Since 2021 two companies share the classic coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes. Same ports, same fjords, different ships. Here's the honest comparison, then a quick way to decide.
| What matters | Hurtigruten | Havila Voyages |
|---|---|---|
| Ships on the route | 7 ships, built 1993–2003, most refurbished; some historic character (MS Nordstjernen-style nostalgia on the older tonnage) | 4 identical new ships (2021–2023): Capella, Castor, Polaris, Pollux |
| Age and feel | Classic, varied; each ship different | Modern, Scandinavian-minimal, all four the same |
| Emissions | Marine diesel with battery hybrid retrofits underway | LNG + large batteries; can sail up to 4 hours emission-free (used in Geirangerfjord) |
| Cabins | Wide range from inside to suites; older layouts | Uniform, larger windows, more outside cabins |
| Food | Norway's Coastal Kitchen; set menus, local sourcing | Fixed-portion "no buffet" concept to cut waste; strong local menu |
| Price (12-day round trip, two sharing, shoulder season) | From roughly NOK 22 000–30 000 per person | Often NOK 2 000–5 000 per person lower for similar cabin |
| Port-to-port tickets | Yes — flexible short hops | Yes — often cheaper for short hops |
| Excursions | Largest programme, decades of experience | Growing programme, mostly the same operators |
| Northern lights promise | "Northern Lights Promise" on some winter voyages: free 6- or 7-day voyage if no aurora | No equivalent guarantee |
| Best for | Tradition, excursions, aurora guarantee | Newer ships, lower emissions, price |
Checked . Prices are indicative ranges for planning, not quotes.
Hurtigruten voyages · Havila Voyages · Short hops between coastal towns: day cruises and fjord tours
Both companies call at the same 34 ports on the same schedule, because the route is a state contract. You aren't choosing the scenery — you're choosing the ship. Southbound and northbound show you different ports in daylight, so pick direction by which stretch matters most to you: Lofoten is daytime northbound in summer, Geirangerfjord is a summer-only detour.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We've sailed both; the table reflects our own notes plus each company's published information.