Hurtigruten - The On-Board Experience and Frequently Asked Questions (Coastal Express)

This film took its inspiration from questions and observations raised on the Hurtigruten Insiders Facebook group. My previous films (including the latest - 'The Coastal Express in Winter") focus on the landscapes and ports. This film goes more behind the scenes of the voyage itself and should be particularly useful for anyone debating whether this is the trip for them, or simply to gain more insight into what lies in store if the booking has already been made! The input of my mum (82 with mobility issues) should also prove useful.
Most of the negative reviews that I have seen demonstrate a lack of understanding regarding the nature of the daily coastal express sailing. Importantly, it is not a cruise....
The Norwegian coastal express was the brainchild of Richard With, a means of linking the remote coastal settlements of the north west coast. The full route from Bergen to Kirkenes was inaugurated in 1908 and has been operating relatively unchanged ever since, connecting 34 ports. Given the stunning scenery it is no surprise that the route is incredibly popular with tourists.
But despite the large number of tourists this is still a working boat. To demonstrate that fact a limited service continued throughout the pandemic when there were no foreign tourists in sight. At almost every port there is a turnover of passengers and cargo, it’s one of the great attractions of the voyage. However, the working timetable does mean that the time in most ports is very limited indeed and the longer stops only allow for a whistle stop tour.
In contrast to a cruise ship part from some lectures on culture and wildlife there is no on-board entertainment. The entertainment is Norway!
Cabins range from small inside cabins to suites. On this voyage I have a cabin with a double bed. There’s plenty of storage space and my suitcase fits under the bed. There is no shortage of sockets of the two pin European style. The TV has Norwegian channels as well as information and the all important bow cam. The bathroom is compact, the water is drinkable and the floor is heated, which is very welcome in winter.
Food options are the cafe, an a la carte bistro, or the main restaurant Torget. The film looks into the buffet and dinner options.
Other topics covered include the excursions, the temperature, money, sailing conditions, and fitness options.
Filmed February 2024
Jonathan Wheeler
Travel Obscurer
Facebook and Instagram
@TravelObscurer
All music licensed through Artist.

[@annelizebatel6217]

My daughter and I did the round trip cruise on the MS Nordlys and it was THE BEST!!! We LOVED it! Will do it again and again and again! Most beautiful trip EVER!!!🎉🎉😊😊

[@TravelObscurer]

I agree entirely!!!

[@gannetripple]

Quality video. Perfectly filmed and very well edited, with well-chosen music. No camera wobbles, and the subject instead of the camera does the moving. A lesson for many KZbinrs! Thank you. We did the round trip over midsummer's day a few years ago on Nordnorge. Have very fond memories. Heading up there with Saga on 19 March, as far as Alta, but now inspired to do the Coastal Express again, this in winter. Will be with Hurtigruten round Britain at the end of April - should be a good one.

[@TravelObscurer]

Thank you. I try to make my films more BBC than "DIY" KZbin. The round Britain voyage should be really interesting, especially the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides. I'll be in Islay in April so might see the boat sail past.

[@joliettraveler]

We took that about 10 years ago. Great trip and fantastic food!

[@cf8545]

One of the few cruises that I am actually considering doing again.

[@marthagordon7869]

Going on the Northbound route in May and this video answers so many questions. Thank you so much

[@TravelObscurer]

Glad I could help. Have a wonderful time!!

[@moiraw9574]

Great info. This cruise has been on my bucket list a while since doing my second regular cruise (previously a school trip from the UK and then with) P&O UK and falling in love with Flam. I'm still very keen :)

[@keithepstein2812]

Well done. Great content and just the right length. Love that you travel with your Mum.

[@TravelObscurer]

Yes, it's great fun to do the occasional trip together. Not surprisingly she didn't want to join me on my trip to Iraqi- and neither did my wife!

[@gwenmassey7631]

Mum is one very lucky lady. 🎉🎉

[@TravelObscurer]

And I'm a lucky son! 😊

[@jameswhitewater6127]

Great video, for a Norwegian, born in Hordaland, Canadian citizen and lives in Hoi An Vietnam, I now feel a little homesick .. confused 🤔

[@TravelObscurer]

A confusing feeling indeed!

[@lynnerobyn]

Thank you! This was SO helpful and well done!

[@TravelObscurer]

Thanks for the great feedback. Much appreciated.

[@Cyrusmagi]

Very enjoyable and informative just what i needed to know. Thank you.

[@robertshaver1612]

Thank you. Love your authentic approach.

[@PaulGodfrey]

Great Video. Would love to go back on Hurtigruten. I really enjoyed my voyage from Bergen to Tromso last May even if the weather wasn't always great. It was lovely to be on a ship that had everything you needed but was still small enough to get around. The Trollfjord in the Midnight Sun was unforgettable. The ship did have WiFi and it worked really well. Sign up to the newsletter to get it for free.

[@TravelObscurer]

Yes, the Trollfjord at midnight is a real highlight when sailing in spring and summer.

[@jeffreywagner5234]

Great video

[@gillkaye6151]

Thank you

[@ricp]

Great video!!!

[@TravelObscurer]

Thank you!!

[@Blacknight1812]

thank you for the infomation on the video, one question about the laundry rom, is laundry detergent supplied, or do we have to bring our own?

[@TravelObscurer]

You get a capsule when you buy a token.

[@Blacknight1812]

thank you!

[@GillPeterKaye]

Such useful videos, thanks. Can I ask what the length of daylight is like in Feb/March? We would like to see the Northern Lights but also want to be able to see the spectacular scenery. We are concerned that much of the sailing would be in the dark. You also mention late spring in your commentary - are you thinking April? Thank you

[@TravelObscurer]

The voyage featured on this film (and more completely in the "Coastal Voyage in Winter film"), was taken in mid February. I would say that it's ideal for the balance of northern lights and not missing scenery. It got dark around 16.30. Admittedly, that does mean that on the northbound trip you will not see Lofoten. April has much longer daylight hours but you still get some darkness in the most northern latitudes. Depends on your priorities. For me it would always be the scenery, especially as the the northern lights are not guaranteed (and we have just had a spectacular display here in Scotland).

[@ztmsl]

Excellent video. Love to do trip soon. Do you also have experience with the Havila Kystruten, the other company on the same route?

[@TravelObscurer]

Thank you. No, I haven't sailed with Havila. One for the future!

[@GillPeterKaye]

Sorry ...another question...I am I right in thinking that the main restaurant is the one included in the 'full board' and that the bistro and fine dining are pay as you go? Also can all passengers use the explorer bar/viewing area or is that only for premium paying passengers...do you have to buy a drink there to sit in that area? Thank you

[@TravelObscurer]

Yes, the main restaurant is for those passengers on full board. The others are pay as you go. All the lounges are for everyone and there is no need to buy a drink. Hope that helps!

[@GillPeterKaye]

@@TravelObscurer thank you, I thought choosing and booking was going to be straightforward but the more I find out the more I need to know!

[@twinlights11]

Were you aware of fumes of smoking on deck? Thanks for your inspiration~~~

[@TravelObscurer]

There are always a handful of smokers on the outside deck but the fumes are easily avoided.

[@sallyconnor7127]

Great video. We're doing BKB in about 10 days time. One question I can't seem to find the answer to - can we take any duty free alcohol on board?

[@TravelObscurer]

As long as you only consume it in your cabin I don't see any problem at all. You won't be able to take it to the lounge or restaurant.

[@GillPeterKaye]

How did that work out for you? I am confused about the alcohol policies and cost?

[@sallyconnor7127]

@@GillPeterKaye We bought a bottle of gin in the duty free, stowed it in a suitcase. No problem at all. We drank it in the cabin. Saw some people drinking cans of beer, which they had not bought on the ship. They were immediately told, by a member of the crew, that they could only drink it in their cabin.

[@gillkaye6151]

​@sallyconnor7127 thanks.

[@lan3235]

Hi is this cruise solely in sheltered water or is there open sea with conditions to match

[@TravelObscurer]

There are open sea sections, particularly on the final night in the Barents Sea.