Richard With Review
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Ft and foremost this is not a 'traditional' cruise but more of a coastal journey. Anyone who has done the smallest amount of research will know that, anyone thinking they are boarding a cruise ship will be disappointed. Hurtigruten is fundamentally a coastal service providing passenger and freight services to the coastal communities of Norway. It has carved out a niche by providing customers with a comfortable journey, but does not orovide the frills of a cruise ship - no flash shopping mall, no flasy entertainment. The philosophy is the the scenery and journey are the entertainment.
This was the full 11 night round trip Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen.
For 12 days you are constantly in view of the ever changing coastline, with snow clad mountains, fjords, cliffs... It works to a fixed scedule with 34 stops - some as short as 15 minutes, some as long as 6 hours. Every day there is an opportunity to get ashore and explore, some of the stops are in small towns so you get to see the real Norway.
Cabin Review
Smaller than a cruise ship cabin but perfectly adequate. Twin beds, one of which converts to a settee during the day. Spotless and bright. Enough storage for all our clothes (being a winter journey we had lots!) and space for out cases. Bathroom small but well equipped. Good shower and plenty of hot water, the bathroom had a heated floor with was great.