CruisesCruise Line

Hurtigruten/HX

by Lisa Cheng

Hurtigruten is a household name in Norway, having run coastal ferry services since 1893. Today, its focus is on both Norwegian coastal cruising and global expedition cruises, with a comfortable and unpretentious fleet that includes small and midsize ships. If viewing the Northern Lights and polar bears in the Arctic or penguin colonies in Antarctica is your thing, these activities are Hurtigruten's specialties.

In late 2023, Hurtigruten Group finalized plans for new brand identities to distinguish its coastal Norway cruises from its expedition sailings. Hurtigruten Expeditions has been rebranded as HX, with a fleet of six vessels that cruise to more than 250 destinations in 30 countries around the world. Hurtigruten is now used to identify the nine ships and itineraries on its coastal Norway routes.

Ships

Santa Cruz II

MS Fridtjof Nansen

MS Kong Harald

MS Fram

MS Nordnorge

MS Maud

MS Nordkapp

MS Nordlys

MS Richard With

MS Otto Sverdrup

MS Nordstjernen

MS Polarlys

MS Trollfjord

MS Roald Amundsen

MS Spitsbergen

What We Love

Real Relaxation: Nothing about these ships is overwhelming or in your face, and they operate at a pace that’s leisurely but still keeps passengers stimulated.

Local Food: Hurtigruten doesn’t use celebrity chefs to tout its cuisine. The emphasis is on locally sourced food, and has been since before it was a buzzword. When in Norway, you’ll sample salted leg of lamb from Geiranger, smoked salmon and fish balls from Bergen, and crab from Hitra.

Best Known For

Coastal Cruises: Hurtigruten has a long history in Norway, with experience navigating frigid waters as well as the majestic fjords.

Nature-Focused Itineraries: These cruises are all about the outdoors, whether it’s the panoramic lounges that frame the passing views or the excursions that do deeper dives in ports.

Who It's Good For

Adventurers: Hurtigruten has ramped up its more adventurous itineraries with a greater push into Antarctica (also Greenland, Spitsbergen, and Iceland). Cruises feature excursions in Polarcirkel boats (a more comfortable version of the Zodiac), as well as more onboard experts and lecturers**.**

Mature Travelers: Camaraderie is strong on these ships, which attract an older, intellectually curious crowd. (Stay tuned for more children’s and teen programs slated for 2016.)

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Entertainment Is Weak: Nights are quiet on these ships, though musicians perform and dance floors beckon. Most passengers generate their own form of entertainment or chat among themselves.

You Won't Find a Lot of Bells and Whistles: Though the ships are far from bare-bones, don’t expect splashy water parks, grand-scale theaters, or any of the razzle-dazzle of megaships.