Recently, Elizabeth and Iona, Senior Luxury Sales Consultants at The Sovereign Cruise Club, had the privilege of experiencing Hurtigruten’s Signature Collection firsthand. Their journey took them from the northernmost reaches of Norway, across the Arctic Circle, to Longyearbyen. Below is a detailed blog post capturing their onboard experience and their professional insights on the product.
Embarkation Day
Our day began early, departing for London Heathrow (LHR) at 3 a.m. Upon arrival, we checked our bags and passed through security before boarding our flight to Oslo. After a short connection, we continued to Tromsø.
At Tromsø, we met our Hurtigruten guide and took a brief shuttle from the airport to the port. Since we were joining the ship midway through its voyage, the embarkation process differed slightly from the standard procedure. The port handling team checked our passports, and we then boarded the MS Trollfjord, where the Hurtigruten team warmly welcomed us.
We had booked unassigned Arctic Superior staterooms, meaning our rooms were allocated upon boarding. We were given our rooms, each featuring a lovely picture window. The rooms had a kettle, tea and coffee, a reusable Hurtigruten water bottle, a TV, a hairdryer, and a stocked minibar (not complimentary). Upon arrival, we were kindly gifted a personalised postcard, a small bottle of Cava, and a platter of meats and cheeses.
After dropping off our luggage, we headed to the Brasserie Arran Restaurant, which is open from 12:00 to 21:00 for lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers table service and a wide variety of dishes, including some Norwegian specialties. As we weren’t too hungry, we opted for the mussels, which were possibly the freshest we’ve ever had. Beers, wines, and soft drinks were included with the meal.
After lunch, we took a self-guided tour of the ship, exploring the three onboard restaurants, the sauna and fitness room, the destination services, and the onboard shop. We look forward to a more detailed tour with the Hurtigruten representatives later in our trip.
That evening, we had dinner at Flora, the main dining restaurant, where we were assigned a fixed table for the 6:30 p.m. seating. The three-course dinner offered a selection of dishes for each course, and our waitress was excellent, providing thoughtful recommendations and accommodating personal preferences. A few members of our group tried the rosé wine, which didn’t suit everyone’s taste, but the staff were very accommodating and quickly offered alternatives without any hassle.
After dinner, we made our way to the top deck to witness the Northern Lights, which were truly breathtaking.
Day 2 – Honningsvåg
Today, we visited the small fishing village of Honningsvåg. The ship docked at 10 a.m., and we headed to breakfast at 9 a.m. at Flora. Breakfast was served buffet-style, offering a range of pastries, cooked breakfast, and continental options. Juices, tea, and coffee were self-serve, and seating was open, allowing guests to choose where they preferred to sit.
We highly recommend booking excursions in advance. While excursions can be booked onboard, availability was limited for last-minute reservations. Despite this, the Coastal Experience Team were very helpful, offering suggestions for local activities and walks that we could do independently.
One of the highlights of the day was a “short” hike up a mountain, thanks to Iona’s persuasion. Initially, we planned to go only halfway to enjoy the scenic views, but Iona managed to convince Elizabeth to hike all the way to the summit. Along the way, we encountered two members of the Coastal Experience Team, who checked on us, provided words of encouragement, and shared their knowledge of the area. Guests are advised to wear proper walking boots, as the terrain was quite rocky and uneven.
We returned to the ship around 1 p.m. for lunch at Flora. Once again, the buffet offered a wide variety of hot and cold food options, and soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages were included.
With the ship not departing until 5 p.m., we decided to take a short walk around the village, visiting a Christmas shop and a local gift shop.
For dinner, we had a reservation at Røst, the ship’s specialty restaurant. Although this venue requires an additional fee, suite guests can dine here each night at no extra cost. We enjoyed a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings for each course. The restaurant specialises in locally sourced seafood, and our waiter provided detailed explanations of each dish and its accompanying wine. The experience went beyond just dining—it was a memorable culinary journey.
During our meal, the ship passed by the North Cape. The waiting and kitchen staff graciously paused our meal to allow us to go to the top deck and take photos, making sure we didn’t miss the beautiful sunset behind the North Cape. They shared our excitement, making the moment even more special.
After dinner, we relaxed in the 1983 Bar, enjoying a variety of included beers, wines, and spirits. Although our package only includes one cocktail, the bar staff kindly adjusted it to better suit our tastes. Suite guests enjoy a wider selection of drinks and cocktails. We ended the evening listening to a pianist play well-known songs, adding a pleasant atmosphere to our night.
Day 3 – Sea Day
Today, we made the journey from Honningsvåg to Svalbard, spending the entire day at sea. This provided an excellent opportunity to explore more of the ship. After breakfast, we began the day with a Hurtigruten training session, where we delved into the brand’s history, various itineraries, and the exclusive amenities offered to guests, especially those staying in suites.
We also learned about Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise, which guarantees that if guests do not witness the Northern Lights during an 11-day voyage or longer between September 20th and March 31st, they will receive a complimentary voyage (terms and conditions apply).
In preparation for our disembarkation at Ny Ålesund in two days, all guests were required to attend a mandatory briefing in the lecture theatre. This session provided essential information on the guidelines for visiting the port, which will be covered in more detail later in this blog.
Following the meeting, we spent time relaxing in the fitness suite and sauna. Later in the day, the captain invited us for a tour of the ship’s bridge, where we learned about the ship’s optimal cruising speed, designed to minimize fuel consumption. A slight increase in speed, we discovered, could double fuel usage. The captain also explained the ship’s stabilizers, which we found fascinating.
For dinner, we returned to Flora, the main dining restaurant where we had dined on the first night. Once again, the meal was excellent.
Day 4 – Longyearbyen
After breakfast, we spent some time on deck as the ship slowly sailed into Longyearbyen. Despite the cold, we thoroughly enjoyed taking in the breathtaking scenery. We arrived at the port shortly after midday and disembarked for our shore excursions.
We had booked the Husky Wagon ride, where we were divided into small groups of eight and taken by minibus to the wagons. There, we watched as the guide prepared the huskies, introducing us to the dogs. The ride itself lasted about an hour, with regular stops to cuddle the huskies and take photos. It was clear that the dogs loved the experience—each time we paused, they were eager to start again.
After the ride, we were treated to a visit to the husky centre, where we enjoyed hot chocolate, brandy, cookies, and waffles. Once warmed up, we had the chance to meet the puppies, which we all held, though sadly we couldn’t take any home. The guides were friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, sharing insights into local traditions and the dogs’ upbringing.
After the excursion, with an hour to spare, a few of us wanted to explore the town of Longyearbyen. The guide kindly offered to drop us off in town rather than return us directly to the ship, recommending several places to visit. The town itself was quaint, featuring a few cafes, a supermarket, and some outdoor shops.
For dinner, we dined at Arran, where the menu remainedthe same throughout the day. We enjoyed crab cakes to start, followed by reindeer shank, and finished with a creative twist on churros for dessert. While the food was delicious, the courses were served a bit too quickly, which made the dining experience feel somewhat rushed.
Day 5 – Ny Ålesund
Today, we arrived early in Ny Ålesund, docking from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. This was the port for which we had attended the mandatory briefing. Ny Ålesund, being a small research town, required that all Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices be switched off two hours before arrival and remain off until two hours after departure to avoid interfering with ongoing research. Other important rules included removing shoes before entering buildings, staying on designated footpaths, and remaining within the town’s boundaries.
We also learned that doors in the town are kept unlocked in case of polar bear sightings, allowing residents to seek immediate shelter.
During our brief exploration of the town, we visited a small museum, the northernmost post office in the world, and a gift shop. We were fortunate to spot some reindeer as well.
After leaving the port, we spent a quiet afternoon onboard, followed by dinner at Flora, the ship’s main restaurant.
MS Trollfjord Experience Review
Our time aboard the MS Trollfjord was highly enjoyable, with standout moments including witnessing the Northern Lights and participating in the incredible Husky Wagon Excursion.
The dining options were pleasant, with the suite restaurant, Rost, offering particularly fresh and flavorful dishes. However, we did feel that the dining times were somewhat restrictive, as there were no late-night food or snack options available after 9 p.m.
In the evenings, a pianist performed acoustic renditions of well-known songs in the bar, which was well-received by the guests. However, this was the sole form of entertainment available. That said, the style of the voyage seemed to suit guests who were content with a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere.
In conversations with fellow passengers, it became clear that many choose to sail with Hurtigruten repeatedly due to the unique itineraries and the laid-back onboard environment. This cruise is best suited for travellers who prefer a casual experience without the need for formal dress or extensive evening entertainment.
Iona & Elizabeth, Senior Luxury Sales Consultants
For more information on Hurtigruten Signature Sailings please see our website www.sovereigncruise.co.uk or call us on 03331 224466 where Elizabeth & Iona would love to share more information with you.