Food & Drink

Flora Restaurant

Røst - Arctic Fine Dining

Brasserie Árran

Entertainment

Library

The ship has a small selection of books on different topics that is available to guests while on board.

Bar

Your culinary experience on MS Trollfjord extends to the Bar too. Settle down in a comfortable chair behind the huge windows on the two-storey observation deck and take your pick of drinks laced with the flavours and remarkable stories of the Norwegian coast. Perhaps a Nordic-themed cocktail made with berries picked along the coast, beer brewed with water from Trollfjord, spirits distilled with glacial water, or something from the a wide selection of Norwegian aquavit – including our very own. There’s no better place to watch that extraordinary scenery slip by.

Shopping

In our on-board shop you can buy modern clothing suitable for your voyage. Our Coastal Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly.

We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing, and we focus on fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards. In addition, we also stock a small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects.

Observation Deck

The ship has spacious outdoor areas. They are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

Fitness

Trim Fitness Centre

A basic fitness centre for passengers to enjoy.

Sauna

Head to the sauna and relax in luxury.

Enrichment

Exclusive Excursions

Exclusive Excursions

A host of brand-new and exclusive excursions offers you more ways than ever to immerse yourself in the Norwegian coast when you sail on MS Trollfjord.

From dog sledding in Svalbard to the Viking history of the saga islands, let us introduce you to some of the most exciting adventures and stories to be found along Norway’s coast.

The Svalbard Express and The North Cape Express spend an average of 6 hours in each place they stop. The new ports on route offer new opportunities to explore on shore. Even ports that are familiar to us take on a hue of newness as the extra time ashore means more opportunities to really get to know the people, places and traditions of the areas we sail.

Brand-new and exclusive optional excursions

We have worked with a range of trusted local activity providers to create an exciting programme of more than 60 new and exclusive optional excursions across The Svalbard Express and The North Cape Express. Between us, we provide you with everything you need for a memorable experience, from kit, snacks and transport to local expertise and enchanting storytelling.

With an average of three excursions in each port there’s something for you whatever your interests or how active you’re feeling on the day, from bus tours along the beautiful Atlantic Road in Norway’s west to kayaking or fishing in Svalbard. When you arrive in Tromsø on The North Cape Express, for example, you can choose from six excursions including dog sledding, whale watching or admiring the views and knitting with the locals on Sommarøy island. 

Excursion highlights on The Svalbard Express

With excursions that include everything from stand-up paddleboarding in Åndalsnes or a sea eagle safari by RIB in Vesterålen to a multitude of things to do in Svalbard, it’s hard to pick favourites. But if you’d like to pedal around the idyllic island of Senja, one of our new ports on The Svalbard Express, make sure you book a place on the Scenic e-bike tour. It’s run by a small local company with only 11 bikes, so you get a truly intimate experience.  

Excursion highlights on The North Cape Express

Excursions on The North Cape Express vary slightly depending on the season you travel. Dog sledding in Norway isn’t only a winter activity. Try it on wheels in Alta if you’re there before or after the snow. Other excursions, such as the trip to the magical Igloo Hotel, immerse you in a winter wonderland! For raw Arctic adventure, drive a snowmobile to North Cape. Or jump back through Viking history by bus, e-bike or RIB in Haugesund. 

How to book

It’s easy to book excursions on The Svalbard Express and The North Cape Express. We recommend booking as early as possible as places are limited on some excursions. Pre-book your excursions online when you book your voyage, email us or add them to your trip via our call centre. It’s easy to book through your Coastal Experience Team when you’re sailing on MS Trollfjord, too. 

Coastal Experience Team

Experts on the Norwegian coast, many of whom live locally, will be by your side as part of your voyage with us, showing you their home and sharing their stories with you.

When it comes to travelling, no guidebook, website, or mobile app can replace the human connection of having someone point out places that are special to them. And that’s where our onboard Coastal Experience Team come in. Using their hands-on experience of Norway and the Norwegian coast, they have one mission: to enhance your voyage by offering engaging insights on the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter along the way.

From near and far

Many of our Coastal Experience Team members are Norwegians, born and raised on the coast and elsewhere in Norway. They’ll be able to tell you their childhood memories of our ships, what our service means to their coastal community, and perhaps how generations of their family have been connected to Hurtigruten, either as crew or as passengers.

Other team members have lived in Norway for several years. You can learn about what drew them to Norway and to working on our ships. See the coast through their eyes as they pick out details about life here and share interesting anecdotes about their experiences of Norwegian culture. 

Enriching your experience

Our Coastal Experience Team enhances your voyage with in-depth knowledge of the local culture, nature, science, and history; an understanding they’ve nurtured over years.

Each team member has a range of specialist, well-researched topics in their repertoire, ready to share with you in lectures and presentations on board, on deck, and ashore. 

Passionate about the coast

Dedicated to what they do and to the Norwegian coast, our Coastal Experience Team provide an intimate and personal perspective to your journey with us.

You’ll sense their passion whether they’re busy talking about points of interest out on deck or animatedly telling stories over a relaxed drink at evening gatherings.

Hikers’ heaven

The exceptionally beautiful landscape of the Norwegian coast beckons you to explore it. Thankfully, our onboard Coastal Experience Team knows the areas we sail in better than anyone.

They’ve handpicked a selection of optional hikes for you to enjoy almost every day of your voyage. Enjoy learning more about the local region’s history, geology, biology, and culture as you hike together with them. 

Embracing ‘friluftsliv’

Hikes give you an opportunity to ‘friluftsliv’, a Norwegian concept which has at its heart an innate, quasi-spiritual affinity towards nature and the outdoors.

Fresh air, sitting around a campfire with a warm cup of coffee, the crunch of soft snow underfoot, or the warmth of the sun on your skin while walking the trail – these are some of the simple elements you’ll probably experience on your hike, making up the pure pleasure of friluftsliv. 

Compelling onshore activities

Each voyage sails with a four-strong (plus an enthusiastic trainee) Coastal Experience Team. As well as onboard activities, these experienced leaders, including two dedicated nature and culture guides, run a full programme of onshore activities.

In many cases, the same team members sharing their spellbinding stories on board will be the same people taking you hiking, snowshoeing, beach cleaning or on photography walks on shore. At other times, local guides and experts will lead the way, giving you a unique insight into their worlds.

We also travel with a stock of outdoors equipment, such as fishing gear, snowshoes and traditional skis, for use on activities led by the Coastal Experience Team. Members of the team can show you how to use the equipment if you’re not sure. And if you’d rather explore by yourself, don’t forget to ask the Team for their recommendations on the best things to do in Svalbard and all along the Norwegian coast.

Daily Themes

Each day’s cruise ship entertainment is guided by a daily theme based on the destination ahead.

For example, the theme on The Svalbard Express as you near Tromsø and Senja is Seaweed and the Working Ship. You might sample ‘blue food’, learn about Hurtigruten’s unique cargo story or meet some of our trusted fish suppliers.

On The North Cape Express around Kristiansund and Farsund, you can dive into lectures about Norway’s maritime history as we approach the country’s southernmost cape and its oldest lighthouse.

Other

Mobility

We also warmly welcome guests with reduced mobility. If needed, our sales consultants will also search for and book suitable hotel rooms for you. You will have to bring along your own standard-sized collapsible wheelchair. If you’re able to get around the ship in a wheelchair unaided, you do not need to travel with a companion. Guests who require assistance will most likely need to travel accompanied. Talk to your travel agent about this.

When the ship stops in a port along the Norwegian coastline, there is always a ramp or a gangway to get you on and off the ship. The only exception is Urke, where we do not dock. Access to this town is only for guests who are going on an excursion. Disembarkation takes place by tender boat, and is therefore not suitable for wheelchair users.

These excursions are not specifically adapted to guests with reduced mobility. Ask our coastal experts when you are on board and they’ll be able to advise you as to which excursions are suitable.

It’s important that you inform us of any mobility challenges when making your booking, so we can make the best possible arrangements for you.

You will need to bring along your own standard-sized collapsible wheelchair, which should be stored in your cabin when not in use. If you’re able to get around the ship in a wheelchair unaided, you do not need to travel with a companion. Guests who require assistance will most likely need to travel accompanied. Talk to your travel agent about this.

Dietary requirements

Special diets (e.g. vegetarian) can be catered for if requested in good time. Passengers on strict diets may find that there is a limited choice.

We now offer a 3-course vegan menu option for the evening meal on our 12-day voyages.

What to wear

On board, dress is informal. Although some passengers choose to change for dinner, the dress code is casual rather than formal. The weather in Norway can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations, we recommend the layered-dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily.

For all voyages, we advise you to take breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf and thermal clothing can be useful, together with thermal underwear, during the winter months. On land, where it may be icy, sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful.

Age Restricitons

Hurtigruten ASA cannot accept children under the age of 5 to travel with us to Antarctica. There is no age restriction∘ on our other destinations. For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be considered on each landing. It is entirely at the Captain’s discretion to allow children on shore landings.

Smoking Policy

Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. However, all forms of smoking are strictly forbidden even in designated areas when the ship is in port and refuelling. The crew will advise guests when this is the case.  

Safety

It is a safety requirement that all Hurtigruten passengers attend a compulsory safety briefing in Bergen and Kirkenes before the ship leaves port. After embarkation, the crew will greet you and conduct the mandatory safety brief at intervals. This will last between 10-15 minutes.

The briefing will include a demonstration of how to put on a life jacket and the instructions to be followed in the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency during the voyage. The briefing is compulsory for all passengers including those who have travelled with Hurtigruten before. There will be an opportunity to ask questions if you have any concerns.

Please familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures as shown in the cabins (there is a diagram on the cabin door and in public areas), and ask at reception if in doubt. In many ports, there may be a good deal of activity on the quay with cars joining/leaving the ships and/or goods being loaded or unloaded. Please be alert to such traffic when embarking and disembarking.

Take care during winter months when it is icy underfoot, particularly on the outside decks and when disembarking the ship or alighting from coaches. Ice spikes and other winter clothing can be purchased in the ships store. Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep valuable items, including mobile phones and cameras, out of sight.

Drones

Please note the use of passenger-operated drones is not permitted during your voyage. This is for general safety as well as the protection of the vulnerable wildlife and other guests’ personal security.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. Note that it is limited connectivity, and that both internet and telephones from time to time will be out of range due to the ship’s location.

Due to capacity limitations the provided, included Wi-Fi is limited to browsing and not streaming. Please contact the reception if you have any questions related to the Wi-Fi usage.

Car spaces on board

Vehicles onboard coastal voyages must fit the following dimensions:

• Max Length: 650 cm/ 21.3 ft
• Max Width: 245 cm/ 8 ft
• Max Height: 230 cm/ 7.5 ft
• Max Weight: 5000 kg/ 11,023 lbs

Campervans, minivans and trailers cannot be accepted.

Booking Shore Excursions

We recommend pre-booking excursions to avoid disappointment. You can pre-book excursions up to four weeks prior to departure (2 weeks if paid by credit card) at the rates presented.

Any remaining excursion places will be sold on board. All bookings on board will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at the ship’s exchange rate. The price in local currency may differ due to exchange rate fluctuations.

Please note that all excursions are provisional and subject to change – current weather and sea conditions may affect the viability of certain excursions. Excursions may also be subject to minimum/maximum numbers.  

Pet Cabins

All Norwegian coastal ships have pet cabins with the exception of MS Nordlys, MS Midnatsol and MS Kong Harald. Unfortunately, our Explorer ships (MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Nordstjernen and MS Roald Amundsen) don’t have pet cabins.

Languages

Norwegian and English are the official on-board languages. Some Hurtigruten Guides (or the Tour Leaders on board MS Vesterålen), personnel at the reception and service crew often also speak German.

Most of our excursions are guided in two or three languages. Please contact the Hurtigruten Guides or Tour Leader on board for further information.

Laundry

Laundry rooms with washing machines, dryers and irons are available on all ships. Tokens can be purchased at reception.

Medical assistance

There is no doctor or pharmacy on board. However, officers are trained in first aid and can provide emergency medical assistance. The ships are also close to land should urgent medical assistance be required.

Environmental commitment

Hurtigruten’s environmental efforts are tied to our strategic six-point policy;

1. That environmentally-oriented measures are identified and implemented in day-to-day operations.
2. That focus is directed specifically at the marine environment.
3. That we specify requirements for subcontractors and contractual partners.
4. That our communications concerning our own environmental performance are open and complete.
5. That we ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of our environmental work.
6. That we do not leave any permanent traces behind us in vulnerable areas.

As a traveller with Hurtigruten, your contribution to environmental care is welcome. We have garbage sorting aboard all ships, and we encourage you to turn off lights when leaving the cabin and unplug electrical transformers when not in use.

In 2018, we banned all single-use plastic on board our fleet. When ashore, bring your litter back to the vessel or dispose at designated places. We are often near wildlife on our voyages. Please heed the advice of your Tour Leader/Expedition Leader and excursion guide and strive to act in a way that does not alter the wildlife’s natural behaviour.

Young Explorers FAQ

How can I book my child on to Young Explorers?

You can sign up onboard. Availability varies per ship and is based on a minimum number of participants.

How much does the programme cost?

The programme is free of charge. 

How long is the programme?

The full programme is spread over 10 days of our 12-day Classic Roundtrip Voyage. Each day features a different theme, and children are welcome to join whenever they want during their voyage of any length. 

What is the age range?

The age range is 6 to 13 years old, but older children are welcome. Younger children can attend if accompanied by a parent. 

Which languages are spoken?

English and Norwegian 

Do I need to accompany my child?

Our organisers can run the programme without parents or guardians present. However, parents are welcome to accompany their children during the programme and join in with activities. Depending on the number of children, we may need to ask a few parents to attend as well.