MS Nordnorge

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

The vessel (IMO number 9107784) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 259371000) and registered in Tromso.

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Hurtigruten is a Norwegian passenger shipping company specializing in cruise and ferry transportation. The “Norwegian Coastal Express Route” (Bergen–Kirkenes) is a year-round cargo-passenger service along Norway’s western and northern coast. Hurtigruten’s cruise ferries sail nearly the full length of the country, completing the roundtrip itinerary in 11 days and visiting regions such as the Lofoten Islands and Vesteralen Islands.

The 700-passenger MS Nordnorge is the second Hurtigruten vessel to bear this name. “Nord-Norge” translates as “Northern Norway,” referring to the country’s northern region, largely within the Arctic Circle. Between 2002 and 2007, the ship sailed in Antarctica. She became a national icon after serving as the main venue for NRK’s “Hurtigruten – Minute by Minute,” watched by approximately 3.2 million viewers.

Decks and Cabins

MS Nordnorge staterooms (214 total, in 9 grades) include 12 Suites, 178 Outside and 21 Inside cabins. Cabin sizes range from 55 to 325 ft² (5–30 m²). Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 3. Most staterooms are outside, sized 85–140 ft² (8–14 m²). There are no balcony cabins.

Standard cabin amenities include lower and upper bunk beds, bedside reading lamps, 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 outdoor seating.

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

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Nordnorge offers everyday conveniences in a comfortable, informal setting. The main restaurant serves locally sourced ingredients, with menus featuring authentic Norwegian specialties alongside international dishes.

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

• Torget Restaurant (Deck 4) – the ship’s 240-seat Dining Room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a central buffet station. Breakfast (7–10 a.m.) and Lunch (11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) are buffet-style. Dinner is waiter-served with four seatings and a 3-course menu (plus à la carte snacks). Hurtigruten wine packages are also available.
• Multe Bakery (Deck 7 midship) – a patisserie and ice-cream bar with a knitting corner and jigsaw puzzles. Offers freshly baked cakes, pastries and a variety of local ice creams, including stockfish, brown cheese and cloudberry flavors.
• Brygga Bistro (Deck 4) – serves café-style food ideal for a light lunch, including beverages, sandwiches and burgers.
• Kysten Arctic Fine Dining (Deck 4) – an intimate venue serving premium seafood, exotic meats and Arctic-sourced specialties.

Unlike most Hurtigruten ships, Nordnorge has no 24-hour Café Restaurant. The only 24-hour venue is the Reception, offering guest assistance along with a limited selection of beverages, packaged snacks and sandwiches.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Nordnorge is not a traditional cruise ship. As one of Hurtigruten’s “contemporary ships,” she serves as a hybrid between a cruise ship, a ferry and a coastal logistics vessel. Her interiors feature brass accents, polished wood stairways, panoramic windows and notable Norwegian artwork. Port stops are frequent and short—up to 33 ports in six days—allowing guests to disembark, join a bus tour and reunite with the ship at the next port.

Onboard entertainment is low-key, with socializing and scenic viewing taking precedence. Occasional live music is offered in the Bar Lounge. Facilities include a small Fitness Room, two outdoor jacuzzis and an Infirmary. The small medical facility is not staffed by a resident doctor or nurse; in emergencies, medical help is sought among passengers, and the vessel remains close to shore to allow transfer to hospitals when necessary.

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

• Car Deck (capacity 45 cars)
• Two Lecture Halls / Conference Rooms (Deck 4) – host multimedia presentations, lectures by scientists and wildlife experts, and Norway-themed films (no formal show program)
• Explorer Lounge & Bar (Deck 7 forward) – a Panorama Lounge with floor-to-ceiling bow-view windows; also serves as a Library with books, board games and cards
• The Shop (souvenirs, Hurtigruten merchandise, jewelry, toiletries, clothing)
• Promenade Deck (full-circle open-air deck)
• Observation Lounge and Bar
• TRIM Fitness (exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights); two Saunas (men/women)

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

The ship does not have a Kids Playroom, Nursery, Video Arcade or Internet Café.

Itineraries

MS Nordnorge’s itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages, including scenic sailings through Norway’s fjords. She serves primarily as a ferry for passengers and cars, though many travelers book full 12-day roundtrip itineraries from Bergen and Kirkenes.

MS Nordnorge cruises Norway’s coast in summer, and in winter she sails to Antarctica for expedition-style adventures with lectures and naturalist-led exploration. During her Antarctica voyages, passenger capacity is limited to 350. The program includes shore landings and guided excursions.