Introduction

MS Kong Harald was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. There is a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink.

The vessel also has a large compass area were you find the reception, the Coastal Experience Team, conference room and shop. The top deck of the boat features a sun deck, observation saloon and panorama lounge, all of which provide splendid views of spectacular coastal scenery.

See All Cruises
Main Info
  • Children Allowed
  • Nursery -
  • Smoking Some
  • Style Expedition
  • Decks6
  • Cabins227
  • Size Small
  • Ship Type Ocean
  • Wheelchair Cabins3
  • Crew Members70
  • Refurbished2016
  • CurrencyNOK
Unique Features


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.

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. 

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.

Deck Plans
Deck 7

  • Observation Deck
  • Explorer Lounge and Bar
  • Fitness Room
  • Seating Area
  • Multe Bakery & Ice Cream

Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Deck 7.png
Deck 6

  • Hot Tubs
  • Arctic Superior Cabins
  • Outside Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Deck 6.png
Deck 5

  • Outdoor Walking Deck
  • Observation Deck
  • Expedition Suites 
  • Arctic Superior Cabins
  • Outside Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Deck 5.png
Deck 4

  • Torget  
  • Kysten 
  • Brygga Bistro
  • Kompass Service Center
  • Lecture Halls
  • Information
  • Shop
  • Post Office

Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Deck 4.png
Deck 3

  • Outside Accessible Cabins
  • Outside Cabins
  • Inside Cabins
  • Gangway
  • Check-in Point
  • Luggage

Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Deck 3.png
Deck 2

  • Car Deck
  • Tender Area
  • Sauna
  • Cabins

Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Deck 2.png
Accomodation
Expedition Suite | Suite on upper deck

These elegant suites are situated on the upper deck with one or two rooms, double bed, sofa, seating area and TV. They are suitable for 3 travellers.

Arctic Superior | Upper deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable, outside, cabins for up to two people on the top/upper decks have double beds.

Arctic Superior | Middle deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable, outside cabins on the upper/middle decks have double bed.

Polar Outside | Lower deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the lower deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have portholes, some with limited or no view.

Polar Outside | Lower deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the lower deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have portholes, some with limited or no view.
Polar Outside | Upper deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people, midship on the upper deck, have double beds, a private shower/WC, TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The cabins have very limited or obstructed views.

Polar Outside | Upper deck for up to 3 travellers

These comfortable, outside cabins for up to three people on the upper or middle decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have limited or no view.

Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the middle deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa.
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the middle deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa.
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the middle/lower decks have bathroom with shower/WC and double beds.
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the middle deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. 

Polar Outside | Middle deck for up to 3 travellers
These comfortable outside cabins for up to three people on the middle deck have separate upper/lower beds. One of the lower beds converts into a sofa.
Polar Outside | Wheelchair accessible cabin for 2 travellers

More information coming soon.

Polar Inside | Lower deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to two people on the lower deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa.

Polar Inside | Upper deck for up to 3 travellers

These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to three people∘ on the upper deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa and upper/lower berths. 

Entertainment

Enjoy the art of relaxation as you cruise the Norwegian coast with great views and good company. Our Coastal Experience Team is on hand to enhance your trip with a series of lectures and activities on board.

Explorer Lounge & Bar

What really makes the Explorer Bar stand out is the atmosphere of the surrounding lounge and the panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Order from a range of hot and cold beverages, relax in a comfortable armchair, chat with a drink in hand, and watch the world go by.

The Explorer Bar serves premium coffee, organic teas, hot chocolate, fruit juices, various Norwegian beers, red, white, and rosé wine, and a collection of Norwegian aquavit that would make any spirit lover jump for joy.

Enjoy along with a selection of snacks, such as grilled sandwiches using local ham and cheese, or even a Norwegian speciality: dried fish! 

Outdoor Walking Deck

The outdoor walking deck is located on deck 5.

Shopping

The onboard shop sells souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries.

Library

The books are in a variety of languages including Norwegian, German and English.

Gaming Lounge

Take a break in the gaming lounge with a variety of activities to enjoy.