A Journey Along the Norwegian Coast: Hurtigruten’s Signature Voyages

When most people think of Hurtigruten, they picture the original working ships ferrying cargo and passengers along Norway’s rugged coast, stopping at numerous ports to serve local communities. While this traditional experience still exists, 2023 marked a new chapter for Hurtigruten as they celebrated their 130th anniversary with the launch of Signature Voyages – a more elevated, front-row experience to showcase Norway’s stunning highlights. Over Christmas 2024 and New Year, we sailed the North Cape Line aboard the MS Trollfjord, a ship beautifully refurbished in Nordic style, and experienced Norway like never before. Our Stay on the MS Trollfjord We stayed in an Arctic Superior cabin on Deck 4, which was perfectly practical with everything we needed. There was ample space to stow our luggage under the beds, a large window providing a daily weather update at a glance, and a TV broadcasting lectures, port information, and views from the bridge. The cabin also included a kettle with coffee and tea, a bathroom with a heated floor (blissful after chilly Arctic days), a powerful shower, and lovely Nordic shampoo/body wash & conditioner. Dining Highlights: Norwegian Coastal Kitchen One of the standout features of the voyage was the food. Breakfast and lunch were served buffet-style at Flora, while dinner offered a delightful three-course meal. The Norwegian Coastal Kitchen concept brought fresh, locally sourced ingredients to life, offering a true taste of Norway. On two occasions, we visited the ship’s signature restaurant, Røst. If reservations are fully booked, don’t hesitate to join the waitlist – we were fortunate enough to get in both times. The experience was spectacular, with delicious dishes perfectly paired with wine and phenomenal service. A highlight was the Havets Bobler fizz, a sparkling wine crafted exclusively for Hurtigruten. I wish I had a bottle of it right now! Memorable Excursions Hurtigruten’s excursions offered unique ways to experience the coast: • Viking RIB Experience: An unforgettable adventure hosted by a knowledgeable guide who brought the Viking era to life. We even met modern-day Vikings! • Whale Watching: Departing from Tromsø, we were awe-struck by pilot and humpback whales. Be prepared, though – the whales have moved further north, meaning the trip included a long boat journey with only about an hour of whale watching. • Christmas Day Sami Excursion: Spending Christmas Day learning about the Sami people was enriching. We met a reindeer and learned about their history and traditions. Did you know the Sami are known for sustainable practices and reindeer herding? Exploring Norway’s Charming Ports The MS Trollfjord, with a capacity of just 500 passengers (fewer than 400 on our voyage), allowed us to visit smaller, less-touristy ports. Highlights included: • Molde: A scenic walk to the Varden viewpoint rewarded us with panoramic views of the town and fjords. • Alta: We strolled into town to visit the Arctic Cathedral and even stumbled upon a small, free ice rink - my inner child was super happy! • Hammerfest: A surprise visit due to a change in itinerary and a favourite! The walk to a viewpoint revealed incredible landscapes. • Tromsø: Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," it felt a bit commercial compared to quieter ports. However, we recommend trying the hot dogs at Raketten, the world’s smallest bar, serving reindeer and beef hot dogs since 1911! • Svolvær: Sailing into this magical town felt like stepping into a storybook. Don’t miss the iconic fish racks used to dry fish in the Arctic weather and the statue "Fiskerkona" (The Fisherman’s Wife), created by renowned artist Per Ung. Standing 4.5 meters tall at Svolvær harbor, it’s a poignant symbol of the fishing community. • Ålesund: Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, known locally as Jugendstil, Ålesund was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904. Wandering through its streets felt like walking through a postcard. Look out for the lighthouse that’s part of a local hotel’s honeymoon suite – a unique touch! Crossing the Arctic Circle and the Polar Night A highlight of the journey was crossing the Arctic Circle, followed by the traditional ceremony the next day. Be sure to join in – it’s all part of the fun, but I won't spoil it for you! During the Polar Night, the daylight takes on a mesmerizing blue hue, casting a magical glow over the landscape. Sailing through this twilight-like atmosphere felt otherworldly, even during the limited daylight hours. Stunning fjords, tumbling waterfalls, and if you’re lucky, you will also see the crew testing the lifeboats - a very bright yellow contrast to the blue & white scenery! Chasing the Aurora Borealis For many, the chance to see the Northern Lights is the ultimate reason to visit the Arctic Circle, and it didn’t disappoint. We were lucky enough to witness the aurora three times. Each sighting was unique, but the thrill of the chase was half the excitement. To increase your chances, use an aurora-tracking app, bundle up warmly, head to the deck with a hot drink, and keep your eyes on the sky. The experience is humbling and magical, reminding you of the vastness of the universe. The Unpredictable Arctic Weather Travelling in the Arctic means the weather doesn’t always stick to the plan. This can lead to itinerary adjustments or excursion cancellations for safety. For us, this meant missing two planned activities. We couldn’t make it to North Cape due to rough waves and snow-closed roads in Honningsvåg. Our dog-sledding experience in Tromsø was also cancelled because rain had melted the snow, making it unsafe for both us and the dogs. Thankfully, we swapped it for whale watching, a fantastic alternative. Final Thoughts Our voyage aboard the MS Trollfjord was an unforgettable adventure that blended stunning landscapes, cultural enrichment, and world-class cuisine. Whether exploring quaint ports, tasting local delicacies, or marvelling at the Northern Lights, Hurtigruten’s Signature Voyages – and of course, beautiful Norway – truly offer a front-row seat to the best of Norway. For those seeking an elevated coastal experience, this journey comes highly recommended.