Solo travelling in Norway with Hurtigruten
Discover solo cruises in Norway with a reduced single supplement and enjoy the freedom of having a cabin to yourself at a great price.
We have carried explorers, dreamers and wanderers on our ships for generations. Some travel with friends. Some travel alone. All find a place on a Hurtigruten voyage.
Perhaps you’re a seasoned solo traveller looking for a new way to experience a country. Or maybe you’re planning your first solo holiday and like the convenience of a multi-port cruise itinerary. Either way, our voyages along the Norwegian coast offer something for everyone.
There’s the historic coastal route on The Coastal Express, sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes every day of the year, calling at 34 diverse ports along the way. Embark on a seasonal voyage around Norway’s famous Western Fjords region on The Inner Fjords Explorer. Or sail to the world’s northernmost settlement on The Svalbard Line.
Whichever adventure you choose, be sure to take advantage of lowered single supplements on many of our cruises – making it easier than ever to explore Norway on your own terms.
Why solo cruise-goers choose Hurtigruten
Small-ship sailing
Our small-ship cruises bring you closer to Norway’s coastline. But they also offer a more personal, relaxed experience for everyone on board – especially solo travellers.
Each of our ships carry only a few hundred passengers, so you’ll never feel lost amongst a crowd of guests. Communal areas have a spacious yet intimate feel, with a mixture of shared seating and private corners. There are ample opportunities for conversations with likeminded travellers, but also plenty of quiet time for reading or watching the views go by. It’s all up to you.
An authentic way to see Norway
Our iconic Coastal Express voyage was established in 1893 to connect remote communities along Norway’s shores.
When you sail with us, you’re following in the footsteps of thousands of Norwegians who have used the route to visit family, send post or simply travel home. You’ll experience the true rhythm of daily life on the coast, visiting small villages and working ports, while seeing some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery.
Travel your way
On a Hurtigruten cruise, you’re free to get off and do your own thing – whether that’s a guided excursion or solo exploration – or stay onboard and relax in the ship’s panoramic lounge. You can decide how long you sail with us, where you go and what you do before and after, with optional pre- and post-programmes.
And whether it’s a long-awaited holiday or a last-minute trip, we’re always on hand to help with expert advice, support and flexibility if plans change.
See nature up close
Regardless of whether you’re travelling solo or not, everyone is here for the same reason: to see Norway’s incredible landscapes. The fjords, mountains and islands synonymous with the Norwegian coastline.
Our agile ships access narrow passages and remote inlets that larger vessels cannot reach, bringing you face-to-face with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and pristine wilderness. Visit the Arctic Circle, see the Northern Lights and sail into world-famous fjords with Hurtigruten. When the views are this enchanting, you’ll never feel lonely.
Why Norway is perfect for solo travellers
For solo travel adventures
Norway is home to endless outdoor experiences. This is the place to try dog sledding with skilled mushers, go snowmobiling across Arctic landscapes or hit the waves in a RIB. Access to nature here is unbeatable.
From kayaking and biking to world-famous hikes, our guided excursions make it easy to try new things or attempt activities that might seem daunting when travelling solo.
For relaxing solo retreats
If solo travel appeals to you because you are seeking peace and relaxation, Norway offers something special. It’s no secret that friluftsliv (our word for spending time in nature) is good for your wellbeing – and on our ships you are always surrounded by soul-stirring views.
Marvel at the peacefulness of the fjords before retreating to the onboard sauna or hot tub (depending on which ship you’re aboard) for wellness done the Norwegian way.
For safe solo travels
Safety can be a concern for solo travellers. But Norway is often named as one of the safest countries in the world – as well as one of the happiest. Expect clean and welcoming cities, with fantastic public services and transport systems.
Our ships are a worry-free way to explore Norway with ease. Unpack once, using the ship as your base, and discover the length of Norway’s coast day by day. Our friendly crew will look out for you and are always on hand to answer questions about your trip.
Our tips for solo cruising
Plan ahead
Book early to make the most of our reduced single supplement on selected cruises
Get involved
Join daily talks and lectures from the onboard Expedition Team to meet fellow solo travellers
Explore more
Add on optional guided excursions, from kayaking to birdwatching, and never have a dull (or lonely!) moment
Tips from a veteran solo cruise traveller
KrisTina Kramer has sailed the Norwegian coast 13 times, usually by herself and often in search of the Northern Lights. We asked her to share her experiences of cruising solo with us.
Solo cruises with Hurtigruten
FAQs for solo travellers
You can travel solo on any of our cruises. Simply decide which of our voyages you prefer and check whether a reduced single supplement is offered, to help you get the best deal. Browse our current solo cruise deals or contact our Customer Service Centre to book.
We have a small selection of single bed cabins on three of our ships, MS Polarlys, MS Richard With and MS Vesterålen, with limited availability. Generally, when you sail with us a solo traveller, you'll have a cabin big enough for 2-3 guests.
We don’t offer group trips specifically catered to solo travellers, but we do offer guided excursions. Many of our excursions are for small groups, and solo travellers are always welcome – it's a great opportunity to meet new people while trying something new, such as kayaking, hiking or even snowmobiling.
Voyage prices are based on two people sharing a cabin. Solo travellers are generally required to pay a percentage of the cabin rate. However, we offer a reduced single supplement on select sailings. Enjoy the freedom and privacy of your solo cruise in Norway, with a cabin all to yourself! See our special offers for the latest deals.
Travelling solo on a Hurtigruten ship doesn't mean you'll feel lonely. Our voyages attract a diverse group of travellers, and the onboard social atmosphere is famously friendly and relaxed.
Many solo travellers find it easy to chat with fellow passengers during meals or when taking part in optional excursions together. Our Expedition Team also organise activities, lectures and gatherings that create plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
On many of our longer voyages, we invite all solo travellers to an informal get-together in the ship's bar, so you can grab a drink and get to know your fellow passengers.
Some places feel like home the moment you arrive. Norway is one of them. It frequently ranks as one of the best countries to travel alone as a woman.
It has a low crime rate, high gender equality and well-developed infrastructure. Add in the friendly, welcoming culture and it’s no wonder why Norway is such a popular destination for female solo travel.
English and Norwegian are the official onboard languages and are used for all announcements and lectures. Menus and daily programmes are 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.
The exception to this is MS Finnmarken, which is a German-speaking ship.
It really depends on what you want from the trip. For longer days and milder weather, late spring until early autumn (May-September) is a lovely choice. If seeing the Northern Lights is your priority, aim for the winter months (around October-March).
See our month-by-month Norway travel guides to help you decide which is the right month for you.
One of the easiest ways to explore Norway, especially if you’re travelling solo, is by ship. You only need to unpack once and don’t need to worry about logistics or route planning – we do all the work for you, linking together coastal towns and spectacular scenery. See the highlights of Norway by day, then head back onboard to enjoy world-class food and drink, followed by a good night’s sleep in your cosy cabin.
Be sure to visit a city or two, such as Oslo and Bergen, paired with time in the fjords. If you’re looking for standout landscapes, Lofoten is a favourite for its dramatic peaks and coastal villages. For Arctic experiences, Tromsø and Alta are fantastic, particularly for experiencing the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer.
Or simply see it all on one of our far-reaching cruise itineraries, such as The Coastal Express or The North Cape Line.