Hurtigruten has returned one of its most iconic ships to the Norwegian coast with a new onboard concept celebrating more than 130 years of maritime heritage. Following an extensive refurbishment, Vesterålen has resumed sailing the legendary Original Coastal Express between Bergen and Kirkenes, combining modern comforts with the character and charm of one of the fleet’s most historic vessels.
Rather than transforming the ship into a contemporary floating hotel, Hurtigruten has chosen to preserve Vesterålen‘s distinctive personality. Around 100 cabins and several public spaces have been refurbished, while new Arctic Superior cabins and Mini Suites have been introduced. Throughout the renovation, the ship’s intimate scale, classic design and maritime atmosphere have remained at the heart of the project.
As the smallest ship in the Hurtigruten fleet, Vesterålen offers a noticeably different experience from many modern cruise ships. With just 133 cabins, the vessel creates a more personal atmosphere and a quieter journey along Norway’s spectacular coastline. Its smaller size allows guests to enjoy a voyage that feels closer to the original Hurtigruten experience, where the focus remains firmly on the destinations and the traditions of coastal travel.
Throughout the ship, guests will discover historic photographs, coastal-inspired artwork, vintage design features and tributes to the generations of ships and crew that helped shape Hurtigruten’s long maritime history. The result is a vessel where the journey itself becomes an important part of the experience.
“With Vesterålen returning to service, we are doing much more than bringing a ship back into operation,” says Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten. “We are giving new life to living history and proud traditions. Vesterålen offers a truly unique travel experience for both local passengers and visitors exploring the Norwegian coast.”
Bringing more than 130 years of maritime heritage to life
The new Coastal Heritage concept extends far beyond the ship’s interiors. Almost every aspect of life on board reflects Hurtigruten’s long-standing connection with Norway’s coastline.
In the restaurant, menus are inspired by recipes and original menu cards dating back to the 1930s. Crew uniforms have been redesigned using classic styles from the company’s archives, while specially created tableware pays tribute to different eras of Hurtigruten’s history. Together, these carefully considered details create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, celebrating the enduring relationship between Vesterålen and Norway’s coastal communities.
Modern comfort with historic character
While heritage remains central to the onboard experience, the refurbishment also introduces a higher level of comfort for today’s travellers. The upgraded cabins, refreshed public spaces and new accommodation categories ensure guests enjoy modern facilities without losing the authentic character that has made Vesterålen one of Hurtigruten’s most distinctive ships.
According to André Pettersen, Chief Product and Hotel Operations Officer at Hurtigruten, the response from the ship’s first guests has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The first guests have been incredibly enthusiastic about the transformation,” he says. “Many have commented on the unique atmosphere on board and the balance between historical details and modern comfort. That tells us we’ve succeeded in preserving Vesterålen‘s unique identity while bringing the onboard experience up to today’s standards.”
Today, Vesterålen once again sails year-round between Bergen and Kirkenes on Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Express, offering travellers the opportunity to experience one of Norway’s most scenic coastal voyages aboard a ship where more than a century of maritime history is still very much alive.
Pictures courtesy of Kristian Dale / Hurtigruten.
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