Your journey begins in Bergen, Norway's second-largest city and the gateway to the fjords. Established in 1070 AD, Bergen features architecture inspired by the Hanseatic League, a wealthy German trading organization from the 14th century.

If you have time before departure, explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharfs, a vibrant artisan quarter with cobblestone streets. Nearby, you'll find the famous Fish Market, known for its fresh seafood, and the Fløibanen funicular, which offers stunning views of the city from the top of Mount Fløyen.

For an enhanced experience in Norway, we can also help arrange additional tours before or after your voyage, such as the popular Norway in a Nutshell program.

Your voyage begins
Before boarding, relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once on board, enjoy the first of many meals crafted from fresh coastal ingredients as we leave Bergen, sailing the historic Viking route along Hjeltefjord.

Meet the Coastal Experience Team, who will be your guides along Norway's coast, providing lectures, onboard activities, and organizing optional hikes.

Port Time:
Bergen: 14:45 - 20:30

Begin your day early in Nordfjord near Torvik before we sail past West Cape to Ålesund.

The Art Nouveau City
Ålesund is famous for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and the Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re traveling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this charming town.

Journey into the Fjords
In the summer, from June to August, we head towards the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord*, a protected paradise with sheer cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls like the renowned Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord.

*Note:
Geirangerfjord will be replaced by Hjørundfjord on select 2025 sailings: June 1, 12, 23; July 4, 15, 26; August 6, 17, 28.

In spring (April to May*) and autumn (September to October), your ship will instead sail to the secluded Hjørundfjord in the Sunnmøre Alps. During this journey, we’ll also stop at the picturesque village of Urke, where you can take in views of ancient farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides. *Applicable only to 2025-26 departures.

Mountains and Roses
Our last port of the day is Molde. In summer, you might catch a view of the “Molde Panorama” with its 222 visible mountain peaks across the fjord.

From mid-June to late August, the town’s streets and gardens come alive with roses in full bloom, fitting for Molde’s nickname, “The City of Roses.”

Port Schedule:

• Florø: 02:45 - 03:00
• Måløy: 05:15 - 05:30
• Torvik: 08:20 - 08:30
• (01.11-31.03) Ålesund: 09:45 - 20:00

(01.04 – 31.05* & 01.09-31.10) Ålesund: 09:45 - 10:00 & 18:00 - 20:00
(01.04-31.05* & 01.09-31.10) Urke: 12:15 - 15:45
(01.06-31.08) Ålesund: 09:45 - 10:00 & 19:00 - 20:00
(01.06-31.08) Geiranger: 14:25 - 14:45

• Molde: 22:35 - 23:05

On this part of the voyage, we enter Norway’s Trøndelag region, known for its rolling hills, farmland dotted with homesteads, and coastal villages.

Historic, Charming, and Contemporary
Founded in 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim is now Norway’s third-largest city, combining historic architecture with a lively student scene.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim’s highlights, either on your own or through one of our optional excursions.

A top attraction here is Nidaros Cathedral, often called “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic architecture and revered as the most sacred building in Norway. Next to the cathedral, you can visit the Archbishop’s Palace, where Norway’s crown jewels are displayed.

Nearby, the historic Gamle Bybro bridge spans the Nid River and leads to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. This neighborhood features colorful wooden wharves on stilts along the river, now housing various eateries. Above Bakklandet lies Kristiansten Fortress, offering beautiful views over the city and fjord.

Back Onboard
In the afternoon, we sail northwest, passing the orange-hued Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, small islands, and rocky reefs on our way to the charming town of Rørvik.

Port Schedule:

• Kristiansund: 02:45 - 03:00
• Trondheim: 09:45 - 12:45
• Rørvik: 21:40 - 22:00

Early in the morning, we cross the Arctic Circle, officially beginning your Arctic adventure through Norway. We’ll celebrate this milestone with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to start your day with energy.
Above the Arctic Circle, you’ll experience the midnight sun in summer, while in winter, your chances of spotting the Northern Lights are even higher.

Natural Wonders
At 10:00, we stop at Ørnes, located near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. A popular attraction here is the Love Bench, where couples seal their love with padlocks.

Next, we sail to Bodø, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, framed by the Børvass peaks. Here, you can enjoy striking street art or join an optional boat trip to Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom.

Entering Lofoten
In the afternoon, we arrive in the Lofoten archipelago. The towering 1,000-meter Lofoten Wall appears on the horizon as if to welcome us.

Stamsund hosts one of Lofoten’s largest fishing fleets, especially active from January to April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, migrate south from the Barents Sea to Vestfjord for spawning.

By evening, you’ll spot rows of traditional stilted fisherman’s cabins, or rorbuer, signaling our arrival in the charming harbor town of Svolvær, the main hub of the Lofoten Islands.

Port Schedule:

• Brønnøysund: 01:35 - 01:45
• Sandnessjøen: 04:35 - 04:50
• Nesna: 06:00 - 06:10
• Ørnes: 10:00 - 10:10
• Bodø: 13:05 - 15:20
• Stamsund: 19:15 - 19:40
• Svolvær: 21:20 - 22:15

We arrive in Harstad shortly after 07:00, offering you the chance for a peaceful early morning walk around town.

Afterward, the ship heads to Finnsnes, which is linked to the scenic island of Senja by the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep an eye out for seabirds along the way, as there are several colonies nearby, including puffins.

Gateway to the Arctic
Our next stop is Tromsø, the historic center for Arctic exploration, where you’ll have four hours to explore or join an optional excursion.

Along the waterfront, you can visit Polaria, a center dedicated to Arctic environmental research with a small aquarium. In the city center, you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants, including Mack Brewery and the popular Ølhallen pub. Try a café for a tasty cinnamon bun, where baristas often craft creative coffee art. Across the fjord from the dock, you’ll see the iconic Arctic Cathedral, known for its stunning stained-glass mosaic.

As we depart Tromsø in the early evening, we sail north toward the historic trading post of Skjervøy, established in 1622. En route, we pass the majestic Lyngen Alps rising from the sea.

Port Schedule:

• Stokmarknes: 01:30 - 01:40
• Sortland: 02:55 - 03:10
• Risøyhamn: 04:35 - 04:50
• Harstad: 07:10 - 07:45
• Finnsnes: 11:00 - 11:30
• Tromsø: 14:15 - 18:15
• Skjervøy: 22:10 - 22:25

The ship arrives in Hammerfest, located on the island of Kvaløya, early in the morning. During summer, thousands of reindeer migrate to the island.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines from the Havøyglaven wind farm, which generates enough electricity to supply 6,000 local homes.

At the Top of Europe
We reach Honningsvåg mid-morning, the gateway to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the northernmost point of continental Europe. From Honningsvåg, you can join an optional excursion to the North Cape by bus, possibly passing reindeer herds along the way, depending on the season.

Sámi Heartlands
Near the entrance to the village of Kjøllefjord, look out for Finnkirka, a rock formation resembling a building, which served as an ancient sacrificial site for the indigenous Sámi people. A summer excursion offers the chance to meet local Sámi, learn about their reindeer-herding lifestyle, and listen to traditional joik folk songs.

Continuing North
We reach our northernmost port, Mehamn, in the evening. In February and March, you might see large quantities of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, primarily for export.

The ship then heads to Berlevåg, passing the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse in the world.

Port Times:

• Øksfjord: 01:50 - 02:00
• Hammerfest: 05:05 - 05:45
• Havøysund: 08:30 - 08:45
• Honningsvåg: 10:55 - 14:30
• Kjøllefjord: 16:40 - 17:00
• Mehamn: 18:55 - 19:15
• Berlevåg: 22:00 - 22:10

The ship stops at Båtsfjord and Vardø during the night, arriving in Vadsø early in the morning.

Eyes on the Skies
The area around Vadsø is a stunning and popular spot for birdwatching in the Arctic, situated right under a key migration route for birds flying from east to west. Look out for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Near Norway’s Border
By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have traveled farther east than both St. Petersburg and Istanbul. Here, you can choose from several optional excursions to explore the region.

Turning Point of the Journey
Kirkenes marks the point where the Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction, with the ship now heading south. Many of the places we visited at night on the way north will now be seen during the day.

Back in Vardø, you can visit the somber Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, constructed in 1737. This northernmost fortress remains an active military site today.

We return to the lively, small port of Båtsfjord, before continuing to Berlevåg in the late evening, where we pass the northbound ship.

Port Times:

• Båtsfjord: 00:00 - 00:30
• Vardø: 03:30 - 03:45
• Vadsø: 06:55 - 07:10
• Kirkenes: 09:00 - 12:30
• Vardø: 16:05 - 17:00
• Båtsfjord: 20:00 - 20:30
• Berlevåg: 22:25 - 22:35

The ship makes nighttime stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

The Northernmost City
In the early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hammerfest, the most populous of the world’s northernmost settlements. Here, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, pick up souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or hike the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen.

Mountains and Marine Life
Our cruise continues south along Norway’s coast, stopping at Øksfjord and then Skjervøy, a historic fishing port we've been visiting since 1896, surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. If you’re here in winter, you may spot orcas and humpback whales feeding on herring.

As we head toward Tromsø, you might catch glimpses of the Lyngen Alps, home to some of Norway's tallest peaks.

Midnight Magic
We dock in Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer, you can explore this lively city in the beauty of 24-hour daylight.

Port Times:

• Mehamn: 01:20 - 01:30
• Kjøllefjord: 03:25 - 03:35
• Honningsvåg: 05:45 - 06:00
• Havøysund: 08:00 - 08:15
• Hammerfest: 11:00 - 12:45
• Øksfjord: 15:50 - 16:05
• Skjervøy: 19:30 - 19:45
• Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30

Today, you'll explore the stunning archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, true gems along our scenic Norway route.

After stopping at Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship arrives at Harstad, home to the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, perched on the peninsula.

Our next stop is the quaint port of Risøyhamn, followed by Sortland, where the landscape gradually shifts from gentle hills to towering mountains over 1,000 meters high.

Our Origins
Stokmarknes is the birthplace of The Coastal Express, established by Captain Richard With in 1893. Here, you can visit the Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle-style museum celebrating our heritage, featuring the preserved MS Finnmarken from 1956.

A Fjord Fit for a Ship
As we cruise through Raftsund, the Captain may navigate into the narrow Trollfjord, if weather allows. The towering mountain walls will feel close enough to touch! To exit the fjord, the ship will perform a 180-degree turn in place before sailing back out. Keep an eye out for sea eagles in this area as well.

Leaving Lofoten
In the evening, we reach Svolvær, overlooked by a massive mountain called the Svolvær Goat, named for its distinctive shape. See if you can spot the resemblance!
The ship then heads toward Stamsund, passing the impressive granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

Port Times:

• Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30
• Finnsnes: 04:20 - 04:40
• Harstad: 08:00 - 08:30
• Risøyhamn: 10:45 - 11:00
• Sortland: 12:30 - 13:00
• Stokmarknes: 14:15 - 15:15
• Svolvær: 18:30 - 20:30
• Stamsund: 22:15 - 22:30

The ship stops at Bodø in the early hours, followed by a morning call at Ørnes at 7 am. Shortly after breakfast, we cross the Arctic Circle! Mark the occasion with a taste of traditional Norwegian cod liver oil.
After a quick stop at Nesna, we sail to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the stunning Helgeland Coast.

A Legendary Landscape
Marvel at the breathtaking Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks reaching up to 1,100 meters. According to legend, these seven beautiful mountains were once troll princesses who turned to stone as the sun rose while they were fleeing from an unwanted suitor.

Keep an eye out for Torghatten Mountain, famous for its distinctive hole. There’s a fascinating legend explaining how this mountain came to have such a feature—ask your Coastal Experience guide for the story!

In the mid-afternoon, we reach Brønnøysund. Take a stroll along Havnegata by the bustling marina, and visit Brønnøy Church, a beautiful Neo-Gothic stone church dating back to 1870 in the town center.

Our last port of the day is the charming fishing village of Rørvik, nestled in the scenic Vikna archipelago.

Port Times:

• Bodø: 02:30 - 03:30
• Ørnes: 06:25 - 06:35
• Nesna: 10:25 - 10:35
• Sandnessjøen: 11:45 - 12:15
• Brønnøysund: 15:00 - 17:25
• Rørvik: 21:00 - 21:30