MS Nordlys

The 1994-built MS Nordlys cruise ship is one of the six “contemporary” Hurtigruten ships, together with Kong Harald, Nordkapp, Nordnorge, Polarlys, and Richard With. Together with her fleet mates, Nordlys serves Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program, offering cruiseferry travel on cargo-passenger ships.

The vessel (IMO number 9048914) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 259139000) 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” (Bergen–Kirkenes) is a cargo-passenger service along Norway’s western and northern coastline. Hurtigruten’s cruise ferries sail nearly the full length of Norway on an 11-day roundtrip itinerary that also includes the Lofoten Islands and Vesteralen Islands.

The 700-passenger MS Nordlys (“Northern Lights” in Norwegian) was named after the spectacular phenomenon visible in northern waters between October and March. Launched in 1994, her colors, artwork, and interior décor are inspired by this natural display. Norwegian artists created the ship’s unique onboard environment. Guests are encouraged to relax in the elegant maritime atmosphere, with comfortable reclining chairs and panorama lounges.

Decks and Cabins

MS Nordlys staterooms (223 total in 8 categories) include 6 Suites, 184 Outside cabins, and 30 Inside cabins. Sizes range from 55 to 325 ft² (5–30 m²). Three wheelchair-accessible cabins are available. Most staterooms are outside and measure 85–140 ft² (8–14 m²). There are no balcony cabins.

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

The ship has 7 decks, of which 6 are accessible to passengers and 4 contain cabins.

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

MS Nordlys offers a blend of everyday convenience and a large-ship atmosphere. The main restaurant features a relaxed, informal setting in the evenings, with menus highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Hurtigruten dining includes authentic Norwegian specialties and international cuisine.

Follows the complete list of MS Nordlys restaurants and food bars:

• Torget Restaurant (Deck 4) is the ship’s 240-seat dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a central buffet station. Breakfast (7–10 am) and lunch (11:30 am–2:30 pm) are buffet-style. Dinner is waiter-served, with four seatings and a 3-course menu (plus an à-la-carte selection of light dishes). Hurtigruten wine packages are also available.
• Multe Bakery (Deck 7 midship) is a patisserie and ice-cream bar featuring a knitting corner and jigsaw puzzles. It offers freshly baked cakes and pastries, along with local ice creams including stockfish, brown cheese, and cloudberry varieties.
• Brygga Bistro (Deck 4) serves café-style food and is ideal for a light lunch, offering beverages, sandwiches, and burgers throughout the day.
• Kysten Arctic Fine Dining (Deck 4) provides an intimate setting and serves premium seafood, exotic meats, and other delicacies sourced directly from the Arctic.
• Unlike most Hurtigruten ships, Nordlys has no 24-hour Café Restaurant. The only 24-hour venue is the Reception, offering guest assistance along with a limited selection of beverages, pre-packed snacks, and sandwiches.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

Onboard entertainment is low-key, with much of the social activity centered around conversations with fellow passengers. Live music may occasionally be offered in the evenings at the Bar Lounge. The ship has a small fitness room, two outdoor spa pools (jacuzzies), and an infirmary. The medical room is not staffed by a resident doctor or nurse; in emergencies, crew members check whether medical personnel are among the passengers. The vessel always sails close to shore, allowing quick transfer to a hospital if required.

Follows the complete list of MS Nordlys lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults:

• The Car Deck (capacity 45 cars)
• The Car Deck (capacity 26 cars / reduced from 45)
• Two Lecture Halls / Conference Rooms (Deck 4) hosting multimedia presentations, lectures by scientists and wildlife experts, and Norway-themed films. No traditional show program is offered.
• Explorer Lounge and Bar (Deck 7 forward) – a panorama lounge with bow-facing floor-to-ceiling windows; also functions as a library with books, board games, and playing cards.
• The Shop – selling Norwegian souvenirs, Hurtigruten merchandise, jewelry, toiletries, and clothing.
• Promenade Deck – a full-circle open-air deck.
• Observation Lounge and Bar
• TRIM Fitness – equipped with exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights; plus 2 saunas (men/women).

The Sun Deck hosts Hurtigruten’s signature “Arctic Circle Baptism” ceremony, featuring a Neptune-costumed crew member, icy seawater, and a warming shot.

The ship does not have a Kids’ Playroom, Nursery (babysitting service), Video Arcade, or Internet Café.

Itineraries

MS Nordlys operates on Norwegian Coastal Voyages, sailing through Norway’s fjords and coastal landscapes.

Nordlys functions mainly as a ferry for passengers and cars, though some guests remain onboard for the full 12-day roundtrip itineraries between Bergen and Kirkenes.