MS Nordkapp
launched 1996
crew 70
tonnage 11,386
length 123 m
capacity 590
MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) – one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.
MS Nordkapp was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, a Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We also have a cosy bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The ship additionally has a large compass area with reception, a tour guide, conference room and shop.
MS Nordkapp was christened by Norway´s Queen Sonja in 1996 and her maiden voyage was to the Shetland Islands. The ship started sailing the Norwegian coast in April 1996. She has also sailed in Antarctica. Since 2007, the vessel has been part of Hurtigruten´s fleet of ships dedicated to sailing the Norwegian coastline.
Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable. The ships carry goods, vehicles and passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life. The ships are calling at ports around the clock. You may expect some noise and vibration in a few cabins during loading of goods. This varies depending on the location of your cabin∘ and the type of ship. Also, noise affects people differently and what may be a problem for one person may not be a problem for another. Please ask the reservation team for advice on the best cabin location for you.
- accommodation
- dining
- entertainment
- health & fitness
- enrichment
- useful
- misc.
Expedition Suite | Suite for up to 2 travellers
These elegant, refurbished suites are situated on the upper deck. They feature a separate bedroom, double bed, sofa in the sitting area that can be made into a double bed, free Wi-Fi, TV, hair dryer, bathrobes, blanket, and coffee and tea facilities.
Expedition Suite | Mini suite for 2 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished suites for up to two people on the upper deck have a double bed, two chairs in a sitting area, free Wi-Fi, TV, hair dryer, bathrobes, blanket, and coffee∘ and tea facilities.
Expedition Suite | Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished suites for up to two people on the upper deck have a double bed, two chairs in a sitting area, free Wi-Fi, TV, hair dryer, bathrobes, blanket, and coffee and tea facilities.
Arctic Superior | Upper deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to two people on the top/upper decks have a double bed, TV, one chair and small desk, and coffee and tea facilities.
Arctic Superior | Upper deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins∘ for up to two people on the upper deck have a double bed, TV, one chair and a small desk, and coffee and tea facilities.
Polar Outside | Upper deck for up to 3 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to three people on the upper decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa, bunk beds and a TV. The cabins have limited or no view.
Polar Outside | Lower deck for 2 travellers
These are comfortable outside cabins, situated on lower decks. They have separate beds, where one of the beds can be turned into a sofa. These are cabins with portholes, some with limited or no view.
Polar Outside | Lower deck for 2 travellers
These are comfortable outside cabins, situated on lower decks. They have separate beds, where one of the beds can be turned into a sofa. These are cabins with portholes, some with limited or no view.
Polar Outside | Upper deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to two people on the upper deck have double beds, a TV, a chair and small desk. The cabins have limited∘ or no view.
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These standard outside cabins for up to two people on the middle decks have separated single beds, one chair and a desk, and a hairdryer.
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These standard outside cabins for up to two people on the middle decks have separated single beds, one chair and a desk, and a hairdryer.
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the middle/lower decks have bathroom with shower/WC, and single beds, one of which converts into a sofa
Polar Outside | Middle deck for up to 3 travellers
These standard outside cabins for up to three people on the middle deck have separate single beds, bunk beds, one chair and desk, and a hairdryer.
Polar Outside | Upper deck for up to 3 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished cabins for up to three people on the upper decks have single beds, bunk beds, and a TV.
Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the middle/lower decks have bathroom with shower/WC and double beds.
Polar Outside | Wheelchair accessible cabin for 2 travellers
Wheelchair accessible rooms for up to two people with wider door, accessible WC and adjusted bed, as well as one chair, a table, desk and hairdryer. (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 | Lower deck for 2 travellers
These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to two people∘ on the lower deck have separate single beds, one of which converts into a sofa, plus one chair and desk.
Polar Inside | Upper deck for up to 3 travellers
These comfortable, refurbished standard inside cabins for three people on the upper deck have separate single beds, one of which converts into a sofa, bunk beds, and a TV.
Torget
Where do many of those who live along the coast get their ingredients from? The local food marked. In the same way as the markets in the local communities, Torget is the local center for food on board Hurtigruten, with much to see, hear and smell, our main restaurant offers a varied selection of dishes for the three meals of the day.
Breakfast – served from 7am Start the day with a selection of hot dishes and a buffet of fresh bread, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, smoothies, juices, energy shots, porridge, salmon, eggs, and pancakes.
Lunch – served from 12pm From short-traveled products and based on the season’s best ingredients, our chefs create bountiful buffets. Taste your way through a culinary journey based on our local, short-traveled products. There is a great selection of vegan dishes every day. Look for the vegan brand and try a sustainable plant-based meal.
Dinner – served from 6pm Enjoy a three-course dinner and choose from different dishes each day during the journey. There will be a selection of meat and fish dishes. There is a great selection of vegan dishes every day, look for the vegan label on the menu, and try a sustainable plant-based meal.. Each dinner ends with traditional desserts such as homemade cakes, sorbets or pudding – preferably with berry sauces.
Kysten
Dine in style at Kysten, our à la carte restaurant. The name “Kysten” reflects the restaurant’s simple, elegant and modern style. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes from our skilled chefs, who use the best ingredients the Norwegian coast has to offer.
Look forward to a menu based on seaweed and kelp, extra tender reindeer and juicy scallops with local butter and wild herbs. You can be sure that the seafood is fresh, that the meat comes from free-range animals, and that the cheeses have won several awards.
Choose a wine to go with the food from the expert selection on our wine list or try a wine package in which Hurtigruten’s best wine tasters have paired wine with the food. If you choose our Platinum package, you can eat all three meals every day here as part of the journey.
Multe
Let the aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries guide you to Multe. This onboard bakery serves open sandwiches, called smørbrød, piled with generous helpings of toppings. Treat yourself to fresh smoothies, a choice of coffees, and luscious ice cream direct from Lofoten.
The name Multe means ‘cloudberry’ in Norwegian. Jam made from this rare Arctic berry can be sampled in the bakery, often served with waffles and generous dollops of whipped cream or ice cream.
All the favourite ice cream flavours are present, plus a few Norwegian inspired ones which you might like to try, like the brunost – brown cheese – ice cream. Two scoops or three?
Brygga
The name of our onboard bistro can be translated from the Norwegian as ‘wharf’. As you’ll probably see during your voyage with us, wharves on the Norwegian coast are typically busy places bustling with workers loading and unloading cargo, without much time for a relaxing sit-down meal.
It’s fitting then that Brygga serves easy-to-eat yet satisfying dishes such as fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, and good old comfort food like freshly prepared pizzas and gastro burgers. Try the soup of the day, sirloin steak, or grilled salmon, and finish with locally-inspired desserts and sweet cakes.
Among these crowd pleasers is our mouth-watering signature shrimp sandwich, served with eggs, dill mayonnaise, and a wedge of lemon – a pure Norwegian classic.
Explorer Bar
What really makes the Explorer Bar stand out is the atmosphere of the surrounding lounge and the panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Order from a range of hot and cold beverages, relax in a comfortable armchair, chat with a drink in hand, and watch the world go by.
The Explorer Bar serves premium coffee, organic teas, hot chocolate, fruit juices, various Norwegian beers, red, white, and rosé wine, and a collection of Norwegian aquavit that would make any spirit lover jump for joy.
Enjoy along with a selection of snacks, such as grilled sandwiches using local ham and cheese, or even a Norwegian speciality: dried fish!
Outdoor Walking Deck
The outdoor walking deck is located on deck 5.Internet Café
Passwords can be purchased from reception, costs are currently 40NOK for 30 mins, 60NOK for 1 hour and 200NOK for 6 hours (subject to change).
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.
Trim Fitness Centre
A basic fitness centre for passengers to enjoy.
Sauna
Head to the sauna and relax in luxury.
Jacuzzis
Relax in the jacuzzis whilst floating past the scenery.
Your Coastal Experience Team
Experts on the Norwegian coast, many of whom live locally, will be by your side as part of your voyage with us, showing you their home and sharing their stories with you.
When it comes to travelling, no guidebook, website, or mobile app can replace the human connection of having someone point out places that are special to them. And that’s where our onboard Coastal Experience Team come in. Using their hands-on experience of Norway and the Norwegian coast, they have one mission: to enhance your voyage by offering engaging insights on the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter along the way.
From near and far
Many of our Coastal Experience Team members are Norwegians, born and raised on the coast and elsewhere in Norway. They’ll be able to tell you their childhood memories of our ships, what our service means to their coastal community, and perhaps how generations of their family have been connected to Hurtigruten, either as crew or as passengers.
Other team members have lived in Norway for several years. You can learn about what drew them to Norway and to working on our ships. See the coast through their eyes as they pick out details about life here and share interesting anecdotes about their experiences of Norwegian culture.
Enriching your experience
Our Coastal Experience Team enhances your voyage with in-depth knowledge of the local culture, nature, science, and history; an understanding they’ve nurtured over years.
Each team member has a range of specialist, well-researched topics in their repertoire, ready to share with you in lectures and presentations on board, on deck, and ashore.
Passionate about the coast
Dedicated to what they do and to the Norwegian coast, our Coastal Experience Team provide an intimate and personal perspective to your journey with us.
You’ll sense their passion whether they’re busy talking about points of interest out on deck or animatedly telling stories over a relaxed drink at evening gatherings.
Hikers’ heaven
The exceptionally beautiful landscape of the Norwegian coast beckons you to explore it. Thankfully, our onboard Coastal Experience Team knows the areas we sail in better than anyone.
They’ve handpicked a selection of optional hikes for you to enjoy almost every day of your voyage. Enjoy learning more about the local region’s history, geology, biology, and culture as you hike together with them.
Embracing ‘friluftsliv’
Hikes give you an opportunity to ‘friluftsliv’, a Norwegian concept which has at its heart an innate, quasi-spiritual affinity towards nature and the outdoors.
Fresh air, sitting around a campfire with a warm cup of coffee, the crunch of soft snow underfoot, or the warmth of the sun on your skin while walking the trail – these are some of the simple elements you’ll probably experience on your hike, making up the pure pleasure of friluftsliv.
Excursions
Brand-new and exclusive optional excursions
We have worked with a range of trusted local activity providers to create an exciting programme of more than 60 new and exclusive optional excursions across The Svalbard Express and The North Cape Express. Between us, we provide you with everything you need for a memorable experience, from kit, snacks and transport to local expertise and enchanting storytelling.
With an average of three excursions in each port there’s something for you whatever your interests or how active you’re feeling on the day, from bus tours along the beautiful Atlantic Road in Norway’s west to kayaking or fishing in Svalbard. When you arrive in Tromsø on The North Cape Express, for example, you can choose from six excursions including dog sledding, whale watching or admiring the views and knitting with the locals on Sommarøy island.
Excursion highlights on The Svalbard Express
With excursions that include everything from stand-up paddleboarding in Åndalsnes or a sea eagle safari by RIB in Vesterålen to a multitude of things to do in Svalbard, it’s hard to pick favourites. But if you’d like to pedal around the idyllic island of Senja, one of our new ports on The Svalbard Express, make sure you book a place on the Scenic e-bike tour. It’s run by a small local company with only 11 bikes, so you get a truly intimate experience.
Excursion highlights on The North Cape Express
Excursions on The North Cape Express vary slightly depending on the season you travel. Dog sledding in Norway isn’t only a winter activity. Try it on wheels in Alta if you’re there before or after the snow. Other excursions, such as the trip to the magical Igloo Hotel, immerse you in a winter wonderland! For raw Arctic adventure, drive a snowmobile to North Cape. Or jump back through Viking history by bus, e-bike or RIB in Haugesund.
How to book
It’s easy to book excursions on The Svalbard Express and The North Cape Express. We recommend booking as early as possible as places are limited on some excursions. Pre-book your excursions online when you book your voyage, email us or add them to your trip via our call centre.
Mobility
We also warmly welcome guests with reduced mobility. If needed, our sales consultants will also search for and book suitable hotel rooms for you. You will have to bring along your own standard-sized collapsible wheelchair. If you’re able to get around the ship in a wheelchair unaided, you do not need to travel with a companion. Guests who require assistance will most likely need to travel accompanied. Talk to your travel agent about this.
When the ship stops in a port along the Norwegian coastline, there is always a ramp or a gangway to get you on and off the ship. The only exception is Urke, where we do not dock. Access to this town is only for guests who are going on an excursion. Disembarkation takes place by tender boat, and is therefore not suitable for wheelchair users.
These excursions are not specifically adapted to guests with reduced mobility. Ask our coastal experts when you are on board and they’ll be able to advise you as to which excursions are suitable.
It’s important that you inform us of any mobility challenges when making your booking, so we can make the best possible arrangements for you.
You will need to bring along your own standard-sized collapsible wheelchair, which should be stored in your cabin when not in use. If you’re able to get around the ship in a wheelchair unaided, you do not need to travel with a companion. Guests who require assistance will most likely need to travel accompanied. Talk to your travel agent about this.
Special Dietary requirements
Special diets (e.g. vegetarian) can be catered for if requested in good time. Passengers on strict diets may find that there is a limited choice.
We now offer a 3-course vegan menu option for the evening meal on our 12-day voyages.
What to Wear
On board, dress is informal. Although some passengers choose to change for dinner, the dress code is casual rather than formal. The weather in Norway can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations, we recommend the layered-dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily.
For all voyages, we advise you to take breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf and thermal clothing can be useful, together with thermal underwear, during the winter months. On land, where it may be icy, sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful.
Age Restricitons
Hurtigruten ASA cannot accept children under the age of 5 to travel with us to Antarctica. There is no age restriction on our other destinations. For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be considered on each landing. It is entirely at the Captain’s discretion to allow children on shore landings.
Smoking Policy
Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. However, all forms of smoking are strictly forbidden even in designated areas when the ship is in port and refuelling. The crew will advise guests when this is the case.Safety
It is a safety requirement that all Hurtigruten passengers attend a compulsory safety briefing in Bergen and Kirkenes before the ship leaves port. After embarkation, the crew will greet you and conduct the mandatory safety brief at intervals. This will last between 10-15 minutes.
The briefing will include a demonstration of how to put on a life jacket and the instructions to be followed in the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency during the voyage. The briefing is compulsory for all passengers including those who have travelled with Hurtigruten before. There will be an opportunity to ask questions if you have any concerns.
Please familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures as shown in the cabins (there is a diagram on the cabin door and in public areas), and ask at reception if in doubt. In many ports, there may be a good deal of activity on the quay with cars joining/leaving the ships and/or goods being loaded or unloaded. Please be alert to such traffic when embarking and disembarking.
Take care during winter months when it is icy underfoot, particularly on the outside decks and when disembarking the ship or alighting from coaches. Ice spikes and other winter clothing can be purchased in the ships store. Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep valuable items, including mobile phones and cameras, out of sight.
Drones
Please note the use of passenger-operated drones is not permitted during your voyage. This is for general safety as well as the protection of the vulnerable wildlife and other guests’ personal security.Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. Note that it is limited connectivity, and that both internet and telephones from time to time will be out of range due to the ship’s location.
Due to capacity limitations the provided, included Wi-Fi is limited to browsing and not streaming. Please contact the reception if you have any questions related to the Wi-Fi usage.
Car spaces on board
Vehicles onboard coastal voyages must fit the following dimensions:
- Max Length: 650 cm/ 21.3 ft
- Max Width: 245 cm/ 8 ft
- Max Height: 230 cm/ 7.5 ft
- Max Weight: 5000 kg/ 11,023 lbs
Campervans, minivans and trailers cannot be accepted.
Booking Shore Excursions
We recommend pre-booking excursions to avoid disappointment. You can pre-book excursions up to four weeks prior to departure (2 weeks if paid by credit card) at the rates presented.
Any remaining excursion places will be sold on board. All bookings on board will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at the ship’s exchange rate. The price in local currency may differ due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Please note that all excursions are provisional and subject to change – current weather and sea conditions may affect the viability of certain excursions. Excursions may also be subject to minimum/maximum numbers.
Pet Cabins
All Norwegian coastal ships have pet cabins with the exception of MS Nordlys, MS Midnatsol and MS Kong Harald. Unfortunately, our Explorer ships (MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Nordstjernen and MS Roald Amundsen) don’t have pet cabins.Languages
Norwegian and English are the official on-board languages. Some Hurtigruten Guides (or the Tour Leaders on board MS Vesterålen), personnel at the reception and service crew often also speak German.
Most of our excursions are guided in two or three languages. Please contact the Hurtigruten Guides or Tour Leader on board for further information.
Laundry
Laundry rooms with washing machines, dryers and irons are available on all ships. Tokens can be purchased at reception.Medical Assistance
There is no doctor or pharmacy on board. However, officers are trained in first aid and can provide emergency medical assistance. The ships are also close to land should urgent medical assistance be required.Environmental Commitment
Hurtigruten’s environmental efforts are tied to our strategic six-point policy;
- That environmentally-oriented measures are identified and implemented in day-to-day operations.
- That focus is directed specifically at the marine environment.
- That we specify requirements for subcontractors and contractual partners.
- That our communications concerning our own environmental performance are open and complete.
- That we ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of our environmental work.
- That we do not leave any permanent traces behind us in vulnerable areas.
As a traveller with Hurtigruten, your contribution to environmental care is welcome. We have garbage sorting aboard all ships, and we encourage you to turn off lights when leaving the cabin and unplug electrical transformers when not in use.
In 2018, we banned all single-use plastic on board our fleet. When ashore, bring your litter back to the vessel or dispose at designated places. We are often near wildlife on our voyages. Please heed the advice of your Tour Leader/Expedition Leader and excursion guide and strive to act in a way that does not alter the wildlife’s natural behaviour.
Young Explorers FAQ
How can I book my child on to Young Explorers?
You can sign up onboard. Availability varies per ship and is based on a minimum number of participants.
How much does the programme cost?
The programme is free of charge.
How long is the programme?
The full programme is spread over 10 days of our 12-day Classic Roundtrip Voyage. Each day features a different theme, and children are welcome to join whenever they want during their voyage of any length.
What is the age range?
The age range is 6 to 13 years old, but older children are welcome. Younger children can attend if accompanied by a parent.
Which languages are spoken?
English and Norwegian
Do I need to accompany my child?
Our organisers can run the programme without parents or guardians present. However, parents are welcome to accompany their children during the programme and join in with activities. Depending on the number of children, we may need to ask a few parents to attend as well.
Other Details
Children: Kids allowed
Childrens Facilities: Available
Nursery: None
Smoking: Some
Gratuities: It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal voyage, but if you feel that crew members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, tip boxes are placed in the restaurant together with envelopes.
Wheelchair Cabins: 3 available
