Experience Authentic Norway on the Hurtigruten MS Midnatsol

Hurtigruten – Beautiful Norwegian Voyage

Sailing is second nature to Norwegian’s, so it seems an ideal match to pair a cruise ship with the scenic beauty of Norway. Plying the fjords for generations, Hurtigruten’s literal translation is fast passage. Why anyone would want to rush one of the world’s most beautiful voyages is beyond me.

As my father’s side of the family hales from Norway, it has been on my travel wish list for years. Flying from San Francisco to Frankfurt, Germany and then to Bergen, via Oslo, I was looking forward to boarding the MS Midnatsol ship and taking a cruise up the Norwegian coastline.

Hurtigruten – Norway’s Undiscovered Gem from US Perspective

As the Hurtigruten is also a working ship, cars and motorcycles are also on board the Coastal Express. Sailing under a Norwegian staff, and dominated by German and Norwegian travelers on holiday, it is easy to spot fellow Americans on board. I feel as if we are sharing a secret. Do I really want to notify the masses of United States cruisers about Norway’s largely undiscovered gem?

Hurtigruten 11 Day Cruise

Typically an 11 day cruise, ships depart from Bergen, cruising to Geiranger, Molde, Trondheim, The Arctic Circle, Harstad, Havoysund, Mehamn, Vadso, Kirkenes, Berlevag, Havoysund, Skjervoy, Lofoten, Stamsund and Maloy, eventually circling back to Bergen. Sailing is easy on the MS Midnatsol, as the seas are protected by the Gulf Stream. On this August sailing, I was rocked gently to sleep each night compliments of the MS Midnatsol and the North Sea.

Hurtigruten Cabin #733 on Norway's MS Midnatsol

Inner Cabins to Suites Accommodate Different Budgets

Cabin #733, on the port side of the ship, accommodates two passengers and sports a large picture window offering a scenic voyage throughout my six night adventure. There are also suites, as well as the less expensive inner cabins available for different travel budgets.

Hurtigruten – Nature’s Nightly Entertainment

While internet is available on board, don’t expect television in your cabin. Instead, leave the computer behind and let the natural beauty of Norway serve as your big screen TV. Better yet, sit under the stars and take in the Norwegian night sky while relaxing in the hot tub or venture into the sauna.

Hurtigruten Features Norwegian Cuisine

Personally, I could eat Norwegian salmon seven nights a week, and while this is entirely possible on the Hurtigruten, there are plenty of dining options available on the ship, including a la carte or two evening shifts of reserved seating. From typical Norwegian offerings of fish cakes, goat cheese and cod, to the familiar roast beef and chicken dish, the all Norwegian Hurtigruten staff is friendly and fluent in several languages, including English. The wine list featured European and Australian wines, will the bar offered an array of specialty cocktails, including the Fjellbekk – translation – mountain stream. The refreshing Fjellbekk contains vodka, aquavit, sprite and a squeeze of lime.

A sweet way to experience authentic Norway - Hurtigruten suite on MS Midnatsol

Hurtigruten Excursions

Handicapped accessible, the Hurtigruten is wheelchair friendly, yet offers daily excursions for the outdoor adventurer. From visits to Geiranger’s stunning waterfalls, to birding in Honningsvag, Viking Feasts in Lofoten and rafting the Saltstraumen in Bodo, Hurtigruten brings nature to cruisers at varying activity levels. I also enjoyed Norwegian fjord horseback riding in Bergen before boarding the Hurtigruten.

More Details:

The MS Midnatsol was built in 2003, weighs 16,151 tons and is capable of carrying 1000 passengers with a bunk capacity of 644.

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If You Go:

Hurtigruten www.hurtigruten.us 1 866 552-0371