 hours at a cruising speed of 10 knots (18.5 kph / 11.5 mph). Its maximum passenger capacity is 140. The shipbuilder is Maritime Partner AS (shipyard in Alesund, Norway), and the boat's exterior and design were created by Hareide Design AS—the same company that designed the ships of Norwegian Yacht Voyages. The catamaran’s hull design is by Wave Propulsion AS (based in Bomlo, Norway). Among its features are hydrophones and underwater drones. These Blueye Robotics-produced drones were also introduced to other Hurtigruten ships.

The construction of the MS Brim Explorer (sistership) began in September 2018 (with the order placed in April), and it was launched in June 2019. Starting in August, itineraries are along Norway's coast and north of the Arctic Circle, including Lofoten (during summer) and short breaks from Tromso (during winter). The sistership (currently under construction) for Hurtigruten Svalbard was inaugurated in August 2019. Both tour boats are futuristically designed, featuring two decks with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows, offering premium food prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Since 2019, the company's subsidiary Hurtigruten Svalbard, through a partnership with Finnish company Aurora Powertrains, has offered eSled (electric snowmobiles) on shore excursions (wilderness tours) on the Svalbard Islands (Norway's Arctic). These new snowmobiles are powered by electricity supplied by alternative sources (solar panels and windmills).

In mid-October 2020, Hurtigruten Group initiated a process to sell Hurtigruten Svalbard's real estate portfolio (3 hotels, retail shops, apartments). The financial advisor for the sale was Carnegie Investment Counsel (a registered investment advisory firm).

Hurtigruten's Ferry Service "Norwegian Coastal Express"

"Norwegian Coastal Express" is a Norwegian passenger shipping (cruise ferry) service operating on the routes Bergen-Kirkenes (northbound) and Kirkenes-Bergen (southbound) along the western and northern coasts of Norway. Currently, the Trondheim-Svolvaer ferry route takes 33 hours, while the Trondheim-Hammerfest ferry takes 41 hours and 15 minutes.

On the Bergen-Kirkenes ferry route, passengers, provisions, mail, and various cargo are transported to Norwegian communities without road or air access.

From 2012-2019, Hurtigruten received annual subsidies of USD 600 million for public transportation (regular ferry) services not otherwise provided. The company's current contract expired on December 31, 2019, with an optional 1-year extension. At the end of September 2017, Norway's Ministry of Transportation and Communication invited ferry companies to compete for the Norwegian Coastal Service's subsidy, with a deadline for bids on January 3, 2018. The new ferry contract was signed for the period January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2031. Hurtigruten had to modernize 7 vessels (deployed on this route) to comply with the contract's requirements.

New Ships (Polar-Class Expedition Vessels)

In early June 2016, Hurtigruten signed a letter of intent to build 4 new expedition ships with ice-strengthened hulls, enabling them to cruise to Antarctic and Arctic destinations. This was the company's largest investment in its 123-year history. It followed the announcement (April 2016) that Hurtigruten would add 2 new Polar-class expedition vessels to its fleet.

The shipbuilder is Kleven Marine shipyard (Ulsteinvik, Norway). Ship design and propulsion were developed by Rolls-Royce, with assistance from designer Espen Oino. The construction order included two additional options. The new ships were named MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen. These are the world's first expedition ships with hybrid propulsion. The new-class vessels feature the latest environmentally friendly marine technologies. The hybrid propulsion technology allows the ships to cruise with fully electric propulsion for up to 30 minutes. The main benefit is the reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The new hybrid technology, combined with effective electricity use onboard and an optimized hull design, reduces emissions by nearly 20%.

The new builds are equipped with underwater drones (ROV / remotely operated underwater vehicles) developed by Blueye Robotics (Norway). Each drone weighs 7 kg and is powered by 4 thrusters for propulsion. The ROV features a wide-angle video camera designed to work in low-light conditions. It streams true-color live images to the ship's TV screens, cabin TVs, and the digital diving masks of passengers cruising on the ship's Zodiac boats.

Each new build has 3 restaurants with itinerary-based menus. The pool deck includes bars, an infinity pool, and Jacuzzis. Building materials used during construction were predominantly Norwegian, with extensive use of granite, oak, and wool, among others. With a maximum passenger capacity of 530, the new ships were scheduled for launch in July 2018 and July 2019.

In August 2017, Hurtigruten made an investment of NOK 300 million (USD 39M) in Kleven Group for a 40% interest. In September 2017, Hurtigruten acquired a 40% stake in Kleven Verft after the shipyard experienced a financial crisis.

Along with Hurtigruten, Kleven Group (the parent company for the Kleven and Myklebust shipyards) includes Age Remoy, the Kleven-owned companies John Kleven and H-Invest, the yacht-building company Lurssen (Germany), and the private investor Per Lillebo. Without the newly infused capital, Kleven Shipyard faced bankruptcy. In June 2018, Hurtigruten became the full owner of the shipyard after purchasing the remaining 60% of the shares. Under the 2018 deal, Hurtigruten also fully owns the subsidiaries Kleven Maritime Contracting and Kleven Maritime Technology. Following the acquisition, Hurtigruten provided NOK 600 million (USD 75M) to facilitate Kleven Verft’s shipbuilding capabilities.

The last newbuild the company had was in 2007 (MS Fram).

In early February 2019, Hurtigruten announced that in 2021, it would add 4 old ships to the company's expedition fleet—Spitsbergen (2009), Midnatsol (2003), Trollfjord (2002), and Finnmarken (2002). This fleet also includes Fram (2007) and the newbuilds/sister ships Roald Amundsen (2019) and Fridtjof Nansen (2020).

On October 25, 2018, Hurtigruten signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kleven Verft AS for the construction of a third newbuild (530-passenger expedition vessel), a sistership to the hybrid-powered Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. The MoU was signed by Daniel Skjeldam (Hurtigruten Group's and HX' CEO until June 2024) and Olav Nakken (Kleven Verft's CEO).

In March 2023, the company signed a partnership with SINTEF (Stiftelsen for industriell og teknisk forskning, a 1950-founded, Trondheim-headquartered independent organization specializing in contract projects/analysis, research, and development) for the design of a new class of "zero-emission" ferries for Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Express service. The first ship is planned for inauguration in 2030.

Hurtigruten Fleet's LNG and Battery Power Upgrades

In April 2018, the company announced a USD 150 million fleet renovation project—Hurtigruten's largest ever. Almost all vessels will be upgraded with new hybrid powerplants combining LNG engines (liquefied natural gas) and batteries. Rolls-Royce Marine was contracted for the project, initially for 6 vessels, with an option for 3 more. The program's completion was scheduled before the new coastal service contract (January 1, 2021). The project also includes upgrading all boats with shore power capabilities.

In November 2018, Hurtigruten announced that its fleet would be powered by LBG (liquefied biogas) produced mainly from dead fish using organic-waste recycling methods. LBG is sourced from Norway and other Northern European countries with large fisheries and forestry industries producing significant volumes of organic waste. In May 2019, Hurtigruten signed an 8-year deal with Biokraft AS to supply LBG fleetwide.

By 2021, Hurtigruten had upgraded six older vessels with FGSS (fuel gas supply system) and biogas-battery-powered systems (LBG, LNG, and batteries).

• For this USD 850 million (EUR 770M) drydock conversion project, Hurtigruten contracted Hoglund Gas Solutions (HGS)—a Hamburg-based subsidiary of Norwegian company Hoglund Marine Automation—in March 2019. Hoglund developed, delivered, and installed the FGSS equipment, while HB Hunte Engineering GmbH designed and engineered the vessels' fuel tanks.
• Hurtigruten also allocated three boats—Midnatsol/Maud, Trollfjord (Eirik Raude), and Finnmarken—exclusively for cruise shipping operations between homeports Bergen and Kirkenes. These new Norwegian coastal cruises are available for booking by international passengers and do not serve Norwegian ferry passengers.
• Following the project's completion in 2021, the three vessels (Trollfjord, Finnmarken, and Midnatsol) were renamed MS Eirik Raude, MS Otto Sverdrup, and MS Midnatsol/Maud. These ships were also upgraded with hybrid powerplants and equipped with large-capacity battery packs. Starting in 2021, the three ships are deployed year-round for Norwegian Coastal cruises.
• MS Otto Sverdrup (Finnmarken) was drydocked in 2020, while MS Eirik Raude (Trollfjord) and MS Midnatsol were drydocked in 2021. The three boats were significantly refurbished (all interior public spaces and all staterooms), and new suites were added. Their maximum passenger capacity was reduced to 530.

By 2023, 3 "Norwegian Coastal Express" boats (Kong Harald, Nordlys, Richard With) will undergo drydocks for powerplant conversions (from diesel to battery-hybrid), during which new low-emission diesel engines and large battery packs will be installed.

• For this project, on May 11, 2021, Hurtigruten signed a contract with Kongsberg Maritime to deliver the hybrid equipment packages.
• Each ship will be fitted with two SAVe Energy storage systems (1,120kWh lithium-ion batteries) controlled via SAVe CUBE (drive switchboards that control the thrusters) and two Bergen B33:45V diesel engines (diesel generator sets with SCR-Selective Catalytic Reduction to optimize CO emissions control). The Kongsberg equipment also includes re-blading of the propellers, installation of new thruster motors, AC (current switches), and new safety and radio systems.
• The drydocks will be conducted by Myklebust Verft AS (shipyard in Gursken, Norway).

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

Among the deckplan changes following the drydock refurbishments are:

• New venues: Expedition Launch (tender boat platform serving passenger embarkation for shore excursions, complete with expedition equipment and boats), Science Center (equipped with high-tech gadgets and top-notch media technologies, and served by the ship's Expedition Team), and a redesigned wellness complex (relaxation lounge, gym, treatment rooms for massages).
• Ships' sundeck areas (with outdoor swimming pool/whirlpool) were also upgraded.
• Three new restaurants were introduced: Restaurant Aune (Main Dining Room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner), Restaurant Lindstrom (a new specialty dining venue for contemporary cuisine), and Fredheim (a casual eatery). An outdoor grill bar was added on the top deck.
• The onboard art collections were preserved.

Hurtigruten Cruise Experience

Hurtigruten ships offer a comfortable, home-like travel experience while touring the charming cities, islands, and mountain scenery of Norway. The onboard atmosphere is casual, as these vessels are dedicated to transporting local travelers and freight in addition to international cruise passengers making a voyage out of it. Most of the Norwegian crew speak English. Tipping is optional, though many guests choose to acknowledge the ship's dining staff. On the expedition ship MS Fram, Hurtigruten recommends 50 kroner per day.

Dining, with all meals included for both one-way and roundtrip travelers, takes place in a single onboard restaurant. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, with open seating and a wide selection of international and Norwegian dishes. Dinners are reserved-seat, set-time, 3-course meals. Special dietary requests must be made in advance. The 24-hour café is most often used by travelers on short trips. Alcohol is highly taxed, and passengers may bring their own supply onboard for consumption in cabins.

Apart from occasional musical performances during summer departures, there is no scheduled entertainment aboard Hurtigruten ships. The Arctic Circle crossing ceremony is a popular event where guests selected by King Neptune undergo an ice-cold water initiation, while others watch. Passengers enjoy the constantly changing scenery from the decks or in cozy observation lounges and midship bars, while some also engage in games or reading. Norwegian art (sculptures and paintings) decorates the entire fleet.

An extensive tour program is available, tailored to the seasons, and includes city walking tours, church and museum visits, dog sledding, birdwatching, kayaking, cultural tours in Lapland, and trips to the North Cape. Hurtigruten tours can be pre-booked online. A unique feature of these voyages is that passengers often rotate, with point-to-point ferry travelers embarking and disembarking along the route.