 From daily journeys through majestic fjords to world cruises from the Arctic to Antarctica |
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In 1893, Captain Richard With sailed Norway’s western coast from Vesteralen to Hammerfest in three days. This was a remarkable achievement at the time and the daily coastal service that was the result revolutionaized communications and industry along Norway’s coast. From this early time the operators of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage recognized the tourist potential of cruise travel. What better way to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights? Such remote wonders as the magnificent Lofoten Islands with their red and gold cabins, brilliant white sand beaches, and "lynx foot" peaks, the Trollfjord with its narrow rocky gateway, and Finnmark with its wild, austere landscape and indigenous Sami people all now readily accessible to travelers. The history of Norwegian cruise travel has evolved to the point where today, thousands of people come from across the globe to sail what has been called "The World's Most Beautiful Voyage" and to explore Norway's coastal communities and meet their inhabitants (they're easy to chat with; just about everyone in Norway speaks fluent English). There's the added charm of traveling on vessels that, while affording all the comforts of a cruise ship, still carry cargo to 34 ports of call every day, all year round. Equally quaint is the occasional arrival of a local, hopping a ride from one coastal town to another. Norway's majestic, unspoilt landscape has earned it the ranking of the world's top vacation destination by National Geographic Traveler magazine. And the Hurtigruten heads the Lonely Planet Guide's Blue List for classic voyages. Yes, this is indeed a trip for sophisticated travelers, for those who have experienced the best the world has to offer. Which may be why passengers so often end up making lasting friendships with those they meet on board. Daily departures are available year-round. Each one-way voyage calls at 34 ports. Those called at during the day on the northbound voyage are called at during the night on the southbound voyage, and vice versa. Stops vary in duration from anywhere between 45 minutes up to 6 hours. You can choose from: |
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1) A Cruise-Only option from a 6-day one-way southbound voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen, $1,699 - $2,299 standard side-facing double cabin per person, depending on the season (June - July sailings being the most expensive); a 7-day one-way northbound voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, $1,799 - $2,599; a 12-day roundtrip voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, $2,699 - $3,799. All voyages include accommodation in a select cabin category on board, three meals daily shipboard: buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set menu dinner. |
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2) An Independent Vacation, any of the three voyage versions packaged with first class hotel accommodations with buffet breakfast, train and plain journeys in itinerary, train transfers Oslo Airport - Oslo Central, Oslo and Bergen Cards (public transportation & entrance to tourist attractions), select cabin on board and three meals daily (buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set menu dinner), as well as port charges. Not included: transatlantic airfares, fuel surcharges, optional shore excursions and gratuites. For information on airfare, please contact us. Norwegian Holiday - 13-day program, $2,999 - $3,699 standard side-facing double cabin per person, depending on the season (June - July sailings being the most expensive).
Day 2: Arrive in Oslo, transfer to your hotel, day at leisure, overnight. Day 3: At leisure, overnight. Day 4: Transfer to the airport, fly to Kirkenes, overnight Day 5: Morning at leisure, embark on your ship. Days 6-9: On your southbound coastal voyage. Day 10: Disembark in Bergen, at leisure, overnight. Day 11: At leisure, overnight. Day 12: Train to Oslo, overnight. Day 13: Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Highlights of Norway - 12-day program, $3,199 - $3,779.
Day 2: Arrive in Oslo, transfer to your hotel, day at leisure, overnight. Day 3: At leisure, overnight. Day 4: Morning train to Bergen, overnight. Day 5: At leisure, embark on your ship in the evening. Days 6-10: On your northbound coastal voyage. Day 11: Disembark in Kirkenes, fly to Oslo, transfer to hotel, overnight. Day 12: Transfer to the airport, return flight to New York. Grand Norway - 17-day program, $3,199 - $4,199.
Day 2: Arrive in Oslo, transfer to your hotel, day at leisure, overnight. Day 3: At leisure, overnight. Day 4: Morning train to Bergen, embark on the ship. Day 5-14: On your roundtrip coastal voyage. Day 15: Disembark in Bergen, overnight. Day 16: At leisure, overnight. Day 17: Transfer to the airport, return flight to New York.
 Millennium ship 3) Escorted Vacations - The Norwegian Coastal Voyage is now offering escorted tours, from point of arrival in Norway to time of departure on select voyages on the Millennium Ships, May through September. These "one-stop-shop" programs combine the NCV voyage with in-depth land and fjord exploration. You'll travel in comfort on deluxe motor coaches and stay at first-class hotels. Choose from the 18-day Norway Splendor, with the maximum experience of a roundtrip Coastal Voyage combined with an extensive land program, $6,399 - $7,399 standard side-facing double cabin per person, depending on the season (June - July sailings being the most expensive), or the 15-day Spectacular Norway, featuring the northbound voyage and fjord explorations, $7,099 - $7,999. |
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Escorted Vacation packages include: roundtrip economy class transatlantic airfare from New York, accommodations in first-class hotels, select cabin on board and three meals daily (buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set menu dinner, including welcome and farewell dinners), the services of a tour director and local guides, and extensive sightseeing, including all entrance fees. <- Trondheim, old capital of Norway |
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AARP members qualify for a $100-$150 discount on most air-inclusive programs. Programs do not include gratuities. Air Add ons for air-inclusive packages are as follows: - North East $100 - Mid West $250 - South East $200 - West $350 |
The Lofoten Islands in the summer
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Northern Light Voyages The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged solar particles passing into the Earth’s atmosphere. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, which means 'dawn of the north', the Aurora can appear abruptly, filling the sky at an incredible speed with great arcs appearing as ghostly wisps of green, yellow, red and violet dance above the horizon, before disappearing again. There is no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters, on board a ship from the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (known in Norway as Hurtigruten) Fleet with the Aurora Borealis set against a dark sky, free from artificial light. |
| While these trips provide a great opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis, it is in their very nature that this experience can never be guaranteed. Many travelers consider the Aurora to be simply "the icing on the cake" of an already remarkable holiday in the Arctic. |
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As you sail through the Arctic twilight, you become one with the peaceful atmosphere that descends around you. Clusters of houses glow like embers along the coastline, small towns become cozy refuges as the ship pulls into harbor to welcome new passengers on board, and the backdrop of snow-clad mountains reflects the polar light. |
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Nature offers some of the greatest opportunities to see wildlife along Norwegian shores, and there is an exciting range of winter activities available, both on land and on board the ships. Opportunities include spotting animated pods of Orca, snuggling up warm in an ice hotel, being led by huskies on an unforgettable dog-sledge safari, or venturing through ice caves in the realm of the polar bear. For those who have a passion for wildlife three Themed Programs are available on selected dates during the winter months: 7-day Alta Igloo Hotel, $2,759 - $2,999, standard side-facing double cabin per person, 9-day Sami Encounters, $3,729 - $4,139 and 7-day Killer Whale Safari, $2,439 - $2,749. |
| The Orcinus Orca is the largest member of the dolphin family and easily recognizable with its black and white underside. The name “killer whale” was coined by the sailors who witnessed them hunting seals off the coast of Iceland and Greenland many years ago. Despite their foreboding title there is, to date, no record of an Orca ever attacking a human being. |
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Reminiscent of classic steamers, two of the remaining traditional ships, the Lofoten & Nordstjernen, are the most intimate in the fleet, accommodating fewer than 200 passengers each. Offering these themed programs as well as shorter fjord trips, which can nicely complement your main, coastal voyage. |
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Traditional ship
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General Information The fleet is comprised of the following four types of ships: |
 Standard double cabin, typical for all ships |
Millennium ships: Finnmarken, Midnatsol & Trollfjord 643-674 berths Length: 136-138 m Gross tonnage: 15,000 Contemporary ships: Kong Harald, Nordkapp, Nordlys, Nordnorge, Polarlys & Richard With Built in the 90s 464-490 berths Length: 122-123 m Gross tonnage: 12,000 Mid-generation ships: Lyngen & Vesteralen Built in the 80s 312 berths Length: 109 m Gross tonnage: 6,257 Traditional ships: Lofoten & Nordstjernen Built: 1960/4 (Renovated: 2000/3) Berths: 164/171 Length: 87 m Gross tonnage: 2,568/2,661 |
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Climate and Clothing The weather can change from day to day, even from hour to hour. In the northern part of the country, winter temperatures are normally between 20F and 35F, summer temperatures between 40F and 60F and between 50F and 70F in the southern parts. Take warm practical clothing to wear on deck and good footwear is vital for excursions ashore. Otherwise, on board the ship, dress smart but casual. Elevators All ships have elevators and some cabins have been equipped to accommodate disabled passengers. |
   Millennium ship, with one of its deluxe suites (top) |
  Contemporary ship under the midnight sun (above), and in port, loading cargo (below). 
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Meal Times The usual meal times in the ship’s dining room are: buffet breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00, buffet lunch at 13:00 and set menu dinner at 19:00. During the peak summer months, there are several sittings, the times of which will be provided upon embarkation. The ships also have cafeterias that are open around the clock and sell drinks as well as hot and cold meals. Documents & Medical Information A valid passport is required to enter Norway. While a visa is not required for visits shorter than three months. There is no age limit. Even though the ships carry more than 12 passengers, due to the short distances between the ports of call, there is no doctor on board. |
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Reservations To make a reservation a Maris Registration Form and a $600 pp deposit are required. Checks, money orders, credit cards and wire transfers are accepted forms of payment. Any changes of confirmed reservations are subject to a $75 fee pp. The balance of the fare is due 70 days before departure. Cancellation fees are as follows: more than 60 days before departure, loss of deposit; 30 - 59 days 25%; no refund will be made within the last 30 days. Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is highly recommended. Please contact us through the Inquiries page. |
1958 - 2008
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From the Freighter Travel Club archives
7-day Northbound Coastal Voyage By Jean Ellis, December 1991 |
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“I flew from Newark, NJ on August 24 to Oslo, Norway. We landed in the morning, and after checking into my hotel near the King’s Palace, I had most of the day left to explore this fascinating city. The little harbor, Pipervika, is within easy walking distance; there one takes the ferry to Oslo’s fascinating marine museums. Here I saw the hulls of some ancient Viking ships, Kon Tiki and her sister raft made of papyrus; and much, much more. At the end of the tour, I was glad I had arranged for extra days in Oslo for more exploration. |
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In Oslo, one can purchase an inexpensive Oslo-Pass, good for all public transportation, including the ferries. But the Flybus, which goes directly from the hotels to the airport, is extra. The following morning was sunny and beautiful as I boarded the train to Bergen. Up, up, and over the high plateau, past lakes and snow covered rocky hills. By late afternoon, we arrived in Bergen. This was the original capital of Norway and here I stayed one night before sailing. I wish I had allowed for several days in Bergen. The wonderful harbor, Vagen, with ancient wooden buildings still in use was the central theme of the city. There was Häkon’s Hall to visit along with the RosenKrantz Tower, and perhaps most spectacular of all was the funicular ride up Mt. Floien for a grand view of the city. The three masted training ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl was tied up at the sea wall and was most picturesque. |
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At about 6 p. m. on August 27, I boarded the Narvik, one of the three mid-generation ships (editors note: currently two of these ships, the Lyngen and Vesteralen offer this voyage). She is very clean and neat and carries approx. 300 tourist passengers. My cabin was on the lowest deck with a securely sealed porthole. On open stretches of sea, my view resembled the soapy churning of a front-loading washing machine. There were only two of these open stretches of sea which made for some pretty exciting rides. Most of the entire coastal passage is in relatively protected water and quite smooth. |
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The Narvik is operated as a passenger -freighter ship. She is small enough (approx. 340’ long) to sail far up into the fjords and call on little towns all along the Norwegian coastline. Every type of goods is carried from heavy equipment to foodstuffs. Local inhabitants travel from town to town like we would travel on a bus or train. They use a special salon with sleeping chairs, and a cafeteria. Conversation with these locals was most interesting and informative. Tourists’ interests are carefully considered and our excellent tourist director distributed daily schedules which included specific information about ports of call, points of interest, time schedules, and the like. Often a bus tour was arranged (at extra cost) to a point of particular interest. Meals were delicious and always something to look forward to. Norwegian breakfasts were like a visit to a top delicatessen that also serves hot dishes. Lunch, at assigned tables, was similar; but had a greater choice of hot food. Dinner was served to us at our table. I sat with delightful couples from the Netherlands and England. We sailed at 10 p. m. and it was still light. The Narvik stops night and day to discharge freight and passengers - often up to five ports during daylight hours (at this time of year, anyway). Sometimes the calls are too short to do more than step ashore. Although many last for a couple of hours. Unfortunately the sunny weather deserted us quickly. No rain, but clouds and heavy mists which made for poor pictures. The scenery is spectacular with little farms huddled against the snow-capped mountains - and of course, the fjords. This was the first time I had seen hay hung out to dry like laundry. There is not a great deal of animal life, a few sheep, cows and sturdy little fjord ponies, the mounts of the Vikings. In the north, high in the mountains, we saw a few herds of reindeer. |
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When time allowed, I walked ashore in the small towns and talked with the people. Everyone was friendly and most, particularly those under 30, spoke English which is taught in the schools from grade 4. I did little shopping. Beautiful Norwegian wool sweaters do not interest me as I have little use for them at home. Honningsvag, our port farthest north, is 1311 miles from the North Pole. I wore a sweater and jacket ashore, but the locals walked around in their shirt-sleeves. The citizenry expected the first hard frost within the month at which time a long winter sets in. The Russian cruise ship Fedor Dostoevsky was also in port. She surely gets around. Kirkenes, almost on the Russian border, was my point of debarkation. I explored and did a little shopping - reindeer skin, ski mittens for grand children and a book on Norwegian mushrooms (which, by the way, were growing everywhere, even this far north). |
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The next day, I flew to Oslo for two additional days. Here I revisited the Maritime Museums, toured Oslo’s fjord, which is kept open throughout the winter with an icebreaker, and various museums and art galleries. Because English is so widely spoken in Oslo, it was very easy to get information about practically anything in the city. There are many wooden-hulled small boats in the harbor. Because of melting ice, the water is almost fresh (non-salt) despite the proximity to the North Sea. Therefore, sea worms do not drill into the wooden hulls. |
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Norway is a wonderful place to visit and I can’t imagine a better way to see the country and meet the people than on the Narvik or any of the ships in the Hurtigruten fleet. The trains, too, are an excellent way to see the country and meet the local people. Dogs and cats are even allowed to travel on the train with their owners - one young women had four dogs with her! |
| I have heard from several of my fellow passengers, particularly from my shipboard pals from the U.K., who made the roundtrip voyage. Of course, the weather immediately improved on the southbound leg. Sailing back, the Narvik makes daylight calls at the ports previously visited at night. I wish I had made the entire trip and allowed for more time in Bergen and more train travel.” |
| 2009 CRUISE-ONLY SPECIAL OFFER: Book selected 12, 7 and 6-day Norwegian Coastal Voyages and save up to 45% of the fare. Please contact us through the Reservations page with details of your preferred voyage and time period. |
| We are most grateful for the support, including comments such as the following, which we have been receiving from our valued customers and club members as well as from the steamship lines and media over the years: |
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of Westport, CT
Freighter & Specialty Cruises (Since 1993)
1 800 99-Maris (-62747) & 1 203 222-1500 (-9191 fax)
www.freightercruises.com
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