Explore Norway’s Coastline | May 2nd, 2025
$2935 per person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Prices are USD per person, based on 2 people sharing, starting from a Polar Inside cabin (I2); Cruise only pricing; cabin upgrades available – please refer to the “Cabin/Deck Plans” tab for the various cabin options and rates.
*Fuel surcharge: The package rates are based on Hurtigruten’s current projections for the cost of fuel. Hurtigruten reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge to the above prices. Passengers will be charged the cruise fuel surcharge in effect at the time names are received by Hurtigruten. Name changes, if allowed, are subject to the cruise fuel surcharge in effect at the time of change. The cruise fuel surcharge is subject to implementation or increase without notice, but passenger names which have been reported to Hurtigruten as sold are protected from increase.
*The ship for this departure is aboard the MS Nordkapp (with Hurtigruten).
*May 2nd, 2025 is the arrival/embarkation date of this cruise program in Bergen, Norway.
Explore Norway’s Coastline: May 2-13, 2025
Hosted by Michelle Collette
Michelle is thrilled to be your Trip Merchant Ambassador onboard the MS Nordkapp for The Coastal Express – Classic Norwegian Cruise with Hurtigruten. Having recently retired, Michelle is eager to embark on new adventures, fulfilling her retirement dreams and goals of traveling the world and meeting new people from diverse backgrounds.
Michelle’s journey with Trip Merchant began with an unforgettable experience in Iceland, the land of fire and ice. During this trip, she enjoyed our exclusive “VIP Trip Merchant approach,” which provided her with unique and personalized travel experiences. The stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and the warmth of the people she met left a lasting impression on her. This incredible adventure inspired her to become a Trip Merchant Ambassador, allowing her to share her enthusiasm and passion for travel with others.
As your ambassador, Michelle will be your go-to person for any questions or assistance you might need throughout this epic Norwegian adventure. Her firsthand knowledge of Trip Merchant’s exceptional travel services ensures that you will have an enriching and memorable experience.
On this Classic Norwegian Cruise, you will have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking views, picturesque coastal towns, and rich cultural heritage of Norway.
Michelle is looking forward to getting to know each of you and creating lifelong memories together. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first voyage, she is dedicated to making sure your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join Michelle on this epic Norwegian adventure and discover the wonders that await on the MS Nordkapp.
This 12-day Norwegian coastal cruise travels northbound and then southbound, taking in Norway’s many fjords and mountains along the way. Your ship will call at 34 ports of all sizes and cross the Arctic Circle twice over 2,500 nautical miles. It is the definitive scenic route to see the Norwegian coast.
- Discover this full scenic route with 34 ports visited twice, northbound and southbound, allowing you to really get to know the heart and soul of Norway’s coastline
- Bask in spectacular scenery any season of the year as we sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains
- Spend half your voyage on an Arctic tour of Norway, maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in winter, or enjoying 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun in summer
- Take your pick from all optional hikes and the full list of optional seasonal excursions to enhance your coastal experience
As you follow this scenic route and cruise Norway’s coastline, most of the ports visited by night northbound are revisited by day southbound, allowing you to discover majestic fjords, mountains, cosmopolitan cities, market towns, and isolated hamlets. You also have a full range of available optional seasonal excursions to tailor each day of your journey the way you want..
What’s Included:
- 12-day voyage in cabin category of your choice
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
- Norwegian- and English-speaking Coastal Experience Team
Engaging onboard activities and lectures:
- Onboard lectures and presentations on Norway’s history, biology, geography, geology and culture
- Introductory photo presentation, camera adjustment and tips and tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
- A welcome event and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Presentations about the ports we visit
- Presentation of excursion programs
- Point of interest presentations out on deck
- Captain’s dinner and a farewell event
Not Included:
- Flights and transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional seasonal excursions
- Luggage handling
- Optional hikes with the Coastal Experience Team
- Tipping
Notes
- Prices are in USD, per person based on two people traveling together sharing a cabin
- Not all cabin categories are available for all departures
- Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability
Terms and Conditions:
A deposit of 25% is required for each cabin within 7 days of making a reservation.
Final payment is due 180 days prior to the tour start date for all guests.
Cancellation charges:
- All cancellations must be received in writing and receipt will be acknowledged by Hurtigruten. If you do not receive a written acknowledgement from Hurtigruten, it means your notice of cancellation was not received.
- Cancellation Fees:
- More than 181 Days prior to departure – No cancellation fee
- 180 – 90 Days prior to departure – 50% cancellation fee
- 89 – 61 Days prior to departure – 75% cancellation fee
- Less than 60 prior to departure – 100% cancellation fee
- No refund will be made for cancellations received within 60 days of sailing, no shows, or for guests who do not complete their cruise.
Cancellation charges are calculated based on total fares paid to Hurtigruten for all trip components. - No refund will be made for passengers who do not show up for the cruise or who do not complete their cruise. Cancellation charges will apply notwithstanding that the company is able to rebook the cabin in question. The passenger must submit a claim for refund, in writing, within 20 days of the actual termination date of the voyage in question, failing which the refund claim shall be barred. Partial cancellation will result in the application of the above penalties to the persons who have cancelled and the remaining passengers being charged the applicable prices for the revised number of passengers in the cabin.
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 507
Mention Booking#: 128158
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Destination
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Arrival City
Bergen, Norway -
Departure City
Bergen, Norway -
Activity Level
Leisurely/Adventurous -
Passenger Limit
480 Cabins
Friday, May 2, 2025: Welcome Aboard!
If you have time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisan’s shops, complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous fish market, which serves delicious seafood. The Fløibanen funicular can also take you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city.
Your voyage begins. Before boarding, relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along the Hjeltefjord. You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experience Team, who will be your guides as we sail Norway’s coastline. They’ll organize lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.
- Bergen: 2:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m
Accommodation: MS Nordkapp
Saturday, May 3, 2025: Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords
Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then we’ll sail past the West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.
Art Nouveau city - Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re traveling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.
Into the fjords - In spring, from April to May*, and in fall, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.
Mountains and roses - The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just enough daylight to see the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’. And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidify Molde’s nickname as the ‘City of Roses’.
- Florø: 2:45 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
- Måløy: 5:15 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.
- Torvik: 8:20 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
- Ålesund: 9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Urke: 12:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
- Molde: 10:35 p.m. - 11:05 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 2025: City of Kings and Palaces
Magical, medieval, and modern - Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population.
You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights, either on your own or on one of our optional excursions. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed ‘Norway’s Notre Dame’ for its Gothic architectural style. It is considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace, where Norway’s crown jewels are on display. Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighborhood’s colorful wooden wharves, which are propped up on stilts by the river’s edge, now house a variety of restaurants. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort, which has beautiful panoramic views of the city and fjord.
Time in port:
- Kristiansund: 2:45 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
- Trondheim: 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
- Rørvik: 9:40 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Monday, May 5, 2025: Into the Arctic
Forces of nature - At 10 a.m., we’ll dock in Ørnes, near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the ‘Love Bench’, where sweethearts declare their lasting romance with a padlock.
Then we’ll sail to Bodø, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom.
Welcome to Lofoten - The ship enters the Lofoten Archipelago in the afternoon. The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall, is a stunning sight on the horizon. Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, which is busiest between January and April, when the Arctic cod—known locally as skrei—swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.
This evening, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the pretty harbor of Svolvær when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer. This is the main town of the Lofoten Islands.
Time in port:
- Brønnøysund: 1:35 a.m. - 1:45 a.m.
- Sandnessjøen: 4:35 a.m. - 4:50 a.m.
- Nesna: 6:00 a.m. - 6:10 a.m.
- Ørnes: 10:00 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
- Bodø: 1:05 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
- Stamsund: 7:15 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.
- Svolvær:: 9:20 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025: Capital of the Arctic
The ship will then continue to Finnsnes, which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby.
Gateway to the Arctic - Then we’ll sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø, where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a center exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Pop in to one of the many shops and restaurants in the city center, including Mack Brewery and the Ølhallen pub, a favorite local watering hole. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee-foam art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, check out the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.
Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we’ll head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps, which rise majestically from the sea.
Time in port:
- Stokmarknes: 1:30 a.m. - 1:40 a.m.
- Sortland: 2:55 a.m. - 3:10 a.m.
- Risøyhamn: 4:35 a.m. - 4:50 a.m.
- Harstad: 7:10 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
- Finnsnes: 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Tromsø: 2:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
- Skjervøy: 10:10 p.m. - 10:25 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025: Norway’s Northern Frontier
You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøygavlen wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.
At the top of Europe - In the mid-morning, we’ll arrive at Honningsvåg, the portal to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.
Sámi heartlands - Near the entrance of the Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their reindeer-herding life, and listen to joik folk songs.
Continuing north - We’ll reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If you’re visiting during the months of February and March, you might spot cod drying on outdoor wooden racks, called hjell, mainly destined for export.
The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we’ll pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the planet’s northernmost mainland lighthouse.
Time in port:
- Øksfjord: 1:50 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
- Hammerfest: 5:05 a.m. - 5:45 a.m.
- Havøysund: 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
- Honningsvåg: 10:55 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Kjøllefjord: 4:40 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Mehamn 6:55 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
- Berlevåg: 10:00 p.m. - 10:10 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, 2025: Norway’s Eastern Edge
Look to the skies - The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for Hooded Crows and Sea Eagles.
Near the Norwegian border - By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have traveled farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! You’ll have many optional excursions to choose from to explore the area.
The journey’s turning point - Kirkenes is where the Norwegian Coastal Express changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we stopped at during the night we’ll now see during the day.
Back in Vardø, visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains in use by the military to this day.
We’ll return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg in the late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.
Time in port:
- Båtsfjord: 12:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
- Vardø: 3:30 a.m. - 3:45 a.m.
- Vadsø: 6:55 a.m. - 7:10 a.m.
- Kirkenes: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Vardø: 4:05 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Båtsfjord: 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Berlevåg: 10:25 p.m. – 10:35 p.m.
Friday, May 9, 2025: From the Top of Europe
Hammerfest
We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early-morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.
Almost the northernmost - In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.
Mountains and marine mammals - We’ll continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then continue to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896. If you’re visiting in the winter, you might spot the orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring. As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps, which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.
Midnight magic - We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, stroll the still-busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
Time in port:
- Mehamn: 1:20 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
- Kjøllefjord: 3:25 a.m. - 3:35 a.m.
- Honningsvåg: 5:45 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
- Havøysund: 8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
- Hammerfest: 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
- Øksfjord: 3:50 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.
- Skjervøy: 7:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
- Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 10, 2025: High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
After a call at Finnsnes in the early morning, the ship calls at Harstad. Here lies the world’s northernmost medieval stone church on the peninsula: the white-washed Trondenes Church.
Next we’ll stop at Risøyhamn, our smallest port of call. Then it’s off to Sortland, where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to mountains towering over 3,280 feet high.
Our birthplace - Stokmarknes is where captain Richard With launched The Norwegian Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a building resembling a ship in a bottle. It chronicles the Hurtigruten legacy, centered around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-sized fjord - Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into the tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. The mountain walls will look so close, you’ll think you can reach out and touch them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees in a single spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here, too.
Leaving Lofoten - We’ll reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the ‘Svolvær Goat’, due to its supposed resemblance. Do you agree? The ship then sails to Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.
Time in port:
- Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
- Finnsnes: 4:20 a.m. - 4:40 a.m.
- Harstad: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
- Risøyhamn: 10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Sortland: 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Stokmarknes: 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
- Svolvær: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Stamsund: 10:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 11, 2025: A Landscape of Trolls
Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway.
The ship will call at Bodø in the wee hours of the morning and then at Ørnes at 7 a.m. Then, we’ll cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. We’ll commemorate the moment with the time-honored tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil!
Next, we’ll make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.
Legend has it … Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks stretching up to 3,600 feet. According to legend, seven beautiful troll princesses were caught outside as the sun rose as they fled from an unwanted suitor. The sun turned them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today. Don’t miss the distinctive hole passing straight through Torghatten Mountain! There is also a local legend as to how the mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience Team about it!
We’ll reach Brønnøysund in mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the center of town is Brønnøy Church, a Neo-Gothic style stone church dating back to 1870.
Our last stop of the day is the cozy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna Archipelago.
Time in port:
- Bodø: 2:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.
- Ørnes: 6:25 a.m. - 6:35 a.m.
- Nesna: 10:25 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
- Sandnessjøen: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Brønnøysund: 3:00 p.m. - 5:25 p.m.
- Rørvik: 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Accommodation: MS Nordkapp
Monday, May 12, 2025: Coastal Communities and Klippfisk
Capital of the Viking Age - Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Then visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, the resting place of St. Olav. Walk to the Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over the Nid River. Perhaps treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés. Then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for sweeping views of Norway’s third-largest city.
Dealing in dried cod - We dock at Kristiansund’s harbor in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ (called klippfisk in Norwegian) for the salted cod that’s dried out on the surrounding cliffs. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for lovely panoramic views.
Peaks and petals - The second-to-last port of the day is Molde, where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Flowers should be in bloom in this ‘City of Roses’ between mid-June and late August.
Time in port:
- Trondheim: 6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Kristiansund: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Molde: 9:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025: Until Next Time
Morning highlights - You’ll have the chance to glimpse the Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest.
The ship then docks at Florø in the morning. There, you can take in the harbor and marina.
The home stretch - Leaving Florø, you’ll see Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite subject for photographers. Enjoy stunning views as we cross the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in all of Norway. As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our scenic route, and sail down the Hjeltefjord into Bergen.
Explore more of Norway - Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests. But your journey doesn’t have to stop after disembarkation. We offer a Bergen sightseeing tour, as well as a range of post-cruise Post-Programs that you can add to your voyage, including seeing the Sognefjord by train or a tour of Oslo.
Time in port:
- Ålesund: 00:30 a.m. - 1:20 a.m.
- Torvik: 2:35 a.m. - 2:45 a.m.
- Måløy: 5:45 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
- Florø: 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
- Bergen: 2:45 p.m.