Norwegian Coastal Voyage

MS Trollfjord

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Operator: Norwegian Coastal Voyage
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 2002 / 2002
Length / Tonnage: 450 / 15,000
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 350 / 670
Officers / Crew: Norwegian / Norwegian
Operating Area: Norwegian Coast - Bergen to the North Cape

Properly called "Hurtigruten"....meaning The Express Route, the Norwegian coastal voyage is one world's last remaining long haul waterborn transportation system for passenger and cargo. Nature and geology have provided Norway with a spectacular beauty, but its craggy, rocky and often isolated nature really never facilitated land links. So like most traditional steamship services, this route, worked for quite some time exclusively by motor ships, was born of need....not conceived to provide joy rides for vacationers and the curious....although it turned out conducive to just that. The Hurtigrute is coastal Norway's lifeline since 1893, when seafarer Richard With demonstrated the benefits of regular steamship services to Norway's coastal communities organizing a north south link along Norway's very long coastline

The service has run almost without interruption since its beginning, hardly stopping for war and German occupation....true, during those difficult times it slowed, and there wasn't a nightly departure to the north....but the service never totally shut down. Represented by Norwegian Coastal Voyage in the United States, it's worth pointing out to you that Norwegian Coastal Voyage, formerly the Bergenske Dampskibsellkabet AS, used to be Norway's leading steamship company....and until around 1970, owned many of the Hurtigrute boats. Norwegian Coastal Voyage was also one of the founders of Royal Viking Line. No dabbler in people pleasing, Norwegian Coastal Voyage, known in English as the B&N Line before the War, was one of the first companies to specialize in cruising in a specific region, and then branched out. No shiplover can forget the STELLA POLARIS of 1927. She was built for Norwegian Coastal Voyage, and classic beauty that she is, resides majestic and preserved as the Hotel Scandinavia in Japan.

Because of the need for daily transport of people, goods and mail over distances as short as a few miles or over 1,500 miles apart, the Hurtigrute vessels generally appeared in multiples...that is to say, there are several ships of any one type. But because of the vagaries of nature and mechanics, not all of them have aged identically, so today's fleet sees four different groups of ships.... two grand old ladies, the near sisters LOFOTEN and NORDSTJERNEN ....the so called newer generation, the NARVIK and VESTERÅLEN (once the ugliest passenger ships ever built, and even though beneficiaries of major rebuildings in 1988, they are ships by no means lovely to look at, but they are quite comfortable inside).....and the new ships, six near sisters, instantly identifiable in the presence of their Hurtigrute sisters because they are substantially larger and so much prettier than even the grand old ladies. They are the KONG HARALD, NORDKAPP, NORDLYS, NORDNORGE, POLARLYS and RICHARD WITH. The fourth group, the Millennium Ships entered service in 2002. These sisters, FINNMARKEN, TROLLFKORD and MIDNATSOL carry 40% more passengers than the new ships, and offer improved amenities. So vital are these vessels that Norway's parliament years ago chartered them as Highway Number One....and if you look closely at the superstructure of any of them, right near the bridge wing, you will see a little painted rectangle with the number one in it....the equivalent of the sign post for the highway.

Not only is the Hurtigrute Highway Number One, it's something of a Norwegian phenomenon and national treasure, for it seems at times that all Norway meets on board these boats...and yes, the Norwegians call these vessels boats....and you can too. Just make sure to call and make your reservation, because the Hurtigrute is the prettiest trip in the world...don't miss it.

The MS Trollfjord entered service in May 2002. She has accomodations for 670 passengers and she and her sister MS Finnmarken have 50% more deck space and 40% more berths than the New Ships. Suites are available, many with a balcony, and some with a Jacuzzi. In Coastal tradition these ships are floating art galleries that showcase Norwegian paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

The MS Trollfjord has a modern design, featuring Norwegian wood and stone throughout the interior. In addition to the dining room and library, several cafes and bistros are available. Large windows have been installed throughout the ship to let the light and scenery into the public areas, and even the elevators are made out of glass. Norwegian artists have out their touches on the ship's interior. The sauna and fitness area are located on the top deck, where passengers also can enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor area or from one of the panoramic lounges. There are 19 suites, some with a balcony and Jacuzzi.