Winter Cruise With Hurtigruten: What You Need To Know
When you think of taking a winter cruise, it’s likely that Norway does not first pop into mind. It’s cold and dark here in winter after all. But taking a cruise, with a company like the well-respected Hurtigruten, which has been running trips since 1896, around this Scandinavian country bordering the Arctic Circle in the off-season has its merits.
Granted, ships sell out in the summer for a reason (summer days stretch on for nearly full days, compared to abut 4 hours of twilight in Winter), but prices are also more than double in the sunny summer season. Plus, the snowy months offer excursions like dog sledding at night, jumping in the ocean for an Arctic dip and the opportunity to witness aurora borealis, also known as the “Northern Lights.”
Exploring via cruise ship is also one of the easiest ways to see Norway’s Northern Coast. You don’t have to worry about driving on slick roads, can unpack just once, and also get to experience several towns along the way. Plus, you will learn so much about the culture and landscapes through the well-versed expedition team on board.
If you are planning a trip with Hurtigruten for a winter voyage, here is what you need to know.
1. Average Winter Cost for 2 Americans
- 4 nights + breakfast: $879 (cabin type Polar Outside)
- Lunch and Dinner: $1,256
- 3 excursions: $1,110 (Dog Sledding, North Cape and Into the Ice)
Total: $3.245
Alcohol is extra, and expensive with a glass of beer or wine running you 12 bucks. But passengers are allowed to bring alcohol on board. Either pack some in your carry on, or pick some up at the Duty Free Store at the airport (though be warned prices are pretty steep here too).
Plus: Airfare will vary on the season, but budget between $700-$800 from New York, plus your flight into New York. I would also recommend booking a hotel to stay at the night before you depart, which generally average $150 a night. You may also want to plan on brining and extra $200 for spending money for souvenirs and taxis to and from the hotels along the way.
2. Who Is the Trip For?
On board you will find a mix of mainly European Baby Boomers and Older Gen X’ers but younger crowds shouldn’t rule this out. Many of the expedition guides are younger (20’s and 30’s) and bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm on board. If you are here to get out and explore nature in the day, aren’t afraid of a little cold (it’s warmer than you think, here’s why) and learn about the culture through on board lectures, movies and activities, you will go home happy. These are my top 5 favorite excursions offered by Hurtigruten.
3. What to Pack:
There is no dress code, and most guests bring casual gear – think jeans, leggings, sweaters and boots for ladies; while jeans and casual shirts are standard attire for guys. When it comes to the excursions, I recommend packing base layers, ski pants and a down coat (one that’s easy to pack and has a hood like this one from Arc’teryx) as well as a hat to cover your ears and gloves- temperatures hover around 30 degrees in November and drop even colder until March.
Pack bathroom items like conditioner and lotion because they are not in the rooms. There are plenty of quiet spots on the ship to play a card game or read a book. And don’t forget a watch so you can keep track of time in port cities- many times the cold weather forced my phone to power off.
4. Don’t Expect (Too Much) Sunshine
From the middle of November until the end of January, the sun does not rise, though there is still some sun to be found in November and Early December with polar nights, a time when there is twilight for around four hours a day, usually starting around 10 a.m. The further North you go, the less twilight you will have. In the North Cape (the northernmost accessible place in Europe) there are only two hours of daylight. But this can play in favor for excursions, like dog sledding, which are wonderful to experience at night.
Coincidentally the best time to see the Northern Lights is in October, February and March, as just the right amount of daylight is needed to experience these phenomena.
5. It’s not Luxury, But Still Comfortable
The ship acts as a ferry take day trippers to port towns boats stop at along the way, a cruise ship for travelers staying aboard for awhile, and as a working cargo ship delivering supplies along the way. This isn’t a cruise for someone seeking luxury, but is certainly one for those eager to experience the raw coast of Norway.
6. Excursions Should Not Be Overlooked
While there is generally a full busload of people heading to daily excursions, it shouldn’t deter you. This is one of the easiest and most efficient ways for experiences in port towns. A visit to the North Cape, which is located at the very top of the continent and home to the northernmost inhabited place in Europe. Is one of the most popular? But once you disembark from the ship, you can expect to arrive in about 5 minutes after driving passing through, Skarsvag, a fishing village, and also a place where Sami people live with their reindeer herds in summer months.
To get here driving from Bergen can take upwards of five days in winter. Or you, could hop on a cruise ship, and enjoy several stops along the way. If you board in Bergen, for the classic voyage, you will arrive in 6 days (keep in mind there are different towns and excursions offered for entertainment each day). If you board, at a more northern port, you will arrive even quicker. More travel options can be found here.
The price of excursions range from $55 for the Art Nouveau Walk in Ålesund to $498 for the Snowmobile trip in the polar night.
7. Fitness Junkies, Be Warned
While there is a fitness center on board, and you can certainly get in a good enough work out with free weights and a treadmill, the space is small, in the basement of the ship, and with a low ceiling (I embarrassed myself attempting to jump rope).
One of my favorite ways to get in a workout if the fitness center was overcrowded (it can fit 2 people comfortably, 3 people is pushing it) was to bundle up and run outside, which is more fun anyways and a great way to see more of the villages.
There is opportunity for this when the boats stop in port times. Every day, you can check the provided schedule to plan. While some stops are as quick as 30 minutes to an hour (this is when cargo is loaded/unloaded) it can still be a great way to get in just enough exercise and see more of Norway at the same time. Or, if you opt out of an excursion (which are usually 2.5 hours on dock) you will have plenty of time to get your fitness fix.
Related:
How Do U.S. & European Cruises Compare?
Video: Review: Traveling to the Arctic in Winter with Hurtigruten
