Frequently Asked Questions

Hurtigruten offers four cabin and suite categories, from simple and comfortable rooms to more spacious premium options.

• Polar Inside: No-frills, window-free cabins. A good-value choice if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and the coast.

• Polar Outside: Comfortable cabins with a window or porthole, offering natural light and views of the coast.

• Arctic Superior: Well-located cabins with additional comforts such as tea and coffee facilities.

• Expedition Suites: The most spacious and premium options on board, often with larger windows or balconies, separate lounge areas and extra perks like welcome gifts or onboard credit.

Cabin sizes, layouts and features can vary by ship. You can see exact details for your voyage during booking or on our ship pages. Learn more about our cabins and suites here.

Unspecified (or Guaranteed) cabin

You choose your preferred cabin category, and we assign your cabin number before departure. A good option if the exact location of your cabin is not important to you, but note that Wi-Fi and tea and coffee are not included.

Specified cabin

You choose your exact cabin number at the time of booking, so you know precisely where you will be staying on board. This is ideal if you have a preferred deck, location or view. Wi-Fi and tea and coffee are included.

All cabins include a range of essentials to make your stay comfortable, such as:

• A private en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, towels and soap

• Complimentary Wi-Fi access (not available for unspecified cabins or port-to-port guests)

• TV (with a few exceptions on MS Polarlys)

Most cabins also include things like a hairdryer and toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel, but please check the FAQs on our individual ship pages for more information.

All cabins have windows except our Polar Inside cabins, which are a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable stay. Some Polar Outside or Arctic Superior cabins have windows with an obstructed or partially obstructed view.

Use the cabin comparison tool during the booking process to find out exactly which ones.

Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in all Arctic Superior cabins and Suites.

For other cabin types, these facilities are not included in the room. However, if you have booked a Select fare, a Tea and Coffee package is included and available in our bars and restaurants.

Not sure if your fare includes it? You can check your invoice for full details.

Bathrobes are provided on all ships, but only in our Suites. If you are staying in another cabin category, bathrobes are not available to rent or request, even for an additional cost.

You’ll find European 220V two-pin sockets in your cabin – perfect for charging your devices. (Adapters may be required for non-European plugs). Some ships also have USB charging points.

All cabins have built-in storage, including hanging space, shelves and drawers. Storage varies by cabin type, but there’s plenty of room for your essentials, and suitcases can be stowed under the bed.

Yes, your cabin will be cleaner daily between 8:00am–3:00pm, with a quick second check later in the day (3:00pm–5:00pm) to tidy up and refresh towels. Place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door if you prefer privacy.

Want to do more? Hang the 'Green Stay' tag outside your cabin before 02:00 to skip a cleaning day. For every green night, we donate to the Hurtigruten Foundation, helping protect our oceans and environment.

Yes. On most voyages, you can choose your cabin category and cabin number, so you’ll know exactly where you’ll be on the ship.

Original voyages

• If travelling on our Basic fare or a port-to-port sailing, we’ll assign your cabin number for you.

• If travelling on our Select fare, you can choose your cabin number free of charge.

Signature voyages

• On full voyages, you can choose your cabin/suite number free of charge.

• On half voyages, you can select a cabin/suite number for an additional fee.

Yes, you can upgrade your cabin if there is availability during your sailing. Just contact our Customer Service Center beforehand, or ask Reception when checking in and they’ll let you know available options.

Yes. We offer a limited number of accessible cabins on board all our ships. These cabins feature wider doorways, automatic doors and easy access to lifts and public areas.

Accessible cabins can be booked online or through our Customer Service Center. We recommend booking early, as availability is limited.

For everyone’s safety, some personal electrical appliances with heating elements are not permitted on board. This includes kettles, coffee makers, irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, portable stoves and toasters, portable washing machines and other household appliances. Hairdryers, straighteners and curlers are permitted. Please don’t leave any personal electrical items plugged in when you leave your cabin. If you’re unsure about something, our reception team will be happy to help.

Yes, the tap water in your cabin is potable – so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up whenever you like.

Excursions can be booked for Coastal Express departures through March 30, 2026 and Signature voyages through April 30, 2026. Please keep in mind that not all excursions may be available at that time; some may be added later.

Excursions are typically bookable 180 days before your departure, and we'll send you an email with excursion details after bookings open. Please keep in mind that not all excursions may be available at that time; some may be added later.

You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.

If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.  

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

Yes, 1893 Ambassadors get a 5% discount on all excursions (booked pre-travel or on board). Not a member? Click here to sign up.

Certain excursions that have age limitations specifically for children. Details are given with each excursion, but if you have any uncertainties please speak to a member of our team before booking.

No, we offer several overland excursions that start in one port and end in another. Transport is included in these to ensure you are escorted back to the ship on time. 

Standard Terms and Conditions apply to cancelling excursions.

It is also possible to change on to another excursion up to 14 days before your departure, but only if the price of that excursion exceeds that of your original booking.

Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.

Yes, on many days it is possible to do more than one excursion. On The Coastal Express, we often visit more than one port a day, meaning that you can do several trips. In Lofoten, for example, you could join a bus tour of Harstad in the morning, enjoy lunch on board the ship, and then embark on a Sea Eagle safari in the afternoon. 

In some ports, it is also possible to do more than one excursion. You can find more details on which trips are combinable on each excursion page.

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed 

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

We offer a number of excursions that are suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Specific details on accessibility are given with each excursion, but if in doubt please speak to a member of our team before booking.

For the most part, excursions do not occur during onboard mealtimes. If they do, we make sure to either serve your meal earlier before the tour starts or keep the restaurant open a little longer for your return. We also have a number of excursions where food or drink is included as part of the tour.  

It can sometimes take a few days for excursions to show in My Booking, so don’t worry if you can’t see them immediately.

Dining depends on which ship you’re travelling on.

Original

On our Original ships, Torget is the main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner. You’ll also find:

• Kysten – our elegant fine-dining à la carte restaurant, serving set menus using the finest ingredients the Norwegian coast has to offer

• Brygga – our relaxed bistro serving dishes such as fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and burgers

• Multe – our onboard bakery and cafe, where you can enjoy coffee, freshly baked pastries, open sandwiches and local ice cream

Signature

On our Signature ships, the main restaurant is Flora, serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and plated dinners inspired by traditional Norwegian techniques. You’ll also find:

• Brasserie Árran – serving Nordic dishes with Sámi influences

• Røst – our refined fine-dining à la carte restaurant

Your board basis depends on the voyage and fare you’ve booked.

On sailings on the Original Coastal Express, your voyage is full board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served in our main restaurant, Torget. Beverages are limited to tap water, coffee and tea at mealtimes; other drinks can be purchased separately.

On our Signature voyages, your experience is all-inclusive. You can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner in our main restaurant Flora, as well as lunch and dinner in Brasserie Árran. You'll also enjoy unlimited select drinks served at meals and in the 1893 Bar throughout your voyage.

For short voyages and port-to-port bookings, meals are not included but can be purchased on board, and full-board/half-board packages can also be added for an additional cost by contacting our Customer Service Center.

Restaurant opening hours differ from ship to ship, so please see the individual ship FAQs for more information.

Yes. We offer a range of plant-based dishes at lunch and dinner, suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please contact our Customer Service Center at least two weeks before departure so the ship’s team can prepare accordingly. This helps ensure the best possible dining experience during your voyage.

Gluten-free and allergy-specific meals can be arranged. Just contact our Customer Service Center with your dietary requirements at least two weeks before departure so the ship can prepare accordingly.

We can also provide halal products on request. However, we are unable to offer genuine kosher meals.

Please note that our kitchens do not have dedicated allergen-free preparation areas. While we take great care to avoid cross-contamination, guests with severe allergies should be aware that allergens are handled in the same space.

You’re welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board to enjoy in your cabin to enjoy – just keep in mind that outside food and drinks aren’t permitted in the ship’s public areas.

You may also bring up to two unopened bottles of alcohol per person (maximum 1.5 liters each). Simply hand them to Reception when you board, and we’ll keep them safe until the end of your voyage. Alcohol brought on board can’t be enjoyed during the sailing, but it’ll be ready for you once your journey is over.

We provide complimentary Wi-Fi aboard all our ships, though signal strength may vary in different areas. We sail through remote regions of Norway, so internet speeds may be slower and less suitable for streaming services.

Note: If you have booked a Basic fare or a port-to-port sailing, please make sure you are registered with our 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Programme to access the complimentary Wi-Fi.

English and Norwegian are the official onboard languages, and are used for all announcements and lectures. Written information such as menus and daily program is also available in German and French.

Some members of the Expedition Team, reception staff and service crew also speak German. On board MS Richard With and MS Trollfjord, some of the Expedition Team also speak French.

All our ships have onboard shops with a curated selection of premium Norwegian clothing, outdoor gear, gifts, and souvenirs. You’ll also find toiletries and basic health items like paracetamol, ibuprofen, nasal spray and sea-sickness tablets, as well as snacks, drinks and a small selection of cigarettes and snus.

We Norwegians are down-to-earth people. We don’t believe in dress codes on board. Wear your hiking shoes to dinner or your slippers to breakfast. It’s up to you. Just leave spikes off indoors and keep your shoes on in restaurants and the bar for safety.

Yes. Every ship has a small self-service laundry room with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. A wash costs 30 NOK (~$3) per load, and washing powder is included. You can buy tokens at reception.

While it’s not customary to tip on our ships, we appreciate your recognition of exceptional service. Tip boxes and envelopes are conveniently placed in Reception and our restaurants for those who wish to show their appreciation to our dedicated crew members.

Absolutely. When you travel with Hurtigruten, our onboard Expedition Team offers a relaxed program of inspiring talks, workshops and informal gatherings on deck.

Rather than bright lights and big shows, we focus on meaningful experiences – sharing stories, spotting wildlife, learning about the landscapes around you and enjoying good company. It’s entertainment that enriches your journey and lets Norway’s coastline take center stage.

All our ships have a fitness room and a sauna that’s open daily from 6am to 10pm. Most ships also have outdoor hot tubs, with the exception of MS Trollfjord.

Guests with cabins can use their cabin towels in the hot tubs. Extra towels are available from Reception on request.

If you don’t have a cabin, you can change in the unisex changing room next to the sauna.

To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, we kindly ask that you don’t use personal drones during your voyage. Drones can affect wildlife, as well as the privacy and experience of fellow travellers. On some Signature sailings, our onboard photographer may capture footage using drones in permitted areas. You’ll receive these photos and videos after the voyage – so you can still take home some special memories.

The ship is kept at a comfortable 21°C/70°F on average, and you can adjust the temperature in your cabin to suit your preference.

You’re welcome to smoke in the designated outdoor deck areas. Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, isn’t permitted indoors so we can keep the indoor spaces fresh and comfortable for all guests. A NOK 1500 (~$150) cabin cleaning fee will apply if additional cleaning is required due to smoking.

The information and descriptions have been checked by our staff and/or local agents to ensure they are correct. However, changes may occur after the date of publication, and there may be occasions when Hurtigruten or local suppliers may withdraw some facilities.

Should we become aware of any significant change, that may be considered to have an effect on the enjoyment of your holiday, we will do our best to advise you. Many areas we visit are very remote and affected by prolonged cold or with various degrees of difficulty on their terrain. The facilities on offer will be subject to local conditions.

We will send you a new updated travel itinerary.

You do not need your PIN code for using a credit card to make a payment online or via the phone. However, a lot of banks might send a confirmation code or security check to your mobile phone. You will also be required to provide the following information:

• Credit Card Type

• Card Number

• Expiration Date

• Card Verification Code (CVV)

Please have these to hand when making your booking.

You can pay online.

You can also pay via wire transfer or check. For wire transfers and check payments, please advise us if sending a payment this way so booking is not canceled while waiting for payment. Please make checks payable to Hurtigruten Americas, Inc. and notate your booking number in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to, P.O. Box 103484, Pasadena, CA, 91189-3484, USA. Wire Transfer details are listed on your invoice.

If you are booked through a Travel Agency, please contact your Travel Advisor for payment.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, UnionPay and JCB for online bookings and on-board payments on all ships. American Express may also be used for all online bookings, however for on-board payments it is only accepted on MS Nordnorge.

Please note: Some card providers may charge a foreign transaction fee for cards issued outside the US and Canada when processing the payment. Please check with your bank regarding these fees. Hurtigruten is not responsible for this fee and does not receive any portion or benefit from these fees.

It is also possible to make payment via wire transfer or check. For wire transfers and check payments, please advise us if sending a payment so that your booking is not canceled while waiting for payment. Please make checks payable to Hurtigruten Americas, Inc. and notate your booking number in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to, P.O. Box 103484, Pasadena, CA, 91189-3484, USA. Wire Transfer details are listed on your invoice.

Some card providers may charge a foreign transaction fee for cards issued outside the US and Canada when processing the payment. Please check with your bank regarding these fees.

Hurtigruten is not responsible for this fee and does not receive any portion or benefit from these fees.

We can hold a booking for 7 days with an initial non-refundable 25% payment if booking more than 90 days before departure. Departures less than 90 days from booking, will require full payment. Any outstanding balance must be settled 90 days prior to departure. It is possible to make a payment on two separate cards - please visit the 'Make a Payment' page. If you are having trouble making a payment online, please call us as per the details above. 

We can hold a booking for 7 days with an initial non-refundable 25% payment if booking more than 90 days before departure. Departures less than 90 days from booking, will require full payment. Any outstanding balance must be settled 90 days prior to departure.

Unfortunately, we are unable to extend the final due date. To confirm your booking, payment is needed within 7 days.

Upon completion of your booking, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address supplied.

This also includes your booking reference number which will be needed if paying via deposit. 

Departures less than 90 days from booking, will require full payment.

If you have already paid a deposit, any outstanding balance must be settled 90 days prior to departure.

We do not take any automatic payments for the outstanding balance. After paying a deposit, you will receive a payment link that is unique to your booking and where any outstanding balance can be settled.

If you're having problems making a payment online, please contact us as soon as possible by e-mailing us at [email protected].

When your travel itinerary faces delays, follow these steps for a hassle-free journey:

1. Stick to Your Schedule: Head to the airport as originally planned.

2. Delayed First Flight: If your first flight is delayed, board it as scheduled. Sometimes, your flight may still be on time, or the next aircraft will wait for delayed passengers.

3. Missed Connecting Flight: If you miss a connecting flight, visit the airline's service desk at the connecting airport. They may have already rebooked you. Also, reach out to us for assistance.

4. Earlier Flight Options: If your new departure time could lead to missing your ship's departure, ask the airport service desk for an earlier flight. Arrive at the airport nearest to your departure port at least 90 minutes before your ship's departure. If this isn't feasible, contact us for alternative arrangements.

We're here to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

If your flight plans have been changed, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Booking: Visit the airline's website and use the reference number from your travel documents (e.g., A1B2C3).

2. Rebooking: You may have already been rebooked to an alternative departure. Ensure your new flight arrives in time to embark the ship. Arrive at the nearest airport to your ship's departure port at least 90 minutes before departure.

3. Contact Us: If you haven't been automatically rebooked or if your new flight times conflict with your ship's departure, please get in touch with us.

In case of flight cancellation, please follow these steps:

1. Contact Airline Service Desk: Reach out to the airline's service desk at the airport. They should provide you with alternative flight options and, if needed, arrange accommodation.

2. Check New Flight Timing: When you receive new flight times, ensure that you'll arrive at the nearest airport to your ship's departure port at least 90 minutes before the ship departs.

3. Contact Us for Assistance: If the airport service desk can't assist you or the new flight times don't allow you to board the ship on time, please get in touch with us.

To address flight delays and ensure a timely arrival at the ship's departure port:

1. Review Transfer Timetable: Check the transfer timetable and catch the next available bus.

2. Consider Taking a Taxi: If there are no more transfers that day or the last one won't get you to the ship's departure port on time, opt for a taxi.

3. Contact Us if Needed: If, despite taking a taxi, you won't make it to the port on time, please reach out to us.

Please take the following steps when dealing with missing luggage:

1. Register Your Missing Luggage: Begin by registering your missing luggage at the airport or online via the airline's website. Missing luggage can take time to locate. Therefore, please provide details of your trip, including your ship and hotel stays, along with dates.

2. Receive Property Irregularity Report (PIR): The airline will provide you with a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) receipt for your missing luggage.

3. Contact Onboard Reception: If your luggage hasn't arrived before you board the ship, bring your PIR receipt to our onboard reception. Our staff will assist in getting your bags delivered onboard and guide you on purchasing essential items. We will do our utmost to assist in acquiring medication, but we cannot promise results. It's highly recommended that you place very important items to in your carry-on case. 

4. Keep Receipts: Retain all receipts for your claim against the airline.

For return flights, follow the same process. Your luggage will be delivered to your home address by the airline as soon as possible.

If you've booked flights through us and intend to modify your flight itinerary, please inform us of the changes. For those who've booked through a third-party provider, kindly reach out to them regarding flight changes.

In the event you've booked your flights through us and are informed (either in advance or at the airport) that your air tickets are set to stand-by, this is often due to airline overbookings. It's important to note that we don't arrange stand-by tickets, and you have the right to request a confirmed seat on the flight. Airlines are aware of your cruise booking and the importance of arriving at your destination on time.

Our official onboard languages are Norwegian and English. Additionally, some of our Expedition Team members, reception staff, and service crew are proficient in German. On MS Richard With, you'll also find team members who speak French.

For your convenience, many of our excursions are guided in two or three languages. If you'd like more details, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Expedition Team or the Tour Leader on board.

We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities.

Passport and visas

All guests must present a valid passport with a validity of six months post-voyage when they check-in to a voyage. A valid passport is required for both the North Cape Line and the Svalbard Line. You will not be permitted to disembark the ship without one.

All guests should obtain up-to-date advice on passport and visa requirements from the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of the destination or country(ies) through which you are traveling.  

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations or health requirements for traveling to Norway, but it is the responsibility of all passengers to check and make sure they comply with any health requirements at the time of travel. For the most up-to-date guidance, check the Norwegian Institute for Public Health website.

We suggest you consult your doctor or relevant health authorities about any precautions you should take with regard to deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

Prohibited items

Hurtigruten complies with ISPS regulations (International Ship and Port Security System) so all luggage is inspected by X-ray/metal detector upon arrival at the port facility or ship. These regulations also include hand baggage scans in all ports of call throughout the course of your voyage.

The below list is not exhaustive. The SSO/Captain are authorized to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item declared, detected, or discovered on board. 

Prohibited items include:

• Illegal drugs, narcotics, and illegal substances

• All firearms including replicas imitations, non-firing weapons, starting pistols and their components (including but not limited to the following items: Guns, operational or replicas, ammunition of all types, BB Guns, Compressed Air Guns, including Paint Ball Guns, Flare Guns, Gun Lighters, Gun/Firearms Parts, Pellet Guns, Spear Guns, Starter Pistols, Realistic Replicas of Firearms)

• All explosives and replicas (including, but are not limited to, the following items: Blasting Caps, Dynamite, Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, Hand Grenades, Plastic Explosives, Bomb Making Components, Gun Powder)

• Pointed weapons and sharp objects (including, but not limited to, the following items: throwing stars, flick- or gravity knifes, daggers, knifes or scissors with blade longer than 7 cm (including folding pocket knives), open razors, Spears or Spears gun, archery equipment, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows, sabers, swords, Skean Dhus or Kirpans, axes)

• Blunt weapons (including, but not limited to the following items: knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or nunchaku and other items adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon)

• Restraining Devices (including, but not limited to the following items: handcuffs, leg or head restraining straps)

• High voltage stun devices and items containing incapacitating substances (including, but not limited to the following items: tasers, gas guns, tear gas spray, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable, poison)

• Flammable substances unless carried in limited quantities (including, but not limited to the following items: petrol, methylated spirits, lighter fuel, paints, thinners, large batteries, etc)

• Candles or incense

• Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders (including, but not limited to the following items: dive tanks, propane tanks, large aerosol cans)

• Items containing heating elements (including, but not limited to the following items: Immersion Heaters, Heating blankets, infrared heaters, flat irons, water heaters, coffee machines, etc)

• Remote-controlled or independent flying devices (including, but not limited to the following items: drones, toys, kites of any kind)

• Self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, scooters, Segways

• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), ham radios, satellite phones, transformers, laser and laser pointers, signaling jamming devices

Despite our unwavering commitment to sticking to our sailing schedule, the Norwegian coastal weather, known for its unpredictability, often has other plans. Our paramount concern is your safety, and we prioritize it above all else. Consequently, we maintain a vigilant watch on the ever-changing conditions, which can include the challenges posed by choppy waters or the shroud of thick fog.

In the event that nature's plans interferes with ours, rest assured that we stand ready to make real-time adjustments. Whether it entails tweaking our itinerary to ensure smooth sailing or taking the precautionary step of canceling onshore excursions at a moment's notice, your safety remains our guiding principle throughout your voyage.

Much like the ever-changing weather along the Norwegian coast, we can't guarantee the specific wildlife encounters you'll experience during your voyage with us. The wildlife you encounter is influenced by various factors, including the season, migration patterns, and even a dash of luck.

The unpredictability of nature and wildlife along the Norwegian coast is what makes these surprise encounters truly extraordinary. Each journey is a unique adventure, filled with opportunities to witness magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, from majestic whales breaching the surface to vibrant sea eagles soaring above.

Our cruises give you the chance to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Norwegian wildlife, where every moment is exhilarating and unscripted.