MS Polarlys

The 1996-built MS Polarlys cruise ship is the last of the six “contemporary” Hurtigruten ships, together with Kong Harald, Nordlys, Nordkapp, Nordnorge and Richard With. Together with her fleetmates, Polarlys serves Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program for cruiseferry travel by cargo-passenger ships.

The vessel (IMO number 9107796) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 259322000) 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 in 11 days, also visiting the Lofoten and Vesteralen islands.

The 700-passenger Polarlys (translated as “polar light”) is the third Hurtigruten vessel to bear this name. The ship is stylishly appointed with polished brass, mahogany paneling and contemporary Norwegian artwork. Extensive use of wood in all public areas creates a warm maritime atmosphere.

Decks and Cabins

MS Polarlys staterooms (225 total, in 8 grades) include 6 Suites, 195 Outside and 21 Inside cabins. Sizes range from 55 to 325 ft2 (5-30 m2). There are 3 wheelchair-accessible cabins. Most accommodations are outside cabins 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 box, wardrobe with dressers and cabinets, en-suite bathroom (WC/shower, bath products, hairdryer), individual air-conditioning and blankets for outdoor viewing.

The ship has 7 decks, 6 of which are passenger-accessible, including 4 cabin decks.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS Polarlys deck plan shows 7 decks, of which 6 are accessible to passengers (1 is crew-only). Four decks contain cabins. All decks are connected by 2 elevators, while a car lift connects decks 2 and 3 only. The Car Deck (Deck 2) accommodates up to 26 cars. It cannot handle campervans, minivans or trailers, and only accepts 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 evening atmosphere with menus based on locally sourced fresh ingredients.

Torget Restaurant (Deck 4) is the ship’s 240-seat Dining Room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a central buffet station. It serves buffet-style Breakfast (7–10 am) and Lunch (11:30 am–2:30 pm). Dinner is waiter-served with four seatings and a 3-course menu (plus an à la carte selection). Wine packages are available for purchase.

Multe Bakery (Deck 7 midship) is a patisserie/ice cream bar with a knitting corner and puzzles. It offers freshly baked cakes, pastries and local ice creams (including stockfish, brown cheese and cloudberry ice cream).

Brygga Bistro (Deck 4) serves café-style meals, beverages, sandwiches and burgers throughout the day.

Kysten Arctic Fine Dining (Deck 4) is an intimate specialty restaurant serving premium seafood, Arctic meats and other regional produce.

Unlike most Hurtigruten ships, Polarlys has no 24-hour cafeteria. The only 24-hour venue is the Reception, offering guest services, beverages, packed snacks and sandwiches.

Onboard entertainment is low-key, focused on relaxation and socializing. Occasionally, live music is offered in the Bar Lounge. The ship has a small Fitness Room, two outdoor Jacuzzis and an Infirmary (no resident doctor/nurse). In emergencies, crew ask if any passengers have medical training, and the ship navigates close to shore for quick medical access.

Follows the complete list of MS Polarlys lounges, clubs and other public venues:

• The Car Deck (capacity 26 cars)
• Two Lecture Halls / Conference Rooms (Deck 4) hosting multimedia presentations, expert lectures and Norway-themed films
• Explorer Lounge and Bar (Deck 7 forward) – Panorama Lounge with library, games and scenic bow views
• The Shop (souvenirs, Hurtigruten merchandise, toiletries, clothing, jewelry)
• Promenade Deck (full-circle open-air deck)
• Observation Lounge and Bar
• TRIM Fitness (exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights); 2 saunas (separate for men/women)

The Sun Deck hosts Hurtigruten’s “Arctic Circle baptism” ceremony with 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 Polarlys’ itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages with homeport Tromso. Routes include Norway’s most scenic fjords.

Polarlys is used primarily as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, many travelers book the full 12-day roundtrip itineraries from Bergen and Kirkenes.