I will place emphasis on the cruise portion. With a group reservation the tickets were waiting at the pier and we quickly boarded. Our cabin number was only then provided based on the chosen category. My cabin proved to be a problem because it was next to the loading ramp and by the laundry room. There was little chance to change the cabin as all cabins were booked well ahead.

The Ms. Polarlys is a typical fleet ship with about 550 passengers as well as cargo and ferry service. The ship kept tightly to schedule and stopped at about 34 ports (same group) in each direction on the round trip voyage. Day and night schedule alternated. The departure date was on the Winter Schedule and just before the switch to Summer Schedule. This limited some stops and excursions.

All meals were included with the package. Breakfast and lunch were buffet and open seating. Dinner was a fixed (feature) menu with reserved seating. It would be very costly to purchase the meals on your own. The food was varied and typical Scandinavian with lots of fish but plenty of choices. Reindeer was presented, too. Cruisers with dietary concerns were accepted but the menu was limited. Read more