MS Kong Harald

The 1993-built MS Kong Harald cruise ship is the first in a series of six “contemporary” Hurtigruten vessels, together with Nordlys, Nordnorge, Nordkapp, Polarlys and Richard With. Along with these fleetmates, Kong Harald operates within Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program, offering cruiseferry travel aboard passenger-cargo ships.

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

History - construction and ownership

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

The 600-passenger MS Kong Harald was named after King Harald V of Norway. The ship also honors other renowned Norwegians: the bar is named after the polar explorer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen, while the café pays tribute to the explorer Roald Amundsen. Introduced in 1993 to mark Hurtigruten’s centenary, the ship’s interior features decorative details of the royal crown emblem.

Decks and Cabins

MS Kong Harald staterooms (227 total, in 8 categories) include 2 Suites, 204 Outside, and 21 Inside cabins. Cabin sizes range from 55 to 325 ft² (5–30 m²). Three cabins are wheelchair-accessible. Most staterooms are outside and measure between 85 and 140 ft² (8–14 m²). There are no balcony cabins.

Standard cabin amenities include lower and upper bunk beds, bedside reading lamps, a foldable table with chair, LCD TV, radio, phone, mini-fridge, electronic safe, wardrobe with dressers and cabinets, en-suite bathroom (toilet, shower, bath products, hairdryer), individual air conditioning, and blankets for outdoor use.

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

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Kong Harald combines modern comforts with a traditional maritime experience. Guests can enjoy generous portions in the main restaurant or a light meal at the ship’s bistro. Hurtigruten dining emphasizes authentic Norwegian specialties alongside international cuisine.

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

• Brygga Bistro offers café-style food and is ideal for a light lunch. It serves beverages, sandwiches, and burgers throughout the day.
• Kysten Arctic Fine Dining provides a more intimate, upscale atmosphere. This exquisite restaurant serves some of the world’s finest seafood, exotic meats, and other produce sourced directly from the Arctic region.
• Torget Restaurant is the ship’s main dining venue (capacity 240 seats, nonsmoking) with floor-to-ceiling windows, buffet stations, and an open galley. It offers buffet-style breakfast (including bacon, eggs, sausages, cold meats, cheeses, seafood, bread, cereals, fruits, porridge, and self-service coffee, tea, and juice) and lunch (salads, soups, meats, pâté, seafood, vegetables, desserts). Dinner features four seatings with waiter service and a three-course menu focused on Scandinavian and Norwegian cuisine. Wine by the bottle is available for purchase, with optional wine packages offered.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Kong Harald accommodates up to 622 passengers and offers an authentic way to experience the stunning fjords of Norway. Onboard amenities such as the Explorer Lounge, saunas, a Sun Deck with panoramic views, a fitness center, and an after-dinner bar create a comfortable atmosphere, while shore excursions provide memorable experiences in every port of call.

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

• The Car Deck – capacity for up to 45 cars.
• Lecture Halls / Meeting Rooms – used for multimedia presentations, expert lectures by scientists and wildlife specialists, business meetings, private events, and conferences at sea.
• Information Desk – for booking Hurtigruten shore excursions, including dog-sledding, bus tours, and themed experiences such as “Northern Lights” and “North Cape.” It also provides printed daily schedules.
• The Shop – offers Norwegian souvenirs, gifts, toys, and Hurtigruten-branded merchandise.
• Kompass Adventure / Reception Desk – open 24 hours for guest services and assistance; also offers light drinks, snacks, and sandwiches.
• Explorer Lounge & Panorama Bar – located forward, featuring comfortable seating, 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, a library/book exchange, and board games.
• Multe Bakery & Ice Cream – a patisserie with a cozy knitting corner and puzzles, serving freshly baked pastries, local ice cream, and specialty coffees. Unique flavors include stockfish, brown cheese, and cloudberry ice cream.
• Fitness Room – a small gym with treadmills, exercise bikes, and free weights.
• Infirmary – a small medical facility without a resident doctor or nurse, offering basic first-aid supplies.
• Outdoor Explorer Deck (Sun Deck) – an open-air area with tables and chairs, offering some of the best views onboard. It also hosts the “Arctic Circle Baptism” ceremony, featuring a crew member dressed as Neptune, icy seawater, and a free celebratory shot.
• Navigation Bridge – located forward, along with the Captain’s Suite and officers’ quarters (not accessible to passengers). The ship also features two aft-located outdoor whirlpools (hot tubs).
• Promenade Deck – a full-circle open-air deck ideal for scenic walks and observation.
• Service Boats – 6 total, including 4 passenger tenders and 2 lifeboats.

Itineraries

MS Kong Harald operates on Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyage program, sailing through Norway’s most scenic fjords.

Kong Harald primarily functions as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, many guests choose to stay onboard for the full 12-day roundtrip itinerary between Bergen and Kirkenes.

The vessel (Volkswerft Stralsund yard/hull number 301) has a volume of 11,204 GT, a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 902 tons, and a maximum draught of 6 m. The powerplant is based on MAK Maschinenbau marine diesel engines (model 6M552MC) with a combined output of 9 MW. The registered shipowner is HURTIGRUTEN COASTAL FLEET AS, and the manager is HURTIGRUTEN COASTAL AS.

Named after the King of Norway, the Kong Harald pays tribute to notable Norwegians with venues such as the Amundsen Café and Nansen Club Bar. Distinctive works by Norwegian artists are displayed throughout the vessel. The crew size varies for each voyage to maintain a ratio of approximately one crew member for every three passengers. Most cruise guests are European travelers aged 50 and over, along with some Americans traveling individually or in organized groups.

A fun fact is that the ship is not equipped with stabilizers, so movement can be felt during rough weather conditions.

The Kong Harald operates voyages along Norway’s coast. Many travelers use the vessel as a means of transportation—a ferry for both passengers and cars. Departing from Port Bergen, she sails to Port Kirkenes on a roundtrip itinerary. Kirkenes is an Arctic outpost near Norway’s border with Russia. Passengers can choose between 5- to 11-night cruises, with the full 12-day voyage traveling from Bergen to Kirkenes and back southbound. In most ports of call, Hurtigruten offers guided shore excursions and tours. A traditional “Crossing the Arctic Circle” ceremony welcomes newcomers.

On Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages, the company offers flight-cruise package deals, all protected under an ATOL Certificate. ATOL stands for “Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing,” administered by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Drydock refurbishments review

By Q4 2023, all seven of Hurtigruten’s “Norwegian Coastal Express” ships (Kong Harald, Richard With, Nordlys, Nordnorge, Polarlys, Trollfjord, and Nordkapp) had completed drydock refurbishments for powerplant conversions from diesel-only to diesel-electric/battery-hybrid propulsion. These upgrades included installing new low-emission diesel engines and large battery packs.

• For this project (budgeted at approximately EUR 100 million), Hurtigruten Group signed a contract with Kongsberg Maritime on May 11, 2021, to supply hybrid equipment packages for the vessels.
• Each ship was fitted with two SAVe Energy storage systems (1,120 kWh lithium-ion batteries) controlled via SAVe CUBE (drive switchboards managing the thrusters) and two Bergen B33:45V diesel engines (diesel generator sets with SCR–Selective Catalytic Reduction for optimized CO emissions control).
• Kongsberg’s upgrades also included re-blading of the propellers, installation of new thruster motors (retractable stern 360-degree azimuthing thruster), AC switchboards and current switches, new safety and communication systems, upgraded gears, an optimized bulbous bow (to reduce drag), new boilers (for improved heat recovery from the engines), and a modern wastewater treatment plant.
• The drydocks were carried out by Myklebust Verft AS at the shipyard in Gursken, on Norway’s Gurskøya Island.

All Hurtigruten vessels are now equipped with shoreside power capabilities (electrical plug-in connections available at port berths).