Cruise of the Day: The Coastal Express Roundtrip by Hurtigruten | 12 Days Along Norway's Spectacular Coast

Published: July 28, 2026

If you’re looking for a cruise that’s unlike anything in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, today’s Cruise of the Day belongs on your bucket list. Hurtigruten’s The Coastal Express isn’t just a cruise—it’s Norway’s legendary coastal voyage, operating since 1893 and visiting remote fishing villages, dramatic fjords, and Arctic landscapes that many travelers never get to see. Covering more than 2,500 nautical miles and calling at 34 ports, it’s one of the world’s most unique cruise experiences.

Sail Date

February 14, 2027

Departure

Bergen, Norway

Arrival

Bergen, Norway

Ship

MS Richard With

Length

12 Days / 11 Nights

Starting Price

From $3,048 average per person, 2 person room

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Starting Cruise Prices

Stateroom Category	Starting From*
Polar Inside	From $3,048 per person
Polar Outside (Port Hole)	From $3,465 per person
Arctic Superior (Ocean View)	From $4,321 per person
Expedition Suite (Large Bay Window)	From $6,690 per person

*Pricing varies by sailing date, season, promotions, and cabin availability. Check current pricing before booking.

Book This Cruise

Check out this promotion from Hurtigruten!

EXPERIENCE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Experience the Northern Lights in Norway on select 2026–2027 winter cruises on Hurtigruten Original and Signature Lines.

Limited-time savings on select Norway cruise departures and cabin categories:

Up to 30% off Coastal Express Roundtrip — Oct 2026 to Apr 2027
Up to 30% off North Cape Line Roundtrip & South — Dec 2026 to Apr 2027
Up to 15% off Coastal Express South — Oct 2026 to Apr 2027
Up to 10% off Coastal Express North — Oct 2026 to Apr 2027
Up to 25% off Svalbard Line Roundtrip & South — Jul to Aug 2026

Why choose a Hurtigruten voyage:

24/7 expert support — Travel with confidence knowing our Customer Service team is available around the clock to help before and during your journey.
A better change to see the Northern Lights — Travel during peak aurora season and use our Northern Lights guide to plan your adventure
Northern Lights Promise — If the Northern Lights don't appear during your voyage, you may receive another chance to experience them.*

Book Through Monday, August 31, 2026

Itinerary

Day 1 | Bergen
Day 2 | Ålesund • Florø • Måløy • Torvik • Molde
Day 3 | Trondheim • Kristiansund • Rørvik
Day 4 | Bodø • Brønnøysund • Sandnessjøen • Nesna • Ørnes • Stamsund • Svolvær
Day 5 | Tromsø • Stokmarknes • Sortland • Risøyhamn • Harstad • Finnsnes • Skjervøy
Day 6 | Honningsvåg • Øksfjord • Hammerfest • Havøysund • Kjøllefjord • Mehamn • Berlevåg
Day 7 | Kirkenes • Båtsfjord • Vardø • Vadsø • Vardø • Båtsfjord • Berlevåg
Day 8 | Hammerfest • Mehamn • Kjøllefjord • Honningsvåg • Havøysund • Øksfjord • Skjervøy
Day 9 | Svolvær • Tromsø • Finnsnes • Harstad • Risøyhamn • Sortland • Stokmarknes • Stamsund
Day 10 | Brønnøysund • Bodø • Ørnes • Nesna • Sandnessjøen • Rørvik
Day 11 | Trondheim • Kristiansund • Molde
Day 12 | Bergen • Ålesund • Torvik • Måløy • Florø

Itinerary Highlights

This voyage stops at 34 ports, including:

Bergen
Ålesund
Trondheim
Bodø
Lofoten Islands
Tromsø
Honningsvåg (Gateway to the North Cape)
Kirkenes
Hammerfest
Brønnøysund
Molde
Return to Bergen

One of the biggest highlights is sailing through spectacular Norwegian fjords while experiencing both the northbound and southbound routes. Depending on the season, you may witness the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun.

Why I Love This Cruise

Most cruises are about beaches and resort-style amenities.

This cruise is about the destination itself.

Every day brings towering mountains, charming fishing villages, waterfalls cascading into deep fjords, and authentic Norwegian culture. Rather than spending days at sea, you’re constantly surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Norway beyond the typical tourist stops, this itinerary delivers an experience that’s both immersive and unforgettable.

This Cruise Is Perfect For

Nature lovers
Photographers
Northern Lights seekers
Bucket-list travelers
Couples
Solo travelers
Adventure seekers
Travelers who enjoy local culture over flashy entertainment

Ship Spotlight: MS Richard With

Named after Hurtigruten’s founder, Captain Richard With, this ship blends over 130 years of Norwegian coastal heritage with modern technology. Originally launched in 1993, MS Richard With underwent major refurbishments in 2018 and again in 2023, including a hybrid propulsion upgrade that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions. It’s an ideal vessel for travelers who want to experience Norway’s spectacular coastline in comfort while supporting more sustainable travel.

Unlike traditional cruise ships packed with waterslides and casinos, MS Richard With is all about connecting you with Norway’s incredible landscapes.

Wake up to snow-capped mountains outside your window. Spend the afternoon watching sea eagles soar over dramatic fjords from the observation lounge. In the evening, relax with a locally inspired meal before stepping onto the deck to search for the Northern Lights.

It’s a slower, more immersive style of cruising—perfect for travelers who value authentic experiences over nonstop entertainment.

Cruise Line	Hurtigruten
Guests	~ 590
Length	400 ft
Gross Tonage	11,205 GT

MS Richard With Features

MS Richard With is designed for the journey rather than flashy onboard attractions. Every space is intended to showcase Norway’s breathtaking coastline.

Scenic Viewing

Panoramic observation lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows
Spacious outdoor viewing decks
Excellent wildlife and Northern Lights viewing opportunities

Dining

Torget – Main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with locally sourced Norwegian ingredients.
Kysten – Fine dining featuring seasonal Norwegian cuisine.
Brygga Bistro – Casual café offering lighter meals, snacks, and beverages.

Onboard Amenities

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Expedition Team lectures and destination presentations
Library and comfortable lounges
Sauna and fitness room
Bar serving Norwegian craft beers, aquavit, and regional spirits
Hybrid propulsion system for quieter, lower-emission cruising
Onboard shop featuring Norwegian gifts and outdoor apparel

Accommodations

MS Richard With offers four primary accommodation categories:

Polar Inside – Comfortable interior cabins for travelers focused on exploring ashore.
Polar Outside – Outside cabins with windows or portholes for scenic coastal views.
Arctic Superior – Premium outside cabins in desirable locations with upgraded amenities, including tea and coffee facilities.
Expedition Suites – Spacious suites with separate seating areas, upgraded amenities, and some of the best views on the ship.

Many cabins were refreshed during the ship’s recent renovations, giving them a clean, modern Scandinavian style.

Shore Excursion Highlights

North Cape excursion
Dog sledding (seasonal)
Snowmobiling (winter departures)
Atlantic Road sightseeing
Lofoten Island adventures
Sami cultural experiences
Kayaking and hiking (summer)

Don't Forget to Pack

Waterproof jacket
Layers for changing weather
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera with extra memory cards
Binoculars
Gloves and hat (winter)
Sunglasses (summer)

Pros

One of the world’s most scenic cruise routes
Visits 34 authentic Norwegian ports
Incredible opportunities to see the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun
Outstanding local cuisine
Smaller ships with a relaxed atmosphere
Minimal sea days

Cons

Limited nightlife compared to mega-ships
Weather can be unpredictable
Some port stops are brief
Fewer onboard entertainment options

Where to Stay Before Your Cruise

One of the best ways to start your Norwegian adventure is by arriving in Bergen at least one day before embarkation. This gives you time to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed waterfront, ride the Fløibanen funicular, and settle in before boarding your ship.

Option 1: Closest to the Cruise Terminal

Clarion Hotel Admiral

Located directly on Bergen’s harbor, the Clarion Hotel Admiral is just minutes from the Hurtigruten terminal and within walking distance of Bryggen, the Fish Market, and many of Bergen’s top attractions.

Why You’ll Love It

Short walk or quick taxi to the Hurtigruten terminal
Beautiful waterfront location
Excellent on-site restaurant with harbor views
Comfortable Scandinavian-style rooms
Complimentary breakfast included

Sam’s Take: If convenience is your top priority, this is the hotel I’d choose. You can easily explore Bergen on foot and enjoy a stress-free embarkation day.

Option 2: Luxury Stay with Historic Charm

Opus XVI

For travelers looking to elevate their Norwegian vacation, Opus XVI is one of Bergen’s finest boutique hotels. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building once connected to composer Edvard Grieg’s family, it combines timeless elegance with modern luxury.

Why You’ll Love It

Five-star boutique experience
Historic architecture with contemporary design
Only a 10–15 minute walk to the cruise terminal
Steps from Bryggen, shopping, and cafés
Outstanding breakfast and personalized service

Sam’s Take: If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway, Opus XVI is worth the splurge. The location is outstanding, and the hotel itself becomes part of the experience.

Sam's Recommendation

If you want…	Stay Here
The easiest cruise embarkation	Clarion Hotel Admiral
A luxurious, unforgettable stay in Bergen	Opus XVI

My Pick: I’d choose Opus XVI if your budget allows. Since many travelers only visit Norway once, staying in one of Bergen’s most elegant boutique hotels adds an extra layer of magic to the trip before you even step aboard your Hurtigruten ship. It perfectly complements the scenic and immersive nature of this cruise.

Sam's Tip

Choose a late fall or winter departure if seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list. Hurtigruten even offers its Northern Lights Promise on qualifying voyages—if the aurora doesn’t appear during eligible sailings, guests receive a future coastal voyage credit under the program’s terms.

Protect Your Vacation

Unexpected weather, flight delays, illness, or lost luggage can disrupt even the best-planned vacation.

Travel insurance can help protect your investment and provide peace of mind before and during your cruise.

Protect your vacation with Faye Travel Insurance before departure.

Final Thoughts

The Coastal Express isn’t designed to compete with floating resorts—it offers something far more authentic. From dramatic fjords and Arctic wildlife to charming fishing villages and locally inspired cuisine, this voyage showcases Norway in a way few vacations can.

If you’ve already cruised the Caribbean or Mediterranean and are looking for something truly different, Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express deserves a place at the top of your travel list.

Sam’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)