The Coastal Express - Norwegian Cruise

Day to Day itinerary

DAY 1 - Bergen

Depart the UK and arrive at Bergen. Transfer to your overnight hotel and explore the city which is Norway's second largest despite its 'small town' atmosphere.

DAY 2 - Bergen • All Aboard!

Your voyage starts in Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by prosperous 14th-century German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League. If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There’s also the Fløibanen funicular which takes you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city. To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don’t forget that wecan also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme. Your voyage begins Before boarding, you can relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Onceaboard, enjoy the fi rst of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord. You’ll also meet your ship’s Expedition Team who will be your guides aswe cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

Departure:20:30

DAY 3 - Ålesund • Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. Art Nouveau city Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re travelling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town. Into the fjords In spring, from April to May, and in autumn, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There'll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides. In summer, from June to August, we set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. This isa protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliff s and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord. Mountains and roses The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just be enough daylight to see the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’. From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all shades, living up to Molde’s nickname as ‘The City of Roses’.

Also stopping at: Florø • Måløy • Torvik • The Hjørundfjord • Molde

DAY 4 - Trondheim • City of Kings and Palaces

This section of the voyage sees us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements. Magical, medieval, and modern Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third-largest city and a mix of historic buildings anda vibrant student population. You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either byyourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display. Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which has beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord. Back on board In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.

Also stopping at: Kristiansund • Rørvik

DAY 5 - Bodø • Into the Arctic

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up. Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve. Forces of nature At 10:00, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock. We then sail to Bodø, the second-largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom. Welcome to Lofoten That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us. Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn. Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Also stopping at: Brønnøysund • Sandnessjøen • Nesna • Ørnes • Stamsund • Svolvær

DAY 6 - Tromsø • Capital of the Arctic

We dock into Harstad just after 07:00. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puff ins. Gateway to the Arctic We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. Along the waterfront you’ll fi nd Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we'll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

Also stopping at: Stokmarknes • Sortland • Risøyhamn • Harstad • Finnsnes • Skjervøy

DAY 7 - Honningsvåg • Norway’s Northern Frontier

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands. You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you seethe wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000local homes. At the top of Europe We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season. Sámi heartlands Nearthe entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet localSámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs. Continuing north We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export. The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

Also stopping at: Øksfjord • Hammerfest • Havøysund • Kjøllefjord • Mehamn • Berlevåg

DAY 8 - Kirkenes • Norway’s Eastern Edge

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning. Looking to the skies the area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles. Near the Norwegian border by the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. You’ll have a choice of optional excursions to explore the area. Journey’s turning point Kirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we sailed to during the night we’ll now see during the day. Back in Vardø, you can visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. We return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg for late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.

Also stopping at: Båtsfjord • Vardø • Vadsø • Vardø • Båtsfjord • Berlevåg

DAY 9 - Hammerfest • From the Top of Europe

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund. The northernmost city In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen. Mountains and marine mammals We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fi shing port since 1896. If you're visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring. As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway. Midnight magic We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

Also stopping at: Mehamn • Kjøllefjord • Honningsvåg • Havøysund • Øksfjord • Skjervøy

DAY 10 - Svolvær • High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route. After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula. Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-highmountains. Our birthplace Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956. A ship-sized fjord sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if weather permits. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to lookout for sea eagles here too. Leaving Lofoten We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree! The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliff s of the Lofoten Wall.

Also stopping at: Tromsø • Finnsnes • Harstad • Risøyhamn • Sortland • Stokmarknes • Stamsund

DAY 11 - Brønnøysund • A Landscape of Trolls

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’Norwegian cod liver oil! We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. Legend has it… Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today. You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience about it! We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to1870. Our last stop of the day is the cosy fi shing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.

Also stopping at: Bodø • Ørnes • Nesna • Sandnessjøen • Rørvik

DAY 12 - Trondheim • Coastal Communities and Klippfisk

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde. Capital of the Viking Age Stroll around Trondheim inthe early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city. Dealing in dried cod, we dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that's dried on the surrounding cliff s, called klippfisk in Norwegian. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets ofthe old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama. Peaks and petals The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.

Also stopping at: Kristiansund • Molde

DAY 13 - Bergen • Until Next Time

Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough. Morning highlights You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest. The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina. The home stretch Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.

Also stopping at: Ålesund • Torvik • Måløy • Florø

Arrival: 14:45

After leaving your ship we head to a local hotel for your overnight stay.

DAY 14 - Return

Free day until your return flights to the UK

Optional Excursions

There will be a number of optional excursions available during your cruise which will be available to book closer to departure.

You may also wish to extend your adventure and experience the beauty of Norway's inner landscapes along with a stay in the country's Capital Oslo for a few days. 

Bergensbanen Railway & Oslo break

The train journey from Bergen to Oslo, on the Bergensbanen railway, is a 7-hour scenic route through Norway's highest mountains, offering beautiful views of fjords, plains, and snowy landscapes. Departing in the morning you will travel on The Bergensbanen line which is known as Northern Europe's highest railway and is considered one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. Arriving in Oslo central station, head to your centrally located hotel to enjoy 3 nights on a bed & breakfast basis exploring the city. Following your time in Oslo transfer independently using the express train service to Oslo airport. It is our intention to offer an independent weekend break to Oslo so you should be able to join up with that group for your exploration and enjoyment.

MS Kong Harald

Norway’s reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable hybrid vessel. MS Kong Harald was upgraded to a greener hybrid ship in 2023. Emissions are cut by large battery packs combined with the ships efficient and brand-new engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO2-emissions by approximately 25 percent. The ship is also updated with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment equipment, and SRC technology that reduce NOx emissions by at least 80 percent.

The vessel was also refurbished in 2016 to feature a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the 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. There is a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. 

MS Kong Harald also has a large compass area where you find the reception, the Expedition Team, conference room and shop. The top deck of the boat features a sun deck, observation saloon and panorama lounge, all of which provide splendid views of spectacular coastal scenery.

At a glance

• Free Wi-Fi
• 3 restaurants
• Expedition Team
• Panoramic lounge
• Sauna and fitness room
• Laundry room
• Meeting rooms
• Hybrid ship

Explorer Lounge & Bar

This is the perfect place on the ship to go to nestle into a comfy chair, sip a handcrafted cocktail, chat to fellow guests, and watch the world go by.

Sauna and fitness room

Keep active in the fitness room before enjoying a soothing steam in the sauna.

Outdoor hot tubs

Soak in the bubbles of the ship’s two outdoor hot tubs, while admiring views of the coast.

Restaurants on board

Each of the ship’s restaurants is a different dining experience, but all promise our Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept of local ingredients from local suppliers.

Torget

The main restaurant, Torget, is the focal point when it comes to dining on The Coastal Express, and offers a varied selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner designed by head chef, Øistein Nilsen.

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) - Using local, homegrown produce and the season’s best ingredients, our chefs create delicious plated dishes alongside sumptuous buffets for your lunch. For sustainable, plant-based meals, you can also find a great selection of vegan dishes on the menu.

Dinner (served from 6pm @ set timings, with 4-5 seatings) - Enjoy a three-course dinner and choose from different dishes each day of your voyage, with a wide selection of meat, fish, and plant-based options. Top off your meal with a choice of traditional desserts, such as homemade cakes, sorbets or puddings, often accompanied by a local berry coulis.

The ship has a further 3 dining options (supplements may apply) 

Please note - this cruise reflects the culture of Norway and it cuisine which by it very geographical location has a great influence of the sea and while all diets will be catered for options may be limited.

Your onboard Expedition Team

The Expedition Team will be by your side as part of your voyage with us, sharing stories and insights about Norway’s culture, nature, and history. From in-depth lectures to handpicked hikes, the Expedition Team is on hand to enhance your voyage, both on board and on land. Nobody knows the areas you will sail along the Norwegian coast better than they d and 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.

Cabin Information

Twin on lower deck - Cabin code: I2

8-9m2, Twin beds, No Window

These standard inside cabins sleep up to two guests. They have single twin beds, a private bathroom with shower, a chair, and a TV. 

Double on lower deck with window - Cabin code: O2D

11m2, Double bed, Window

These standard outside cabins sleep up to two guests. They have a double bed, a private bathroom with shower, a TV, a chair, and a hair dryer.  

Double on middle deck with window - Cabin code: P2D

8-11m2, Double bed, Window

These comfortable outside cabins sleep up to two guests. They have a double bed, a private bathroom with shower, a chair, a TV, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. 

Provisional flight information

03/04/26 London Gatwick to Bergen Dep: 0850 Arr: 1145

16/04/26 Bergen to London Gatwick Dep: 1905 Arr: 2020

03/04/26 London Heathrow to Bergen Dep: 0705 Arr: 1225

16/04/26 Bergen to London Heathrow Dep: 1825 Arr: 21325

03/04/26 Manchester to Bergen Dep: 0800 Arr: 1035

16/04/26 Bergen to Manchester Dep: 1735 Arr: 2030

03/04/26 Birmingham to Bergen Dep: 0600 Arr: 1325

16/04/26 Bergen to Birmingham Dep: 1745 Arr: 2125

03/04/26 Edinburgh to Bergen Dep: 0600 Arr: 1325

16/04/26 Bergen to Edinburgh Dep: 1745 Arr: 2145

Checked in luggage - 22kg

NB - flights from London Gatwick are direct out & return. Manchester flight is direct out & indirect return, London Heathrow, Birmingham & Edinburgh flights are indirect both out & return

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 months. These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual. 

This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.

Further information on the EES can be found on the following link - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

Starting in end 2026 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. 

 Global Health Insurance Card

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.

Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!

The latest FCO travel guidance for Norway

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway