For over 130 years, the iconic 2,500-nautical-mile voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes—connecting 34 isolated coastal communities along Norway's dramatic coastline—was the exclusive domain of Hurtigruten. That historic monopoly ended when the Norwegian Ministry of Transport awarded four coastal express concessions to Havila Voyages (Havila Kystruten). Deploying four brand-new, ultra-modern eco-hybrid ships (Havila Capella, Havila Castor, Havila Polaris, and Havila Pollux), Havila has revolutionized Norwegian coastal cruising with cutting-edge green technology, Scandinavian interior design, and an innovative culinary concept.

Havila's eco-hybrid vessels cruise silently through Norway's dramatic fjords powered by LNG and mega-battery packs.

Havila Voyages Stateroom Hierarchy

Unlike older coastal ships with compact, functional bunk-bed cabins, Havila’s purpose-built vessels were designed around contemporary Nordic luxury, generous square footage, and floor-to-ceiling glass to showcase the ever-changing polar scenery:

1. The Lighthouse Suite (45 m² / 484 sq. ft.) – The Pinnacle of Coastal Luxury

With only two exclusive Lighthouse Suites per ship, these are without question the finest accommodations operating along the Norwegian coastal route:

• Private Outdoor Jacuzzi: An expansive 15 m² private aft balcony equipped with your own personal heated outdoor whirlpool jacuzzi—allowing you to soak under the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun in total privacy.
• Separate Living & Sleeping Quarters: A grand master bedroom featuring a king-size bed facing the wake of the ship, plus a separate salon with dining table, sofa seating, and writing desk.
• VIP Dining & Minibar: All meals included in the specialty fine dining restaurant Hildring, and a complimentary minibar replenished daily with local Norwegian ciders, premium spirits, and refreshments.
• Luxury Bath: Spacious daylight bathroom with double vanity, walk-in rain shower, plush bathrobes, and slippers.

The Lighthouse Suite features an exclusive private balcony with a personal outdoor heated jacuzzi overlooking the fjords.

2. The Junior Suite with Balcony (22 – 25 m² / 237 – 269 sq. ft.)

Positioned along Decks 7 and 8, Junior Suites provide private outdoor living with a 6 to 9 m² furnished private balcony:

• Panoramic Windows: Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening onto the fresh sea air.
• Living Area: Comfortable lounge seating with coffee table, flat-screen smart TV, desk, and tea/coffee facilities.
• Nordic Bedding: Premium twin beds joined into a king configuration with hypoallergenic Scandinavian duvets.
• Breakfast Inclusions: Choice of breakfast at Havrand or intimate dining in Hildring.

Junior Suites offer 22 to 25 square meters of Nordic luxury with private walk-out balconies.

3. Seaview Superior Cabins (15 – 20 m² / 161 – 215 sq. ft.)

The backbone of Havila’s accommodation offerings, Seaview Superior cabins feature large picture windows framing sea and mountain vistas, twin or double bedding, a spacious tiled bathroom with heated floors, ample wardrobe space, and quiet climate control.

Seaview Superior cabins offer bright Scandinavian design, heated bathroom floors, and sweeping ocean windows.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Havila Voyages vs. Hurtigruten Coastal

Culinary Innovation: The "Havila Food Journey"

One of Havila’s most celebrated achievements is the complete abolition of conventional self-service buffets. To eliminate food waste, executive chefs created the Havila Food Journey: all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in the main Havrand Restaurant are served àà à la carte.

Havrand Restaurant serves fresh àà à la carte regional Norwegian dishes, eliminating all buffet food waste.

The menu rotates every few days based on the exact coastal waters you sail through: Sognefjord goat cheeses and cider, Arctic cod and king crab from Finnmark, reindeer from the Sami plains, and cloudberries picked from polar bogs. Guests order as many small tasting plates as they wish, ensuring freshly cooked, beautifully presented gourmet cuisine at every meal.

Specialty restaurant Hildring presents multi-course tasting menus highlighting Arctic seafood delicacies.

Chasing the Aurora: Observation Lounges & Sun Deck Jacuzzis

During the winter voyaging season (October to March), Havila ships cruise deep into the Arctic Auroral Oval. Havila was engineered specifically for Aurora viewing:

• Bow Observation Lounge: Features glass roof paneling, inclined floor-to-ceiling windows, and individual reclining loungers with reading lamps and quiet acoustic zones.
• Sun Deck Heated Jacuzzis: Two large outdoor whirlpools heated to a toasty 38°C (100°F), allowing passengers to watch green and violet Northern Lights dance across snowcapped peaks from the comfort of bubbling hot water.
• In-Cabin Aurora Alerts: An automated phone wake-up system alerts you the moment the bridge spots Northern Lights activity, ensuring you never miss a midnight display.

The forward observation lounge features glass ceilings and comfortable recliners for viewing the Aurora and Arctic fjords.

Soak in heated outdoor jacuzzis on the top deck while cruising beneath crisp Arctic skies.

Fjords & Arctic Wonders: Geiranger to Lofoten

Havila’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back encompasses Norway’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. In summer, the ship glides on pure battery power past the Seven Sisters waterfalls in Geirangerfjord; in autumn, it visits the secluded Hjørundfjord; and year-round, it navigates the dramatic granite needles of the Lofoten archipelago.

Havila navigates Geirangerfjord 100% emission-free and silently on electric battery power.

Explore picturesque rorbuer cabins and soaring granite peaks across the dramatic Lofoten Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Havila Voyages