Hurtigruten are not a traditional cruise line. If you want personal service, endless entertainment and all you can eat - this is not the line for you ! However, if your entertainment needs are met by stunning scenery, interesting passengers and ever changing small ports, then think about this line.

This is my 3rd time doing the classic 11 night trip - over 4 years and each time on a different ship and season. The ship is more dean, and is used by Norwegians like a bus, so there are a lot of stops at very small ports. The ship is a working ship, so there is always lots to see. The standard cabin is well laid out for storage, and there is a huge viewing area, to sit and watch the scenery. Although December is technically Arctic winter, with no sun, there is a surprising amount of light - think like a very long dawn. A lot of photographers choose this time to see the Northern lights ( they appeared 4 times on our trip - and 2 nights of meteor showers)

The food has significantly improved since my last trip - the lunch time buffet was excellent. Although it is a set menu in evening, all food was delicious. Read more