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The 1956-built MS Nordstjernen cruise ship is Hurtigruten's oldest vessel, withdrawn from the Norwegian Coastal ferry service in 2012.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 vessel with the longest Hurtigruten cruiseferry service ever. In 2012, this unique boat was protected as Norway's national heritage. The last drydock refurbishment was in 2020 (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 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 300-passenger ship Nordstjernen was built in 1956 for Norwegian Coastal Voyage ferry service and is currently operated by Hurtigruten AS. In 2000 the boat was extensively modernized to allow Arctic navigation. Today the vessel takes explorers on sea adventures in the waters around Spitsbergen Island.

MS Nordstjernen was mainly used for Hurtigruten coastal service and cruises to the Svalbard archipelago. In 1980 she was extensively refitted. From 2010 to 2012 Nordstjernen operated on Hurtigruten coastal service, but in March 2012, the ship was withdrawn from coastal service and replaced by MS Finnmarken. In November 2012, ms Nordstjernen was purchased by Vestland Rederi AS.

The ship's new homeport is Bergen. From December 2012 through July 2013, Nordstjernen underwent an extensive drydock renovation (at Gdansk Shipyard). The project was subsidized (with NOK 2,5 million / Norwegian Krones) by Riksantikvaren (Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage). The ship left Gdansk on November 9, 2013, but on her way back to Norway ran aground in Karmsund Strait (on November 11). Due to sustained hull damages, the boat returned to Poland for repairs (at Olensvag) and left in late-January 2014. In 2015 and 2016, Hurtigruten chartered the vessel for voyages in Svalbard Archipelago during summer.

MS Nordstjernen is named after Stella Polaris or the North Star, famous for helping the Vikings to navigate the north and seafarers find out their way back home.

Decks and Cabins

MS Nordstjernen staterooms (150 total, in 6 grades) include 134x Outside and 16x Inside. Plain but cozy, all passenger accommodations are fitted with lower and upper berths. Less than half provide en-suite bathrooms. Slightly more than a half are outside with Porthole windows.

The boat has 4 passenger decks, of which 3 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

All meals in Nordstjernen's restaurant, which spans the width of the vessel, are included in fare if booking the full one-way sailing between Bergen and Kirkenes or a complete round-trip cruise. The food is good mid-level cooking, with choices including standard international cuisine and Norwegian specialties. The restaurant is a cozy room with original Norwegian paintings. Reservations apply to dinner only. There is only one sitting unless the ship is full.

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

• The Restaurant (offers buffet-style Breakfast 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Lunch 12:30 - 2:00 p.m., Dinner 7:30 p.m. - reservations-only, waiter-served, with one fixed sitting)
• The Cafe (aft of the dining room, 24-hour open cafeteria with a la carte menu for hot/cold meals, snacks, beverages).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Nordstjernen attracts her passengers with an intimate informal atmosphere, panoramic decks, and unique lounges. This extraordinary vessel is a perfect choice if you want to sail on a small ship with a well-trained crew and pleasant accommodations. Despite modernization, Nordstjernen still retains the aura of old Atlantic ship, restored with classic wooden interiors, new brass and all her original art, to her former splendor. Out on deck passengers come close to the untouched nature of Polar Arctic. With roofs over most of the deck space, they can enjoy being outside, even in severe weather.

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

• The Bar (after-dinner spot for cocktails)
• The Shop (sells Norwegian souvenirs and Hurtigruten logo merchandise)
• Saloon Deck's Lounge (with 270-degree views)
• The Panorama Lounge (with 270-degree panoramic views and comfortable seating)
• 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.

Itineraries

MS Nordstjernen itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages. Ship's routes include the beautiful Norwegian fjords.

Nordstjernen is mostly used as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, some guests stay on board for roundtrip 12-day itineraries out of Bergen and Kirkenes.