PACING: This 16 day small ship cruisetour covers 34 ports of call along Norway's majestic, unspoilt landscape including 2 nights before the cruise and 1 night after the cruise in Bergen — the center of Norway's vibrant commercial trade. This cruisetour is moderately paced.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Most sightseeing is on air-conditioned / heated coaches with guides. Some Optional Shore Excursions require walking on uneven terrain.

CULTURAL FOCUS: This program offers great cultural opportunities to soak up the Norwegian history and culture through the onboard lectures and guided tours.

SPECIAL FACTORS: Though they are working ships as well as passenger ships, the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage ships look and feel like cruise ships. Most of the ships are outfitted with art-filled public areas, exercise rooms, saunas, hair dryers in the cabins, elevators and stabilizers. Unlike traditional cruises, however, there is no organized entertainment on board. Mother Nature is the entertainer! Think of this as your alternative to the traditional cruise. Though you stop in many ports, sightseeing time may be limited.
    Temperatures in northern Norway will change during the course of the voyage and perhaps throughout the day. To prepare, the cruiseline recommends layered dress to allow you to adapt to changes, as well as breathable rain and windproof clothing. Be sure to have a good outer jacket over normal clothes. It is important to have good, sturdy walking shoes and hat, etc. for shore excursions, included sightseeing, and port of call orientation walking tours. A helpful hint — you may want to bring an extra pair of waterproof walking shoes for comfort!

COST OF LIVING IN NORWAY: Please be aware that the cost of living is high in Norway due to regulations guaranteeing all workers a living wage and general sales tax (VAT) which is 14% on food and 25% on non-food items.  The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled by the government, so wine and spirits are heavily taxed. Following are some general guide-lines regarding every-day prices:

Glass of beer in a restaurant - $10 - $11
Glass of wine in a restaurant - $13 upwards
Dinner for 2 in a modest restaurant (an entrée plus soda) - $65 - $70
Coffee and pastry in a cafe - $10
Cappuccino / Caffe latte: $6 - $7
American or English newspaper - $7.50
Pizza for one - $22 - $25
Burger meal (Burger King or McDonalds) - $15 - $18
Postage to the US (postcard) - $2

In regular restaurants (one step up from a modest restaurant), a lunch will cost in the region of $25 - $30.  A dinner starter will cost around $25 - $30 and an entrée around $45 - $50.  Something light, like a Caesar salad, will cost around $28 while a soup will cost around $20.

On your ship, prices will be similar to those on land, with a coffee outside of meal times costing $4.50 and $3.50 for a refill, tea costing $4.25, beer $10, house wine $13 and a soda for around $6.