This was our first, and likely last, trip with Hurtigruten. Many months prior to embarkation, we had selected a cruise offered only once per year, the "classic cruise" with a Viking supplement; i.e. an expert, Gareth Williams, from the British Museum would be on board and lecturing on Viking history. While awaiting our flight from LAX to Stockholm, we received an email from our travel agent that one of the "excursions" associated with the Viking supplement had been cancelled; since it difficult select an alternative while en route, we opted to wait until we were on board. The check-in at their Bergen terminal, was quite disorganized and very crowded (and with few seats), with the number machine malfunctioning, one computer terminal out of order, and the luggage belt not working; however, we were aboard in about an hour. The first really bad news came the next morning, when I enquired about the schedule of Viking lectures; I was informed, rather rudely, that the entire series had been cancelled, and there was no explanation available. At no time, either before our trip or during our trip, was there any communication about this cancellation.

'Though sorely disappointed, we endeavored to make the best of our journey. The following day, there was a mechanical problem, which the crew seemed to be able to solve. Six days later, there was a more serious issue, and we ended up stuck in Tromsø for two days; this necessitated a non-stop sail back to Bergen - no opportunity to see all the ports scheduled during that time. Then, with a final mechanical issue, the course was set for open waters, instead of along the coast, to make up some of the lost time. Somehow, we arrived "on time," but on disembarkation my luggage was lost. After waiting 2 hours for it to be found (after all, the ship was still within spitting distance of the terminall), we proceded empty-handed to our lodging. Although the item was recovered the next afternoon - someone had sent it to the airport - an entire day was wasted trying to acquire enough clothing to continue our travels. So, 'though most of the crew is congenial and attentive, Hurtigruten's lack of communication was appalling and the seeming short staffing, with resulting frayed tempers, made for many unpleasant times. Were we reimbursed for the lost days, cancelled excursions and supplement? Yes.