
MS Vesterålen
Freshly refurbished in 2025, MS Vesterålen is our classic coastal ship offering you a more intimate way to sail Norway’s historic route, with space for just 274 guests.
Good for
Dining Experiences, Enrichment Opportunities, Entertainment Lounges, Health & Fitness Facilities, Excursions
What to expect from MS Vesterålen
Overview
An intimate voyage along the Norwegian coast
Named after our first coastal steamship of 1893, MS Vesterålen keeps alive the spirit, craftsmanship and working rhythm that defined the earliest Coastal Express sailings.
Her 2025 refurbishment refreshed 100 cabins and introduced new Arctic Superiors and Mini Suites, while preserving her classic character that features plenty of polished brass and wood. Traditional décor and curated classical Norwegian art create the feeling of sailing aboard a floating gallery of coastal culture.
With around half the passenger capacity of our larger ships, life on board feels personal and unhurried. Guests enjoy closer access to the crew, with open bridge visits and informal talks that offer insight into navigation and daily life on a working coastal ship.
Accommodation
Our cabins and suites
Sailing with us is all about feeling warm, calm and connected to the coast. In your cabin or suite, you’ll experience the understated premium feeling Scandinavia is famous for.
From cosy outside cabins to spacious Expedition Suites with panoramic views, every space offers comfort, quiet and a true feeling of Norwegian koselig (cosiness).
Think of your cabin or suite as your home from home. This is your space to sleep deeply, sit quietly and reflect peacefully on your journey so far.
Expedition Suite
Expedition Suites are designed for those seeking space, style and indulgence. Sleeping up to 3 guests, all come with double bed, separate lounge area, premium furnishings and large windows. A quiet, spacious retreat designed for a truly comfortable and memorable voyage.
Arctic Superior
Arctic Superior cabins offer a step up in comfort. Located on a prime location on the ship, these outside-facing cabins come with a double bed and window with full view as standard. You’ll also find added comforts like a kettle with tea and coffee – small details that help you feel more at home. A calm, well-equipped space to unwind.
Polar Outside
Polar Outside cabins feature all the same amenities as a Polar Inside – plus a porthole or window (full or limited view), allowing you to take in the scenery as you sail. They’re fitted with flexible bedding arrangements, compact furniture and all the basics for a comfortable journey.
Polar Inside
Polar Inside cabins are compact but efficient – everything you need for a comfortable journey, minus the view. Sleeping 2 guests in twin beds, they are a private space in which to recharge.
Expedition Suite | Mini suite on upper deck
Our refurbished mini suites sleep up to 2 guests and have separate bedroom with double bed, ample storage, seating area, TV, and coffee and tea facilities.
Arctic Superior | Double on middle or upper deck with window
These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to 2 people have a double bed, TV, hair dryer and coffee and tea facilities. Please note that some cabins may experience noise.
Polar Outside | Twin on lower or upper deck with window (restricted view)
These comfortable outside cabins for up to 2 people have twin beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and a chair and desk. All come with a window for natural light, but the view is limited.
Polar Outside | Twin on lower deck with porthole
These standard outside cabins for up to 2 people have bunk beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and a chair with desk. All come with porthole. Cabins 314 and 316 have an inter-connecting door, making them a good option for families.
Polar Outside | Triple on lower deck with porthole
These comfortable outside cabins for up to 3 people have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa, a chair, and a porthole.
Please note cabin 301 may experience noise.
Polar Outside | Quadruple on lower deck with porthole
These comfortable outside cabins for up to 4 people on the middle or lower decks have bunk beds and a chair. Some have a double bed and bunk beds, sofa, and a chair.
Polar Outside | Accessible cabin on lower deck with window
Two wheelchair-accessible rooms for up to 5 people. These spacious cabins have wider doors, and accessible WC. One has double bed, pullman and a single bed. One has bunk beds, sofa, and chair.
Polar Outside | Wheelchair accessible cabin for up to 3 travellers
Wheelchair accessible cabin for up to three people with wider door, accessible WC and adjusted bed. This comfortable outside cabin on the middle deck have upper and lower berths.
(We have a limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins, so we ask that they are booked by guests who require these cabins. Please inform us in advance of your disability - you will find Hurtigruten contact information on the Booking Confirmation document.)
Polar Inside | Twin on middle or upper deck
These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up 2 people have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa, private bathroom, a chair and desk, and a hairdryer. Many of the rooms are interconnected, making them a good choice for families.
Polar Inside | Single on upper deck
These comfortable standard inside cabins are ideal for solo travellers on a budget, with single bed, private bathroom and chair and desk.
Polar Inside | Twin on lower deck
These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to 2 people have separate beds (one of which converts into a sofa), private bathroom and chair and desk. Please note that these cabins may experience noise and vibration.
Decks
Deck 7
-
Explorer Lounge & Bar
Deck 6
- Observation Deck
Deck 5
- Trollfjord Lounge
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
- Expedition Suites
Deck 4
- Expedition Team
- Fitness
- Play Corner
- Shop
- Brygga Bistro
- Torget Restaurant
- Inside Cabins
- Arctic Superior
Deck 3
- Reception
- Gangway
- Luggage
- Laundry
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 2
- Car Deck
- Car Lift
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 1
- Inside Cabins
Gratuities
While it’s not customary to tip on our ships, we appreciate your recognition of exceptional service. Tip boxes and envelopes are conveniently placed in Reception and our restaurants for those who wish to show their appreciation to our dedicated crew members.
Entertainment
A voyage on MS Vesterålen is relaxed, personal and rooted in maritime tradition. You'll find comfortable lounges, many adorned with traditional Norwegian art, and generous outdoor decks ideal for watching the coastline and wildlife. The onboard experience is intentionally more traditional and 'boutique' than on our larger ships. Facilities are appropriate – for example, there's a fitness room but no sauna, and lectures take place in shared common areas – allowing the focus to remain on the journey and the rhythm of this working coastal vessel. Throughout the voyage, the Expedition Team shares insights into the nature, wildlife and culture encountered along the coast.
Explorer Lounge & Bar
In the Fyret Panorama Lounge on deck 7, you can enjoy Norwegian aquavit, international beers, and classic drinks while listening to other peoples’ tales and admiring the beautiful view.
Trollfjord Lounge
Trollfjord Lounge can be found on Deck 5.
Shopping
Selling souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries.
Library
The books are in a variety of languages including Norwegian, German and English, also there are game tables available to play cards and chess.
Enrichment
Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck or in one of the conference rooms and learn something new.
Excursions
Enhance your voyage with our wide range of optional excursions that allow you to delve deeper into the dramatic landscapes, rich history, and charming culture of Norway and Svalbard. We offer more than 130 excursions up and down the coast, each run by local suppliers who are ready to showcase the wonders of their home.
Take your pick from a palette of active adventures such as kayaking along Ålesund’s waterways, quad biking to the North Cape or snowshoeing in Tromsø. If you’re interested in history, you can join a World War II tour in Kristiansand or explore the hidden rooms of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
There are plenty of opportunities to sample the delicacies of the Norwegian coast, too, with visits to the world’s northernmost brewery and boat trips to go king crab fishing with locals. We also recommend cultural visits that introduce you to Sámi culture or to the workings of a family-run dairy farm in Lofoten.
An excursion for every season
While many excursions are offered year-round, some are season specific. Summer is a glorious time to be in Norway and Svalbard, with a variety of activities that make the most of the long, leisurely days of the Midnight Sun. Why not enjoy a RIB safari in search of Sea Eagles or a guided e-bike tour around the island of Senja?
The cooler weather in autumn, winter, and spring turns Norway into a wonderland of snow, best enjoyed by dog sled or on cross-country skis. You could also try your hand at snowmobiling, hopefully with the Northern Lights dancing above.
Activities that are right for you
Our diverse excursions cater not just for varied interests but also for different mobility levels, so you can choose the activity that’s right for you.
We offer four distinct physical levels that cater to all - from accessible museum visits to challenging hikes that require a good level of fitness. Certain activities are even wheelchair-friendly, ensuring inclusivity for all.
Caring for the community
We work with on-the-ground suppliers to offer you a truly authentic experience with every excursion. These local outfits have a wealth of knowledge about the area, and they’re passionate about sharing their expertise and unique offerings with visitors like you.
Not only that, but your bookings help to preserve the local culture and heritage of the Norwegian coast. It feels great to know that your support directly benefits the people and communities who call this beautiful place home.
Hikers’ heaven
Feel a sense of friluftsliv, the Norwegian word that encapsulates a love of the outdoors, on optional hikes guided by your Coastal Experience Team.
You can purchase hikes individually, as a seasonal bundle of four, or as a pass that gives you access to all hikes.
How to book an excursion with Hurtigruten
It’s easy to book an excursion. To book online, go to our excursions hub and either input your booking reference or select your voyage from the drop-down menu. Choose the excursion you want and then click the ‘Add to Reservation’ button. A member of our team will then contact you to arrange payment and confirm your booking.
Expedition Team
Many of the crew, restaurant staff and Expedition Team members that you’ll meet on board a Hurtigruten voyage are from the very places we visit along the Norwegian coast. And one thing we all have in common is a passion for working for Hurtigruten. In many cases, it’s been an ambition since childhood.
We believe that when you choose to visit our home, you deserve to be treated like an honoured guest. That’s why we take you to places that we love, like hidden fjords and tucked-away villages. We tell you our stories, show you the natural wonders that inspire us, and share with you the best local foods fresh from our seas, farms and mountains.
Every Hurtigruten voyage is guided by captains who know Norway’s coastline as intimately as their own back gardens. Most grew up in coastal communities, learning to read the sea from an early age; its moods, its light, its shifting weather.
Their expertise is matched by a deep respect for nature and an unwavering commitment to safety. Many began their careers on our ships as apprentices, rising through the ranks with skill and pride. Today, they sail with quiet confidence, navigating fjords and open waters alike, keeping our tradition of seamanship alive, season after season.
Photo Programme
With the Hurtigruten Photo Programme you’ll learn how to improve your photography skills as well as share photos with fellow guests, take part in contests and geotag your images using Cameralla.
Take your photography to the next level as you travel in one of the most beautiful regions of the world. Along with fellow enthusiasts of all levels, join our Photo Club where you can upload your images and receive valuable feedback. Here, the joy of photography takes centre stage, whether you’re bringing top-end camera equipment or simply using your phone to capture the beauty and magic of the voyage.
Preserve the unforgettable moments from your voyage by joining our Photo Club. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner with a smartphone, the club offers tips, inspiration, and a platform to share your best shots. Discover how to enhance your onboard experience and turn your travel memories into lasting treasures.
The “Fresh Air Factor”
There are often lectures and presentations held on deck out in the fresh air. These lectures and presentations∘ are related to marine and coastal life. For example, there is a performance of "Arctic Circle Ceremony" or "Leaving the Arctic" rituals when crossing the Arctic Circle, cod tongue-cutting demonstrations and training on how to fillet a fish, all of which are led by local fishermen. There are other activities on board, such as hunting for the Northern Lights in winter or sleeping on deck under the midnight sun.
Of course, all of these activities and lectures are voluntary. If you wish to simply relax and enjoy the view of the ever-changing scenery, you are more than welcome to do so.
Also enjoy a lecture in one of the conference rooms.
Dining
Norway's Coastal Kitchen
Dining on board highlights ingredients sourced from over 70 local farms, fisheries, bakeries and producers along the coast. With two restaurants and the Explorer Lounge & Bar, the atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, in keeping with the ship’s traditional character.
Torget
Our main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed setting. Evening meals are offered as buffet or set menus, depending on the day’s sailing.
Brygga
An informal bistro serving lighter Nordic-inspired dishes, fresh salads and comforting classics – ideal for easy, casual dining throughout the day.
Torget
Our main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed setting. Evening meals are offered as buffet or set menus, depending on the day’s sailing.
Brygga
An informal bistro serving lighter Nordic-inspired dishes, fresh salads and comforting classics – ideal for easy, casual dining throughout the day.
Health and Fitness
Keep yourself feeling fresh and active in the Fitness Room or sweating away the day in the sauna.
Sauna and Fitness Room
Keep active in the fitness room before enjoying a soothing steam in the sauna.
Other Cruise Information
ClassCruise Type: ocean
Class: Traditional
Ship Size: small
Style: expedition
Operator Reference: hurtigruten
Nursery: none
Child Facilities: none
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