Hurtigruten vs Viking Cruises

Why should we cruise with Hurtigruten?

We asked Hurtigruten why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Hurtigruten Group is the world’s leading adventure travel group, offering unique small-ship and land-based adventures from pole to pole – and anywhere in between. We take our guests to the most spectacular areas on the planet, offering a mix of pristine wilderness and visits to genuine local communities.

What destinations are Hurtigruten exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Hurtigruten from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Hurtigruten is not a typical cruise line. On its iconic Norway Coastal Express, Hurtigruten runs a voyage calling at 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes, offering an authentic, small-ship way to experience Norway’s fjords, coastal towns, and daily life - rather than a “floating resort” itinerary built around onboard entertainment. For travellers comparing Hurtigruten vs other cruise lines, the key differences are route authenticity, smaller ships, a quieter onboard atmosphere, and ambitious sustainability initiatives (including the Sea Zero zero-emissions ship concept for the Coastal Express).

If you’re considering expedition cruising, note read more that the group’s global expedition brand is now HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), positioned around exploration and science-focused experiences such as citizen science participation.

Who cruises with Hurtigruten?

Destination-focused travellers drawn to Norway’s scenery, coastal communities, wildlife and culture, including couples, solo travellers and families. The experience generally appeals more to explorers than travellers seeking traditional resort-style cruising.

What are Hurtigruten known for?

Norwegian coastal cruising, operating the historic Coastal Express since 1893, with frequent port calls, locally sourced Norwegian cuisine and onboard Expedition Teams providing destination-focused lectures and activities.

Are Hurtigruten's fares all-inclusive?

Original voyages are generally full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner, while drinks and excursions cost extra. Signature voyages are all-inclusive with meals, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, gratuities and an enhanced onboard programme included.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

On Original voyages, expect to pay extra for alcoholic and most non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, specialty dining upgrades and transfers. Signature fares include substantially more, although shore excursions and selected premium dining or experiences still cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Signature voyages include gratuities. On Original voyages, tipping is not customary and there is no compulsory gratuity charge.

Are shore excursions included?

Generally not - excursions on Original voyages are purchased separately from a choice of more than 70 experiences along the Coastal Express route. Signature voyages also offer optional paid excursions, although selected departures may include some excursions.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included on Signature voyages and with eligible Original fare types and cabins. Availability and speed can be limited while sailing through remote areas.

Does Hurtigruten have a loyalty program?

Yes. The 1893 Ambassador loyalty programme offers member benefits including discounts on Hurtigruten voyages and excursions, with additional benefits after completing a qualifying voyage.

Is Hurtigruten a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome, with discounted fares and excursions available for children.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities vary by ship and voyage but commonly include Expedition Team lectures, presentations and on-deck talks, wildlife and scenery viewing, photography and cultural activities. Most ships also offer a fitness room, sauna, panoramic lounges and outdoor hot tubs, while selected ships have pools and enhanced wellness facilities.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Optional activities and experiences can incur charges, including selected hikes, wellness treatments and other voyage-specific activities.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Hurtigruten's ships?

Yes. Original ships generally offer the main Torget restaurant plus venues such as Kysten fine dining, Brygga bistro and Multe bakery, depending on the ship. Signature ships offer Flora, Brasserie Árran and Røst fine dining, with inclusions depending on fare and cabin category.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Dining upgrades and food packages can be purchased on eligible voyages, including access to fine-dining restaurants that are not included with the booked fare or cabin category.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Original fares include limited beverages such as water, tea and coffee depending on fare type, while most other drinks cost extra. Signature voyages include a wider selection of soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Alcohol is generally not included on Original voyages, while Signature voyages include selected beer, wine and spirits.

Do Hurtigruten sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks packages are available for Original voyages. Signature voyages already include a generous selection of beverages.

Do Hurtigruten offer room service?

Room service is not a standard fleet-wide feature, although selected Signature suite guests can receive benefits such as breakfast in their suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Facilities vary by ship. Saunas are available on most ships, while selected ships such as MS Finnmarken also have wellness areas with treatment rooms offering services such as massage and aromatherapy.

Are there gyms onboard Hurtigruten's ships?

Yes. Most Hurtigruten ships have a fitness room, although facilities vary and MS Vesterålen is an exception.

Are fitness classes available onboard Hurtigruten's ships?

No.

Do Hurtigruten offer personal training?

No.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Every ship has a self-service laundry with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. A small charge applies per wash.

Do Hurtigruten offer a laundry service?

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Why should we cruise with Viking?

We asked Viking why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

A Viking ocean cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Scandinavia, Asia, the Mediterranean or the Americas, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.

Our state-of-the-art small ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any casinos or kids on board. Plus, our fares read more include just about everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.

Viking is the world’s leading small-ship cruise line, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.

What destinations are Viking exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Viking from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Purpose built and newly launched in 2017, Viking now boasts 16 mid-sized ships each accommodating between 930-998 guests, as well as 2 expedition ships (max 378 guests) that explore the world's most remote destinations. Already award winning, their itineraries are varied from worldwide journeys to smaller explorations of the Nordic region, Indian ocean, Asia, Oceania, Caribbean and the Med. Viking position these cruises as 'The Thinking Person’s Cruise', with included and optional shore excursions covering each destinations cultural and historic highlights. So if you are looking for water-slides, children's facilities and casino's, then perhaps read more another cruise company is more suited.

Who cruises with Viking?

Retired and semi-retired world travellers.

What are Viking known for?

Adults only cruising, Scandinavian design, destination-focused experiences and no casinos.

Are Viking's fares all-inclusive?

No. Premium beverages and some excursions cost extra. House beers and wine are included with meals and a courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Premium beverages and selected shore excursions, plus some onboard experiences such as The Kitchen Table, cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Yes, but only for Australian and New Zealand passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. One courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port on classic cruises; expedition cruises include at least one shore excursion per landing day.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available.

Does Viking have a loyalty program?

No. The Viking Explorer Society offers credit and referral rewards to past Viking passengers only.

Is Viking a family friendly cruise-line?

No. Children under 18 are not accepted.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment lectures, film screenings, presentations, daily expedition briefings, scientific programs in The Laboratory, complimentary dining, evening entertainment and free WiFi.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Some experiences, such as The Kitchen Table, incur additional charges. Specialised fitness classes may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Viking's ships?

Yes. Viking offers seven complimentary restaurants on its mid-sized ships.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Purified water is provided in all staterooms; soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees and assorted hot teas are available 24 hours a day.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Complimentary house wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner.

Do Viking sell any beverage packages?

Yes. For premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.

Do Viking offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa access is complimentary and spa and salon services are available for a charge.

Are there gyms onboard Viking's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Viking's ships?

Yes. Classes may include yoga, Zumba, TRX and Body Conditioning; specialised classes may attract a charge.

Do Viking offer personal training?

Yes and charges apply. Not available on expedition ships.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.

Do Viking offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.