This cruise was all about the scenery which was made even better by the near perfect weather. The food was quite good. They offer buffet breakfast and lunch. Dinner is table service with a fixed menu. They offer an a la carte service in a different dining room for an additional 500 - 800 NOK. I could never get an adequate explanation for what the value was for a different meal service. As best I could determine the difference was that you get to choose from a menu of three or four selections and you get to pick your dining hour.
Except for the full board meals, everything is extra and expensive, even water. Be careful when one of the staff offers a “tasting” of some native fare. It appears that it’s a complimentary offer. When you accept they ask your Cabin number and a €20 charge appears on your bill. The cost of excursions is outlandishly expensive. For example, the 45 minute bus ride to Northkapp was €180 per person. That was just the bus ride. Admissions to the museum were extra. That was more than I paid to fly from Kirkenes to Oslo.
For the most part the staff were peasant and efficient except for the man at the excursion desk who was downright rude and condescending. Twice when I asked a question, he would point to one of the information sheets and snap back with, “you should have read it.” I did, but it wasn’t clear. Would it have been too much for him to simply smile and answer the question? That experience was a complete turn off to Hurtigruten for me.
Cabin space was adequate and it was well serviced.