We arrived the day before our cruise and spent a little time in Kierkenes before getting on the ship the 13th of September. Embarkation and disembarkation went very smoothly and we were in our cabins within an hour of getting on board. The seas were rough the first day out, but once we got into the fjords, it was fine. The food was very good and they always had a wide variety to choose from for breakfast and lunch. Dinner was always a surprise, but excellent also. The staff in the kitchen and dining room were always friendly and informative. All in all, it was a great cruise; many shore excursions to choose from and we learned some of Norway's history along the way. I would highly recommend a Hurtigruten cruise to anyone who loves to cruise. I should mention, the boat size was not huge, but the MSNordkapp was just perfect for us. And, no kids!