Built in 1994,
Nordnorge is a working passenger ship from Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage). This 11,386-ton ship takes up to 464 passengers from Bergen, Norway to 35 ports along the 1,250-mile Norwegian coast to remote towns above the Arctic Circle.
She also makes a long journey out to South America to make cruises to Antartica, with some extended to the Chilean fjords, the Falklands and South Georgia between mid-November and March. She has Norwegian officers and a Norwegian hotel staff on the Norwegian coastal trips and some South American crew on the winter voyages.
The Norwegian coastal service dates to 1893, set up as a life line from the more developed regions of southern Norway to the less developed north. The Antarctic cruises began in 2002 and now include two vessels, the Nordnorge and a 2007-built expedition ship Fram.
On the Norwegian coast, passengers are mostly European, though Americans and some Australians come onboard too. More Americans head for the Antarctic cruises.
Most of the trip in Norway is coastal, though in the main tourist season, the ship will travel deep into the Geirangerfjord as the big cruise ships do. A package of shore excursions uses motor coaches for half-day outings into the interior and up to the North Cape from the port of Honningsvag, Norway. While most port calls are brief, they do provide a chance to visit many towns en route, and the timing is different on the northbound and southbound passages. In port, the cargo handling is a regular pastime.
Some open-sea stretches may be rough, so be forewarned. Tipping is not expected. In winter, the shore excursions are included in Antartica, and tips are extra.
The public-room and foyer decor reflects art-nouveau and art-deco influences, with plenty of brass, glass and Norwegian art to delight the eye. Deck 7 houses a large observation lounge, and a bar midships. Deck 4 is given over entirely to public spaces for sitting, enjoying a good read, having a snack, and holding a business conference. For children's amusement, a play room and video arcade are available.
The stern dining room, with meals included in the passage fare, seats up to 240 for buffet breakfast and lunch, the main meal of the day, and a seated dinner from a set menu. The mostly Norwegian fare is good, if somewhat repetitive after a week onboard. Service ranges from friendly to matter-of-fact.
The ship also has an Internet cafe, souvenir shop, a gym, sauna and passenger laundry. Cabins are mostly outsides, all similar in style with functional decor and private shower compartments. Most have twin beds that fold away or become sofas during the day. Suites and junior suites have queen-sized beds, sitting areas and TVs.
In the warmer months, the Nordnorge provides a comfortable, moderately priced passage through some of the world's most beautiful land and seascapes. In winter, she is one of the larger expedition vessels cruising to and landing passenger in Antartica. She operates with a running mate, the purpose-built 12,700-ton, 318-passenger Fram that made her debut in 2007.
