Be absolutely clear that Hurtigruten is a ferry service and not a cruise line. We paid for a relaxing cruise but what we received was a passage on a working ship with very little customer care. Whilst we understand that the boat is a working boat, there is an expectation of a level of service commensurate with the cruise price and cabin level - however this is absolutely not the case.

Hurtigruten carry the Norwegian postal flag on the back of the ship and the impression on board is that it regards passengers as a necessary inconvenience to be used as an income source at every opportunity. Unfortunately, we booked a voyage advertised as a ‘cruise’ and were expecting cruise levels of service and attention – we were sorely disappointed. The boat is run for the convenience of Hurtigruten’s commercial business and delivers minimal customer care and service.

The following points detail just some of our experience on our 12-day Northern Lights/Astronomy cruise. Read more