MS Richard With Cruise: 7 Days Classic Voyage North | Norway

— What You Can Expect —

Welcome aboard Hurtigruten's MS Richard With, proudly named after the founder of Norwegian Coastal Express. Renovated and upraded to a green hybrid ship in 2022, the MS Richard With promises guests a cozy and unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Norway. With comfortable cabins, top-deck Jacuzzis, and a sauna, sit back and relax as you enjoy the magnificent views. Savor delicious traditional Norwegian dishes and international cuisine in the onboard restaurants, and learn about Norway's culture, history, and natural wonders from a the ship's expert expedition team.

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights during winter months and create memories that will last a lifetime. Explore picturesque villages, see breathtaking fjords, and learn about Viking history. Departing from Bergen, this cruise is perfect for traveler seeking adventure and relaxation at the same time. 

—Route introduction—

[Day 1]: Bergen

Once on board, you'll enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail along the Hjeltefjord — an ancient Viking route. You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experts who will be your guides as we cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

• Estimated boarding time: The actual time is subject to the time on the Cruise document
• Estimated time in port: 2:45 pm-8:30 pm

[Day 2]: Florø - Molde

Enjoy the morning in the breathtaking Northfjords near Torvik. We then sail through the West Cape to Ålesund. Early in the morning, you can admire the 860-meter-high Hornelen peak, as well as the topography of the Northfjord region. Our voyage will cross the open sea for the first time as we sail past the West Cape.

After sailing past countless reefs and small islands, we will arrive at the small Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. Ålesund was destroyed by a fire in 1904 and was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style that was popular at the time. These beautiful buildings have been well preserved. Climb up the 418 steps to the top of Axla Mountain in the center of the town. On the way up the mountain, you will see the statue of Viking King Rollo, who founded the Viking kingdom in Normandy, and was an ancestor of William the Conqueror, the first King of England.

The last port on this itinerary is Molde. In summer, when the sun is just right, there is a breathtaking view of the 222 peaks that span the fjord, known as the Maud Panorama. From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all colors, worthy of Molde's nickname "City of Roses".

• Estimated time in port:

- Florø: 2:45 am-3:00 am

- Måløy: 5:15 am-5:30 am

- Torvik: 8:20 am-8:30 am

- Ålesund (1 Nov-31 May): 9:45 am-8:00 pm

- Ålesund (1 Jun-31 Oct): 9:45 am-10:00 pm

- Geiranger (1 Jun-31 Aug): 2:25 pm-2:45 pm

- Ålesund (1 Jun-31 Aug): 7:00 pm-8:00 pm

- Urke (1 Sep-31 Oct): 12:15 pm-3:45 pm

- Ålesund (1 Sep-31 Oct): 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

- Molde: 10:35 pm-11:05 pm

[Day 3]: Kristiansund - Rørvik

This part of the voyage takes us into Norway's Trøndelag region, with its rolling hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements. Trondheim was founded in 997, formerly known as Nidaros. It was the capital of Norway from 1030 to 1217 AD. Today's Trondheim is the third largest city in Norway, where there are both historical buildings and bustling students.

You'll have approximately 3 hours to explore Trondheim and its many highlights on your own, or join one of the optional excursions we offer. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display. Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house trendy eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which affords beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord

Return to the cruise ship in the afternoon and continue heading northwest past the ochre-coloured Kjeungskj lighthouse and various islets and rocky reefs to charming Rørvik.

• Estimated time in port:

- Kristiansund: 2:45 am-3:00 am

- Trondheim: 9:45 am-12:00 pm

- Rørvik: 9:40 pm-10:00 pm

[Day 4]: Brønnøysund - Svolvær

Cross the Arctic Circle! In the early morning, we cross the Arctic Circle and start your Arctic journey in Norway. The traditional ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle will be held on the outdoor deck of the cruise ship, and passengers entering the Arctic Circle for the first time will experience an unforgettable baptism. This invisible boundary line is located at 66 degrees 33 minutes north latitude. From here onwards, the sun shines 24 hours a day in summer.

This is where the North Pole begins. Norway's second largest glacier, Svartisen, is near the ancient trading post of Ernes. Our voyage continues along the beautiful Sea Grande coast, considered by many to be on par with Lofoten. In the afternoon, we set off from Bodø and crossed the Westfjord. The mountains at an altitude of 1,000 meters stood like a high wall on the opposite bank. As we approached, it gradually became clear that the Lofoten Islands finally arrived!

That afternoon, our ship will enter the Lofoten Islands. The 1000-meter-high Lofoten city walls are a stunning sight on the horizon and seem to welcome us there. Stamsund has one of the largest fishing fleets on the island and is busiest between January and April, when arctic cod (known locally as skrei) swim from the northern Barents Sea to the Westfjords to spawn. In the evening, you arrive at the beautiful harbor of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands, when you see rows of traditional fishermen's huts on stilts (known as rorbuer).

• Estimated time in port:

- Brønnøysund: 1:35 am-1:45 am

- Sandnessjøen: 4:35 am-4:50 am

- Nesna: 6:00 am-6:10 am

- Ørnes: 10:00 am-10:10 am

- Bodø: 1:05 pm-3:20 pm

- Stamsund: 7:15 pm-7:40 pm

- Svolvær: 9:20 pm-10:15 pm

[Day 5]: Stokmarknes - Skjervøy

We will arrive at the port of Harstad early in the morning and stop here. You can take advantage of the quiet hours of the morning to wander around town. Harstad is located on Heinja Island, the largest in Norway, and is the strategic hub of the entire region, as well as the commercial center of northern Russia and Northern Europe. Continuing on, passing the impressive Gisund Bridge, we will sail to Tromso, the historic capital of Arctic exploration. Here is the largest city in northern Norway, with 70,000 residents, known as the "Arctic Capital" and the starting point for countless Arctic expeditions. Our cruise will stop here for approximately 4 hours, which you can use to explore the city, or join an excursion (at your own expense).

Gateway to the Arctic ~ On the waterfront in Tromsø, you can find the northernmost aquarium in the world. In the city center you can find a number of restaurants including the Mack Brewery and Ølhallen pub. Across the fjord where the cruise ship is docked, you should be able to spot the iconic Arctic Cathedral, where the beautiful stained glass mosaics and unique triangular structures are sure to feast your eyes.

• Estimated time in port

- Stokmarknes: 1:30 am-1:40 am

- Sortland: 2:55 am-3:10 am

- Risøyhamn: 4:35 am-4:50 am

- Harstad: 7:10 am-7:45 am

- Finnsnes: 11:00 am-11:30 am

- Tromsø: 2:15 pm-6:15 pm

- Skjervøy: 10:10 pm-10:25 pm

[Day 6]: Øksfjord - Berlevåg

The boat arrives at Hammerfest on Kwaroa Island early in the morning. In summer, groups of reindeer migrate here on the island. You'll know we've reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines at the landmark Havøyglaven Wind Farm, which generates enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

Top of Europe - North Cape ~ In Honningsvåg (Honningsvåg), you can take a cultural walk in the town and indulge in these colorful buildings. From this stop you can go to the North Cape Museum – House in the North Cape or the Honningsvag Church.

We will then drive through the heart of the Sami homeland (near the entrance to the village of Kjøllefjord) as we look for the striking architectural rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient ritual site once used by the indigenous Sami people. You can join an optional excursion to meet the local Sami people, learn about their reindeer herding life, and listen to local folk songs.

In the evening, we arrived at Mehamn, the northernmost port of call. On the way to Bellevueg, we will pass the tall Slatnis Lighthouse, the northernmost continental lighthouse on Earth.

• Estimated time in port:

- Øksfjord: 1:50 am-2:00 am

- Hammerfest: 5:05 am-5:45 am

- Havøysund: 8:30 am-8:45 am

- Honningsvåg: 10:55 am-2:30 pm

- Kjøllefjord: 4:40 pm-5:00 pm

- Mehamn: 6:55 pm-7:15 pm

- Berlevåg: 10:00 pm-10:10 pm

[Day 7]: Båtsfjord - Kirkenes (Berlevåg)

See where Norway meets Russia as we dock at Båtsfjord and Vardø at night, then Vadsø in the early morning.

The port town of Vadsøe is the capital of Finnmark County in northeastern Norway. This is the beginning or end point of many explorers' adventures. Roald Amundsen drove the famous Norge airship and started his journey across the North Pole. The Vadso Coast Road is a kaleidoscope of soft colors stretching to the horizon. This place has also become a paradise for artists and British bird watchers, thousands of people come here every year to watch birds.

Kirkenes is the capital of the Barents region and the gateway to the East. The town is only a dozen kilometers from the Russian border and is the turning point of Hurtigruten's Norwegian coastal voyage. As we get closer to our destination, you will find that the landscape and water of Finnmark's coastline become more and more dreamy. This is where your Norwegian west coast voyage ends and we look forward to seeing you again!

• Estimated time in port:

- Båtsfjord: 12:00 am-12:30 am

- Vardø: 3:30 am-3:45 am

- Vadsø: 6:55 am-7:10 am

- Kirkenes: 9:00 am

*Affected by weather and sailing conditions, please refer to the actual itinerary for the specific arrival and departure time of each port*

*At each stop (excluding the first day and the seventh day) you will be able to purchase shore excursions on board at your own expense

— Introduction to Cabins —

• P2D – Arctic Superior: Located on deck 5, about 8-13 square meters. The comfortable refurbished Arctic Premium Stateroom is located on the upper deck and can accommodate up to two people with a double bed, TV and hairdryer. Some rooms include chairs, desks and coffee and tea facilities. Some cottages have limited views
• O3 – Polar Outside: Located on decks 3 and 6, about 7-13 square meters. These comfortable outdoor cabins can accommodate up to three people with individual or triple beds, one of which converts into a sofa, TV and hairdryer. Some cabins come with chairs. Some cottages have limited views
• O2 – Polar Outside: Located on decks 3 and 6, about 7-13 square meters. These comfortable outdoor cabins can accommodate up to two people and feature individual beds, one of which converts into a sofa, TV and hairdryer. Some cabins come with chairs. Some cottages have limited views
• J2 – Polar Outside: Located on deck 5 and deck 6, about 8-11 square meters. These comfortable, refurbished exterior cabins sleep up to two people and feature double beds, table and chairs, TV and hairdryer. Cottages have limited views
• I2 – Polar Inside: Located on the 3rd deck, about 8-9 square meters. These comfortable interior cabins can accommodate up to 2 people and feature individual single beds, one of which converts into a sofa, TV and hairdryer