Why Cruise with Hurtigruten
Curious about who we are and what we stand for? Learn more about Hurtigruten and why you should explore the Norwegian coast with us.
At Hurtigruten we give you the opportunity to travel with meaning. Building on our explorer heritage dating back to 1893, our voyages are grounded in the likings of people who value learning and personal growth over luxury. We offer unique experiences and impart knowledge in a way that leaves the smallest environmental footprint possible.
Our expert knowledge of the coast, combined with highly skilled crews and a diverse fleet consisting of nimble, intimately-scaled ships, enables us to offer you experience the best the Norwegian coast has to offer.
10 reasons to travel with Hurtigruten
From unique destinations to world-class food, here's why you should go on a cruise with Hurtigruten.
2. Get close to nature and wildlife
Step into nature to fully experience the destinations, on walks, hikes, in boats or kayaks. We take you closer to wildlife than anyone else, with onboard experts who share their knowledge of the animal world.
3. Immerse yourself in local life
Get authentic experiences and engage with local culture. We don't just visit local communities, we give back and make it an important part of your cruise.
4. Landings unique to every cruise
We offer unique opportunities to explore the places you visit. Landings are adapted to the destination, and could involve small boat cruising or hikes, to name a few.
6. Stunning panoramic views
We always take the scenic route. Our ships are built to enjoy the view, whether you prefer it from the comfort of your cabin, in observation lounges or out on deck.
7. Gourmet onboard dining
The award-winning food on board is a journey in itself. We offer fresh, local produce and a wide selection of menus on all cruises - including vegan and vegetarian options.
8. Magical phenomena
Make your dreams come true and experience the extraordinary - be it the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun or other natural wonders.
OUR DESTINATIONS
Whether you’re eager to meet a few friendly penguins or longing to search for the elusive polar bear, we offer it all. Our expeditions to destinations like Antarctica, Svalbard, and Iceland are, simply put, unmatched: our ships are floating base-camps-at-sea, built specifically to cruise amongst extreme conditions and access remote regions. They also come with tools to assist you in fully exploring your surroundings, like kayaks, trekking poles, and snowshoes. Read more about our wide range of destinations, below.
Norwegian Coastal Cruises
Our cruises along the Norwegian coast—nicknamed 'The World's Most Beautiful Voyage' by Lonely Planet—have earned their place on lists of iconic traveler routes, along with other classics like the Orient Express, the Nile River, and Route 66.
Experience Norway's beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the Midnight Sun or spectacular Northern Lights. Our daily departures take you on cruises where no other ships go; no matter the season, our journeys along the Norwegian coast are filled with amazing scenery and unique experiences.
Expedition Cruises
Our history of exploring polar regions traces back to 1896, making us one of the most experienced travel companies in the world. Hurtigruten offers breathtaking experiences in remote corners of the world, expeditions that appeal to those who value thorough exploration of seldom-visited destinations.
Get up close and personal with wildlife, culture and incredible scenery - from pole to pole. With our explorer voyages, we take you from the polar bears of Svalbard in the north to the penguins of Antarctica in the south with our fleet of advanced, intimately-scaled expeditions ships.
DID YOU KNOW..?
1. Hurtigruten is not your normal cruise operator.
When you sail with Hurtigruten, you are on an expedition with likeminded adventurers who value personal growth and exploring over luxury. You won't find waterslides, casinos or any sort of dress code. However, you will find a casual and relaxed atmosphere, great food, and all the quality equipment you need to explore new destinations.
2. We have a Northern Lights guarantee.
100%. That’s how sure we are that the spectacular Northern Lights will make an appearance on your 12-day Hurtigruten voyage. We even back it up with a special promise to you. If they do not appear on your voyage, we will give you another 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE, so your Hurtigruten experience will be one with zero regrets.
3. Our ships are filled with Expedition Teams!
Whether you are sailing with Hurtigruten along the Norwegian coast or other remote destinations around the world, you will be accompanied by an expert Expedition Team. They are your hosts on board and ashore, and will provide lectures in subjects such as geography, history, wildlife and more.
Read more: Expedition Teams on the Norwegian coast and Expedition Cruises.
4. We are adding two new ships to our fleet in 2019 and 2020.
Modern, hybrid, and inspired by our Scandinavian heritage - in 2019 we welcome MS Roald Amundsen to our fleet. The year after, she will be joined by MS Fridtjof Nansen. Named after two of Norway's most famous explorers, these state of the art ships will follow suit and explore some of the most remote destinations in the world.
Read more: Sneak peak at Hurtigruten's new hybrid ships.
5. Committed to sustainable travel.
We operate in some of the world’s most pristine and vulnerable natural landscapes. This is a responsibility we take seriously, which is why we educate our guests on how to reduce our environmental footprint. Read more about our efforts to minimize the impact, our use of local food along the Norwegian coast, research and knowledge in polar waters, and much more in "Leaving a Smaller Footprint".