Kong Harald

Overview

The six contemporary ships that Hurtigruten brought on line between 1993 and 1997 are small but comfortable vessels for cruising or hopping from port to port along the Norwegian coast. Each has a modest array of public rooms and facilities and a car deck.

Although Kong Harald is formally named after the King of Norway, you'll find other famous Norwegian names on board: the bar is named after Nobel Peace laureate Fridtjof Nansen, the café after explorer Roald Amundsen.

Nordkapp, which means North Cape, is named after the majestic rock formation on the outpost of the European continent. On board, artworks from the renowned Norwegian artist Karl Erik Harr are a featured element.

Although relatively small and simple, Polarlys is still stylish. Furnished with mahogany paneling and polished brass, she contains a choice selection of contemporary Norwegian art, including sculptures, carvings, paintings, and glass art.

Nordnorge's art nouveau- and art deco-influenced interiors are highlighted with artwork by well-known Norwegian artists.

The art, decor, and colors found inside Nordlys are all inspired by its namesake northern lights. Decorated with original artwork provided by Norwegian artists, the public rooms are comfortable, though not lavish.

Richard With, the namesake of this vessel, was the founder of the Coastal fleet, which had as its original mission to provide regular communications and transit between the remote villages of Norway's west coast.

Each ship features enclosed observation lounges with commanding views forward, as well as plenty of outside deck space. Recent refits added Internet cafés to all and hot tubs to Nordkapp, Nordnorge, and Richard With. In true Nordic style, each ship also has a sauna.