Norwegian Coastal Express - Information

Useful and important information about your cruise

A little bit of history
The Norwegian Coastal Express, or the Hurtigruten (Express Route) cruises were first established in 1893 by the Norwegian government to improve communication along the Norwegian coast.
The Norwegian Coastal Express (Hurtigruten) still exists to serve the local communities through the fjords of Norway, but they have now become a major tourist route as guests from across the globe seek out dramatic scenery and natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights.

The ships
There are 13 ships in the Hurtigruten fleet serving the ports between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the far north. These are working ships and cannot be compared to the large ocean liners of the Caribbean or Mediterranean. We believe the whole point about these cruises is to spend as much time on the upper decks enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds you.

The Cabins
At the time of booking we are able to specify whether your cabin will be an outside cabin (with a window), inside cabin or suite. The cabins are comfortable and will be allocated on boarding the ship. The cabins are twins unless otherwise specified and may have bunk beds. All have en suite facilities except some of the cabins on the Lofoten and Nordstjernen.

The ports
The ports we recommend joining and departing the ships are Bergen, Trondheim, Tromso and Kirkenes. This is simply because they are major towns / cities and are an attraction in their own right. They also allow relatively easy access and departure points with good flight connections to Oslo and beyond.

Departure / Arrival times
Although these times are subject to change here are the expected departure / arrival times at each location.

Northbound - Summer
Port	Bergen	Trondheim	Tromso	Kirkenes
Day	1	3	5	7
Arrival	-	0815	1430	0945
Departure	2000	1200	1830	-
Southbound - Summer
Port	Kirkenes	Tromso	Trondheim	Bergen
Day	1	2 (3)	5	6
Arrival	-	2345	0630	1430
Departure	1245	0130 (3)	1000	-
Northbound - Winter
Port	Bergen	Trondheim	Tromso	Kirkenes
Day	1	3	5	7
Arrival	-	0600	1430	0945
Departure	2230	1200	1830	-
Southbound - Winter
Port	Kirkenes	Tromso	Trondheim	Bergen
Day	1	2 (3)	5	6
Arrival	-	2345	0630	1430
Departure	1245	0130 (3)	1000	-

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be in seen in Lapland from September to April. Some of our northern lights holidays are available from September (Norwegian Fjords Cruise) but most start in December as this is when Lapland has the best snow conditions. For the best viewing conditions the sky needs to be clear and you need to be away from artificial light such as street lighting. Although visible during all phases of the moon, the light from a full moon can hide some of the effects. The period either side of a new moon is recognised as the best time to see the Northern Lights. The New Moon dates for 2012/13 are 29Sep, 29Oct, 28Nov, 28Dec, 26Jan, 25Feb & 27Mar.

Midnight Sun
Norway and Norwegian Lapland enjoy long sunny summer days and these are particularly noticeable between May and August. To see the midnight sun, when the sun doesn't set, you need to be north of the arctic circle (which lies between Trondheim and Tromso) in May, June, July and August.

Cafe
The cafe is open 24hrs. On the small ships this is managed by reception at night.

Payment / Cards
All major credit / debit cards are accepted. Local currency is norwegian kronor (NOK). It is recommended you use the 'cruisecard' available when boarding the ship for which you require a cash / card deposit.

Meals & Diets
Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements. Meals are served at set times and you will be advised of this when boarding. There is a comprehensive breakfast buffet, a lunch buffet with hot and cold dishes and a 3 course evening meal.

Clothing and other items
Remember to pack binoculars and cameras!
Warm, wind proof and practical clothing, including non-slip shoes, is required when on deck. As a general guide temperatures during the winter can average 0C to -10C and during the summer 10C to 30C depending on your latitude. On the excursions where specialist clothing is required, this is provided eg Warm outer clothing and boots for the husky / snowmobile tours.

Swimming pool / jacuzzi
Outdoor jacuzzis can be found on MS Midnatsol, MS Trollfjord, MS Nordkapp and MS Richard With. Due to conditions these may sometimes be closed.

Alcohol
All the ships are fully licensed under Norwegian law.

Electricity
220V european plug

Fitness room / Sauna
On all boats expect M/S Vesterålen, M/S Nordstjernen and M/S Lofoten.

Internet access
Available on all ships expect M/S Nordstjernen and M/S Lofoten for a small charge. Wireless coverage varies on board and there are internet cafes. There is no wireless coverage in the cabins.

Children's playroom
Available on all ships except MS Lofoten, MS Nordstjernen, MS Midnatsol and MS Trollfjord.

Laundry
Available at a small charge expect on M/S Nordstjernen and M/S Lofoten.

Noise
All ships are working ships and serve as an essential line of communication to isolated communities along the coast. There are ports of call during the night where some noise may occur.

Pharmacy / medication
In the event of a medical emergency please contact a member of staff on board and they have procedures in place to deal with emergencies. As the distances between ports are short there are no doctors or pharmaceutical products on board.

We wish you a pleasant cruise!