MS Nordnorge

Launched in 1997, MS Nordnorge is one of the six “contemporary” Hurtigruten ships, together with Kong Harald, Nordlys, Nordkapp, Polarlys and Richard With. Together with its fleet mates, Nordnorge serves Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program for cruise ferry travel by passenger-cargo ships.

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.

The 11,384-ton, 691-passenger cruise ship ms Nordnorge was launched in 1997 in Norway as the second ship in Hurtigruten’s fleet to have this name. "Nord-Norge" translates as "Northern Norway" (country's northern part, with territories located mostly inside the Arctic Circle). Between 2002 and 2007 this Hurtigruten vessel sailed in Antarctica. The ship became a national celebrity after she was the main venue for NRK “Hurtigruten – Minute by Minute”. 3.2 million viewers were reported to have watched the show.

Cruise itinerary program

MS Nordnorge itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages. Ship's routes include the beautiful Norwegian's fjords. Nordnorge is mostly used as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, some guests stay on board for round-trip 12-day itineraries out of Bergen and Kirkenes.

MS Nordnorge cruises Norway’s coast in summer, and in winter, she heads to Antarctica for expedition-style adventures with lectures and naturalists. During her Antarctica trips, passengers’ number is limited to 350. In the program are included shore excursions and exploration of places led by local guides.

Cabins

MS Nordnorge has a total of 214 cabins (of which 12 Suite, 178 Oceanview, 21 Inside, 3 for disabled) in 9 grades. Most ms Nordnorge staterooms are 75-140-sq. foot Oceanview rooms. The largest aboard ms Nordnorge are the Suites (320 ft2). For the comfort of the passengers on board are included amenities in the staterooms such as telephone, writing desk, heated floors, hair dryer, bath products, vast wardrobe. Suites feature a queen size bed, separate sitting area, television, and mini bar.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Nordnorge features some qualities which separate her from the traditional cruise ships. The everyday conveniences are offered in large ship setting. Enjoy plentiful food portions in the main restaurant or try a quick bite in ship’s 24-hour café. Hurtigruten dining boasts authentic Norwegian specialities and international cuisine.

Follows the complete list of ms Nordnorge restaurants and food bars.

• Halogaland Restaurant (ship’s 240-seat dining room, with floor-ceiling windows and a large buffet station in the middle; offers buffet-style Breakfast 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. and Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dinner is in two fixed seatings - at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., waiter served, with a 3-course menu and a la carte menu with light snacks)
• Vagar Cafe (24-hour open cafeteria with a la carte menu for hot/cold meals, snacks, beverages).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Nordnorge is not a cruise ship as the usual ones. Classed as one of the six “contemporary ships” of Hurtigruten, this vessel is a combination between a cruise ship, a ferry and UPS delivery service. The vessel features brass and panoramic windows everywhere, polished wood stairways and fascinating Norwegian artwork. The stops are frequent and brief – what would you say about 33 call ports in six days? You can simply disembark in one town, then hop on the bus tour and meet your ship at the next port.

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

• The Car Deck (capacity of 45 cars)
• Conference Rooms (Kapp Horn and Nordkapp; host multimedia presentations, lectures by scientists/wildlife experts, films about Norway; no onboard show program is offered)
• Stella Polaris Lounge and Bar; Library
• Kids Playroom and Nursery (babysitting is offered); Video Games Arcade
• The Shop (sells Norwegian souvenirs, Hurtigruten logo merchandise, jewellery, toiletries, clothing)
• Promenade Deck (full-circle open-air deck space)
• Torghatten Panorama Lounge (with floor-ceiling windows)
• Internet corner/Internet Cafe (4 Internet computers and a printer, free of charge)
• Vestfjorden Observation Lounge and Bar
• TRIM Fitness (equipped with exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights); Saunas (for men/women)
• Two outdoor whirlpools (added in 2005)
• The Sun Deck is the place for Hurtigruten’s special ceremony “Arctic Circle baptism”, including a Neptune-costumed crewmember, icy seawater, and a shot for warming up.

The ship was christened by godmother Sissel Ronback on March 20, 1997. The vessel is named after the northern part of Norway (Arctic Circle territories). This is the second Hurtigruten ship to bear this name. Classed as one of the line's contemporary ships, Nordnorge is a combination of a ferry (RO-RO), UPS delivery (on water) service, and a cruise ship.

The vessel's godmother Sissel Ronback is a Norwegian politician (Labour Party), at that time serving as Norway's Minister of Transport and Communications. After the extensive drydock refurbishment in 2005, the ship boasts two hot tubs on its top deck. A unique feature about the ship is its rich art collection by Norwegian authors (Johanne Marie Hansen-Krone, Dagfinn Bakke, Ellen Lenvik).

Nordnorge's interior decor reflects Art Deco and Art Nouveau influence. The ship is just like a floating art gallery, including artworks by the famous Norwegian artists J.M. Hansen-Krone, D. Bakke, E. Lenvik). Passenger cabins as sizes vary from 65 to 323 sq.feet. Three of the staterooms are designed for disabled guests.

For winter 2002-2003, the Nordnorge ship was deployed in Antarctica. In 2009, the ship didn't operate on Norwegian coastal voyages but was chartered as a hotel ship in the Mediterranean (homeported in Venice Italy).

Fun fact is, that on June 16, 2011, NRK2 (Norwegian Public Service broadcaster) started non-stop live footage transmitting from ms Nordnorge during her 134-hour cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes. The "live show" reached 3.2 million Norwegians. Currently, MS Nordnorge cruises on the same route, visiting 35 ports. Many use the vessel as transportation (ferry). Cruise passengers stay on board for full round trips booking it as a cruise ship. 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).