About 10 days before cruise I needed a minor operation on my knee which left me on crutches. Before setting out, I informed Hurtigruten and the airline they use of my restricted mobility. Yes we saw the Lights and the food - especially dinner - was excellent. But as someone with restricted mobility, I saw the trip from a different perspective, and with a little more consideration and organisation, as well as attitude from Hurtigruten staff, this trip could have been much easier and enjoyable. There clearly was no point in letting Hurtigruten know of my restricted mobility - and a couple of other passengers with perhaps more severe disability also suffered the same difficulties. For instance, it is difficult on crutches to move along a line, up a steep ramp, dragging a suitcase, some of the time with snow and ice on the ramp and a blizzard falling, for about 40 minutes constantly being barked at by one of the ships crew to close the gap, as we were checking-in on arrival; or, to negotiate a buffet breakfast or dinner, with crutches, holding a tray, just as the ship starts to roll and staff stand watching your difficulty, only interested in trying to sell you very expensive wine! Many elements of movement to and from the ship as part of the package left much to be desired in help and attitude of staff - it perhaps even seemed a Norwegian attitude, not just Hurtigruten staff!

Many elements of the trip were enjoyable, but the experience encountered as a person with restricted mobility certainly distracted from voyage. Hurtigruten cannot justify the claim to be a 'fully inclusive passengers' company, and my advice to fellow travellers with restricted mobility -temporary or permanent - to very carefully consider a trip such as this using Hurtigruten. I am sure more conventional cruise companies will show a very different attitude to passengers with difficulties. I have contacted Hurtigruten about these and other issues - it would seem to be not only staff on the ships with a questionable attitude, but one that eminates from Head Office. See the Lights, but think very carefully about who you use to travel with!!