After going to Svalbard a few years ago and seeing how gorgeous Norway is, I decided it was time to go back and maybe try and see some Northern Lights!  I figured the best way to do this is on a ship because you get to see the beautiful fjords and more opportunities to see the lights!  Let’s get into the details!  This is a unique itinerary, so if you’re confused, feel free to reach out and we can talk more in detail!

Here’s a video from my contact about why Hurtigruten is an amazing way to see the lights! She talks about a few different itineraries. We’re doing the Coastal Express.

Important Things to Understand about this trip:

So this is Hurtigruten, which means Fastest Route.  It started as a mail route up and down the coast, and has since segued into a human and car ferry service as well.  That means some of the ports are going to be REALLY short because you’re not getting off really, it’s just stopping for mail.  But some of the ports are long for excursions!

Main Details:  Long or Short Option!

I will be putting the details below for the LONG option and I will note when the SHORT option begins/ends because they go concurrently.  (Important info:  The Long Option starts in Bergen (Bottom of Norway in the picture below), goes up to Kirkenes, and then returns back down to Bergen with different excursions offered so nothing’s really repeated). The short version goes from Bergen to Kirkenes or Kirkenes to Bergen.  The longer options affords more opportunities to see the lights and seeing the locations at different times, different excursions, and also has the “Northern Lights Guarantee.”

Here’s a video walkthrough as well.

DATES: Nov 10 – 21, 2025
PRICE per person for dual occupancy:  Prices are dynamic and can change at any time, so please confirm.  Prices for solo currently will be in blue.  There are diff room types in each category, so just putting the lowest price in each category (there are 12 diff room types, so that would be a lot of info at once.  So just the intro rate and we can go from there!  More info about rooms in accomodations section.

• Inside (No windows): $2503 (solo: $3754)
• Windows/Portholes: $2766 (solo: $4150)
• Arctic Superior:  $3656 (solo:  $5483)
• Expedition Suite: $5468 (solo:  $10,937)

DATES: Nov 10 – 16, 2025
PRICE per person for dual occupancy:  Prices are dynamic and can change at any time, so please confirm.  Prices for solo currently will be in blue.  There are diff room types in each category, so just putting the lowest price in each category (there are 12 diff room types, so that would be a lot of info at once.  So just the intro rate and we can go from there!  More info about rooms in accomodations section.

• Inside (No windows): $1861 (solo: $2791)
• Windows/Portholes: $2005 (solo: $3007)
• Arctic Superior:  $2685 (solo:  $4028)
• Expedition Suite: $3937 (solo:  $7874)

SHORT OPTION Kirkenes to Bergen Clickable link

Inclusions

• • • • • All meals at the Torget restaurant on board. Breakfast and lunch are buffet, and dinner is sit down.
        • Coffee and tea
        • Informational presentations about various Norwegian topics
        • Photo program and photo sharing app
        • Wifi
        • Suites get priority check in, welcome basket with sparkling wine, and a Norwegian wool sweater

Not Included

• • • • • Wine package available for purchase
        • Travel Insurance
        • Excursions unless otherwise noted
        • Luggage handling
        • Optional hikes with expedition team
        • Tips aren’t included or expected
        • Flights and transfers

Itinerary

This is the basic itinerary, but we can also add some stuff before or after for you!  Let me know if you want to come early or stay late!  This is the long version’s itinerary, and I will note when the short itinerary will join.

Here’s a direct link for the long itinerary more detailed.  You’ll find more info about the excursions there as well.

Day 1 ~ Nov 10  Arrival Day in Bergen

This is basically an arrival day.  The ship departs at 8:30 pm, so plenty of time to see Bergen in the day!

Day 2 ~ Nov 11 Ålesund

Excursions for Ålesund:

• Art Nouveau walk
• Aquarium
• Kayaking
• Lighthouse
• Tastes and traditions

Day 3 ~ Nov 12 Trondheim

Excursions for Trondheim

• Cathedral tour
• Trondheim city walk
• Kayaking

Day 4 ~ Nov 13 Bodø

Excursions for Bodø

• Meet the Vikings

Day 5 ~ Nov 14 Tromsø

Excursions for Tromsø

• Dog sledding
• City Tour
• Polar History walk
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing

Day 6 ~ Nov 15 Honningsvåg

Excursions for Honningsvåg

• North cape Tour
• Fishing village visit
• Snowmobile

Day 7 ~ Nov 16 Kirkenes (SHORT VERSION STARTS/ENDS HERE)

Excursions for Kirkenes

• Norwegian Border tour
• Snowmobile safari
• Snow Hotel!
• Husky tour
• King Crab Adventure

Day 8 ~ Nov 17 Hammerfest

Excursions for Hammerfest

• Midnight concert in Tromso cathedral
• Northernmost town in the world tour
• Snowmobile in polar night
• Mountain hike

Day 9 ~ Nov 18 Svolvær

Excursions for Svolvær

• A taste of Vesteralen
• Lofoten by Horseback
• Loftopils Brewery
• Hurtigruten museum

Day 10 ~ Nov 19 Brønnøysund

Excursions for Brønnøysund

• Visit the Salmon

Day 11 ~ Nov 20 Trondheim

Excursions for Trondheim

• Trondheim Cathedral
• Hidden Rooms of Nidaros Cathedral
• Marble Mine

Day 12 ~ Nov 21 Bergen

Excursions for Bergen

• None

Room Types

Inside Cabin

Our cosy Polar inside cabins are on all decks and include bathrooms with shower/WC. Most of the cabins have separate beds with one doubling as a sofa. Some are equipped with a double bed, or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.

Polar Outside

Our Polar Outside cabins are situated mostly on middle or lower deck and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. Some have double beds, while others offer separate beds, one of which is a sofa bed, or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.  They come in a few varities with twin or double beds, and a handicap accessible cabin.

Arctic Superior

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic superior cabins on the upper and middle decks. All of the cabins have bathrooms with shower and WC, and are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities. Most of have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa, and some have double beds. All the cabins have individual specifications.

Expedition Suite

The Ship MS Nordnorge

You can find more info about the ship here!

Food

All food is included at the main restaurant, Torget.

But there is a piad a la carte restaurant Kysten.

Deposit

The deposit is 10% of the total, so that will vary depending on room type and final pay is due 90 days before departure.  If you cancel before final payment, you are entitled to a 75% refund. 60-89 days is 50%, 30-59 is 25% and 30 days is 0%.

Payments

After deposit, the payments are up to you! You can wait until full payment is due, or you can chunk it. Very flexible. Payments are collected by Hurtigruten and remain with them, so again your money is safe!

Flights

International flights aren’t included, but happy to help you find a good flight price.  I do have access to a vendor with discounted business class flights which occassionally has a good deal.  But either way, I can help you book or find flights as needed.  A quick search from Atlanta is showing about $600 on Delta which is looking good!

 

Interested?

Email me and let me know!

[email protected] if you have any questions!