Hurtigruten Coastal Express
Hurtigruten is Norway’s original coastal voyage specialist, carrying guests, local passengers and cargo along the Norwegian coast on a route that has connected coastal communities since 1893. Now distinct from HX, which operates expedition cruises, Hurtigruten focuses on Norway, Svalbard and coastal voyages rooted in everyday Norwegian life.
The classic Coastal Express sails year-round between Bergen and Kirkenes, travelling 2,500 nautical miles and calling at 34 ports along Norway’s spectacular coastline. The full round trip takes 12 days, with northbound, southbound and shorter port-to-port options also available.
Hurtigruten’s ships are smaller than mainstream cruise vessels, with fewer than 500 guests on board. The fleet includes ships such as MS Trollfjord, MS Kong Harald, MS Midnatsol, MS Nordkapp, MS Nordlys, MS Nordnorge, MS Finnmarken, MS Polarlys, MS Richard With and MS Vesterålen. MS Vesterålen was freshly refurbished in 2025, while MS Finnmarken operates year-round Signature voyages from Hamburg to the North Cape and back.
Alongside the Original Coastal Express, Hurtigruten offers Signature voyages and themed Norway itineraries including The Svalbard Line, The North Cape Line, short coastal sailings, rail-and-sail journeys and escorted land-and-sea tours. These voyages are designed to showcase Norway’s fjords, islands, fishing villages, Arctic landscapes, Northern Lights, Midnight Sun and coastal culture.
On board, guests can expect a relaxed Norwegian atmosphere, scenic sailing, expert insight, seasonal excursions and food rooted in the places visited. Hurtigruten’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept sources ingredients along the route, with local food and drink loaded at ports during the voyage.
Sustainability and local connection are central to the Hurtigruten experience. The company highlights sustainable ship upgrades, shore-power connectivity, hybrid-powered vessels, no heavy fuel oil, no single-use plastics and a focus on reducing emissions and food waste.
Recent recognition includes Which? Recommended Provider status for Ocean Cruises in March 2026, Best Specialist Cruise Company at the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards from 2022 to 2026, Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, Best Ocean Cruise Operator at The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards in 2024 and 2025, and two 2025 Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Awards for Overall Cruise Destination Immersion on The Original Coastal Express and Overall Cruise Cuisine.
