Built in 1983, this working passenger ship was enlarged in 1988 and further modernized in 1995. She grosses 6,261 tons and takes up to 318 berthed passengers and 40 vehicles on 12-day round-trips from Bergen, Norway to beyond the North Cape and back. Some passengers use the ship for coastal transportation, and others take the one-way option.
As one of the two so-called mid-generation ships, the Vesteralen is smaller than the ships of the 1990s and the newer millennium ships and larger than the remaining traditional coastal passenger ships. All provide the same cruise itineraries and shore-excursion plan, though the onboard amenities vary.
The coastal service known as the Hurtigruten (fast route) began in the late 19th century as a steamship lifeline between Norway's more developed south and the remote northern coast line and islands. It soon saw ships leaving Bergen daily throughout the years, as is the case today.
Passengers may be travelers or one-way and round-trip cruisers. Norwegians, naturally, form the largest numbers with German and British next. Few Americans will be onboard this ship as the tour operators use the newer ships. All ages are found, with backpackers during the summer holidays. Tipping is not expected.
The ship calls at 35 ports in each direction between Bergen and Kirkenes, Norway, and the times vary between the northbound and southbound sailings. Many stay onboard for the entire 12-day round voyage and some go just one way and return by air or a combination of bus and train. Packages are available through the line that combine sea-land and air travel with hotel stays.
Shore excursions are offered in some ports such as walking tours and bus trips along inland fjords, to the North Cape and to the Russian border. It's a scenic voyage from gently sloping farmlands to rugged mountains. Passengers may easily visit the town centers as they generally face the piers, and watching the cargo and vehicles going on and coming off the ship is a favorite pastime.
Public rooms here include a long dome-style lounge with an almost 360-degree view, a forward observation perch, and an after-dinner nightclub-style lounge. A small shop is onboard, and children have a playroom.
The dining room, reserved for the one-way and round-trip cruise passengers, has fixed sittings for dinner from a set menu and buffets at breakfast and lunch. The food is good Continental and Norwegian fare featuring fish, varieties of marinated herring and fresh berries in season. A cafeteria offers snacks and complete meals around the clock.
Outside and inside cabins are plain, with either two lower berths or upper and lower berths; all with private showers. One berth folds away during the day to create space for denizens to use the other as a sofa beds. Outside cabins have windows or portholes.
The Vesteralen provides a moderately priced way to see a beautiful country. This mid-generation vessel will eventually be replaced with a newer, much larger tonnage ship.
