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 with home port Tromso. 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 staterooms (total 225) include 6x Suite, 195x Oceanview, 21x Inside, and are grouped in 8 categories. Passenger cabins as sizes vary between 18-30 m2 / 195-325 ft2 (Suites), 5-13 m2 (55-140 ft2 (Polar Outside and Arctic Superior Outside/Oceanviews) and 5-10 m2 / 55-110 ft2 (Polar Inside/Interior). Three cabins are wheelchair-accessible (category H-handicap).

Standard cabin amenities include direct-dial phone (intercom), writing desk with chair, heated floors, hairdryer, bath products, large wardrobe. Suites feature a Queen-size double bed, separate sitting area, satellite HDTV, mini-bar.

The ship has no balcony staterooms.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS Polarlys deck plan shows 7 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible (1 is crew-only) and 4 are with cabins. All decks are connected by 2 lifts (elevators), while 1 car lift connect only decks 2-3. The Car Deck (Deck 2) is for passenger vehicle storage and has cargo capacity 26 cars. Car Deck can't accommodate campervans, minivans, and trailers. It can handle only vehicles with max length 6,5 m (21 ft), width 2,45 m (8 ft), height 2,25 m (7 ft) and max weight 5 tons.

The main restaurant offers a relaxed informal atmosphere in the evenings, and all menus use locally-sourced fresh ingredients. 

Torget Restaurant (Deck 4) is the Polarlys ship’s 240-seat Dining Room with floor-ceiling windows and a large buffet station in the middle. Here are offered buffet-style Breakfast (7-10 am) and Lunch (11:30 am - 2:30 pm). Dinner is waiter-served, with 4 seatings, a 3-course menu (plus a la carte menu with light snacks). In the Torget Restaurant are also sold Hurtigruten wine packages.

Multe Bakery (Deck 7 midship) is a patisserie/ice cream bar with a knitting corner and jigsaw puzzles. It offers freshly baked cakes and pastries along with a range of local ice creams. Guests can try the stockfish, brown cheese, and cloudberry ice cream.

Brygga Bistro (Deck 4) offers cafe-style food and is perfect for a light lunch. It serves beverages, sandwiches, and burgers throughout the day.

Kysten Arctic Fine Dining (Deck 4) offers a more private, intimate setting. This exquisite restaurant serves some of the world's best seafood, exotic meat and other produce directly sourced from the Arctic.

Unlike most Hurtigruten ships, Polarlys has no 24-hour open Cafe Restaurant (Cafeteria with a la carte menu for hot/cold meals, snacks, beverages). The only 24-hours open venue is the Reception, offering guest assistance and information, along with a reduced variety of beverages, packed snacks, and sandwiches.

The onboard entertainment is low-key as most of the time is spent in discussions with fellow passengers. Occasionally, there may be live music performances in the evenings at the Bar Lounge. The ship has a small Fitness (gym room), two spa pools (outdoor jacuzzies), Infirmary. However, the small hospital is not served by a resident doctor/nurse. In cases of emergencies, the crew asks among passengers if there is medical personnel, and the ferry is always navigating close to land to deliver sick passengers to a hospital if needed.

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

• The Car Deck (capacity of 26 cars / reduced from 45)
• Two Lecture Halls / Conference Rooms (Deck 4) host multimedia presentations, lectures by scientists/wildlife experts, Norway-themed films. A show program is not offered.
• Explorer Lounge and Bar (Deck 7 forward) is a Panorama Lounge (with scenic bow views from floor-ceiling-windows) that also serves as Library (shelved books, board games and cards playing).
• The Shop (sells Norwegian souvenirs, Hurtigruten logo merchandise, jewellery, toiletries, clothing)
• Promenade Deck (full-circle open-air deck space)
• Observation Lounge and Bar
• TRIM Fitness (equipped with exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights); 2 Saunas (separate 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.

The cruise ship doesn't have Kids Playroom (indoor playground), Nursery (babysitting facility), Video Games Arcade, Internet Cafe.

Polarlys cruise ship belongs to the fleet of the Norwegian coastal voyage operator Hurtigruten (cruiseferry company). It joined the fleet in 1996 as company's third vessel to have this name. The word "Polarlys" means "polar light" in Norwegian. The vessel (IMO 9107796) is Norway-flagged (MMSI 259322000) and was constructed in Ulsteinvik (at Ulstein Verft Shipyard). The boat boasts extensive use of wood in all public areas, polished brass and mahogany panelling, contemporary art by Norwegian authors (paintings, sculptures, carvings, glass artworks).

MS Polarlys cruises along the coast of Norway - from Bergen (southern coastal parts) to Kirkenes in the north. Most use the boat 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).