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Hurtigruten vs Havila – which Norwegian cruise is right for you?
Explore Norway with Hurtigruten or Havila – here’s how to choose
Before booking your Norwegian coastal cruise, understanding the distinctions between Hurtigruten and Havila is essential. These two cruise lines offer incredible journeys along Norway’s breathtaking coastline, but they differ significantly in fleet modernity, sustainability efforts, onboard amenities and pricing. This comparison delves into what each cruise line offers – from cabin comfort and dining to entertainment and overall value. Whether you seek tradition or innovation, this guide will help you make an informed choice, ensuring your cruise aligns perfectly with your expectations and budget.
Photography courtesy of Hurtigruten and Havila
Table of Contents
Hurtigruten or Havila – which cruise company offers the best overview of Norwegian coastal voyages?
Hurtigruten in a nutshell
Hurtigruten, founded in 1893, is a well-established company with a long history in Norwegian coastal voyages. With over a century of experience, it has become a significant player in the cruise industry, known for its extensive and varied routes. The company operates a fleet of seven ships, each varying in size and age, providing options to cater to different traveller preferences.
Hurtigruten’s fleet includes a mix of older vessels and recently renovated ships, ensuring a blend of classic cruising experiences with modern amenities. The company offers both traditional coastal voyages and innovative expedition cruises, such as the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express. This versatility makes Hurtigruten a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Norway’s stunning coastline. The company is led by CEO Daniel Skjeldam, who has been at the helm since 2012, driving innovation and sustainability in their operations.
Havila in a nutshell
Havila, a newcomer to the Norwegian coastal cruise market, began its operations in 2021. Founded by the Sævik family, with significant maritime and shipping experience, Havila has quickly made a name for itself with its modern and eco-friendly fleet. The company operates four identical, brand new ships designed with contemporary travellers in mind.
Havila’s ships feature spacious cabins with large windows, focusing on providing comfort and breathtaking views of the Norwegian landscape. The company emphasises sustainability, using hybrid battery-powered ships that can run on battery power for up to four hours. This eco-friendly approach, combined with the latest in Scandinavian design, makes Havila an attractive option for those looking for a modern and environmentally conscious cruise experience. The Sævik family, with their extensive background in shipping and logistics, ensures that Havila is both innovative and reliable.
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How do Hurtigruten and Havila compare in terms of fleet and ships?
Hurtigruten fleet and ships
Hurtigruten operates a fleet of seven ships, each varying in size and age, offering a range of experiences. The fleet includes both older vessels and those that have been recently renovated, providing options for travellers seeking either a classic or modern cruising experience.
One of the notable ships is the MS Finnmarken, built in 2002 and significantly refurbished in 2020, which combines modern amenities with traditional charm. Another is the MS Nordnorge, built in 1997, offering a classic cruising experience with updated facilities. The MS Richard With, named after Hurtigruten’s founder, was built in 1993 and renovated in 2018, blending history with comfort. The MS Trollfjord, launched in 2002, is known for its spacious interiors and panoramic lounges.
These ships are designed to provide both comfort and adventure, featuring amenities such as saunas, hot tubs and fitness rooms. The diversity in ship sizes allows for a range of passenger capacities, from intimate voyages to larger, more social experiences.
Havila fleet and ships
Havila’s fleet is composed of four identical, brand new ships that began operations in 2021. These ships are designed with modern travellers in mind, featuring spacious cabins with large windows to offer stunning views of the Norwegian coast. The emphasis on contemporary Scandinavian design ensures that the ships are not only functional but also stylish and comfortable.
Each of Havila’s ships is equipped with the latest eco-friendly technology. They use hybrid battery-powered systems that can run on battery power for up to four hours, significantly reducing their environmental impact. The ships’ design incorporates state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on sustainability, making Havila an attractive option for environmentally conscious travellers.
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How do Hurtigruten and Havila compare in terms of itineraries and routes?
Hurtigruten itineraries and routes
Hurtigruten offers a variety of itineraries that cater to diverse traveller interests, from traditional coastal voyages to special expedition cruises. The classic 12-day round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back is a staple, allowing passengers to experience the full breadth of Norway’s stunning coastline, including iconic fjords, charming coastal towns and the Arctic Circle.
In addition to the classic route, Hurtigruten has introduced innovative expedition cruises like the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express. The Svalbard Express offers an adventurous journey to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, starting from Bergen and providing unique opportunities to see polar bears, glaciers and other Arctic wildlife. The North Cape Express, the first of its kind to depart from Oslo, offers a comprehensive tour from Norway’s capital city to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe.
Hurtigruten’s itineraries are designed to provide a rich and immersive experience of Norway’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with a range of excursions available at various ports of call. These excursions include activities like dog sledding, hiking and visits to historical sites, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveller.
Havila itineraries and routes
Havila operates along the traditional Norwegian coastal route, providing a consistent and reliable experience from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. This 12-day round trip is designed to showcase the best of Norway’s coastal scenery, including breathtaking fjords, picturesque fishing villages and the majestic Northern Lights during winter months.
Havila’s focus on the traditional coastal route ensures that passengers can enjoy a comprehensive exploration of Norway’s natural landscapes and coastal communities. The company offers a range of excursions similar to those provided by Hurtigruten, such as guided hikes, cultural tours and wildlife safaris, allowing travellers to fully immerse themselves in the unique Norwegian environment.
One of the key features of Havila’s itineraries is the emphasis on sustainability. The company’s eco-friendly ships are designed to minimise environmental impact, making Havila an attractive choice for environmentally conscious travellers. The itineraries are structured to provide ample opportunities for passengers to experience the local culture and natural beauty, with thoughtfully planned stops and activities at each port.
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How do Hurtigruten and Havila compare in terms of accommodation?
Hurtigruten accommodation
Hurtigruten offers a variety of cabin categories to suit different needs and budgets, with a total of approximately 12 to 20 different cabin types across its seven ships. The cabins range in size and amenities, ensuring options for every type of traveller.
The Inside Cabins are the most economical, typically measuring between 8 to 12 square meters. They provide essential amenities such as comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and adequate storage space. These cabins are perfect for budget-conscious travellers who spend most of their time exploring the ship and destinations.
The Outside Cabins are more spacious, ranging from 10 to 20 square meters, and feature windows or portholes offering views of the Norwegian coastline. These cabins include en-suite bathrooms, seating areas and ample storage. Polar Outside cabins, available on some ships, offer improved views and additional comforts.
Arctic Superior Cabins are premium outside cabins usually located on the upper decks, offering more space at 15 to 25 square meters. These cabins have larger windows, tea and coffee-making facilities and superior bedding. The enhanced amenities make them a popular choice for those seeking extra comfort during their voyage.
Expedition Suites are the most luxurious options available, ranging from 20 to 45 square meters. They feature separate living areas, large windows or balconies and upscale furnishings. Guests in these suites enjoy additional perks such as complimentary minibar access, private balconies, and priority embarkation.
Each ship in the Hurtigruten fleet offers a mix of these cabin types, with specific configurations and sizes varying by vessel. The MS Finnmarken, for instance, has 282 cabins, including 27 suites. On the MS Trollfjord, there are 301 cabins, with a mix of standard and superior options. Hurtigruten ensures that all cabins, regardless of category, provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for their guests.
Havila accommodation
Havila’s accommodation focuses on modern comfort and sustainability, offering four identical ships with contemporary cabin designs. Each ship features 179 cabins, designed to cater to various preferences and ensure a comfortable stay.
Inside Cabins on Havila ships range from 10 to 15 square meters. These cabins offer essential amenities such as comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and practical storage solutions. They are designed for travellers looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on comfort.
Outside Cabins are larger, typically measuring between 15 to 25 square meters. These cabins feature large windows, allowing for stunning views of the Norwegian landscape. The amenities include en-suite bathrooms, seating areas and ample storage space. The design focuses on maximizing natural light and providing a pleasant environment for relaxation.
Havila’s Superior Cabins offer additional space and luxury, ranging from 20 to 30 square meters. These cabins are located on the upper decks and come with larger windows or private balconies, enhancing the overall travel experience. Amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, premium bedding and modern decor that reflects contemporary Scandinavian design principles.
Suites on Havila ships are the epitome of luxury, offering 30 to 45 square meters of space. These suites feature separate living areas, large windows or balconies and upscale furnishings. Guests in suites enjoy extra perks such as complimentary minibar access, priority embarkation and exclusive access to certain areas of the ship.
Havila places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly design and sustainability. The cabins are constructed using sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. This commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in every aspect of their cabin design, making Havila a preferred choice for environmentally conscious travellers.
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How do Hurtigruten and Havila compare in terms of dining?
Hurtigruten dining
Hurtigruten offers a rich dining experience with its Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept, where 80% of the food and drink served is locally sourced from Norwegian suppliers. The main dining venue is Torget Restaurant, named after the Norwegian word for ‘marketplace’. It serves a variety of meals throughout the day, including a buffet breakfast with a wide selection of breads, cold cuts, cheeses, cereals and hot dishes. Lunch and dinner at Torget can be either a buffet or set menus featuring seafood, meats, salads and desserts.
Brygga Bistro, translating to ‘wharf’ in Norwegian, offers casual fare such as salads, pizzas and other crowd-pleasers with a Nordic twist. It is ideal for those looking for a relaxed dining atmosphere.
Kysten Restaurant, or ‘the coast’, is the à la carte dining option, providing a fine dining experience with exquisite dishes crafted by skilled chefs using the finest ingredients from the Norwegian coast. The menu changes seasonally to ensure the freshest produce.
Multe Bakery and Ice Cream offers freshly baked pastries, cakes and ice cream made from local ingredients. The bakery, named after the rare Arctic cloudberry, serves treats often accompanied by waffles and generous dollops of whipped cream or ice cream.
On the newly revamped MS Trollfjord, the dining options include Flora, the main restaurant inspired by Norway’s edible flora, Brasserie Árran, reflecting Sámi culinary traditions, and Røst, a fine-dining restaurant celebrating Norway’s seafood heritage. The 1893 Bar offers drinks with flavors inspired by the Norwegian coast, including Nordic-themed cocktails, locally brewed beers and a selection of Norwegian aquavit.
Havila dining
Havila emphasizes sustainability and quality in its dining options, aligning with the company’s eco-friendly approach. The main dining venue is Restaurant Havrand – ‘sea horison’ in Norwegian – which serves an extensive range of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a buffet with fresh breads, fruits, cold cuts and hot dishes. Lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of options, including small plates and main courses made from locally sourced ingredients, with a strong focus on Norwegian culinary traditions.
Havly Café upholds the tradition of providing simple but good and tasty food to seafarers. The café serves snacks, coffee, cake, lunch and dinners, offering a more casual dining option perfect for passengers looking for a quick and satisfying meal in a relaxed setting.
For a fine dining experience, Hildring Fine Dining provides an intimate, classic and elegant setting. This restaurant serves meals that are a tribute to Norway’s fantastic fresh ingredients and the world’s best seafood. The menu includes a five-course signature dinner, showcasing the best ingredients Norway has to offer. The restaurant’s concept and menu are crafted by Olympic champion and coach for Team Norway in Bocuse d’Or, Gunnar Hvarnes.
The Havblikk Bar & Lounge offers a place to enjoy drinks and snacks while soaking up great views of the sea in all directions. The bar features a selection of locally brewed beers, wines and spirits, emphasising sustainable and organic products.
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How do Hurtigruten and Havila compare in terms of entertainment?
Hurtigruten entertainment
Hurtigruten offers a variety of entertainment options both on and off the ship. Onboard facilities vary by ship but often include saunas, fitness rooms, lecture halls, outdoor decks and hot tubs. The panoramic sauna and fitness room offer stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows, blending fitness with nature. The lecture hall hosts presentations on Norwegian history, wildlife and geography, transforming into a cinema on some nights.
Passengers can relax on outdoor decks and in hot tubs, enjoying the breathtaking coastal views. Off the ship, Hurtigruten offers excursions such as guided hikes, dog sledding, snowmobiling and visits to historical sites. In summer, activities like bird-watching and fishing are popular, while winter provides opportunities to chase the Northern Lights. These excursions provide a deep understanding of Norway’s culture and natural beauty.
Havila entertainment
Havila offers a balanced mix of relaxation and cultural immersion. Onboard facilities include saunas, a gym, jacuzzis and a shopping area. The Havblikk Bar & Lounge provides drinks and snacks with panoramic views and often features live music. Passengers can shop for unique items in the Havila Shop or relax in the Port-to-Port Lounge with reclining chairs. The gym, positioned by the window, allows for exercising with scenic views, while the jacuzzi on the aft deck offers a luxurious bubble bath experience. Interactive entertainment includes Havila Food Stories, where chefs share the history and significance of Norwegian dishes.
Off the ship, Havila offers guided nature walks, visits to local farms and cultural tours. Activities like kayaking, fishing and wildlife safaris are available, with winter excursions including Northern Lights viewing and snowshoeing. These experiences ensure a diverse range of entertainment options, connecting passengers with nature and local culture.
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How do Hurtigruten and Havila compare in terms of sustainability and environmental impact?
Hurtigruten sustainability and environmental impact
Hurtigruten is committed to sustainability, actively working on initiatives to minimize its environmental footprint. The company is converting its fleet to eco-friendly operations with hybrid technology. Ships like the MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen use large battery packs to reduce emissions, allowing operation on electric power for short periods.
A major initiative is Sea Zero, aiming to create a zero-emission ship by 2030 in partnership with SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations. This project explores solutions like a 60MWh battery bank, retractable wind and solar sails and smart cabins with real-time energy monitoring. Hurtigruten has also cut CO2 emissions by 25% across its fleet, eliminated single-use plastics, and implemented waste sorting and recycling programs. The Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept sources 80% of food and drink locally, supporting local economies and reducing environmental impact.
Havila sustainability and environmental impact
Havila emphasizes sustainability with eco-friendly operations. The fleet includes four hybrid battery-powered ships that can run on battery power for up to four hours, significantly reducing emissions. The batteries are charged using hydropower, a renewable energy source abundant in Norway.
Havila’s ships are designed with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, including optimized hull shapes to reduce drag and energy consumption and advanced waste management systems. The company also focuses on sustainably sourcing food, working with local suppliers to ensure freshness and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
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How do Hurtigruten and Havila compare in terms of pricing and value for money?
Hurtigruten pricing and value for money
Hurtigruten offers a range of pricing options tailored to different budgets. Prices for a 12-day round trip voyage typically start at around €1,400 for an inside cabin during the low season and can rise to over €5,800 for a suite during the high season. Hurtigruten uses dynamic pricing, where prices fluctuate based on demand, booking time and cabin availability. Early bookings often benefit from discounts, while last-minute deals can also offer significant savings.
Included in Hurtigruten’s pricing are full board meals, including buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some itineraries also include complimentary excursions or onboard activities. Hurtigruten frequently runs special promotions, such as early bird deals, seasonal sales and loyalty discounts for repeat customers, enhancing value for money.
Hurtigruten’s diverse itineraries, including both traditional coastal voyages and specialised expedition cruises, provide flexibility in pricing. The comprehensive inclusions, combined with the company’s long-standing reputation and quality service, make Hurtigruten a competitive option in terms of value for money.
Havila pricing and value for money
Havila offers competitive pricing with a focus on sustainability and modern amenities. Prices for a 12-day round trip voyage generally start at around €1,200 for an inside cabin and can rise to approximately €5,200 for a suite, depending on the season and cabin type. Havila’s pricing strategy includes early booking discounts and seasonal promotions, similar to Hurtigruten, providing opportunities for savings.
Full board meals are included in Havila’s pricing, covering buffet breakfast and a la carte options for lunch and dinner. The modern, eco-friendly ships and high-quality amenities contribute to the overall value for passengers. Havila’s newer fleet, equipped with advanced technology and designed for energy efficiency, appeals to environmentally conscious travellers and adds to the perceived value.
Havila also employs a dynamic pricing model, adjusting fares based on demand, booking time and cabin availability. This strategy, combined with frequent special offers and discounts, ensures that passengers can find competitive rates that provide good value for their money.
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