Life on board
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.
English and Norwegian are the official onboard languages, and are used for all announcements and lectures.
All our ships have onboard shops with a curated selection of premium Norwegian clothing, outdoor gear (including crampons), gifts and souvenirs. You’ll also find toiletries and basic health items like paracetamol, ibuprofen, nasal spray and sea-sickness tablets, as well as snacks, drinks and a small selection of cigarettes and snus.
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.
Yes. Every ship has a small self-service laundry room with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. A wash costs 30 NOK per load, and washing powder is included. You can buy tokens at reception.
While it’s not customary to tip on our ships, we appreciate your recognition of exceptional service. Tip boxes and envelopes are conveniently placed in Reception and our restaurants for those who wish to show their appreciation to our dedicated crew members.
Yes – the Hurtigruten app is your on-board companion throughout your voyage. Use it to browse the daily programme, check menus and view the same information screens you'll find around the ship – all from your cabin or the comfort of a lounge chair. You can also use it to keep track of your receipts for any purchases made on board.
Our onboard Expedition Teams are always on hand to help you get the most from your trip, whether that's pointing out a whale on the horizon, explaining the history of a port you're about to dock at, or dimming the deck lights at just the right moment so you can see the Northern Lights.
They offer:
Daily talks and presentations
Onboard activities
Guided hikes in selected ports
Absolutely. When you travel with Hurtigruten, our onboard Expedition Team offers a relaxed programme of inspiring talks, workshops and informal gatherings on deck.
Rather than bright lights and big shows, we focus on meaningful experiences – sharing stories, spotting wildlife, learning about the landscapes around you and enjoying good company. It’s entertainment that enriches your journey and lets Norway’s coastline take centre stage.
All our ships have a fitness room and a sauna that’s open daily from 06:00 to 22:00 (except MS Vesterålen). Most ships also have outdoor hot tubs, with the exception of MS Vesterålen and MS Trollfjord.
Guests with cabins can use their cabin towels in the hot tubs. Extra towels are available from Reception on request.
If you don’t have a cabin, you can change in the unisex changing room next to the sauna.
To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, we kindly ask that you don’t use personal drones during your voyage. Drones can affect wildlife, as well as the privacy and experience of fellow travellers. On some Signature sailings, our onboard photographer may capture footage using drones in permitted areas. You’ll receive these photos and videos after the voyage – so you can still take home some special memories.
The ship is kept at a comfortable 21°C on average, and you can adjust the temperature in your cabin to suit your preference.
You’re welcome to smoke in the designated outdoor deck areas. Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, isn’t permitted indoors so we can keep the indoor spaces fresh and comfortable for all guests. A NOK 1500 cabin cleaning fee will apply if additional cleaning is required due to smoking.
Because we sail close to the coast, conditions are generally calmer than open-ocean sailings. Our ships are also equipped with stabilisers, making for smoother sailing. But the weather on the Norwegian coast is changeable and unpredictable, so the ship may still sway when winds and waves are high.
Ships that sail The Coastal Express are working coastal vessels, and some guests – particularly those used to larger cruise ships – may notice engine noise and ship movement, especially at night and during docking. But this is part of the authentic character of the voyage -- and what makes it so special.