Hurtigruten - The On-Board Experience and Frequently Asked Questions (Coastal Express) #hurtigruten
12,406
Published 2024-03-10
Most of the negative reviews that I have seen demonstrate a lack of understanding regarding the nature of the daily coastal express sailing. Importantly, it is not a cruise....
The Norwegian coastal express was the brainchild of Richard With, a means of linking the remote coastal settlements of the north west coast. The full route from Bergen to Kirkenes was inaugurated in 1908 and has been operating relatively unchanged ever since, connecting 34 ports. Given the stunning scenery it is no surprise that the route is incredibly popular with tourists.
But despite the large number of tourists this is still a working boat. To demonstrate that fact a limited service continued throughout the pandemic when there were no foreign tourists in sight. At almost every port there is a turnover of passengers and cargo, it’s one of the great attractions of the voyage. However, the working timetable does mean that the time in most ports is very limited indeed and the longer stops only allow for a whistle stop tour.
In contrast to a cruise ship part from some lectures on culture and wildlife there is no on-board entertainment. The entertainment is Norway!
Cabins range from small inside cabins to suites. On this voyage I have a cabin with a double bed. There’s plenty of storage space and my suitcase fits under the bed. There is no shortage of sockets of the two pin European style. The TV has Norwegian channels as well as information and the all important bow cam. The bathroom is compact, the water is drinkable and the floor is heated, which is very welcome in winter.
Food options are the cafe, an a la carte bistro, or the main restaurant Torget. The film looks into the buffet and dinner options.
Other topics covered include the excursions, the temperature, money, sailing conditions, and fitness options.
Filmed February 2024
Jonathan Wheeler
Travel Obscurer
Facebook and Instagram
@TravelObscurer
All music licensed through Artist.
All Comments (21)
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My daughter and I did the round trip cruise on the MS Nordlys and it was THE BEST!!! We LOVED it! Will do it again and again and again! Most beautiful trip EVER!!!🎉🎉😊😊
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Quality video. Perfectly filmed and very well edited, with well-chosen music. No camera wobbles, and the subject instead of the camera does the moving. A lesson for many YouTubers! Thank you. We did the round trip over midsummer's day a few years ago on Nordnorge. Have very fond memories. Heading up there with Saga on 19 March, as far as Alta, but now inspired to do the Coastal Express again, this in winter. Will be with Hurtigruten round Britain at the end of April - should be a good one.
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We took that about 10 years ago. Great trip and fantastic food!
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One of the few cruises that I am actually considering doing again.
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Going on the Northbound route in May and this video answers so many questions. Thank you so much
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Great info. This cruise has been on my bucket list a while since doing my second regular cruise (previously a school trip from the UK and then with) P&O UK and falling in love with Flam. I'm still very keen :)
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Well done. Great content and just the right length. Love that you travel with your Mum.
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Mum is one very lucky lady. 🎉🎉
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Great video, for a Norwegian, born in Hordaland, Canadian citizen and lives in Hoi An Vietnam, I now feel a little homesick .. confused 🤔
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Thank you! This was SO helpful and well done!
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Very enjoyable and informative just what i needed to know. Thank you.
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Thank you. Love your authentic approach.
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Great Video. Would love to go back on Hurtigruten. I really enjoyed my voyage from Bergen to Tromso last May even if the weather wasn't always great. It was lovely to be on a ship that had everything you needed but was still small enough to get around. The Trollfjord in the Midnight Sun was unforgettable. The ship did have WiFi and it worked really well. Sign up to the newsletter to get it for free.
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Great video
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Thank you
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Great video!!!
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thank you for the infomation on the video, one question about the laundry rom, is laundry detergent supplied, or do we have to bring our own?
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Such useful videos, thanks. Can I ask what the length of daylight is like in Feb/March? We would like to see the Northern Lights but also want to be able to see the spectacular scenery. We are concerned that much of the sailing would be in the dark. You also mention late spring in your commentary - are you thinking April? Thank you
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Excellent video. Love to do trip soon. Do you also have experience with the Havila Kystruten, the other company on the same route?
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Sorry ...another question...I am I right in thinking that the main restaurant is the one included in the 'full board' and that the bistro and fine dining are pay as you go? Also can all passengers use the explorer bar/viewing area or is that only for premium paying passengers...do you have to buy a drink there to sit in that area? Thank you
