Unique Features

Sustainability is the core of every detail of your Hurtigruten adventure. Hurtigruten is constantly pushing boundaries, and aim to become completely emission free. As the first cruise line in the world, Hurtigruten is permanently introducing biodiesel as fuel on a number of ships – including MS Otto Sverdrup.

Biodiesel reduces (CO2) emissions with up to 80 % (compared to regular marine diesel). Hurtigruten’s environmentally certified biodiesel is produced from waste from industries such as fisheries and agriculture – which means no palm oil is used in the biofuel production and no negative effects on rainforests. Hurtigruten will use biodiesel in combination with other low-emission fuel.

As the rest of the Hurtigruten fleet, single-use plastic is banned on MS Otto Sverdrup. This ship is also equipped for shore power, completely eliminating emissions when docked in ports with shore power facilities.ns.

Internet / Wi-Fi

We offer Wi-Fi on board, but coverage and speed may be very limited. Internet will be available via satellite when we are out at sea and too far away from mobile communication infrastructure on land. Due to capacity limitations, the included Wi-Fi is limited to browsing and not streaming. Please contact the reception desk if you have any questions related to the Wi-Fi usage.

Mobile phones will function in most places on shore. Check with your carrier for details. 

Wheelchair Access

We are happy to welcome guests with limited mobility. All ships have at least one cabin equipped for travellers using a wheelchair.

Lifesaving equipment, lifevests and safety on board

The ship complies with international safety requirements, and is a modern vessel suitable for sailing in the respective destinations, including icy waters.

All guests will be instructed in safety procedures and the use and location of the safety equipment before departure. There is a Safety Notice posted on the inside of the cabin door which we encourage all guests to read carefully.

During the sailing, special safety regulations will apply on landings with the Expedition boats. Please follow the instructions given by the Expedition Leader and crew/staff. Special lifejackets for use during landings will be provided to all passengers. A mandatory briefing regarding the safety guidelines will also be given. 

Smoking

On board, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks. Smoking is not permitted in cabins or private balconies. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. A cleaning charge of approximately 150 EUR will be applied for smoking in the cabin, to cover the cost of cleaning linen and curtains to return it to a non-smoking standard. E-Cigarettes, according to Norwegian law, are the equivalent of tobacco cigarettes and therefore smoking these is only permitted in the designated smoking areas.

When the ship is refuelling smoking is prohibited. Announcements will be made on board accordingly.

Smoking is not allowed during nature landings in AECO and IAATO areas, except for city landings. 

Special Requests

If you have special requests (e.g. dietary or medical), please inform us as soon as possible, and no later than 8 weeks prior to your cruise departure. We will do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so, and under no circumstance will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of a contractual agreement.

Medical facilities

There is an English-speaking physician and nurse on board always. The ship has a small medical facility with the necessary equipment and medication to handle small emergencies. In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected.

All guests must have personal travel/health insurance. If you depend on medication, remember to bring sufficient supplies to last through any unforeseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage, properly labelled, and with clear instructions for its use. If you depend on vital medication, please inform the ship’s doctor upon arrival. Illness on board can lead to quarantine, and orders from the ship’s physician and captain must be followed.

Suite Service

À la carte dining option

On the ships which have a Lindstrøm restaurant, suite guests are offered the chance to dine here. Reservations must be made on board and are offered upon availability.

Suite breakfast

On the ships which have an à la Carte restaurant, suite guests are offered a high-end breakfast, served at the table. Not available on embarkation day.

Suite check-in

An exclusive check-in area is available for suite guests, where they may meet and greet some of the ship officers.

Takeaway

We offer a takeaway service on some of the ships from our Fredheim restaurant, 7.30 to 8.30 for breakfast and then from 12.00 noon until 21.00hrs for our all day dining from the Fredheim menu, available on your TV screen and you can order by phone.

Welcome greeting

On embarkation day, the suite guests will find a carabiner watch, a bottle of champagne and a welcome greeting from the captain in their suite after check-in.

Turn-down service

Suite guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.

Laundry service

This service is free of charge for all suite guests. There is no self-service laundry for guest. Instead, you will be provided a laundry form that you need to fill out. Prices are listed on this form.

Minibar

Minibar is available in Suite Cabins and will be replenished on a daily base. The first replenishment is included. 

Seasickness

Seasickness pills are available in reception. If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended that you bring pills that you are familiar with. You may also buy “sea bands” on board.

Mail

You can hand in your mail at the reception, and for the cost of stamps we will forward the post in every port where possible. The time needed for delivery of mail may be relatively long. Hurtigruten Expeditions accepts no responsibility for lost mail.  

Food & Beverage

On board, we serve a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all in accordance with your daily programme. Mealtimes will be announced in the daily programme. Due to Covid Regulations, we have limited Capacity in the Restaurants and we are working with time slots. We are asking kindly all guests to book their time slots with the Headwaiter. Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements and dietary requirements to your sales office/travel agent before your cruise.

On the ships which have the à la carte restaurant Lindstrøm, our suite guests may enjoy their breakfast and lunch there. For dinner, Lindstrøm will be open for all guests, but there is an additional charge of 25 Euro per person for non-suite guests. Reservation is required and will depend upon availability.

Fredheim is the ship’s third dining option, offering casual dining in relaxed atmosphere, or a takeaway option during the opening hours. There will be no take away option on the last day of the cruise when you disembark the ship.

Soft drinks, beer, and the ship wine are included for all meals in our restaurants. Coffee, tea, and potable water that has been purified on board is included throughout the day. There is complimentary still and sparkling water for all meals. An upgraded beverage package is also available.

Small Boat Landings

Guests are respectfully reminded that only our stable expedition boats enable both water-based exploration and safe landings in otherwise inaccessible areas. You will need to be fairly agile to board these, but there is otherwise no need to worry about travelling in them. The crew will show you what to do and as long as you follow their instructions, after a few times it will become second nature. On all landings in expedition boats, guests are expected to wear proper footwear. For additional information about the footwear, see separate point “Equipment loans”. Landing operations depend on favourable conditions. 

Walking on board

We kindly remind you to take care when walking on board the ship while at sea, especially when venturing out on deck, observing the signs for warnings of wet and slippery decks. Be aware the doors toward the outer deck are potentially dangerous in windy conditions. Please adhere to the signs and announcements when it is not advised to go outside. While walking inside, hold on to railings but not to door frames, to avoid injury. 

Language

The working language on board is English. Announcements and written information are also given in German, and may also be given in French and Chinese on selected departures. In order to be able to accommodate lectures in a language other than English, we offer an “in ear” translation into German. Lectures will be streamed into the cabins. 

Hurtigruten App

The Hurtigruten APP is your digital guide onboard, it is recommended to download it before you come onboard, To be able to follow the activities on board, make restaurant reservation, book tours and find A-Z info here from the minute you step onboard. The App will only work while you are on board as it is connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi.  

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.

Cruise Card

You will be issued a cruise card upon arrival on board as part of the check-in procedure in accordance with ISPS regulations. The card serves as a control system on the gangway. This card, in addition to being the key card for your cabin, is also your payment card on board. To activate the cruise card account, you must have cash, a Visa, Diners, or MasterCard.

Please note that there are no money exchange services or facilities for cash withdrawals on board.

Alcohol Policy

Guests are reminded that only beverages sold and/or provided in the restaurants, bars, cabins, and suites can be consumed on board. Any alcoholic beverages purchased in ports-of-call will need to be stored separately on board the ship by our crew. Your purchases will be returned to you and delivered to your cabin on the last day of your sailing.

What to Wear

On board dress is informal. For all expedition cruises, we advise you to bring breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf, and thermal clothing including thermal underwear can be useful, when sailing to cold destinations.. Sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and landings, and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful. For additional information about footwear, see separate point “Equipment loans”. 

Children

For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be considered for participation in excursions at each landing. It is entirely at the captain’s discretion whether or not to allow children on shore landings. 

Disabled Cabins / Mobility

The ships are suitable for wheelchair users. Persons in need of special assistance must travel with a companion. Please note that the gangway must be used for wheelchair users to embark and disembark. In ports where tidal conditions or other circumstances require the use of a portable gangway, or during landings with expedition boats, it is not possible to use/take wheelchairs. Guests who use a wheelchair must bring their own standard size, foldable chair. Wheel chairs must be stored in the guest cabin.

Taking Sustainability Seriously

Exploring our blue planet for more than a century has taught us the importance of being green.

Meaningful Change

As a result, we are now supporting 41 environmental, cultural and social projects in 11 different countries. These range from helping endangered orcas in the Pacific Northwest and protecting Galápagos seabirds, to securing safe spaces for vulnerable Greenlandic children and enabling community storytelling for the Itquamavit elders in Canada’s frozen north. We hope that the ripples we create today will one day turn into the waves of the future.

With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, our cruises to the planet’s most stunning corners are where explorers can truly feel at home.

After all, it’s not about us, it’s about all of us.

Saying Goodbye to Plastic

We announced our war on plastics in 2018 when we were the first expedition company to ban non-essential single-use plastic throughout our entire operation. That means you won’t find items like plastic cups, plastic straws or plastic cutlery on board our ships. You also won’t see our shops selling microplastic-made fleeces but stocking natural wool clothing instead.

Absent too are plastic water bottles. We provide all our guests on an expedition cruise with a complimentary high-quality reusable bottle for use at water refill stations dotted around the ship. This simple act saves at least 1,000 plastic bottles a day on some of our larger ships.

Inspiring Environmental Ambassadors

Witnessing the beauty of our planet is sure to leave a lasting impression on you, and you’ll talk enthusiastically about these stunning destinations with friends and family for decades to come. To make sure you can speak informatively when you return home, every one of our expedition cruises has a focus on the environment.

The Expedition Team give lectures that raise awareness of climate change, ocean plastic, and the measures we can all take to help ease these issues. It is our hope that engaging with nature on our expedition cruises will inspire you to do all you can to cherish and protect the precious world we all share.

Connecting With Communities

We are dedicated to supporting the local communities we visit, and to creating beneficial ripple effects that continue long after we’ve left. By trading locally and sourcing services such as food produce and excursions from local suppliers, we contribute to the livelihood and welfare of people.

We strive not only to connect with these communities, but to share genuine friendship with them while always respecting their values and customs. As guests in their home, our emphasis is on appreciating their unique culture and ensuring our interactions are positive and upbuilding for all. You can therefore enjoy authentic experiences knowing your visit is doing good, both for you and for them.

A Footprint We’re Proud Of

You’ll likely encounter a range of wildlife during your expedition, doing so from a safe distance. We’ll be sure to never get too close to them, out of respect for their welfare as much as yours. By not disturbing wildlife with our presence, you’ll be able to observe their natural behaviour, in their natural habitat. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures! In fact, in many of the areas we visit in Antarctica, we even specifically wipe out our footprints so as to prevent penguins tripping and falling into them.

Working Together As One

Sustainability isn’t something we can do alone. Everyone in our industry needs to work together for a greener future. We are therefore founding members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). These trade member organisations work to establish sustainable tourism in polar regions, fighting mass tourism by limiting ships and shore visits, and creating guidelines that protect fragile environments and rare wildlife.

We’ve also committed ourselves to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. These guiding principles will take us steps ahead of current regulations to offer you greener and more sustainable expedition cruises on and for the planet.

Serving Planet-Friendly Plant-Based Food

We offer full menus of delicious plant-based dishes that will impress even those yet to be convinced by this way of eating. These meals not only have low or even zero CO2 footprints, they also promote healthier living and prove conclusively that vegan and vegetarian cuisine can still taste great. We’ve also put in place food management waste programmes on all our ships, aiming to reduce food waste by at least 30%.

Investing in Green Tech

Building our two new hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, represents the biggest investment in our almost 130 years of history. They are packed with ground-breaking green technology, such as battery packs, heat recovery systems, and a cutting-edge hull design. These innovations combined reduce carbon emissions by more than 20 %, compared to other cruise ships of the same size.

Hurtigruten stopped using heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and campaign for its worldwide ban. To set a new standard, we are also considering a range of new, green fuel options, including biofuels made from organic waste.

Doing Your Part

There are a range of simple things you can get involved in during your cruise to do your bit. Help out on a beach clean-up where the refuse we collect is brought back onto the ship to be recycled. Citizen Science projects get you to observe our natural world closely and contribute to current research.

Even hanging a tag on your cabin door to say your towels and bed sheets don’t need changing can save energy and water. You also have the option to donate to the Hurtigruten Foundation which funds projects around the world.

We are setting a new, more sustainable standard for expedition cruising. You can be sure we will continue with our commitment to sustainability; leading the way with green tech, protecting our planet, supporting local communities, and inspiring more to action.

With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, our cruises to the planet’s most stunning corners are where explorers can truly feel at home.