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Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Arctic expedition cruise through dramatic fjords and northern lights

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage isn't just a cruise—it's Norway's floating highway to the Arctic. For over 130 years, these working ships have carried mail, cargo, and passengers along 2,500 kilometers of dramatic coastline. You'll pass through 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes, threading between towering fjords and remote Arctic islands where polar bears roam. The northern lights dance overhead in winter, while summer brings the midnight sun. This is raw Nordic beauty at its most spectacular, served with reindeer steak and cloudberry dessert.

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Arctic Superior cabins on decks 6-7 give you the best northern lights views without breaking the bank—expect to pay around €3,200 for a 12-day roundtrip. The Mini Suites on deck 7 add a seating area and cost about €1,000 more, but you'll spend most of your time on deck anyway. Avoid inside cabins on this route—you're here for the scenery. Book a cabin on the starboard side for fjord views heading north, port side for the return south. The expedition suites are gorgeous but at €8,000+ they're overkill unless money's no object. Here's the thing: even the basic cabins have heated bathroom floors, because this is Norway and they think of everything.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Book early for 20-30% discounts on cabins, especially for northern lights season departures
  • 2.Fly into Bergen a day early—missed connections mean missed departures with no refunds
  • 3.Pack seasickness medication even if you don't usually get sick—the Norwegian Sea can be brutal
  • 4.Buy the beverage package if you drink wine with dinner—individual glasses cost €12-15 each
  • 5.Bring waterproof boots and warm layers—shore excursions happen regardless of weather
  • 6.Consider the shorter 7-day northbound route if budget is tight—you'll see the best scenery
  • 7.Book excursions onboard to avoid third-party markup, but compare prices for popular activities like dog sledding

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps of port towns—WiFi on board costs €25 per day and is spotty
  • •Pack motion sickness remedies even for experienced sailors—the Drake Passage has nothing on winter Norwegian Sea
  • •Bring a headlamp for northern lights photography and early morning deck walks
  • •The ship's laundry service costs €5 per item—pack enough warm clothes for the full voyage
  • •Cabin balconies face inward on some ships—check your specific vessel layout when booking
  • •Shore excursions can sell out—book must-do activities like North Cape within hours of boarding
  • •Dress in layers for zodiac landings—you'll get wet boots and spray even with provided gear

Frequently Asked Questions

Hurtigruten operates the original postal route with working ships that carry locals and cargo alongside tourists. Other lines like Havila run newer ships on the same route but focus purely on tourism. Hurtigruten ships are more authentic but older, while Havila offers better amenities and environmental technology.

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