Nordkapp Review

4.0 / 5.0
56 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Adam Coulter
U.K. Executive Editor

MS Nordkapp is one of Hurtigruten's older ships having launched in 1996, but regular refurbishments have ensured it's got a fresh, clean, modern look (at least from Deck 4 up).

It's small and pretty basic -- ideal, in fact, for navigating the fjords and inlets of Norway's jagged, 1,250-mile coastline, which it does 365 days of the year, come rain, snow, sleet, hail or gales. Unlike some Hurtigruten ships, MS Nordkapp is dedicated to this stretch of the coast, stopping at 34 ports from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far north and back, a journey time of 11 days. (Hurtigruten encourages passengers to do the entire round trip, but you can just do one way.)

Life onboard is simple: Eat, get ready for an excursion, get back onboard, eat, listen to a lecture and an early night. During longer periods of navigation, you'll find people dotted all over the ship looking out, cameras in hand, admiring the natural beauty of this stunning landscape and looking for wildlife, such as eagles, orcas and whales.

A sailing on MS Nordkapp is very much about the destination, so do not expect any frills. Yes, the higher-grade cabins do have modern conveniences (TV, mini-fridge) and there is excellent Wi-Fi. But you won't find such typical cruise ship add-ons as room service, nightly shows, a cruise director or even a swimming pool (there are two hot tubs, wonderful on a freezing polar night).

Note, too, that you can "upgrade" your experience depending on the fare type you buy. A Basic fare gets you just that, the basics. Select fares allow you a choice of cabin and include Wi-Fi, coffee (not specialty) and tea. Platinum is the highest fare and gets you into a mini-suite, plus includes such things as specialty dining and private airport transfers.

Where the ship does punch way above its weight, though, is food: There is just one dining room and a specialty restaurant, but both are outstanding -- the freshest of freshly caught shellfish, local meats and vegetables, local desserts with a story attached, wine pairing and top-notch service. It's like eating in a fine dining restaurant on land without the bill (note, however, Norway is expensive and that is reflected in the cost of alcohol).

Aside from wildlife spotting, excursions are the main source of entertainment on a MS Nordkapp sailing, and they are many and varied. Some of our favorites included staying in a snow hotel, snowmobiling at night, husky sledding, horseback riding and kayaking. We love that there's something for most ages and all abilities.

Pros

True exploration of the Norwegian coastline, great seafood

Cons

No Broadway-style shows, choice of dining outlets or evening entertainment

Bottom Line

It's hard to beat this ship if you are after the true Norwegian Coastal Voyage experience

About

Passengers: 590
Crew: 62
Passenger to Crew: 9.52:1
Launched: 1996
Shore Excursions: 33

Fellow Passengers

Who's sailing depends partly on when you're sailing, so over the winter period, you will find Germans, Swedes and French with the odd smattering of Americans, Canadians, Japanese and British. The average age is around 60/65+, and most people are traveling in groups or couples, so it feels more international. Come summer, the age skews downwards and you'll get more families.

Norwegians use it year-round as a jump-on, jump-off service and as a car ferry (which it still is).

Norwegian is the first language, but everyone without exception speaks perfect English and all announcements are in both languages.

Nordkapp Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Main dining room

  • Use of the gym, sauna and hot tubs

  • Coffee and tea (in MDR)

  • Lectures

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Gratuities (cash only, in Norwegian kroner)

  • All drinks beyond dispensed water, tea, coffee and select juices in the buffet

  • Shore excursions

  • Wi-Fi

Hurtigruten Nordkapp Dress Code

There is no dress code. Hurtigruten does offer a suggested packing list: for winter, thermal underwear, waterproof jackets and trousers, hiking boots, waterproof gloves, a hat and dark glasses. You should also bring a swimsuit for the hot tubs -- even in winter. In the summer bring a hat, sunscreen, dark glasses and hiking boots.

Find a Nordkapp Cruise from $1,228

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More about Hurtigruten Nordkapp

Where does Hurtigruten Nordkapp sail from?

Hurtigruten Nordkapp departs from Bergen

Where does Hurtigruten Nordkapp sail to?

Hurtigruten Nordkapp cruises to Bergen, Geiranger, Alesund, Molde, Trondheim, and Tromso

How much does it cost to go on Hurtigruten Nordkapp?

Cruises on Hurtigruten Nordkapp start from $1,228 per person.
Hurtigruten Nordkapp Cruiser Reviews

Fantastic coastal cruise.

We can highly recommend Hurtigruten and the MS Nordkapp!Read More
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adickinson

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 30s

Great ship, great staff and great travel

We have traveled from Bergen to Trondheim on MS NORDKAPP Hurtigruten's ship. It has been a great experience.Read More
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mtissabel

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 50s

Amazing cruise along Beautiful Norway.

There is plenty of room on the ship to move around and they will always inform you ahead of time if there is a particular interesting site coming up so you can prepare your camera and go outside in time to take pictures.So many of the dishes were great memories of time past when i used to live there a long long time ago.Read More
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room 216

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 70s

Exceeded my expectations.

We had a package which included tea and coffee obtainable from various locations on the ship at any time of the day or night.A diary for the day is available the previous evening - it details talks on points of interest (usually on deck) opportunities to try out food types, talks on issues relevant to the cruise - eg the Lofoten fishing industry and many others.Read More
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Bore da

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 60s

Hurtigruten Fleet
Maud

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