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ULTIMATE DESTINATION GUIDE

MS Vesterålen

MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship to sail along Norway’s rugged coastline in 1893.

About MS Vesterålen

MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship to sail along Norway’s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller ships and has an intimate on-board atmosphere.

MS Vesterålen will be refurbished at the end of 2019. All the common areas will get an upgrade, including the lounge and `Fyret´ bar. The refurbishment will take care to ensure that MS Vesterålen will continue to provide passengers with an authentic heritage experience.

Authentic heritage

MS Vesterålen provides passengers an authentic heritage experience. In its exciting programme you will learn more about the ship´s maritime operations, logistics and hotel operations. You will get an opportunity to get closer to the Hurtigruten operation and to learn more about the operation along the Norwegian coast. The programme includes the following:

  • Different topics every second day, related to Hurtigruten´s operations. Evening talks hosted by the ship´s tour leader, including interviews with different crew members who share their insights about work and life on board.
  • A short film and/or presentation during the evening talk programme about the engine room, bridge, galley, cargo deck, and more.
  • Practical courses within relevant topics, including “Learn to read and use marine charts” and “Make the Norwegian traditional dinner Fårikål”. Due to limited capacity, these courses are available for a fee and can be booked on board .
  • Operational and historical `points of interest´/ fun facts presented on deck along the sailing route.
  • Exhibition about Hurtigruten´s history, ship design and construction, route planning, navigational facts and operational development.
  • A logbook of the entire journey available for purchase at the end of the trip.

MS Vesterålen has bright, informal public areas and lounges throughout. The extensive on-board art collection adds an air of sophistication. The ship´s limited passenger capacity contributes to making a voyage aboard MS Vesterålen truly special.

Ship Facts

Launch yearRefit yearLanguageGross tonnageLengthWidthCurrencySpeedCapacityDeck countCabin countWheelchair cabin countElectrical plugs
19832022no+en6261108 meters16.5 metersNOK15 knots49051422 types:
EU 2 Pin 220v
adapters provided:
false

Accommodation

The cabin facilities vary between grade but most have separate beds. Some cabins also have upper and lower berths. 

Expedition Suite | Mini Suite for up to 2 travellers

These refurbished suites situated on the upper deck have separate bedroom, double bed, chair, TV, and coffee and tea facilities.

Facilities

  • Double or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Arctic Superior | Upper deck for up to 2 travellers

These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to 2 people on the upper decks have a double bed, a small desk, a chair, TV, and coffee and tea facilities.

Facilities

  • Double or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable outside cabins for up to 2 people on the upper or middle decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and a chair. Some cabins have limited or no view.

Facilities

  • Twin
  • Sofa Bed
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers

These standard outside cabins for up to 2 people on the middle decks have bunk beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and a chair.

Facilities

  • Twin
  • Sofa Bed
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Polar Outside | Upper deck for 3 travellers

These comfortable outside cabins for up to 3 people on the middle decks have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.

Facilities

  • Twin
  • Sofa Bed
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Polar Outside | Lower deck for 4 travellers

These comfortable outside cabins for up to 4 people on the middle or lower decks have bunk beds and a chair. Some have a double bed and bunk beds, sofa, and a chair. The cabins have portholes with limited view.

Facilities

  • Double
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Polar Outside | Accessible suite on lower deck

Two wheelchair accessible rooms for up to 5 people on deck 3. These spacious cabins have wider doors, and accessible WC. One has double bed, pullman and a single bed. One has bunk beds, sofa, and chair.

Facilities

  • Double
  • One Single Bed
  • Pullman Bed
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Polar Inside | Upper or middle deck for up to 2 travellers

These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up 2 people on the middle or upper decks have separate beds or bunk beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and chair. Some have a hairdryer.

Facilities

  • Twin
  • Sofa Bed
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Entertainment

The emphasis onboard is on relaxation and discovery, and not the commercial entertainment that is so often a part of conventional cruises. Hertigruten’s aim is to get you closer to unique environments∘ and to allow you to share the experience with your fellow travellers. Occasionally there may be some musical entertainment onboard in the evenings.

Trollfjord Lounge

Trollfjord Lounge can be found on Deck 5.

Vesterålstuen Lounge & Bar

Vesterålstuen Lounge & Bar can be found on Deck 4.

Shopping

Selling souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries.

Library

The books are in a variety of languages including Norwegian, German and English, also there are game tables available to play cards and chess.

Dining

Restaurant

Passengers are requested to go to the restaurant on embarkation to make their table reservation. The usual meal times are: breakfast from 08.00 to 10.00 hours (open sitting); lunch from 13.00 hours (open sitting); dinner from 18.00 hours (set seating). During high season, there may be several sittings, the times of which will be shown on board. Full board begins with a buffet dinner on departure from Bergen and ends with brunch on the arrival day back in Bergen. The food is Norwegian and breakfast is buffet style with a selection of cold meats, cheese, eggs, cereals and fruit. Lunch is the famous Cold Table with a choice of fish dishes, cold meats, salads, a selection of hot dishes, desserts and fruit. Dinner is a three-course set meal; there is not usually a choice of menu. Occasionally the Cold Table may be served in the evening and the set meal at lunch time. All vessels are fully licensed.

À La Carte

The à la carte menu is a dining experience out of the ordinary - a dinner made from ultra-premium produce from our local suppliers. For those who are taking a classic voyage, full board is included in the price, and you can upgrade to the à la carte option for a small fee.

Even if you don’t have full board, you are still welcome to order tge à la carte menu. On most of Hurtigruten ships, the à la carte menu will be served in separate areas of the restaurants. Enjoy two-, three, four- or five-course dinners, and choose from four different starters, five main courses, four desserts and our famous cheese. Additional wine and drinks packages are also available. You can only book the à la carte menu when you are on board.

Cafe

The Cafe can be found on Deck 4.

Enrichment

Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck or in one of the conference rooms and learn something new.

The “Fresh Air Factor”

There are often lectures and presentations held on deck out in the fresh air. These lectures and presentations∘ are related to marine and coastal life. For example, there is a performance of "Arctic Circle Ceremony" or "Leaving the Arctic" rituals when crossing the Arctic Circle, cod tongue-cutting demonstrations and training on how to fillet a fish, all of which are led by local fishermen. There are other activities on board, such as hunting for the Northern Lights in winter or sleeping on deck under the midnight sun.

Of course, all of these activities and lectures are voluntary. If you wish to simply relax and enjoy the view of the ever-changing scenery, you are more than welcome to do so.

Also enjoy a lecture in one of the conference rooms.

Excursions

Enhance your voyage with our wide range of optional excursions that allow you to delve deeper into the dramatic landscapes, rich history, and charming culture of Norway and Svalbard. We offer more than 130 excursions up and down the coast, each run by local suppliers who are ready to showcase the wonders of their home.

Take your pick from a palette of active adventures such as kayaking along Ålesund’s waterways, quad biking to the North Cape or snowshoeing in Tromsø. If you’re interested in history, you can join a World War II tour in Kristiansund or explore the hidden rooms of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

There are plenty of opportunities to sample the delicacies of the Norwegian coast, too, with visits to the world’s northernmost brewery and boat trips to go king crab fishing with locals. We also recommend cultural visits that introduce you to Sámi culture or to the workings of a family-run dairy farm in Lofoten.

An excursion for every season

While many excursions are offered year-round, some are season specific. Summer is a glorious time to be in Norway and Svalbard, with a variety of activities that make the most of the long, leisurely days of the Midnight Sun. Why not enjoy a RIB safari in search of Sea Eagles or a guided e-bike tour around the island of Senja?

The cooler weather in autumn, winter, and spring turns Norway into a wonderland of snow, best enjoyed by dog sled or on cross-country skis. You could also try your hand at snowmobiling, hopefully with the Northern Lights dancing above.

Activities that are right for you

Our diverse excursions cater not just for varied interests but also for different mobility levels, so you can choose the activity that’s right for you.

We offer four distinct physical levels that cater to all - from accessible museum visits to challenging hikes that require a good level of fitness. Certain activities are even wheelchair-friendly, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Caring for the community

We work with on-the-ground suppliers to offer you a truly authentic experience with every excursion. These local outfits have a wealth of knowledge about the area, and they’re passionate about sharing their expertise and unique offerings with visitors like you.

Not only that, but your bookings help to preserve the local culture and heritage of the Norwegian coast. It feels great to know that your support directly benefits the people and communities who call this beautiful place home.

Hikers’ heaven

Feel a sense of friluftsliv, the Norwegian word that encapsulates a love of the outdoors, on optional hikes guided by your Coastal Experience Team.

You can purchase hikes individually, as a seasonal bundle of four, or as a pass that gives you access to all hikes.

How to book an excursion with Hurtigruten

It’s easy to book an excursion. To book online, go to our excursions hub and either input your booking reference or select your voyage from the drop-down menu. Choose the excursion you want and then click the ‘Add to Reservation’ button. A member of our team will then contact you to arrange payment and confirm your booking. 

Health & Fitness

Fitness Centre

A basic fitness centre for passengers to enjoy.

Deckplans

Deck 7

  • Fyret Lounge & Bar

Deck 6

  • Observation Deck

Deck 5

  • Trollfjord Lounge
  • Inside Cabins
  • Outside Cabins

Deck 4

  • Vesterålstuen Lounge & Bar
  • Lecture Hall
  • Library
  • Fitness
  • Playroom
  • Shop
  • Cafe
  • Restaurant 
  • Inside Cabins
  • Outside Cabins

Deck 3

  • Reception
  • Gangway
  • Luggage
  • Laundry
  • Inside Cabins
  • Outside Cabins

Deck 2

  • Car Deck
  • Car Lift
  • Inside Cabins
  • Outside Cabins

Deck 1

  • Inside Cabins

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