MS Vesteralen

The 1983-built MS Vesteralen cruise ship is the second-oldest Hurtigruten vessel, following MS Lofoten (1964). Together with her fleetmates, Vesteralen serves Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program, offering cruise and ferry travel aboard 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 operating along Norway’s western and northern coasts. Hurtigruten’s cruise ferries travel nearly the entire length of Norway, completing the roundtrip itinerary in 11 days. The route also includes the 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. The Vesteralen Islands are a Norwegian archipelago where the company’s first homeport, Stokmarknes, is located. The ship is among the smallest and most uniquely designed in the fleet.

MS Vesteralen was upgraded twice—first in 1988 (when passenger capacity was increased) and again in 1995. Public areas were redesigned to provide more space and light. A voyage aboard MS Vesteralen combines comfort, sophistication, and classic Hurtigruten style.

Decks and Cabins

MS Vesteralen staterooms (146 total, in 5 grades) include 109 Outside cabins, 36 Inside cabins, and 1 wheelchair-accessible cabin. Most staterooms range from 75 to 140 ft² (7–13 m²). All cabins feature twin beds that can fold up, creating more free space and allowing them to convert into lounges. Each cabin includes a spacious wardrobe, writing desk, heated flooring, and high-quality bath products. Mini-Suites additionally offer a television, a separate sitting area, and a stocked mini-bar.

The ship has 7 passenger decks, of which 5 contain cabins.

Shipboard Dining Options – Food and Drinks

All meals in Vesteralen’s restaurant—which spans the width of the ship—are included in the fare when booking the full one-way sailing between Bergen and Kirkenes or the complete roundtrip cruise. Dining features mid-level international cuisine along with Norwegian specialties. The restaurant is cozy, decorated with original Norwegian artwork. Dinner requires reservations, and there is only one sitting unless the ship is full.

Follows the complete list of MS Vesteralen restaurants and food bars:

• The Restaurant (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, one fixed sitting)
• The Café (aft of the dining room; cafeteria with an à-la-carte menu for hot/cold meals, snacks, and beverages)

Shipboard Entertainment Options – Fun and Sport

MS Vesteralen is known for her cheerful lounges and welcoming public spaces. With only 510 guests onboard, passengers enjoy a relaxed, crowd-free journey along Norway’s fjords. The Panorama Lounge “Fyret” offers plush seating and expansive views, while the Sun Deck is ideal for sightseeing. Guests can also stay connected in the Internet Café. Live music is featured in the nighttime lounge.

Follows the complete list of MS Vesteralen lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults:

• Car Deck (capacity 35 cars)
• TRIM Fitness Room (free weights, treadmills, exercise bikes)
• Lobby area, Reception Desk, Luggage Room
• Lecture Hall with two conference rooms (for multimedia presentations, lectures, and special events)
• The Shop (Norwegian souvenirs and Hurtigruten merchandise)
• The Vesteralstuen Lounge (with 270-degree views)
• The Trollfjorden Lounge (with 270-degree panoramic windows and comfortable seating)
• The Fyret Panorama Lounge and Bar (Deck G)
• The Sun Deck (site of Hurtigruten’s “Arctic Circle baptism” ceremony, featuring a Neptune-costumed crewmember, icy seawater, and a warming shot)

Itineraries

MS Vesteralen’s itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages. She is frequently used as a ferry, carrying both passengers and cars.

Some guests, however, choose to remain onboard for the full 12-day roundtrip itineraries from Bergen and Kirkenes (with occasional departures from Tromso).