Norway’s coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes is one of the world’s great sea journeys: 34 ports, the Arctic Circle, fjords, fishing villages and, in winter, the Northern Lights. Two companies sail it, Hurtigruten, which has run the route since 1893, and Havila Voyages, which joined in 2021.
Here is how they compare.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- Hurtigruten and Havila side by side
- Our verdict
- When to go
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurtigruten | Norwegian coastal | 7 Ships on the Bergen–Kirkenes route | Heritage and authenticity | Main dining, Coastal-expert lectures, Working-ship experience |
| Havila Voyages | Norwegian coastal | 4 Hybrid-electric ships | Modern, greener ships | Cabin accommodation, Buffet meals or à la carte, Daily port calls |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
Hurtigruten and Havila side by side
Hurtigruten
- Norwegian coastal
- 7 Ships on the Bergen–Kirkenes route
Norway’s original Coastal Express since 1893, a working postal-and-passenger route with seven ships calling at 34 ports every day of the year, with coastal-expert lectures and an Aurora guarantee.
Best for: Heritage and authenticity
Havila Voyages
- Norwegian coastal
- 4 Hybrid-electric ships
- 720 Max guests / ship
Four modern hybrid-electric ships built in 2022–23, sailing the same Bergen–Kirkenes route with 34 ports, designed for low-emission operation in the fjords.
Best for: Modern, greener ships
Side by side: the details
| Hurtigruten | Havila Voyages | |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet | 7 Ships on the Bergen–Kirkenes route | 4 Hybrid-electric ships |
| Ship size | – | 720 Max guests / ship |
| Included as standard | Main dining, Coastal-expert lectures, Working-ship experience, Wi-Fi (basic), Sauna & gym, Aurora guarantee | Cabin accommodation, Buffet meals or à la carte, Daily port calls, WiFi |
| Main departure ports | Bergen, Kirkenes, Tromsø, Trondheim, Ålesund | Bergen, Kirkenes |
| Loyalty programme | Hurtigruten Returner | – |
| Might not suit you if | you want a resort cruise; you want fine dining; you hate small ports and quick stops | you want luxury polar expedition; you want pure leisure; you want a long brand history |
Our verdict
Choose Hurtigruten for the original, authentic experience and its long heritage. Choose Havila for the newest ships and quiet, low-emission sailing. Both are working routes rather than resort cruises, with short calls at many small ports, which is the magic of the journey.
When to go
Winter (October to March): the Northern Lights and snowy landscapes. Summer (May to August): the midnight sun and green fjords. The full round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back takes around 11 to 12 nights, and you can also sail one way.
How we compared them
We compared the two coastal operators using the information on our own cruise-line pages. Our comparisons are based on what each line offers as standard: ship size, what’s included, atmosphere and who it suits. Fares and inclusions change and often depend on the fare type, so check the details for your sailing, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hurtigruten or Havila better?
Hurtigruten for heritage; Havila for the newest hybrid-electric ships. Both sail the same route.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Your chances are good between October and March; Hurtigruten offers an Aurora guarantee.
How long is the Norwegian coastal voyage?
About 11 to 12 nights for the full round trip from Bergen.
Is it a cruise?
It is a working coastal route with cruise-style cabins and dining, rather than a resort cruise.
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Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
