Does anyone have any positive or negative comments about any of the ships in the Hurtigruten line? I think I'd prefer the smaller ships, but wonder if there's much difference between them.
Also, has anyone taken the fall cruises? What was the weather like then?
Hurtigruten ships
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I have been on the Vesterålen twice. I chose it because it is one of the smaller ships, but does have stabilisers, which the Lofoten doesn't.
The first time I was on my own in an L cabin, starboard side, which was fine for me. There4 was quite a bit of engine noise, and the fittings were old, but it was spacious. I of course didn't need the top bunk down which helped. I got used to the noise very quickly.
The second trip with my husband we booked a P cabin, starboard side, so we weren't disturbed at night when the boat was in dock. It had two beds, one of which is made into a settee for the day. It isn't spacious but is big enough for two, and a whole lot quieter than my cabin two decks lower was.
The first trip (in February) the boat was half full, and was delightful. The second trip (in March) it was full, and less pleasant. If you choose to book it make sure to ask for first sitting at dinner, in case it is full, though in the autumn it is less likely to be so.
It isn't luxury, but it is comforatble, there is little on board entertainment, but the food is good, the crew are great and the scenery fills in the entertainment. Tbh after a day on deck or exploring places most people went to bed early, unless then Aurora were seen.
The bigger boats offer more luxurious public room, and are of course much bigger. I haven't been on one so I can't comment on the differences between them.
Unless you re booking a suite on one of the bigger boats, when you get it thrown in, do buy the coffee arrangement on board so you can drink as much tea and coffee as you want. It seems expensive to buy but is worth it. Also make sure to sign up for a ships card to pay for any extras on board rather than paying cash all the time.
I don't know what the weather is in autumn, but our cruise director on the first trip said autumn is his favourite time onboard.
You can search for my trip report of my first trip and also look for Cambe's report, she inspired my trip.
My photos from the first trip are at http://www.buckphotos.garafiano.nl//20110202_Hurtigruten/index.html
Would you suggest doing a round trip or one way? Do you experience different things each way?
On the round trip you see places going north you don't see going south and vice versa. Most people do either the round trip or the trip north. Generally the boats are quieter on the trip south, but you then miss out on Tromsø by day, and Alesund too, plus a couple of other interesting stops.
Some people leave at Tromsø both ways or at Trondheim on the way south.
I did the round trip both times and loved it each time. The weather was very different on the second trip to the first and so my husband didn't see one of the best bits - the Raftsundet, because of heavy mist, whereas that was the highlight of the trip for me the first time.
We didn't book many excursions with the two of us. He went to Nordkap, I went to the fishing village. We did go dog sledding together, but mostly we explored on our own. When I was solo I booked more excursions to be sure I was back at the boat on time!
I'd love to go again, in the autumn, or maybe for Christmas one year!