-Life Onboard

Hurtigruten vs HX

Iglu Cruise

12 Oct 2023 • 5 min read

MS Kong Harald

Hurtigruten and HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten’s rich history began in 1893, when its founder, Captain Richard With, brought his steamer ship, the DS Vesteraalen into service. A route that took the ship along the coast of Norway, it created an express route between Trondheim and Tromsø or Hammerfest (depending on the season). This sea link connected the rural, isolated communities in Norway and allowed for the transport for not only mail, but other goods and passengers.

Known as the Coastal Express, it was the start of a legacy for Hurtigruten and this iconic route is still travelled today. Now divided into HX Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten, they offer extraordinary voyages to some of the world’s most unique destinations.

But what is the difference between Hurtigruten and HX? In our guide, we’ll take you through how these differ, the destinations that they both visit and which ships sit within each fleet.

Hurtigruten - Original and Signature Voyages

Hurtigruten offers sailings to destinations throughout Norway and Svalbard through their Original and Signature Voyages.

The Coastal Express - Original Voyages

The sailings that are offered on the Coastal Express differ to that of other voyages. Sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes on round trips, the scenic route along the Norwegian coast is said to be one of the most picturesque in the world.

Throughout the sailings, the ships will stop at various ports, throughout the day and night. A way of seeing Norway's breathtaking scenery in a relaxed way, you’ll leave your Coastal Express sailing with unique experiences; from developing a deep knowledge of the country from the Coastal Experience Team, to trying local cuisine and stopping off at ports that aren’t often frequented by cruise ships. The Coastal Express calls at 34 different ports, including the likes of Alesund, Batsfjord, Finnsnes and Kristiansund, providing a crucial transportation link.

With the Coastal Express ships departing from Bergen most days, this unique experience will create everlasting memories as you sail through the coastal towns, interact with the local people and discover the variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites located throughout the Norwegian coastline.

What's Included on The Coastal Express Sailings?

There’s so much on offer on a Coastal Express sailing. Some of the the top highlights include:

Food throughout your voyage
Access to an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Coastal Experience Team
Onboard lectures around a range of topics
Presentations about the shore excursions on offer

North Cape Line and Svalbard Line (Signature Voyages)

Alternatively, you can opt to sail on the North Cape Line, from either Oslo or Bergen. An all-inclusive cruise, North Cape Line sailings stop at several destinations, including the likes of Stavanger, Alta and Haugesund.

What's Included on the North Cape Line Sailings?

All inclusive food and drink (in at least two onboard restaurants)
Long daytime stops in up to 14 ports
A six-person Coastal Experience Team
Talks, lectures and themed activities

Or, perhaps you fancy trying the Svalbard Line? Giving you the chance to experience the Midnight Sun, you can deepen your understanding of the Norwegian culture and visit one of the world's most fascinating destinations.

What's Included on the Svalbard Line Sailings?

All inclusive food and drink (in at least two onboard restaurants)
Long daytime stops in up to 14 ports
A six-person Coastal Experience Team
Talks, lectures and themed activities

Hurtigruten Ships

Connecting local communities, delivering mail and freight and showing passengers the authentic and picturesque beauty of Norway, Hurtigruten has several ships within its fleet. Small to mid-sized ships, each offer fantastic amenities that will ensure that your Hurtigruten getaway is extraordinary from the day you embark to your disembarkation day.

The following Hurtigruten ships sit within the Coastal Express fleet:

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions are perfect for those seeking adventure. Providing a nature-based cruising experience, you’ll be able to visit some of the world’s most remote and extraordinary destinations, including the likes of Antarctica, Greenland, North America, the Northwest Passage and more.

A Hurtigruten Expedition excursion — HX Excursion

With an importance placed on exploration, you’ll be travelling along like-minded passengers who want to discover more about the world around them. From state-of-the-art science centres, to daily lectures about the local culture, food and other topics, sailing aboard a HX ship will be unlike any cruise you’ve experienced before.

Due to the expedition sailings being based on adventure and with exploration at their heart, the itineraries are flexible, giving you the chance to experience new opportunities as they arise. And because you’ll be visiting more remote areas, there’ll be a higher chance of encountering wildlife that you usually wouldn’t see, along with destinations that are rarely seen by others all whilst being led by an Expedition Team made up of experts in their field.

What's Included with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions?

Alongside captivating and immersive destination-focused activities and lectures, and the guidance you’ll receive from the Expedition Team, you can expect the following on a HX Hurtigruten Expedition voyage:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner
All inclusive drinks
Included gratuities
Daily expeditions and activities
Reusable water bottle
Professional photos
Starlink Wi-Fi
Full access to the Science Centre

What's not included?

Select specialist excursions
Select experiences with limited capacity
Fine dining in Lindstrøm restaurant (included for Suites)
Spa treatments
Premium drinks (such as vintage wine and Champagne)

Which Hurtigruten Ships are Expedition Ships?

The ships within the expedition fleet vary from smaller ships to medium-sized vessels. Boasting comfortable accommodation, relaxing lounges, and delicious restaurants, the modern ships are the ultimate way to sail to some of the most fascinating corners of the world.

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Please note: MS Maud has now changed its name to MS Midnatsol and will be sailing with Hurtigruten, not HX.

Book Your Getaway with Iglu Cruise Today

Whether you opt for a HX Hurtigruten Expeditions sailing or a voyage on one of Hurtigruten's routes, you’re guaranteed a magical and unforgettable experience. Discover our range of cruises with both brands and enjoy a voyage filled with adventure and exploration that’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

You can also check out our recent blog - Why You Should Book a Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Northern Lights Cruise for more information along with some useful travel inspiration!