Havila Polaris ferry

The 2023-built MS Havila Polaris is the third Norwegian coastal cruiseferry operated by the Norwegian travel brand Havila Voyages (a wholly owned subsidiary of HAVILA KYSTRUTEN). The shipowner is HK Ship V AS (also fully owned by Havila Kystruten).

The ship has a maximum capacity of 680 passengers and 76 staff/crew. Cargo capacity is 9 cars and 190 pallets, 40 of which can be transported under refrigeration. The vessel was planned for inauguration in Q2 2022 (delayed due to shipyard issues) to operate year-round on Norway’s coastal ferry route Bergen-Kirkenes (7-day crossing), calling at 34 ports along the itinerary. This route is served by 11 ships in total (7 by Hurtigruten, 4 by Havila) and is government-subsidized.

The vessel (IMO number 9946910) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 258094000) and registered in Bergen.

Decks and Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Havila Polaris staterooms (179 in total) offer 468 berths (lower and upper), in addition to 172 seats for day passengers. All cabins are air-conditioned and feature carpet flooring; ensuite bathrooms (washbasin, WC, glass shower, mirrored cabinets, hairdryer); wall-mounted HDTV; multiple USB ports; free Wi-Fi; bedside tables with reading lamps; wardrobe; writing table with chair; 2-seater couch; and an electronic safe (in the closet). Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided.

The boat has 9 decks, 6 of which are passenger-accessible, with cabins on 4 decks.

Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility). “Pet-friendly” cabins (with linoleum flooring) are also available. Cabins are offered in inside and outside categories, from economy to luxury. Luxury cabins are oceanview, larger, and equipped with fixed lower beds (a double convertible to twins), a double sofabed (or 2-seater sofa), a larger sliding-door wardrobe, and bonus amenities (mini-refrigerator, tea/coffee machine).

The ship also has 172 recliners (aircraft-type seats) in a Reserved Seating Lounge available for pre-booking.

Disabled passengers or those requiring specific assistance should visit the Lobby’s Reception/Information Desk. All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to port arrival.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities on Havila Polaris include:

• Lobby Hall (Reception Desk, Luggage Lockers, Gangways for embarkation/debarkation)
• Main Dining Room (MDR) Restaurant with menus featuring traditional Norwegian specialties prepared with locally sourced ingredients
• Cafe Bar (Cafeteria/Patisserie/Buffet Restaurant)
• Panorama Bar Lounge, the ship’s observation lounge with comfortable recliners, floor-to-ceiling and forward-slanted windows, a glass roof, and full bar service
• Reserved Seating Lounge with comfortable reclining/Pullman seats and bar service
• Duty-Free Shop retailing alcohol (liquors, wines, beers, including Norwegian brands), tobacco, branded perfumes and cosmetics, sunglasses, designer watches and jewelry, clothing and accessories, electronics and gadgets, toys, confectionery, gifts, and souvenirs
• A La Carte Restaurant serving complimentary meals for Junior Suite guests (breakfast only) and Presidential Suite guests (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Conference Hall providing information about the ship’s itinerary, ports, and Norwegian culture and history
• Bow Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and access to the Bow ViewPoint (forward-facing outdoor terrace)
• ATM/cash machine located next to the Information Desk (Lobby Reception)
• Shipwide Wi-Fi coverage

The ship has two gyms (fitness areas with sea views) equipped with Cybex machines positioned by the windows, allowing guests to exercise while enjoying the scenery. Equipment includes free weights, benches, treadmills, and exercise bikes.

The Outdoor Deck features 2 Jacuzzis. Passenger-accessible sun decks provide ample open-air space, including a bow sunbathing area with loungers. The Cloakroom area (with a Sauna Room) adjoins the two Jacuzzis.

On the top deck are the Navigation Bridge and the Helideck (aft-located helipad/helicopter landing area for emergencies). Large sections of the top deck are covered with solar panels that generate part of the ship’s electricity.

Emergency instructions are displayed in all staterooms as well as on TV screens and at assembly points (muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In an emergency, the use of elevators is prohibited. Smoking is forbidden throughout the ship.

Car deck

MS Havila Polaris has a single garage deck (for cars and palletized cargo). Cargo deck safety procedures include:

• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from your car.
• Access to the cargo deck during the voyage is prohibited.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To avoid air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

Havila cruise itinerary / “Norwegian Coastal Express” ferry route

Below is the itinerary map for the 12-day “Norwegian Coastal Express” route operated by both Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages (since 2021).

The ports on Havila’s northbound route include Bergen (turnaround/homeport), Alesund, Floro, Geiranger (Stranda), Maloy (Vagsoy), Molde, Torvik (Heroy, Leinoya Island), Kristiansund, Rorvik (Vikna), Trondheim, Bodo, Bronnoysund (Bronnoy), Nesna, Ornes (Meloy), Sandnessjoen (Alstahaug), Stamsund (Vestvagoy Island), Svolvaer (Vagan, Austvagoya Island), Trollfjorden (Hadsel), Finnsnes (Lenvik), Harstad (Hinnoya Island), Risoyhamn (Andoy Island), Skjervoy, Sortland (Langoya Island), Stokmarknes (Hadseloya Island), Tromso, Berlevag, Hammerfest, Honningsvag (Mageroya Island, Nordkapp / North Cape), Kjollefjord (Lebesby), Mehamn (Gamvik), Oksfjord (Loppa), Batsfjord, Vardo (Vardoya Island), Kirkenes (turnaround/homeport).

Since 2021, the shipowner Havila Kystruten (a subsidiary of the 2002-founded Havila Shipping ASA, headquartered in Fosnavag, Norway), together with Hurtigruten, has provided the regularly scheduled, government-subsidized Norwegian Coastal ferry service between Bergen and Kirkenes. Havila Kystruten’s fleet comprises four sisterships (same design), built in pairs by two shipbuilders—Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain (Polaris and Pollux) and Tersan Shipyard in Yalova, Turkey (Capella and Castor).