Southbound Coastal Express Report June 2022

[Kirbyk48]

I opted for a modified voyage.  Departed Kirkenes on Trollfjord, disembarked in Honningsvag,  departed the next day on NordNorge and disembarked in Hammerfest, departed on Kong Harald and disembarked in Tromso, departed the next day on Vesteralen and stayed onboard to Bergen.  I would change my itinerary in two respects: (1) probably fly from Tromso to Bergen since that part of the journey was less interesting and (2) avoid the Vesteralen as it is the oldest ship in the fleet at 40 years.

 

I have not booked with Hurtigruten before and understood that this voyage was not going to be a cruise.  The scenery and many port stops are the draw.  Nevertheless, I feel that the company is engaged in a conscious shift from its heritage to a small-ship expedition focus.  The addition of Iceland, Greenland and Antarctic  destinations shows the shift.  Excursions can easily double the cost of the journey.

 

I can only comment on the accommodations and food on the Vesteralen as I did not book food or a cabin on the early legs of my journey. I think both were overpriced, with the food being especially egregious.  Ala carte would cost over $125/day for a very modest, vegan oriented.  I realize that as an American my diet is out of sync with Europe and especially costal Norwegian cuisine so part of this on me.  The cooling system for the cabins was inadequate with nighttime temperatures over 80 degrees.

 

Not wanting to be totally negative, I would say that all the crew from the Captain to the waitstaff were helpful with a positive attitude.

 

Natural beauty was everywhere which almost made up for the Vesteralen deficiencies.

 

 

[hallasm]

Thank you for the detailed report. I do not agree with you that the trip from Tromsø to Bergen is the least interesting - especially the Lofoten islands with Trolfjorden and Ålesund and Geiranger are also breathtaking.
 It may be related to the fact that you traveled south bound. I have only sailed north bound.

I have also done the part from Bodø to Kirkenes - Especially to enjoy midnight sun or Northern Lights.

Edited July 8, 2022 by hallasm