MS Midnatsol

Previously MS Maud, MS Midnatsol is named after the Midnight Sun, the phenomenon that occurs in northern Norway every summer when the sun doesn’t set for 24 hours.

Exploring the Norwegian coast with MS Midnatsol
Exploring the Norwegian coast with MS Midnatsol

About the ship

The décor on board is inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board.

The ship's bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year.

Click here to see the current location of MS Midnatsol.

Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 3 restaurants

  • Expedition Team

  • Panoramic lounge

  • Sauna and fitness room

  • Laundry room

  • Meeting rooms

Summer Season 2025: MS Midnatsol will not sail into Geirangerfjord

MS Midnatsol will not sail into Geirangerfjord from 12 June to 28 August 2025. Instead, the ship will remain moored in Ålesund from 09:45 to 20:00.

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Your home away from home

Welcome aboard. Here is where time slows down. Where you can enjoy a casual and cosy ambience, inspired by the Norwegian concept of koselig.

Sauna MS Maud HGR 149797 1920 Photo Oscar Farrera

Sauna and fitness room

You’ll also find the panoramic sauna and fitness room on the top deck. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to work up a sweat while admiring the spectacular scenery.

Explorer Bar MS Maud HGR 159673 Ultra Sharp Films Ltd

Explorer Lounge & Bar

Enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail and sweeping views of the Norwegian coast in the lounge and bar on the top deck.

Hot Tub MS Maud HGR 159734 1920 Photo Ultra Sharp Films Ltd

Outdoor deck and hot tubs

The beauty of the Norwegian coast is on full display from the outdoor deck. Relax in an outside hot tub and watch the coast drift by. 

Restaurants on board

Each of the ship’s restaurants is a different dining experience, but all promise our Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept of local ingredients from local suppliers.

Torget restaurant on board The Coastal Express

Torget

Meaning ‘marketplace’ in Norwegian, the main restaurant offers a variety for all three daily meals. For dinner, it provides either a buffet or set menus.

A burger at Brygga restaurant on board The Coastal Express

Brygga

The name of this bistro is the Norwegian word for ‘wharf’. It serves salads, pizzas, and other crowd-pleasers with a Nordic twist.

Kysten restaurant on board The Coastal Express

Kysten

Dine in style at ‘The Coast’, our à la carte option. You’ll savour exquisite dishes crafted by our most skilled chefs, using the finest ingredients the Norwegian coast has to offer.

Your Expedition Team

The Expedition Team will be by your side as part of your voyage with us, sharing stories and insights about Norway’s culture, nature, and history.

Lecture on board a ship in Norway

Knowing Norway

Each member of the team has a range of specialised topics in their repertoire, ready to share with you in lectures and presentations on board, on deck, and ashore.

Coastal Experience Team MS Trollfjord HGR 163298 Espen Mills

From near and far

The team come from all walks of life. Some are local Norwegians who live in the places we visit. Others have fallen in love with Norway and settled here. 

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Explore more on excursions

Talk to the team to sign up to available seasonal excursions or to join them on invigorating hikes to secret scenic spots in several of the ports we call at. 

Compare MS Midnatsol's cabins

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Owners suite on upper deck

MX Expedition Suite

These exclusive suites are situated on the upper decks. The suites have two rooms, a seating area and dining table, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access, bathroom, minibar and private balcony. Travel the best way possible!

expedition-suite-mg-ms-maud-hgr-147992_1920-foto_oscar_farrera

Grand suite on upper deck

MG Expedition Suite

These exclusive suites have a seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access, bathroom and minibar. Some of the suites also have bathtubs, and a private balcony or bay window.

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Suite on upper deck

M2 Expedition Suite

These elegant suites are on the upper deck with a seating area, bathroom, TV and minibar and a private balcony.

Specification and deck plans: MS Midnatsol

Select a view

Deck plan not available for deck 3

  • Year built2003
  • Ship yardFosen Mek. Verk. (N)
  • Beds500
  • Length135,75 m
  • Speed15 knots
  • Year of refurbishment2021 (light refurbishment)
  • Capacity570
  • Gross tonnage16,151 T
  • Beam21.5 m

Frequently asked questions

These are the most common questions about the facilities and services on board our ships. There’s more info in our Help Center.

Help Center

Our ships offer an intimate and immersive way to explore Norway’s dramatic coastline, which we have been sailing for more than 130 years. Given their smaller size, our ships can explore remote fjords and call at lesser-visited ports that are often not accessible by larger cruise ships. We are not your typical cruise line – our ships offer a more personalised journey, allowing for more scenic and cultural experiences. 

The number of passengers depends on the ship's certification and the type of voyage. Our vessels are smaller compared with regular cruise liners, with capacity typically ranging between 500 and 650 passengers, depending on whether it’s a Signature or Original voyage. 

The official languages spoken on board are Norwegian and English. Some crew members also speak German and French, and other languages may be present based on the nationalities of the guests. 

Our ships adhere to strict safety regulations, with modern safety systems, regular inspections, and a well-trained crew. There is life-saving equipment, evacuation protocols, and medical personnel on board to ensure your safety in case of emergencies. 

Yes, each of our ships has a limited number of accessible cabins. We ask that our guests are able to take care of themselves or travel with a companion who can assist them. 

Yes, we have basic medical facilities on our ships, and crew members are trained to handle medical emergencies. However, the medical staff may be limited, so passengers with serious health conditions should prepare accordingly. 

Dangerous goods such as weapons, explosives, and illegal drugs are prohibited. Additionally, certain liquids and food items are restricted to comply with international regulations. You can see the full list of prohibited items here. 

We keep to a strict sailing timetable and cannot wait for late passengers, so please ensure that you are back on board in time. If you miss your ship, you will need to arrange transport by yourself and at your own expense to the next port on the schedule.   

Although we offer several roundtrip voyages, you can also choose to customise your journey by travelling from port to port on our ships. You can choose which of the 34 ports we visit you get on and off – with either a one-way ticket or a return trip.    

You can find our timetable and sailing times on our sailing plan. Alternatively, you can see our ships in real time on our ship locator map.  

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