MS Polarlys

Launched in 1996, MS Polarlys is the last of the six “contemporary” Hurtigruten ships, together with Kong Harald, Nordlys, Nordkapp, Nordnorge and Richard With. Together with its fleet mates, Polarlys 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 11,341-ton, 737-passenger cruise ship ms Polarlys (translated from Norwegian as “polar light”) is the third Hurtigruten vessel with this name. The ship is quite stylish, furnished with polished brass, mahogany panelling, and a selection of contemporary Norwegian art. All public areas feature extensive use of wood, which creates a unique maritime atmosphere.

Cruise itinerary program

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

Cabins

MS Polarlys has a total number of 225 cabins (of which 6 Suite, 195 Oceanview, 21 Inside rooms) in 8 grades. Passenger cabins as sizes vary: from 193 to 322 ft2 (Suites), from 86 to 139 ft2 (Oceanviews) and from 64 to 107 ft2 (Interior staterooms). Three are wheelchair-accessible. Most ms Polarlys staterooms are 75-140-sq. foot Oceanview rooms. The largest aboard ms Polarlys are the Suites (322 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

The main restaurant offers a relaxed informal atmosphere in the evenings, and all menus use local fresh ingredients. There is a 24-hour cafe for drinks and snacks, as well as a selection of lounges and bars with drinks available.

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

• Polarlyset 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)
• Lokalen Cafe (24-hour open cafeteria with a la carte menu for hot/cold meals, snacks, beverages).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The entertainment onboard ms Polarlys does not focus on big shows, as the evenings are often spent discussing the events of the day with fellow passengers. Occasionally, there may be live music in the evenings. A small fitness room and a pool are also available.

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

• The Car Deck (capacity of 45 cars)
• Conference Rooms (Folda, Loppa, Stad and Vestfjorden; host multimedia presentations, lectures by scientists/wildlife experts, films about Norway; no onboard show program is offered)
• Midnatsol 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)
• Panorama Lounge (with floor-ceiling windows)
• Internet corner/Internet Cafe (4 Internet computers and a printer, free of charge)
• Observation Lounge and Bar
• TRIM Fitness (equipped with exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights); Saunas (for men/women)
• 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.

Polarlys cruise ship belongs to the fleet of the Norwegian coastal voyage operator Hurtigruten (cruise and ferry services). It joined the fleet in 1996. It is the company's third vessel to have this name, with the word "Polarlys" meaning "polar light" in Norwegian.

The ship boasts extensive use of wood in all public areas, polished brass and mahogany panelling, and Norwegian contemporary art selection (sculptures, carvings, paintings, glass art). The ship has a rich art collection by Norwegian authors (paintings, sculptures, carvings, glass art).

MS Polarlys cruises along the coast of Norway - from Bergen (southern coastal parts) to Kirkenes in the north. Most use the vessel as transportation (ferry). Cruise passengers stay for the full roundtrip, booking it as a cruise ship. 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).