Hurtigruten announces 2 new 'premium' cruise itineraries for its Norwegian coastal ferries
The journey along the ice-kissed coastline of Norway — with its majestic glaciers, wildlife and wind-sculpted fjords — may make Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Express "the most beautiful voyage in the world," as it's sometimes called. However, this cruise has never been called "the most comfortable voyage in the world." Luckily, that's about to change with the addition of two new "premium" cruise itineraries that will finally match the stunning landscapes outside with comfortable amenities inside.
Hurtigruten's two new offerings will launch next year, starting with the rollout of the Svalbard Express on June 3, 2023, one month ahead of the company's 130th anniversary. The North Cape Express will set sail on Sept. 26, 2023.
Both itineraries will take place on board the MS Trollfjord, which will be fully renovated during the first half of the year before the new sailings. Upgrades will include modern cabin designs and improved dining venues that should appeal to cruisers beyond just a local audience.
Hurtigruten has operated the Coastal Express since 1893. For many years, it was predominantly used as a ferry, carrying local goods, mail and passengers from town to town. Now, tourists can join for overnight journeys that are especially popular for spotting the famed northern lights above the Arctic Circle.
Hurtigruten has expanded over the past decade, adding a modern expedition arm and rolling out new sustainable vessels. Now, just ahead of the company's anniversary, the new cruise itineraries on the iconic Norwegian coastal route will bring an elevated experience to the scenic journey.
"With the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express, we will offer an experience similar to the likes of the Orient Express, combining a premium onboard experience with beautiful scenery, exceptional excursions, and some of the best food on any sea journey," Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, said.
Related: Can you cruise sustainably? This cruise line thinks so
What's new on board
Although food offerings were always fresh and local on the original Coastal Express routes, options were limited on long journeys. Some port stops provided just enough time for goods to be loaded or offloaded, with a handful of extended options for visitors to fully explore destinations and activities.
The two new itineraries will offer a significantly different experience. Highlights include half- or full-day port visits; a food center with cooking demonstrations and classes; wine, beer, champagne and whisky tastings; a cocktail bar; and onboard entertainment.
Dining options will include an a la carte restaurant with tasting menus, all-day dining, afternoon tea and takeaway service. The food center will also offer picnic and culinary excursions, a first for the company.
Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining
Where the routes sail
The 13-day North Cape Express will take passengers to Oslo, the capital of Norway. These stops mark Hurtigruten's first regular sailings to the popular city. The route also includes both the country's southernmost and northernmost points, the historic Viking city Bergen, new ports in southern Norway and scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord and some of the most picturesque towns along the coast.
Related: The 7 most anticipated new cruise ships of 2022
The Svalbard Express will mark the return of one of Norway's most iconic sailing routes, which originally operated between 1968 and 1982. The new itinerary will stop at some of the Norwegian coast's most iconic destinations including the Lofoten Islands, Vesteralen and the North Cape. It will then head north to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the world's northernmost populated city. The full round-trip journey takes 14 days; passengers can also choose seven-day, one-way cruise options that either start or end in Svalbard. The one-way journey package includes two nights at a hotel in Longyearbyen along with two excursions: a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz and a hybrid-electric catamaran cruise on the MS Bard.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
- 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.