Finnmarken Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was a first time "cruise" for us, so have no experience of other boats and cruises.
We were travelling with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights but didn't really have any pre-conceptions about what to expect. So we were very happy overall with Hurtigruten and the MS Finnmarken in particular.
Having had the opportunity to wander around two of the other ships (MS Midnatsol and MS Lofoten) we would advise anybody to read the boat descriptions carefully before booking. Yes, the boats are different sizes but were quite shocked at the difference between MS Finnmarken and MS Midnatsol, both of similar size and age. Midnatsol struck us as being a "shopping mall". Very modern decor but not at all like a boat. Our guess was that MS Midnatsol had a little more lounge space and a larger usable deck area, but then the lounges were connected so could very easily have been noisy. MS Lofoten is tiny by comparison and on the days we were voyaging would have been somewhat rough.
Cabin Review
Cabin larger than expected with plenty of storage space, including for suitcases. One bed folded up against the wall, although we did not do this, the other folding up to turn into a sofa for the daytime.Shower had great flow and temperature, but had to watch the shower curtain or risk flooding the bathroom.On the opposite side of the ship for docking, which may explain why we were never disturbed by nightime ports.Good access to the "back stairs" straight up to the restaurant, and conveniently located for the free laundry.