MS Polarlys

Polarlys is Norwegian for `polar light´, and refers to the natural Arctic phenomenon we pursue in winter.

MS Polarlys sailing past the statue of Fiskerkona as it enters the port of Svolvær
MS Polarlys sailing past the statue of Fiskerkona as it enters the port of Svolvær

About the ship

MS Polarlys was refurbished in 2016 to include a modern, Arctic-inspired interior.

On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. There is a comfortable bar in the panorama lounge where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink.  

The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, the Expedition Team, a conference room and a shop. The top deck of the boat features a sun deck, observation saloon and panorama lounge, all of which provide splendid views of spectacular coastal scenery.

See the current location of MS Polarlys with out ship locator.

Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 3 restaurants

  • Expedition Team

  • Panoramic lounge

  • Sauna and fitness room

  • Contactless payments

  • Laundry room

  • Meeting rooms

Your home away from home

Your ship comes equipped with a full suite of facilities to maintain an active lifestyle.

Cocktails at the Explorer Bar & Lounge

Explorer Lounge & Bar

Enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail and sweeping panoramic views of the Norwegian coast in our bar on Deck 7.

Skjervoy Norway HGR 162670 Photo Tommy Simonsen 2

Large outdoor sun deck

Enjoy our large outdoor sun deck waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

Panoramic gym on board MS Kong Harald

Sauna and fitness room

Work up a sweat in our well-equipped gym, or unwind in the cozy sauna. The gym offers great views.

Restaurants on board

Each of the ship’s restaurants is a different dining experience, but all promise our Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept of local ingredients from local suppliers.

Torget restaurant on board The Coastal Express

Torget

Meaning ‘marketplace’ in Norwegian, the main restaurant offers a variety for all three daily meals. For dinner, it provides either a buffet or set menus.

Kysten restaurant on board The Coastal Express

Kysten

Dine in style at ‘The Coast’, our à la carte option. You’ll savour exquisite dishes crafted by our most skilled chefs, using the finest ingredients the Norwegian coast has to offer.

Enjoy burgers, sandwiches and salads in our onboard bistro, Brygga

Brygga

The name of this bistro is the Norwegian word for ‘wharf’. It serves salads, pizzas, and other crowd-pleasers with a Nordic twist.

Enjoy Norwegian delicacies like waffles and cloudberries at our onboard bakery, Multe

Multe

Meaning ‘cloudberry’ in Norwegian, this bakery serves up freshly baked cakes, pastries, and waffles. Enjoy the latter topped with generous dollops of whipped or ice cream, and some cloudberry jam.

Your Expedition Team

The Expedition Team will be by your side as part of your voyage with us, sharing stories and insights about Norway’s culture, nature, and history.

Lecturer speaking in front of seated audience using slide about Norway

Knowing Norway

Each member of the team has a range of specialised topics in their repertoire, ready to share with you in lectures and presentations on board, on deck, and ashore.

expedition-team-north-cape-line-166473-Espen Mills

Meet your team

Talk to the team to sign up to available seasonal excursions or to join them on invigorating hikes to scenic spots in several of the ports we call at.

Compare MS Polarlys's cabins

MS Polarlys Expedition Suite M4 Lounge

Two-bed suite on upper deck

M4 Expedition Suite

These elegant suites on the upper deck for up to four people have a separate bedroom, a seating area with sofabed and two chairs, TV, minibar, hair dryer, coffee and tea facilities, and Wi-Fi.

MS Polarlys Expedition Suite Q2 Bed and Seating Area

Mini suite on middle or upper deck

Q2 Expedition Suite

These comfortable suites for up to two people have a double bed, two chairs, a desk, TV, minibar, hair dryer, coffee and tea facilities and Wi-Fi.

MS Polarlys Expedition Suite Q4 Bed and Lounge Area

Two-bed mini suite on middle or upper deck

Q4 Expedition Suite

These comfortable suites for up to four people have a separate bedroom, a seating area with a sofabed, TV, minibar, hair dryer, coffee and tea facilities and Wi-Fi.

Cabin

Size (sqm)

29 - 30 m²

Bed

Double bed

Window

Window with full view

Seating area with sofa

Chair

Size (sqm)

16 - 17 m²

Bed

Double bed

Window

Window with full view

Seating area with sofa

Chair

Size (sqm)

18 - 19 m²

Bed

Double bed

Window

Window with full view

Seating area with sofa

Chair

In-room Facilities

TV

Hairdryer

Toiletries

TV

Hairdryer

Toiletries

TV

Hairdryer

Toiletries

Specification and deck plans: MS Polarlys

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  • Year built1996
  • Ship yardUlstein Mek. Verk. (N)
  • Beds495
  • Length123 m
  • Speed15 knots
  • Year of refurbishment 2016/2023
  • Capacity650
  • Gross tonnage11,341
  • Beam19.5 m

Frequently asked questions

These are the most common questions about the facilities and services on board our ships. There’s more info in our Help Center.

Help Center

MS Polarlys has 211 cabins, including 6 suites, and carries a maximum of 580 guests.

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, including in your cabin and shared areas.

Most cabins include a hairdryer and basic toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Tea and coffee facilities are included in Arctic Superior cabins and Expedition Suites.

There are four restaurants on board:

  • Torget: Meaning “marketplace” in Norwegian, our main restaurant offers a variety in its menus for all three daily meals. Open: 07:00-10:00 (buffet), 12:00-14:00 (buffet), dinner seatings at 18:00, 18:30, 19:30 & 20:15 (plated 3-course meal)

  • Brygga: Our bistro serves easy-to-eat yet satisfying dishes such as fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and burgers. Open: 13:00-22:00

  • Multe: Enjoy coffee, freshly baked pastries, open sandwiches and local ice cream in our onboard bakery and cafe. Open: 08:30-17:30.

  • Kysten: Dine in style at our à la carte restaurant, serving set menus using the finest ingredients the Norwegian coast has to offer. Open: 18:00-22:00

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. Some members of the Expedition Team can also speak German.

Yes, 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.

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 credit card registered to your account - we accept Visa, Mastercard and Diners Card. Maestro and American Express are not accepted. We also accept cash payments in NOK, DKK, SEK, EUR, USD and GBP.

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

Accessible cabins with automatic doors are available but limited (cabins 321, 323 and 325), so we recommend booking early. You can book accessible cabins online or through our Customer Service Centre.

Yes, you can bring your car on board MS Polarlys, 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: 10 spaces

  • May-August: 20 spaces

Maximum vehicle dimensions and weight:

  • Length: 650 cm/ 21.3 ft

  • Width: 245 cm/ 7.8 ft

  • Height: 220 cm/ 7.3 ft

  • Weight: 5000 kg/ 11,023 lbs

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

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