12 Day coastal Norway trip Feb 2022

[endlessflight]

We are looking at booking a 12 day Coastal Norway trip in Feb 2022. All the ships look very similar when I look at cabins and deck layouts. The panoramic lounge at front of ship is important but again they all seem to have this. Any comments on whether it makes any difference which ship we take. Also we are looking at a polar inside cabin. Any comments on these cabins. Thanks for your help. 

[PeterGavin]

From Fifty Degrees North website: for the Havila fleet:

 

In 2021, the ‘Havila Capella’, ‘Havila Castor’, ‘Havila Polaris’ and ‘Havila Pollux’ will be ready to deliver unforgettable and comfortable voyages for their passengers. All the ships will be identical: 122.7 metres long, 22 metres wide and able to carry 640 passengers (172 day-passengers and Cabins for 468 passengers).

 

From Norwegian Coastal Cruises website [For Hurtigruten]:

MS Nordnorge • MS Polarlys • MS Nordkapp • MS Nordlys • MS Richard With • MS Kong Harald

These ships were built between 1993 and 1997 and combine the small ship atmosphere with space, style and comfort. Each has its own design and displays of works of art by Norwegian artists. In the beautifully appointed public areas you'll be able to enjoy the passing scenery whatever the weather. MS Nordkapp, MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harald and MS Nordnorge were all refurbished in 2016.

MS Vesterålen

Dating from the 1980s, this fine vessel offered larger cabins and bigger hold space than the traditional ships that had previously operated Hurtigruten. It has a restaurant, coffee shop, panorama lounge and ample deck space. This ship is a favourite of travellers who enjoy the real 'working ship' experience, along the Norwegian Coastline. MS Vesterålen was upgraded in 1988 and 1995.

Edited October 22, 2021 by PeterGavin

[rdowney]

4 hours ago, endlessflight said:

All the ships look very similar when I look at cabins and deck layouts.

The Havila cabins look quite different from the Hurtigruten cabins. Or at least the illustrations do. Havila is supposed to have two ships in operation by February.

 

[hallasm]

Hurtigruten's seven Coastal Route ships are different but the experience of sailing with the different ships is largely the same.  Look closely at location of cabin  - noise from cargo and gangway may occur when ships are in port during nights - avoid port side mid ship.
Most ships also have promenade decks where it is possible to look into the cabins from the outside.  The different types of cabins are indicated by a code on the deck plan.

You do not want to stay very much in the cabin - therefore the panorama lounge is important - Vesterålen does not have a panorama lounge.
In the winter, it can be an advantage to have a cabin close to an exit so it is easy to get out on the deck when the northern lights are announced late in the evening or at night.
As mentioned by PeterGavin and rdowney Havila Voyages starts sailing two of the eleven nights voyages while Hurtigruten sails seven. Currently Havila is missing two ships. You can also check out Havila.

 

[endlessflight]

Thanks for info. We are booked on Polarlys Feb 1, 2022. A little disappointed that they are not requiring vaccination on this itinerary. How long would you recommend we would need in Bergen beforehand? Any hotel suggestions?

[hallasm]

Hurtigruten is part of the public Norwegian traffic system and must follow current rules.  There are separate rules for entry to Norway.

I would suggest two full days in Bergen - at least two nights.  If possible combined with train journey from Oslo to Bergen.

A hotel by Bryggen - ‘The Hanseatic Hotel’ is a slightly different experience.

Enjoy your cruise and stay in Bergen.