MS Kong Harald
The 590-passenger MS Kong Harald, named for Norway’s King Harald V, is part of Hurtigruten's Norwegian coastal fleet, which serves as both a tourist ship and a cargo/ferry ship for residents of remote towns and villages. Renovated in 2016, the vessel also underwent an upgrade to a greener, hybrid-electric ship in 2023.
MS Kong Harald has a sleek, modern Scandinavian look, with interiors incorporating plenty of slate and natural woods. The a la carte restaurant, Kysten (meaning “the coast”), serves sustainably sourced cuisine from the region (but guests pay extra to dine here) and the cozy Multe bakery offers house-made pastries and ice cream. There’s also a main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as bistro and the always-popular Explorer Lounge, where you can order from a collection of Norwegian spirits and converse with fellow passengers.
What We Love
The Food: The breakfast and lunch buffets are a delight with a half-dozen different types of marinated herring, smoked salmon, local cheeses, North Sea fish, and shellfish, plus several berry-based sauces. Don’t fret: You can also get bacon and eggs, salads, and other homespun fare too.
The Scenery: The best views from within are in the spiffed-up lounges and the aft-positioned restaurant on the same deck.
Best Known For
Shore Excursions: There is no shortage of options in this department. Depending on the season, you can ride a dog sled, go bird-watching, or cycle against a backdrop of fjords. On the cultural side, you can attend a concert in an Arctic cathedral, sign up for a walking tour of Alesund’s Art Nouveau district, or partake in a hearty ethnic Viking feast.