MS Vesteralen

The 1983-built MS Vesteralen cruise ship is the second-oldest Hurtigruten vessel - following MS Lofoten (1964). Together with the fleetmates, Vesteralen serves Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program for cruise and ferry travel by cargo-passenger ships..

The vessel (IMO number 8019368) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 258478000) 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 510-passenger ship Vesteralen was launched in 1983 and named after DS Vesteralen - the first-ever Hurtigruten ship launched in 1893. Vesteralen Islands are a Norwegian archipelago in which the company's ever first home-port (Stokmarknes) is located. The ship is among the smallest (and uniquely designed) in the fleet.

MS Vesteralen was upgraded two times during the years, in 1988 (passenger capacity was increased) and 1995. The public areas were changed to offer more freedom and light. A cruise with MS Vesteralen comes with sophistication and class.

Decks and Cabins

MS Vesteralen staterooms (146 total, in 5 grades) include 109x Outside, 36x Inside, 1x for disabled. Most staterooms are sized 75-140 ft2 (7-13 m2). All staterooms are designed with twin beds capable to fold up, which provides more free space and the possibility of beds changing into lounges. In all cabins, guests will find a spacious wardrobe, writing desk, heated floor, and high-quality bath products. The Mini-Suites also have a television, separate sitting area and a stocked mini-bar.

The boat has 7 passenger decks, of which 5 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

All meals in Vesteralen'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 Vesteralen 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/cafeteria with a la carte menu for hot/cold meals, snacks, beverages).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Vesteralen is characterized by her cheerful lounges and public areas. With only 510 guests onboard, you will enjoy a crowd-free voyage through Norway's fjords. Relax in ship’s Panorama Lounge Fryet offering plush lounges and panoramic windows. The Sun Deck creates the ideal place for magnificent views. You can also connect with family and friends in the Internet Cafe. MS Vesteralen boasts live music in the nighttime lounge.

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

• Car Deck (capacity 35 cars)
• TRIM Fitness room (equipped with free weights, treadmills, exercise bikes)
• Lobby area, Reception Desk, Luggage Room
• Lecture Hall with two conference rooms (host multimedia presentations, lectures, special events)
• The Shop (sells Norwegian souvenirs and Hurtigruten logo merchandise)
• The Vesteralstuen Lounge (with 270-degree views)
• The Trollfjorden Lounge (with 270-degree panoramic views and comfortable seating)
• The Fyret Panorama Lounge and Bar (Deck G)
• 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 Vesteralen itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages. Vesteralen 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 (with some departures from Tromso).