MS Nordstjernen

The 1956-built MS Nordstjernen cruise ship is Hurtigruten’s oldest vessel, withdrawn from the Norwegian Coastal ferry service in 2012. Nordstjernen is also the ship with the longest service in Hurtigruten’s cruiseferry history. In 2012, this unique vessel was protected as part of Norway’s national heritage. The most recent drydock refurbishment was completed in 2020 at Gdansk, Poland.

The vessel (IMO number 5255777) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 257276000) and registered in Tromso.

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 combined cargo–passenger service operating along Norway’s western and northern coastline. Hurtigruten’s cruise ferries sail nearly the entire length of Norway and complete the roundtrip itinerary in 11 days. The route also includes the Lofoten Islands and the Vesteralen Islands.

The 300-passenger Nordstjernen serves Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyage route. In 2000, she was extensively modernized for Arctic navigation. Today, she carries explorers on sea adventures in the waters around Spitsbergen Island.

MS Nordstjernen was primarily used for Hurtigruten’s coastal service and for sailing to the Svalbard Archipelago. In 1980, she underwent major refitting. From 2010 to 2012, Nordstjernen continued operating on the coastal route until March 2012, when she was withdrawn and replaced by MS Finnmarken. In November 2012, she was sold to Vestland Rederi AS.

The vessel’s new homeport became Bergen. Between December 2012 and July 2013, Nordstjernen underwent an extensive drydock refurbishment at the Gdansk Shipyard, subsidized with NOK 2.5 million (Norwegian Krones) by Riksantikvaren (Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage). While leaving Gdansk on November 9, 2013, she ran aground in Karmsund Strait on November 11. After sustaining hull damage, she returned to Poland for repairs (at Olensvag) and departed in late January 2014. In 2015 and 2016, Hurtigruten chartered the vessel for summer voyages in the Svalbard Archipelago.

MS Nordstjernen is named after Stella Polaris (the North Star), long used by Vikings and seafarers for navigation.

Decks and Cabins

MS Nordstjernen staterooms (150 total, in 6 grades) include 134 Outside and 16 Inside cabins. Plain but cozy, all accommodations are fitted with lower and upper berths. Fewer than half of the cabins have en-suite bathrooms, and slightly more than half are Outside with porthole windows.

The ship has 4 passenger decks, three of which contain cabins.

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

All meals in Nordstjernen’s restaurant—which spans the width of the vessel—are included in the fare when booking the full one-way Bergen–Kirkenes voyage or the complete roundtrip. The cuisine consists of mid-level international dishes and Norwegian specialties. The restaurant is warm and cozy, decorated with original Norwegian artwork. Dinner requires reservations, and there is only one seating unless the ship is fully booked.

Below is the complete list of MS Nordstjernen’s dining venues:

• The Restaurant (buffet-style Breakfast 7:30–9:00 a.m., Lunch 12:30–2:00 p.m., Dinner 7:30 p.m., reservation-only, waiter-served, single seating)
• The Cafe (located aft of the dining room; 24-hour cafeteria offering à-la-carte hot/cold meals, snacks and beverages)

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

MS Nordstjernen offers an intimate, informal atmosphere, panoramic decks and unique lounges. She is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a small ship with a well-trained crew and pleasant accommodations. Despite modernization, she retains the charm of a classic Atlantic ship, restored with wooden interiors, polished brass and original artwork. Outdoors, passengers can enjoy close encounters with the untouched Arctic scenery. With sheltered deck spaces, guests can remain outside even in harsh weather.

Below is the complete list of MS Nordstjernen’s lounges, clubs and entertainment venues:

• The Bar (after-dinner cocktails)
• The Shop (Norwegian souvenirs and Hurtigruten merchandise)
• Saloon Deck Lounge (offering 270-degree views)
• The Panorama Lounge (270-degree panoramic views with comfortable seating)
• The Sun Deck, home to Hurtigruten’s “Arctic Circle baptism” ceremony featuring a Neptune-costumed crewmember, icy seawater and a warming shot

Itineraries

MS Nordstjernen’s itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages, including sailings through Norway’s spectacular fjords.

Nordstjernen is used primarily as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, some guests remain on board for the full 12-day roundtrip itineraries between Bergen and Kirkenes.