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MS Vesterålen

An intimate voyage along the Norwegian coast

Named after our first coastal steamship of 1893, MS Vesterålen keeps alive the spirit, craftsmanship and working rhythm that defined the earliest Coastal Express sailings.

Her 2025 refurbishment refreshed 100 cabins and introduced new Arctic Superiors and Mini Suites, while preserving her classic character that features plenty of polished brass and wood. Traditional décor and curated classical Norwegian art create the feeling of sailing aboard a floating gallery of coastal culture.

With around half the passenger capacity of our larger ships, life on board feels personal and unhurried. Guests enjoy closer access to the crew, with open bridge visits and informal talks that offer insight into navigation and daily life on a working coastal ship.

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Accomodation Types

Our cabins and suites
Sailing with us is all about feeling warm, calm and connected to the coast. In your cabin or suite, you’ll experience the understated premium feeling Scandinavia is famous for.

From cosy outside cabins to spacious Expedition Suites with panoramic views, every space offers comfort, quiet and a true feeling of Norwegian koselig (cosiness).

Think of your cabin or suite as your home from home. This is your space to sleep deeply, sit quietly and reflect peacefully on your journey so far.

Expedition Suite
Expedition Suites are designed for those seeking space, style and indulgence. Sleeping up to 3 guests, all come with double bed, separate lounge area, premium furnishings and large windows. A quiet, spacious retreat designed for a truly comfortable and memorable voyage.

Arctic Superior
Arctic Superior cabins offer a step up in comfort. Located on a prime location on the ship, these outside-facing cabins come with a double bed and window with full view as standard. You’ll also find added comforts like a kettle with tea and coffee – small details that help you feel more at home. A calm, well-equipped space to unwind.

Polar Outside
Polar Outside cabins feature all the same amenities as a Polar Inside – plus a porthole or window (full or limited view), allowing you to take in the scenery as you sail. They’re fitted with flexible bedding arrangements, compact furniture and all the basics for a comfortable journey.

Polar Inside
Polar Inside cabins are compact but efficient – everything you need for a comfortable journey, minus the view. Sleeping 2 guests in twin beds, they are a private space in which to recharge.

Expedition Suite | Mini suite on upper deck

Arctic Superior | Double on middle or upper deck with window

Polar Outside | Twin on lower or upper deck with window (restricted view)

Polar Outside | Twin on lower deck with porthole

Polar Outside | Triple on lower deck with porthole

Polar Outside | Quadruple on lower deck with porthole

Polar Outside | Accessible cabin on lower deck with window

Polar Outside | Wheelchair accessible cabin for up to 3 travellers

Polar Inside | Twin on middle or upper deck

Polar Inside | Single on upper deck

Polar Inside | Twin on lower deck

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Deck Plans

Our cabins and suites
Sailing with us is all about feeling warm, calm and connected to the coast. In your cabin or suite, you’ll experience the understated premium feeling Scandinavia is famous for.

From cosy outside cabins to spacious Expedition Suites with panoramic views, every space offers comfort, quiet and a true feeling of Norwegian koselig (cosiness).

Think of your cabin or suite as your home from home. This is your space to sleep deeply, sit quietly and reflect peacefully on your journey so far.

Expedition Suite
Expedition Suites are designed for those seeking space, style and indulgence. Sleeping up to 3 guests, all come with double bed, separate lounge area, premium furnishings and large windows. A quiet, spacious retreat designed for a truly comfortable and memorable voyage.

Arctic Superior
Arctic Superior cabins offer a step up in comfort. Located on a prime location on the ship, these outside-facing cabins come with a double bed and window with full view as standard. You’ll also find added comforts like a kettle with tea and coffee – small details that help you feel more at home. A calm, well-equipped space to unwind.

Polar Outside
Polar Outside cabins feature all the same amenities as a Polar Inside – plus a porthole or window (full or limited view), allowing you to take in the scenery as you sail. They’re fitted with flexible bedding arrangements, compact furniture and all the basics for a comfortable journey.

Polar Inside
Polar Inside cabins are compact but efficient – everything you need for a comfortable journey, minus the view. Sleeping 2 guests in twin beds, they are a private space in which to recharge.

Deck 7

Deck 6

Deck 5

Deck 4

Deck 3

Deck 2

Deck 1

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Dining

Norway's Coastal Kitchen

Dining on board highlights ingredients sourced from over 70 local farms, fisheries, bakeries and producers along the coast. With two restaurants and the Explorer Lounge & Bar, the atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, in keeping with the ship’s traditional character.

Torget

Our main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed setting. Evening meals are offered as buffet or set menus, depending on the day’s sailing.

Brygga
An informal bistro serving lighter Nordic-inspired dishes, fresh salads and comforting classics – ideal for easy, casual dining throughout the day.

Torget

Brygga

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Entertainment

A voyage on MS Vesterålen is relaxed, personal and rooted in maritime tradition. You'll find comfortable lounges, many adorned with traditional Norwegian art, and generous outdoor decks ideal for watching the coastline and wildlife. The onboard experience is intentionally more traditional and 'boutique' than on our larger ships. Facilities are appropriate – for example, there's a fitness room but no sauna, and lectures take place in shared common areas – allowing the focus to remain on the journey and the rhythm of this working coastal vessel. Throughout the voyage, the Expedition Team shares insights into the nature, wildlife and culture encountered along the coast.

Explorer Lounge & Bar

Trollfjord Lounge

Shopping

Library

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Enrichment

Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck or in one of the conference rooms and learn something new.

Excursions

Enhance your voyage with our wide range of optional excursions that allow you to delve deeper into the dramatic landscapes, rich history, and charming culture of Norway and Svalbard. We offer more than 130 excursions up and down the coast, each run by local suppliers who are ready to showcase the wonders of their home.

Take your pick from a palette of active adventures such as kayaking along Ålesund’s waterways, quad biking to the North Cape or snowshoeing in Tromsø. If you’re interested in history, you can join a World War II tour in Kristiansand or explore the hidden rooms of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

There are plenty of opportunities to sample the delicacies of the Norwegian coast, too, with visits to the world’s northernmost brewery and boat trips to go king crab fishing with locals. We also recommend cultural visits that introduce you to Sámi culture or to the workings of a family-run dairy farm in Lofoten.

An excursion for every season

While many excursions are offered year-round, some are season specific. Summer is a glorious time to be in Norway and Svalbard, with a variety of activities that make the most of the long, leisurely days of the Midnight Sun. Why not enjoy a RIB safari in search of Sea Eagles or a guided e-bike tour around the island of Senja?

The cooler weather in autumn, winter, and spring turns Norway into a wonderland of snow, best enjoyed by dog sled or on cross-country skis. You could also try your hand at snowmobiling, hopefully with the Northern Lights dancing above.

Activities that are right for you

Our diverse excursions cater not just for varied interests but also for different mobility levels, so you can choose the activity that’s right for you.

We offer four distinct physical levels that cater to all - from accessible museum visits to challenging hikes that require a good level of fitness. Certain activities are even wheelchair-friendly, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Caring for the community

We work with on-the-ground suppliers to offer you a truly authentic experience with every excursion. These local outfits have a wealth of knowledge about the area, and they’re passionate about sharing their expertise and unique offerings with visitors like you.

Not only that, but your bookings help to preserve the local culture and heritage of the Norwegian coast. It feels great to know that your support directly benefits the people and communities who call this beautiful place home.

Hikers’ heaven

Feel a sense of friluftsliv, the Norwegian word that encapsulates a love of the outdoors, on optional hikes guided by your Coastal Experience Team.

You can purchase hikes individually, as a seasonal bundle of four, or as a pass that gives you access to all hikes.

How to book an excursion with Hurtigruten

It’s easy to book an excursion. To book online, go to our excursions hub and either input your booking reference or select your voyage from the drop-down menu. Choose the excursion you want and then click the ‘Add to Reservation’ button. A member of our team will then contact you to arrange payment and confirm your booking. 

Expedition Team

Many of the crew, restaurant staff and Expedition Team members that you’ll meet on board a Hurtigruten voyage are from the very places we visit along the Norwegian coast. And one thing we all have in common is a passion for working for Hurtigruten. In many cases, it’s been an ambition since childhood.

We believe that when you choose to visit our home, you deserve to be treated like an honoured guest. That’s why we take you to places that we love, like hidden fjords and tucked-away villages. We tell you our stories, show you the natural wonders that inspire us, and share with you the best local foods fresh from our seas, farms and mountains.

Every Hurtigruten voyage is guided by captains who know Norway’s coastline as intimately as their own back gardens. Most grew up in coastal communities, learning to read the sea from an early age; its moods, its light, its shifting weather.

Their expertise is matched by a deep respect for nature and an unwavering commitment to safety. Many began their careers on our ships as apprentices, rising through the ranks with skill and pride. Today, they sail with quiet confidence, navigating fjords and open waters alike, keeping our tradition of seamanship alive, season after season.

Photo Programme

With the Hurtigruten Photo Programme you’ll learn how to improve your photography skills as well as share photos with fellow guests, take part in contests and geotag your images using Cameralla.

Take your photography to the next level as you travel in one of the most beautiful regions of the world. Along with fellow enthusiasts of all levels, join our Photo Club where you can upload your images and receive valuable feedback. Here, the joy of photography takes centre stage, whether you’re bringing top-end camera equipment or simply using your phone to capture the beauty and magic of the voyage.

Preserve the unforgettable moments from your voyage by joining our Photo Club. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner with a smartphone, the club offers tips, inspiration, and a platform to share your best shots. Discover how to enhance your onboard experience and turn your travel memories into lasting treasures.

The “Fresh Air Factor”

There are often lectures and presentations held on deck out in the fresh air. These lectures and presentations∘ are related to marine and coastal life. For example, there is a performance of "Arctic Circle Ceremony" or "Leaving the Arctic" rituals when crossing the Arctic Circle, cod tongue-cutting demonstrations and training on how to fillet a fish, all of which are led by local fishermen. There are other activities on board, such as hunting for the Northern Lights in winter or sleeping on deck under the midnight sun.

Of course, all of these activities and lectures are voluntary. If you wish to simply relax and enjoy the view of the ever-changing scenery, you are more than welcome to do so.

Also enjoy a lecture in one of the conference rooms.

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Health & Fitness

Sauna and Fitness Room

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Kids & Teens

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Useful Information

Excursions

How far in advance can I book excursions?

Excursions can be booked for Coastal Express departures through 30 March 2026 and Signature voyages through 30 April 2026. Please note, for voyages beyond the dates listed above excursions are typically bookable 180 days before your departure, and we'll send you an email with excursion details after bookings open. Please keep in mind that not all excursions may be available at that time; some may be added later.

Can I book an excursion on board?

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

I am an 1893 Ambassador. Do I get a discount when booking excursions?

Yes, 1893 Ambassadors get a 5% discount on all excursions (booked pre-travel or on board).

Do all excursions start and end in the same port?

No, we offer several overland excursions that start in one port and end in another. Transport is included in these to ensure you are escorted back to the ship on time.

Can I cancel/change my excursion?

Excursions can be cancelled up to 14 days before your departure without charge. Any cancellations made after this time are non-refundable.

It is also possible to change on to another excursion up to 14 days before your departure, but only if the price of that excursion exceeds that of your original booking.

Can I do more than one excursion a day?

Yes, on many days it is possible to do more than one excursion. On The Coastal Express, we often visit more than one port a day, meaning that you can do several trips. In Lofoten, for example, you could join a bus tour of Harstad in the morning, enjoy lunch on board the ship, and then embark on a Sea Eagle safari in the afternoon.

In some ports, it is also possible to do more than one excursion. You can find more details on which trips are combinable on each excursion page.

How fit do I need to be to join an excursion?

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Wi-Fi

We provide complimentary Wi-Fi aboard all our ships, though signal strength may vary in different areas. We sail through remote regions of Norway, so internet speeds may be slower and less suitable for streaming services.

Note: If you have booked a Basic fare or a port-to-port sailing, please make sure you are registered with our 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Programme to access the complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dietary Requirements

Gluten-free and allergy-specific meals can be arranged. Just contact our Customer Service Centre with your dietary requirements at least two weeks before departure so the ship can prepare accordingly.

We can also provide halal products on request. However, we are unable to offer genuine kosher meals.

Please note that our kitchens do not have dedicated allergen-free preparation areas. While we take great care to avoid cross-contamination, guests with severe allergies should be aware that allergens are handled in the same space.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

We offer a range of plant-based dishes at lunch and dinner, suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please contact our Customer Service Centre at least two weeks before departure so the ship’s team can prepare accordingly. This helps ensure the best possible dining experience during your voyage.

Dress Code

We Norwegians are down-to-earth people. We don’t believe in dress codes on board. Wear your hiking shoes to dinner or your slippers to breakfast. It’s up to you. Just leave spikes off indoors and keep your shoes on in restaurants and the bar for safety.

Languages

English and Norwegian are the official languages, and are used for all announcements and lectures. Written information, such as menus and daily programme, are also available in German and French.

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.

Smoking

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.

A cleaning fee of approximately NOK 1500 will be charged for smoking in the cabin. This is to cover the cost of washing bedding and curtains to bring the cabin back to a non-smoking standard.

Laundry

Every ship has a small self-service laundry room with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. A wash costs 30 NOK (~£2.50) per load, and washing powder is included. You can buy tokens at reception.

Medical Facilities

We have basic medical facilities on our ships, and crew members are trained to handle medical emergencies. However, there is no doctor on board, so passengers with serious health conditions should prepare accordingly. Our ships stay close to land for urgent medical situations, and there is a hospital room on board for treating minor medical issues.

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.

Bringing a vehicle on board

Can I bring my car on MS Vesterålen?

Yes, you can bring your car on board MS Vesterålen, provided it fits within the ship’s vehicle deck limits and space is available. We recommend reserving vehicle space in advance, as availability is limited and varies by season.

Car capacity:

• September-April: 8 spaces
• May-August: 15 spaces

Maximum vehicle dimensions and weight:

• Length: 540 cm/ 17.7 ft
• Width: 230 cm/ 7.5 ft
• Height: 190 cm/ 6 ft
• Weight: 2800 kg/ 6,173 lbs

Please note that campervans, minivans and trailers cannot be accepted.

Pre-booking

We highly recommend pre-booking a spot on the car deck. You can show up on the day, but there's no guarantee we'll have a free space.

Arrival at Port

Please be ready to drive on board at 18.00 in Bergen and no later than one hour before departure in Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø and Kirkenes. For all other ports, please arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

Check-in

In most ports, you park your car, walk on to the ship, check in, and then return to your vehicle. Our crew will then inform you when it’s your turn to drive on board. In Bergen, please walk into the terminal and check in.

We ask guests embarking at ports where we dock for 15 minutes or less to drive onto the ship before checking in. A member of our car deck crew will hand you a transit card. Please show this card to reception staff during check-in. Check our sailing plan to see how long we stay in each port.

Please provide reception staff with the following information during check-in:

• License plate number
• Type of vehicle
• Colour of vehicle

You will receive your vehicle access pass during check in, which must be shown to the crew on the car deck.

Parking & boarding

• In Bergen, there is a car park near the terminal marked with ‘Kystruten and FjordLine’.
• In Trondheim and Bodø, there is a car park close to the pier.
• In Tromsø, vehicles must be parked in public car park near the terminal building.
• In Kirkenes, there's a marked parking lane on the pier.

Our smaller ports do not usually feature a car park. However, you can park in a suitable place close to the pier.

Please note: The order vehicles enter the ship depends on their port of disembarkation. You’ll receive further information during check-in.

In many ports, our crew can drive your vehicle on and off the ship. However, please note that we cannot guarantee this service.

You can bring your vehicle on board at any port, except for our seasonal stops in Geirangerfjord in summer and Hjørundfjord in autumn, as we don’t dock in these two locations. Instead, we anchor offshore, and guests are brought on board by tender boats.

Restrictions

• For safety reasons, we will not be able to board vehicles with LPG or CNG gas. This applies even if the tank is empty.
• No caravans or trailers are allowed on board.
• Guests aren’t allowed on the car deck while the ship is sailing. Therefore, please take the luggage you require from your vehicle and board via the terminal in Bergen and via the pier in other ports.

Disembarking

The car deck only opens when the ship is docked. Therefore, you can enjoy the views right up until we reach land. The crew will show you to your vehicle, and you can start your engine when notified.

Please note: On southbound sailings, the crew drive all vehicles off the ship in Trondheim due to the early hour (06.30) of our arrival. You can collect your keys in reception. 

Pet Cabins

You can travel on our ships with your pet. To do so, please book your ticket through our Customer Service Centre on 02045711560. Please note that if you need to book a cabin for your journey, there will be an additional fee of 150 NOK per night for pets.

Food & Drink in Cabins

Can I bring my own food and drink to my cabin?

You’re welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board to enjoy in your cabin to enjoy – just keep in mind that outside food and drinks aren’t permitted in the ship’s public areas.

You may also bring up to two unopened bottles of alcohol per person (maximum 1.5 litres each). Simply hand them to Reception when you board, and we’ll keep them safe until the end of your voyage. Alcohol brought on board can’t be enjoyed during the sailing, but it’ll be ready for you once your journey is over.

Payment Methods

The onboard currency is Norwegian kroner (NOK). You can pay for all onboard expenses using your cruise card, which will be given to you on check-in. At the end of your cruise, you can settle your bill using the card registered to your account - we accept Visa, Mastercard and Diners Card. Maestro and American Express are not accepted.

What's Included

Are meals are included in my booking?

Your board basis depends on the voyage and fare you’ve booked.

On sailings on the Original Coastal Express, your voyage is full board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served in our main restaurant, Torget. Beverages are limited to tap water, coffee and tea at mealtimes; other drinks can be purchased separately.

On our Signature voyages, your experience is all-inclusive. You can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner in our main restaurant Flora, as well as lunch and dinner in Brasserie Árran. You'll also enjoy unlimited selected drinks served at meals and in the 1893 Bar throughout your voyage.

For short voyages and port-to-port bookings, meals are not included but can be purchased on board, and full-board/half-board packages can also be added for an additional cost by contacting our Customer Service Centre.

Do the cabins on MS Vesterålen include things like hairdryer, tea and coffee and Wi-Fi?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, including in your cabin and shared areas. Most cabins include a hairdryer (or can be borrowed from reception) and basic toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Tea and coffee facilities are included in Arctic Superior cabins and Expedition Suites.

Wheelchair Users

Is MS Vesterålen suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes. MS Vesterålen is suitable for wheelchair users, with step-free access to key public areas and four wheelchair-accessible toilets (on Deck 4, Deck 5 and Deck 7).

Accessible cabins with automatic doors are available but limited (cabins 313 and 317), so we recommend booking early. You can book accessible cabins online or through our Customer Service Centre.

Accessible Cabins

We offer a limited number of accessible cabins on board all our ships. These cabins feature wider doorways, automatic doors and easy access to lifts and public areas.

Accessible cabins can be booked online or through our Customer Service Centre. We recommend booking early, as availability is limited.

MS Vesterålen Contact Details

• Phone: +47 48 01 80 00
• Email: reception.va@hurtigruten.com