The epic 12 day cruise with 34 stops around incredible European country | Cruise | Travel

A cruise is a wonderful way to experience some of the best views the world has to offer from the comfort of a deck and cabin. They are available to take in a wide variety of locations, from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express takes in some of Norway’s best scenes, calling itself an “iconic route with bold fjords and mountains”. The route stops at 34 unique ports from Bergen to Kirkenes, with a £1,283 per person price (currently 20% off) including: full board with Norway’s “Coastal Kitchen”, which uses “locally sourced ingredients inspired by the region”.

There is also “breathtaking scenery and optional excursions”, the “charm” of World Heritage sites Bryggen in Bergen and beautiful Geirangerfjorden and “mindful travel” that protects Norway’s natural beauty. The travel firm says on its website: “On board, you’ll enjoy outstanding food, facilities and hospitality, so you can concentrate on simply enjoying the beauty of Norway.”

In order to bag the cruise’s Northern Lights Promise, which ensures that, if the aurora does not occur within sight of the ship on your voyage of 11 days or more, Hurtigruten would give you a six or seven day voyage free of charge, they would need to make sure their departure is between September 20 and March 31.

Suitcase Travel warns cruisers that the company’s ships have been “built at different times as new ships have replaced old”. 

They remain “a similar size with only slight differences in design and passenger numbers”, but there is reportedly one ship that is older and “kept partly for nostalgic reasons and for those that appreciate the older style of sailing”.

The travel site adds: “Unfortunately, that ‘older style’ includes the rocking motion of an older ship, as there are no modern stabilisers!

“This ship is usually a lot cheaper than the other sailings and, unless you are a seasoned sailor, is the ship to avoid.”