Frequently Asked Questions

Hurtigruten offers four cabin and suite categories, from simple and comfortable rooms to more spacious premium options.

• Polar Inside: No-frills, window-free cabins. A good-value choice if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and the coast.

• Polar Outside: Comfortable cabins with a window or porthole, offering natural light and views of the coast.

• Arctic Superior: Well-located cabins with additional comforts such as tea and coffee facilities.

• Expedition Suites: The most spacious and premium options on board, often with larger windows or balconies, separate lounge areas and extra perks like welcome gifts or onboard credit.

Cabin sizes, layouts and features can vary by ship. You can see exact details for your voyage during booking or on our ship pages. Learn more about our cabins and suites here.

Unspecified (or Guaranteed) cabin

You choose your preferred cabin category, and we assign your cabin number before departure. A good option if the exact location of your cabin is not important to you, but note that Wi-Fi and tea and coffee are not included.

Specified cabin

You choose your exact cabin number at the time of booking, so you know precisely where you will be staying on board. This is ideal if you have a preferred deck, location or view. Wi-Fi and tea and coffee are included.

All cabins include a range of essentials to make your stay comfortable, such as:

• A private en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, towels and soap

• Complimentary Wi-Fi access (not available for unspecified cabins or port-to-port guests)

• TV (with a few exceptions on MS Polarlys & MS Vesterålen)

Most cabins also include things like a hairdryer and toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel, but please check the FAQs on our individual ship pages for more information.

All cabins have windows except our Polar Inside cabins, which are a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable stay. Some Polar Outside or Arctic Superior cabins have windows with an obstructed or partially obstructed view.

Use the cabin comparison tool during the booking process to find out exactly which ones.

Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in all Arctic Superior cabins and Suites.

For other cabin types, these facilities are not included in the room. However, if you have booked a Select fare, a Tea and Coffee package is included and available in our bars and restaurants.

Not sure if your fare includes it? You can check your invoice for full details.

Bathrobes are provided on all ships, but only in our Suites. If you are staying in another cabin category, bathrobes are not available to rent or request, even for an additional cost.

You’ll find European 220V two-pin sockets in your cabin – perfect for charging your devices. (Adapters may be required for non-European plugs). Some ships also have USB charging points.

All cabins have built-in storage, including hanging space, shelves and drawers. Storage varies by cabin type, but there’s plenty of room for your essentials, and suitcases can be stowed under the bed.

Yes, your cabin will be cleaner daily between 08:00–15:00, with a quick second check later in the day (15:00–17:00) to tidy up and refresh towels. Place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door if you prefer privacy.

Want to do more? Hang the 'Green Stay' tag outside your cabin before 02:00 to skip a cleaning day. For every green night, we donate to the Hurtigruten Foundation, helping protect our oceans and environment.

Yes. On most voyages, you can choose your cabin category and cabin number, so you’ll know exactly where you’ll be on the ship.

Original voyages

• If travelling on our Basic fare or a port-to-port sailing, we’ll assign your cabin number for you.

• With the Select fare, you can choose your cabin number free of charge on full voyages. On half voyages, you can select a cabin number for an additional fee.

• Suite guests can choose their cabin number free of charge, regardless of voyage length.

Signature voyages

• On full voyages, you can choose your cabin/suite number free of charge.

• On half voyages, you can select a cabin/suite number for an additional fee.

Yes, you can upgrade your cabin if there is availability. Just contact our Customer Service Centre beforehand, or ask Reception when checking in and they’ll let you know available options.

Yes. 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.

For everyone’s safety, some personal electrical appliances with heating elements are not permitted on board. This includes kettles, coffee makers, irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, portable stoves and toasters, portable washing machines and other household appliances. Hairdryers, straighteners and curlers are permitted. Please don’t leave any personal electrical items plugged in when you leave your cabin. If you’re unsure about something, our reception team will be happy to help.

Yes, the tap water in your cabin is potable – so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up whenever you like.

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.

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.

You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.

If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.

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.

Yes, 1893 Ambassadors get a 5% discount on all excursions (booked pre-travel or on board). Not a member? Click here to sign up.

No – the price is the same whether you pre-book online before your departure or while on board. But note that all excursion places sold on board are charged in Norwegian Kroner at the ship’s exchange rate, which does fluctuate. 

And, if you sign up to our 1893 Ambassador Programme, you will enjoy a 5% discount on all bookings (whether made online or on board). Click here for more information. 

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. 

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.

Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.

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.

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. 

We offer a number of excursions that are suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Specific details on accessibility are given with each excursion, but if in doubt please speak to a member of our team before booking.

For the most part, excursions do not occur during onboard mealtimes. If they do, we make sure to either serve your meal earlier before the tour starts or keep the restaurant open a little longer for your return. We also have a number of excursions where food or drink is included as part of the tour.  

It can sometimes take a few days for excursions to show in My Booking, so don’t worry if you can’t see them immediately.

Dining depends on which ship you’re travelling on.

Original

On our Original ships, Torget is the main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner. You’ll also find:

• Kysten – our elegant fine-dining à la carte restaurant, serving set menus using the finest ingredients the Norwegian coast has to offer

• Brygga – our relaxed bistro serving dishes such as fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and burgers

• Multe – our onboard bakery and cafe, where you can enjoy coffee, freshly baked pastries, open sandwiches and local ice cream

Signature

On our Signature ships, the main restaurant is Flora, serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and plated dinners inspired by traditional Norwegian techniques. You’ll also find:

• Brasserie Árran – serving Nordic dishes with Sámi influences

• Røst – our refined fine-dining à la carte restaurant

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.

Restaurant opening hours differ from ship to ship, so please see the individual ship FAQs for more information.

Yes. 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.

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.

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.

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. Written information such as menus and daily programme is also available in German and French.

Some members of the Expedition Team, reception staff and service crew also speak German. On board MS Richard With and MS Trollfjord, some of the Expedition Team also speak French.

All our ships have onboard shops with a curated selection of premium Norwegian clothing, outdoor gear, 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 (~£2.50) 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.

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 (~£115) cabin cleaning fee will apply if additional cleaning is required due to smoking.

The information and descriptions have been checked by our staff and/or local agents to ensure they are correct. However, changes may occur after the date of publication, and there may be occasions when Hurtigruten or local suppliers may withdraw some facilities.

Should we become aware of any significant change, that may be considered to have an effect on the enjoyment of your holiday, we will do our best to advise you. Many areas we visit are very remote and affected by prolonged cold or with various degrees of difficulty on their terrain. The facilities on offer will be subject to local conditions.

We will send you a new updated travel itinerary.

A SMIF (or Sailing Manifest Information Form) is a document used in the travel and transportation industry, particularly for cruise ships. It is a form that passengers often fill out before embarking on a a cruise to help ensure passenger safety, security, and logistics during the journey. Additionally, it may be used for immigration and customs purposes.

The form typically collects important information about passengers, including:

• personal information

• emergency contact information

• passport details

• medical details

You do not need your PIN code for using a credit card to make a payment online or via the phone. However, a lot of banks might send a confirmation code or security check to your mobile phone. You will also be required to provide the following information:

• Credit Card Type

• Card Number

• Expiration Date

• Card Verification Code (CVV)

Please have these to hand when making your booking.

You can pay online in our Payment Portal.

Alternatively, if you'd like to speak to a booking consultant you can call us on 02036037112.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, UnionPay and JCB for online bookings and on-board payments on all ships. American Express may also be used for all online bookings, however for on-board payments it is only accepted on MS Nordnorge.

Hurtigruten is not responsible for this fee and does not receive any portion or benefit from these fees. It is also possible to make a payment via bank transfer. For details please see your invoice. Unfortunately, we don’t accept payment via cheque. If you are having trouble making a payment online, please call us as per the details above. 

Some card providers may charge a foreign transaction fee for cards issued outside the EU, UK, and US when processing the payment, please check with your bank regarding these fees. Hurtigruten is not responsible for this fee and does not receive any portion or benefit from these fees.

We can hold a booking for 7 days with an initial non-refundable 25% payment if booking more than 90 days before departure. Departures less than 90 days from booking, will require full payment. Any outstanding balance must be settled 90 days prior to departure. It is possible to make a payment on two separate cards - please visit the 'Make a Payment' page. If you are having trouble making a payment online, please call us as per the details above. 

We can hold a booking for 7 days with an initial non-refundable 25% payment if booking more than 90 days before departure. Departures less than 90 days from booking, will require full payment. Any outstanding balance must be settled 90 days prior to departure.

Unfortunately, we are unable to extend the final due date. To confirm your booking, payment is needed within 7 days.

Upon completion of your booking, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address supplied. This also includes your booking reference number which will be needed if paying via deposit. 

Departures less than 90 days from booking, will require full payment.

If you have already paid a deposit, any outstanding balance must be settled 90 days prior to departure.

We do not take any automatic payments for the outstanding balance. After paying a deposit, you will receive a payment link that is unique to your booking and where any outstanding balance can be settled.

If you're having problems making a payment online, please contact us as soon as possible by e-mailing us at [email protected].

Please go to the airport as planned. If you have multiple flights to your destination and the first flight is delayed, please board the flight. It is possible that your flight will still make it on time or the other aircraft will wait for the delayed passengers.   

If you miss a connecting flight, head to the airline’s service desk at the intermittent airport and ask for a new flight to your destination. Often, the airline has already rebooked you. While doing so, please also contact us.  

Please ask the service desk at the airport for an earlier flight if your new departure time will cause you to miss the ship's departure. You should arrive at the airport closest to your departure port at least 90 minutes before the ship departs. If this is not possible, please contact us for further arrangements. 

If you have booked your flights with us:

Please contact us if you have not been automatically rebooked or if your new flight times mean you cannot embark the ship on time. Call our Emergency Handling team and they will be able to look into this and advise on the issue. The telephone number for our Emergency Handling team is + 44 33 08 08 18 84, also detailed within the UK Coastal Express arrival and departure information booklet.

If you have booked your flights through a third party:

Please check your booking on the airline’s website using the reference number from the airline. You may have already have been rebooked to an alternative departure. If you have been automatically rebooked, please check that your new flight arrives in time to embark the ship. You should arrive at the airport closest to your ship’s departure port at least 90 minutes before the ship departs. If the arrival time is for when the ship is due to depart or very close to the departure time, or you have not been re-booked, please do make contact with the airline or the third party through which you booked this flight or our emergency handling team for advice.

Please contact the airline’s service desk at the airport. The airline should offer you new flights, and if necessary, a hotel stay. If you receive new flight times, please check if you will arrive at the airport closest to the departure port of the ship at least 90 minutes before the ship departs. 

Please contact us if the service desk at the airport is not able to help you or the new flight times are too late for making it onboard the ship. 

Please check the transfer timetable and take the next bus. If there are no more transfers that day or if the last transfer will not get you to the departure port of the ship on time, please take a taxi. If you are not able to arrive to the port on time, even with a taxi, please contact us. 

You will first need to register your missing luggage at the airport or online via the airline’s website. Missing luggage can take time to locate. Therefore, during the registration process, please add all the places you will stay during your trip, including the ship and any hotels, and the dates you will stay there. The airline will give you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) receipt for the missing luggage. 

Please bring your PIR receipt to our onboard reception if your luggage has not been delivered to you before boarding the ship. Our staff will support you with getting the bags delivered onboard. In the meantime, we will assist you with how and where to buy necessary items. We will do our utmost to assist in acquiring medication, but we cannot promise results. It is therefore highly recommended that you place very important items that you need immediate access to in your carry-on case. 

Please make sure to keep all the receipts for your claim towards the airline.     

For return flights, you must register your missing luggage at the airport or online via the airline’s website. Your luggage will be delivered to your home address by the airline as soon as possible.

If you plan to skip any flights from your flight itinerary you need to let us know first about this change. This is due to Airline Flight Sequence requirement and your tickets needs to be updated so that not all flights are automatically cancelled by the airline.  

If you have booked your flights through us and you are informed either prior or at the airport that your airtickets are set to stand-by, this is mostly due to airline overbookings. Please be aware that we do not book any stand-by tickets and you have the right to demand a seat on the flight. Please note that the airlines are informed that you have booked a cruise and need to arrive on time to your destination.  

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Yes, 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. 

The following dimensions apply to vehicles: 

For safety reasons, we will not be able to board vehicles with LPG or CNG gas. This applies even if the tank is empty.

Unfortunately, gas containers are not permitted on Hurtigruten ships, as they are classified as hazardous cargo. Please note that vehicles may be checked for hazardous materials during boarding to ensure safety for all passengers.

If a gas container is found, the owner will have the option to leave it ashore and continue the journey, or cancel the trip. Refunds are not available for cancelled trips, and any costs associated with storing or disposing of gas containers must be covered by the vehicle owner.

Unfortunately, no caravans or trailers are allowed on board. 

Guests must take any luggage they need with them for the trip and embark via the terminal in Bergen and via the Hurtigruten pier in the other ports. Luggage must not be transported through car decks.

Please be aware that luggage handling is not included in your voyage, unless embarking or disembarking the ship at the terminal in Bergen. You’ll need to carry your own luggage on and off the ship at all other ports. 

No, as 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.  

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.