The interior design of the ship and the name are both inspired by the breathtaking Northern Lights, in fact, "Nordlys" in Norweigan means 'Northern Lights'. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique onboard ambiance. MS Nordlys is a comfortable ship that sails one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Passengers are invited to kick back after a long day experiencing one of Hurtigruten's many excursions and activities in comfy recliners in the ship's lounges.
Honoring the Scandinavian heritage, MS Nordlys boasts elegant and contemporary design elements throughout the ship such as clean lines, minimalist decor, and an emphasis on natural materials such as wood and stone. Unlike traditional cruise ships, the MS Nordlys is purposefully designed for expedition-style cruising, which offers all guests a new way to enjoy nature and relax at the same time. With its reinforced hull and ice-strengthened construction, the ship can navigate through icy waters and reach off-the-beaten-path locations inaccessible to larger vessels, this makes the journey more enjoyable and unique.
The MS Nordlys offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, including standard cabins, deluxe suites, and even exclusive expedition suites with private balconies. The ship also offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of passengers during their voyage. Hurtigruten is one of the few cruise lines that provides educational programs for guests. Through engaging lectures, guided excursions, and hands-on activities, passengers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the destinations visited.
Dining is also a journey itself aboard MS Nordlys thanks to the fusion of Nordic traditional dishes and international cuisine. Passengers can savor delicious meals prepared by talented chefs using locally sourced ingredients, with menus changing regularly to highlight the freshest seasonal offerings.
MS Nordlys Sciene and Education Program
Unlock your inner scientist with these hands-on experiences helping you to get a better understanding of the world around where Hurtigruten sails. From researching the impact of climate change on animal populations and sea ice to getting a better understanding of migratory patterns of marine life. There are a range of projects to get involved with as Hurtigruten ventures to many beautiful less-known locations.
- Citizen Science Projects: Hurtigruten is proud to aid the scientific community by hosting researchers and supporting many vital citizen science projects on board the ships as they venture to locations yet-to-be-explored like the Northwest Passage, Svalbard, Antarctica, and beyond. On each voyage, Hurtigruten engages guests in at least two citizen science projects as part of the on-board Science & Education program, which aims to increase guest knowledge and interest in the areas guests are sailing to.
- The Polar Citizen Science Collective: Founded in 2018, the Polar Collective is empowering the polar tourism industry to participate in vital scientific projects taking place in some of the world's most remote and coldest locations. Polar tourism organizations such as Hurtigruten Expeditions are in a unique place to help bridge the logistical gap many of these projects face to ensure projects and research can take place.
- Aurorasaurs: Aurorasaurus is the first Citizen Science project that collates sightings of the Northern and Southern Lights to improve real-time tracking and understanding of the beautiful phenomenon.
- Happywhale: Aimed at growing and developing the understanding of whales and dolphins, Happywhale uses images submitted by guests to map the movement of marine mammals around the world.
- Fjordphyto: Phytoplankton is the foundation of the marine food web, and the team at Fjordphyto aims to better understand the impact of climate change and melting sea ice. You can help Hurtigruten collect water samples, undertake Secchi Disk studies, and record environmental conditions like seawater temperatures and salinity to submit to this project.
- eBird: The concept that every birdwatcher has unique knowledge, experience, and interest has turned a hobby into active science in the world's largest birding community. With over 100 million bird sightings contributed annually, eBird is using the information collected to power data-driven approaches to science, conservation, and education.
- Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys: The project is building a long-term ecological monitoring program of seabirds in the Southern Ocean and along the Antarctic Peninsula. These recordings help researchers understand how birds use oceanic habitats, discover new details about the lives of these remote species, and ultimately how their behavior and populations might be changing because of climate change.
- Penguin Watch: Responding to a global decline in penguin populations - Penguin Watch investigates the impact of climate change, fisheries, disease, and pollution on colonies and identifies ways to mitigate them.
- Cruise Science: In partnership with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), Hurtigruten aims to understand the value Citizen Science projects can bring to both research projects and expedition cruise operators.
- SeaLeopard: The leopard seal is one of Antarctica's least understood animals. Existing research into these animals has only scratched the surface of what is known about current population levels, and how they behave and breed.
- iNaturalist: iNaturalist is a joint initiative between the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, a social network where naturalists, Citizen Scientists, and biologists map and share observations of biodiversity across the globe.
- South Georgia Big Seaweed Search: Seaweed is a vital part of marine ecosystems providing food and shelter for many species whilst contributing to inshore nutrient and carbon cycling. Marine biodiversity around South Georgia is far from human impacts, its marine biodiversity faces threats from rapid climate change (ocean warming and acidification) and invasive species (including seaweeds).
- PolarTag: Every year, thousands of animals around the world are tagged and released. PolarTag was created as an online portal specifically for those visiting the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica) to share images of wildlife sightings. If you are lucky enough to spot a tagged animal whilst on board Hurtigruten encourages you to get involved and share your pictures.
- Secchi Disk Study: Climate change is impacting global Phytoplankton communities around the world, a vital oxygen producer and an important part of the marine food chain.
- Globe Cloud Observer: Working in collaboration with NASA, observations captured on the ground help to develop the understanding of clouds from below and above. These simple formations play an important role in transferring energy from the sun to different parts of planet Earth.
- The Science Center: Uncover a unique perspective on the people, places, and wildlife Hurtigruten discovers around the ship. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Science Center is at the heart of the on-board experience.
MS Nordlys Onboard Dining
Each of the ship's restaurants is a different dining experience, but all promise Norway's Coastal Kitchen concept of local ingredients from local suppliers. The ship has 3 different dining venues and a bakery, providing for a tasty journey.
- Torget: Their main restaurant, Torget, is the focal point when it comes to dining on The Coastal Express and offers a varied selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner designed by head chef, Oistein Nilsen; the menu is a combination of buffets and set menus. Torget means 'Marketplace' in Norweigan.
- Brygga: The name of their onboard bistro can be translated from Norwegian as "wharf". As you'll probably see during your voyage, wharves on the Norwegian coast are typically busy places bustling with workers loading and unloading cargo, who don't have much time for a sit-down lunch. It's fitting, then, that Brygga serves quick and tasty dishes such as fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, and good old-fashioned comfort food like pizzas and gastro burgers. Among these crowd-pleasers is their mouth-watering signature shrimp sandwich, served with eggs, dill mayonnaise, and a wedge of lemon - a true Norwegian classic. To finish, take your pick from a range of locally inspired desserts and sweet cakes.
- Kysten: Dine in style at Kysten, their a la carte restaurant. The name "Kysten" reflects the restaurant's simple, elegant, and modern style. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes from skilled chefs, who use the best ingredients the Norwegian coast has to offer. Look forward to a menu based on seaweed and kelp, extra tender reindeer, and juicy scallops with local butter and wild herbs. You can be sure that the seafood is fresh, that the meat comes from free-range animals, and that the cheeses have won several awards. To accompany your meal, choose a wine from the expert selection on the wine list or opt for a wine package in which some of their best wine tasters have paired wine with the food. If you choose to upgrade to the Platinum package, you can dine here every day as part of your voyage.
- Multe bakery and ice cream: Let the aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries guide you to Multe. This onboard bakery serves open sandwiches called smorbrod, piled high with generous helpings of toppings. Treat yourself to fresh smoothies, a choice of coffees, and luscious ice cream directly from Lofoten. You'll find all the classic flavors plus a few Norwegian-inspired ones, like brunost - brown cheese. Two scoops or three? The name Multe means "cloudberry" in Norwegian. Jam made from this rare Arctic berry can be sampled in the bakery, often served with waffles and generous dollops of whipped cream or ice cream.
MS Nordlys Invigorate Body and Soul
Your ship comes equipped with a full suite of facilities to maintain an active lifestyle. From an indoor gym to a wellness center for both body and mind, you'll find everything you need to feel fully rejuvenated.
- Hot Tubs: Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience aboard the MS Nordlys with their inviting hot tubs, they offer a unique experience of serenity and luxury.
- Fitness Room: A room dedicated to working out and getting a quick routine done during your stay. It is equipped with two treadmills, a rowing machine, two bikes, a step machine, weights, and mats.
- Sauna and Relaxation: Calm and relax in the hot waters or rest and recover after a long expedition outside in the cold Fjords.
MS Nordlys Staterooms
- Polar Inside: The cozy Polar Inside cabins are found on all decks and include bathrooms with shower/WC. Most have separate beds with one doubling as a sofa or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.
- Polar Outside: The Polar outside cabins are situated mostly on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. Some cabins have double beds, while others have separate beds, one of which is a sofa bed, or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.
- Arctic Superior: Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of the Arctic Superior cabins. Situated on upper decks, they all have bathrooms with showers and WC, tea and coffee-making facilities, and TVs. The cabins have double beds. All the cabins have individual specifications.
- Expedition Suite: The Expedition Suites are the most luxurious cabins on board. Situated on the upper deck of the ship, the suites feature seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/WC, and most with double beds. Some suites have more facilities than others. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
