Cruise Frog guide
Vesterålen
Vesterålen is a Hurtigruten cruise ship, in service since 1983. She measures 6,261 gross tons and carries 274 guests. She sails Norwegian Fjords itineraries.
About Vesterålen
Vesterålen is the oldest and smallest ship in Hurtigruten's coastal fleet, a 6,261-ton vessel built at Harstad in 1983 and named after the company's first coastal steamship of 1893. A 1989 refit in Bremerhaven raised her passenger capacity, and refurbishments in 2022 and 2025 renewed about 100 cabins and added Arctic Superior cabins and mini suites. She now takes up to 274 overnight guests, or 516 people counting local port-to-port travelers. Hurtigruten markets her as its traditional coastal ship, with brass and wood interiors, Norwegian art, two restaurants and an Explorer Lounge, but no sauna, hot tub or lecture hall. She sails the classic Bergen–Kirkenes coastal route.
Ratings
- Cabins
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- Dining
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- Entertainment
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- Service
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- Pools & decks
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- Value
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Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.
Deck plans
Where she sails
Home port: Bergen, Norway.
Flying in for your cruise?
Vesterålen sails from Bergen, Norway. The airport is Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), with 1 lounge to wait in before you board.
The lounge at Bergen Airport, Flesland on Lounge FrogEvery ship sailing from Bergen, NorwayQuick answers
Which cruise line operates Vesterålen?
Vesterålen is operated by Hurtigruten.
How big is Vesterålen?
Vesterålen measures 6,261 gross tons and 109 metres in length.
How crowded does Vesterålen feel?
Vesterålen has a passenger space ratio of 22.9: 6,261 gross tons for 274 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Vesterålen feels busy for her size.
How many passengers does Vesterålen carry?
Vesterålen carries 274 guests at double occupancy.
When did Vesterålen enter service?
Vesterålen entered service in 1983 and was last refurbished in 2025.
Where does Vesterålen sail?
Vesterålen sails Norwegian Fjords itineraries. Her home port is Bergen, Norway.
Which airport should I fly into for Vesterålen?
Vesterålen sails from Bergen, Norway. Fly into Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), which has 1 airport lounge listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Vesterålen?
Hurtigruten publishes the deck plans for Vesterålen; this page links to Deck plans (PDF).
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