Norway travel update

Menu
Havila cruise ship in winter ©Havila Kystruten / Marius Beck Dahle

Havila Cruise Packages in Norway

Embark on an unforgettable coastal voyage in Norway with one of these Havila cruises arranged by a regional expert. Tour packages include your cruise reservations, accommodation, land travel and more.

view tours

Take to the sea with Havila for breathtaking views

With over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) of beautiful coastline, taking a cruise is one of the best ways to explore Norway. Dramatic fjords, jagged peaks and Viking cities are waiting for you.

Sail Norway’s historic mail boat route between Bergen and Kirkenes and you’ll have a choice of cruise liners. There’s Hurtigruten, the company that established the route in 1893. And now there’s also Havila Voyages, who launched a fleet of modern, sustainability-focused ships in 2021.

Travel with Nordic Visitor and a Scandinavia-based travel consultant will handle all the logistics for you. This includes making your cruise reservations and arranging other aspects of your trip, such as train tickets, car rental, activities and extra nights on land.

So you’ll be free to explore independently while benefiting from your dedicated travel consultant’s insider knowledge. Select the best trip for you from our range of expert-curated itineraries.

Read on for Norwegian coastal cruise inspiration and find out how to experience the country’s jaw-dropping scenery for yourself.

 

— WHY US?

Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Access our 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Professional service from local experts
  • Cancel or change your plans if you need to with Cancellation Protection

Sail Norway’s Stunning Coast

Hop on a Havila Voyages cruise anywhere between Bergen and Kirkenes for incredible fjord scenery and exciting shore excursions. Our regional experts will book your cruise, land travel, optional activities and more.

Norway
Best seller
Cruise
7 days / 6 nights
4.7
Dec - Mar

Best of Northern Norway Classic - 71° North Cape

Northern Lights & Cruise

4703EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Dec - Mar

4703EUR

EUR

Close map view
Norway
Best seller
Cruise
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
Oct - Mar

Northern Lights by Train and Cruise

Tromsø, Flåm & the Fjords

3957EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Mar

3957EUR

EUR

Close map view
Norway
Best seller
Cruise & Train
5 days / 4 nights
4.8
Oct - Apr

Norway in a Nutshell® Express - Winter

1298EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr

1298EUR

EUR

Close map view
Norway
Cruise & Train
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

Express Norway - Winter

Coastal Cruise & Flåm Railway

2577EUR

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

2577EUR

EUR

Close map view

Explore on a Scandinavian Cruise

Visit multiple countries on one trip with these Scandinavian tours that include a coastal voyage. Travel by train, ferry and cruise ship on these getaways to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and beyond.

Norway, Sweden & Denmark
Best seller
Independent Tours
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

Capitals of Scandinavia in Winter

Cruise

1549EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

1549EUR

EUR

Close map view
Norway, Sweden & Denmark
Best seller
Independent Tours
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

Best of Scandinavia Classic - Winter

Train & Cruise

2555EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

2555EUR

EUR

Close map view
Norway, Sweden, 2 more ...
Independent Tours
12 days / 11 nights
4.9
May - Sep

Best of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise

Train & Cruise

3351EUR

Eur

View map
12 days / 11 nights
May - Sep

3351EUR

EUR

Close map view
Norway, Sweden & Denmark
Best seller
Independent Tours
14 days / 13 nights
May - Sep

Capitals of Scandinavia & Norwegian Fjords

Train & Cruise

4785EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
May - Sep

4785EUR

EUR

Close map view

About Norwegian Coastal Cruises With Havila

When it comes to cruises in Norway, the journey from Bergen to Kirkenes is the most iconic. For over 130 years, this coastal route was used to transport mail, goods and people between 34 ports on the country’s stunning west coast.

Nowadays, two cruise lines sail the route – Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages. Hurtigruten was first on the scene in 1893. But in 2021, Havila Voyages launched a new fleet with more spacious cabins and a focus on sustainability.

Highlights of a Havila cruise

Setting out on a coastal voyage is one of the best ways to experience Norway’s top destinations. These are just a few of the places you could go and things you could do along the way:

  • Explore Bergen’s colourful, UNESCO-listed district of Bryggen
  • Marvel at the natural beauty of Geirangerfjord on a day tour
  • Stroll around the pretty fjord town of Ålesund, known for its architecture
  • Delve into Viking history in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city
  • Glide past the Arctic archipelago of Lofoten, where jagged peaks drop into the sea
  • Learn about the Sámi way of life at a reindeer farm near Tromsø
  • Stand atop lofty sea cliffs at North Cape, the country’s northernmost tip
  • Go on a king crab safari from Kirkenes or snowmobile to the Finnish border


What’s included in a Havila cruise package with Nordic Visitor?

What’s included in your package depends on the tour you choose. Click the “What’s Included” tab on the tour page you’re interested in to see what you’ll get as standard.

Here’s an example of what a Norway package featuring a coastal cruise comes with:

  • Private cabin with ensuite facilities
  • Full board meals during your cruise
  • On-land accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Local transport, such as train tickets, domestic flights and car rental
  • Detailed personal itinerary and travel guide with recommended attractions
  • Access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip
  • Taxes and service fees
  • Carbon offsetting for the package

While domestic flights are included with some packages, please bear in mind that flights to and from Norway aren’t. This means you’re free to choose the route, travel dates and prices that are best for you.

Can I customise my Havila Voyages Norway tour?

Absolutely! Our travel experts have designed each package so you’ll have a seamless experience. But you can still make changes to your itinerary.

Tailor your trip by adding extra nights where you’d like to spend more time on land. Or why not treat yourself to an accommodation upgrade?

There’s also a range of handpicked activities and shore excursions for you to choose from. For example, you could go kayaking, take a seabird safari, or enjoy a guided food tour.



When’s the best time for Havila cruises in Norway?

In Norway, summers are mild to warm, and the landscape is lush and green. While winter brings cold temperatures and snow to much of the country. This means the best time to visit Norway depends on the experience you want to have.

With warmer and more predictable weather, the summer months of May through September are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking. And thanks to the midnight sun, you could get up to 24 hours of daylight in Arctic Norway on a summer tour.

If you want to combine your cruise with a self-drive tour of Norway, summer is the time to travel. This way, you can drive Norway’s roads when the conditions are at their best.

On the other hand, visit Norway in winter – October to April – to chase the northern lights and try activities in the snow.

At this time of year, you’ll find Northern Norway in particular is transformed into a sparkling white wonderland. So this is the perfect time of year to go snowmobiling and husky sledding. Or you could stay in an ice hotel like Kirkenes Snowhotel.



What’s the difference between Hurtigruten and Havila cruise ships?

Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages are the only two companies ferrying travellers along this beautiful stretch of coastline between Bergen and Kirkenes. Every day one ship departs from Bergen, sailing for Kirkenes. Seven out of every 11 days, this will be a Hurtigruten ship. On the other 4 days, it’ll be a Havila Voyages vessel.

No matter who you sail with, you’ll get to soak up magnificent coastal scenery. Here’s a round-up of what to expect.

Founded in 1893, many of Hurtigruten’s ships were once used to transport mail. Because of their original purpose, each ship varies in size and at 8–11 square metres (86–118 square feet), cabins are on the cosy side. It’s also worth knowing that while all rooms have port holes, coastal views can’t be guaranteed. That said, you can head to one of the lounges or restaurant areas with floor-to-ceiling windows for soaking up the scenery.

Launched in 2021, Havila’s fleet is newer. Expect modern 15 square-metre (161 square-foot) cabins with a port hole and small sofa for taking in the view. Each Havila Voyages ship is almost exactly the same, and you’ll have access to these leisure facilities onboard:

  • Saunas
  • Jacuzzi
  • Gym
  • Café, restaurants and bars
  • Lounges with reclining chairs
  • Shop selling souvenirs, books and more

Designed with sustainability in mind, these ships are world leaders in environmentally conscious cruise travel at this scale.

Each Havila ship has a large battery pack, which lets it sail for up to 4 hours with zero emissions. This means the fleet can sail through protected waters with minimal impact. What’s more, local produce makes up much of the delicious cuisine, and meals are served à la carte to reduce food waste.

Check this listing of cruise departures to find out whether a Hurtigruten or Havila ship is sailing on your preferred travel day.


  • Fun fact: Havila’s 4 ships – Havila Capella, Havila Castor, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux – are named after stars. This is because sailors once used the stars to navigate at sea.

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

 

— COASTAL VOYAGES

Quick facts about Havila

  • Havila ships sail Norway’s west coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and back again
  • This historic mail boat route is also known as the “coastal express”
  • There are 34 ports of call along the way
  • Launched in 2021, Havila Voyages offer a modern alternative to the classic Hurtigruten ships
  • Havila’s fleet was created with a focus on sustainability

Norway Cruise Travel Experts

As a trusted travel agency with an experienced team throughout Scandinavia, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Norway. What's more, we're certified Havila Voyages agents. This means we have the most up-to-date information regarding availability of cruises and cabin types.

Nordic Visitor only works with licensed, reputable travel partners that meet our high standards, and Havila Voyages has the same strict expectations for its certified agents. To ensure the highest quality for our guests, we maintain close connections with Havila Voyages and try their cruise services ourselves.

We go beyond booking cruise services in Norway – we also make all your travel arrangements on land, including accommodation and travel by train and rental car. Our nearly all-inclusive itineraries include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known handpicked highlights. Plus, you can customise your itinerary to suit your needs.

Different ways you can experience Norway

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Norway below.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves! See what Nordic Visitor travellers say about their Norway cruise experience.

Christin, United States
Best of Northern Norway Classic - 71° North Cape, December 2023

Perfect

The tour was perfect and went smoothly the entire time. Communication from Nordic Visitor was timely and detailed. Would book with this tour company again.

Ian, United Kingdom
Norway Road Trip - Complete, July 2023

Memories we'll cherish forever

We found Norway to be a fabulous country and enjoyed every minute of our trip. The scenery was fantastic, the places visited were brilliant and the people were incredibly friendly and helpful. The information pack provided by Nordic Visitor was invaluable, the route chosen for us was superb and the places we stayed in were great. Likewise, the excursions offered, especially the Rib Safari were fantastic and gave us memories we'll cherish forever. Lastly, but by no means least, Irja, our travel consultant, couldn't have been more helpful and I would like to extend a huge thank you to her for all that she did.

James, Australia
Northern Lights by Train and Cruise, October 2023

A great experience

Very well-organised tour and a great experience. Nordic Visitor were very professional and their experience was evident in choosing the well-located and comfortable accommodation they selected for us. Best of all we got to see the northern lights!

Jonathan, United States
Norway Fjord Route by Car - Classic, June 2023

Incredibly happy!

Our travel agent, Małgorzata, was amazing to work with! She was able to add a few extra days in Oslo and arranged transportation via train to Bergen. Overall, I thought booking this vacation online and making payments was seamless. All the hotels we stayed in were nice, clean and safe! We loved the breakfast buffets, they were top notch! Also, collecting our rental car and navigating in a foreign country was seamless. We are incredibly happy that our tour package that we received at our first hotel included a physical map that had our tour highlighted.

Violetta, United States
Best of the Norwegian Fjords – Express, August 2023

Very satisfied customer

This was my second experience using Nordic Visitor. I am a very satisfied customer. A few years ago we did a self-drive tour of Iceland that was just amazing. This time we did a train/cruise combo tour of Norway. Once again, I can only say you will have a fantastic experience and you will appreciate the labuor of organising and planning being handled by experts who know what they are doing. The cruises through the fjords were beautiful as were the train trips. We loved the combination of train and boat travel as each offered distinct beauty from a different perspective. The country is truly lovely and we look forward to booking future travel with Nordic Visitor!

Dian, United States
Classic Norway, May 2023

Extraordinary!

Extraordinary! Everything went off as planned without a hitch. Our travel guide, Juliana, was exceptional, very responsive in answering our questions and providing updates.

Julie, United States
Wonders of the Norwegian Fjords, August 2023

Best vacation we ever had!

Our family of 5 (3 adult children) loved our Norway fjord tour. We saw the most beautiful scenery and loved each hotel. The food was delicious. Something for everyone. Our guide Al and driver Chris kept things running smoothly. We will have memories to last a lifetime. Thank you Nordic Visitor. Best vacation we ever had!

Alan, United Kingdom
Norway in a Nutshell® Express - Winter, March 2023

An excellent decision to book with Nordic Visitor

Following research, we decided to book with Nordic Visitor. This was an excellent decision. The booking process was easy and informative and Hanna was always available for guidance. The accommodation provided was top class and, importantly, convenient to the train stations from which we travelled. Our tour was amazing throughout with stunning scenery and sights.

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Norway adventure.

Our Services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant, tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators, which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book With Confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our flexible booking terms  .
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
  • Enjoy personal service from Norway travel experts.
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Contact us

Get in touch with us to start planning your hassle-free Havila cruise in Norway. With our regional travel consultants handling the logistics, you’re free to enjoy the journey.

Call

Our Scandinavian phone number is
+46(0) 8 666 23 30

Chat

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts

We are here to help

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help