Reunion with Hurtigruten onboard MS Midnatsol and MS Nordlys in Norway

By Henning Vinter, Senior Expedition Advisor at Cruise Norway

I recently returned from a trip to Bergen, and I have to say—stepping back on board the MS Midnatsol and MS Nordlys was a reunion I’d been anticipating for a long time.

The trip began with a Signature Voyage up to Tromsø, and it was pure indulgence. Between the onboard lectures and the stops—Åndalsnes, Træna, and the breathtaking village of Reine in Lofoten—every moment felt special. We were blessed with incredible weather, too. After a little typical rain in Bergen, the skies cleared, and the sun followed us for the rest of the trip. The long port calls were a gift; I quickly stopped checking my watch and just leaned into the rhythm of life on board.

The comfort of our cabin was great, but the dining was the real standout. Every meal was a culinary event, and there is genuinely nothing better than enjoying a high-quality, delicious meal while the Norwegian fjords glide past your window.

Reine was a major highlight. For those of us feeling adventurous, we climbed the 500 meters up to Reinebringen. It was a grueling climb (just stairs!), but the view from the top made every step worth it.

After a stop in Tromsø, we swapped over to the standard Coastal Express. Could it compete with the Signature Voyage? Mostly, yes. The ship was beautiful—simple, Nordic elegance—and the crew were so attentive. The cabins were a bit cozy, but honestly, you don’t go on this trip to stay in your room; you go to see the scenery! The only downside was the noise from the engines during the short port calls, which was a bit intrusive in the early morning.

But the food was just as excellent as before, and as we headed further north, the landscape became even more dramatic. We finished in Kirkenes, a town with such deep history and proximity to the Russian border. Between the local museums and a visit to the Snow Hotel, it was the perfect finale to an incredible reunion with Hurtigruten.