Always wanted to cruise the Norwegian fijords, but did not want a monster ship with 3000 people.This trip with 350 passengers on a working ferry boat filled this desire to T. The food was excellent, the staff friendly, the excursions interesting and the ability to meet interesting people were all part of this cruise. The scenery was amazing and being a smaller boat, you felt closer to the action and wonder. We had access to many of the cities where we were able to disembark and enjoy the sights and participate in the guided and unguided tours if we wanted. Were not at ports where the trinket sellers and souvenir shops dominated. This is not a cruise for young children particularly because there were no "fake fun" activities. However, the food, especially the morning buffet breakfast and afternoon buffet lunch were extraordinary with so much fresh food that was picked up at the various ports along the way. The evening meals were simple, but more than adequate and the choice of dining times assured that the room was not too crowded. The staff was superb. Go Hurtigruten!