Though they are working ships as well as passenger ships, most of the Norwegian Coastal ships look and feel like cruise ships. Most of the ships are outfitted with spacious, art-filled public areas, exercise rooms, saunas, hair dryers in the cabins, elevators, and stabilizers. Unlike traditional cruises, however, there is no organized entertainment on board. Mother Nature is the entertainer! Think of us as your alternative to the traditional cruise.

Cabins aboard the ships are comfortable and cozy. Most feature two lower berths, while some have a mix of two lower and upper/lower berths. Suites and junior suites (some with a balcony and Jacuzzi) are also available. All cabins have private facilities. All ships, except the two classic vessels, have one or more cabins that are wheelchair-accessible.

There is a limited selection of double cabins available for single occupancy. A single supplement charge is applied in high season only, and has been eliminated for select cabin categories in shoulder and off-season (January through April and September through December).

Triple cabins are available in certain cabin categories.

All ships, except the two classic vessels, have elevators and cabins specially equipped for physically challenged guests.

Smoking is not permitted inside, only outside on deck on all ships.

All ships, except the two classic vessels, are equipped with self-service laundry facilities, including irons and ironing boards. Detergent is included in the price.

Although the ships don't have medical facilities or doctors on board, they are regularly in sight of land. Should a medical emergency arise, the reception staff will contact a doctor at the nearest port. In addition, onboard officers are trained in first aid and can provide emergency assistance.

You'll find a travel guide (courier) on board to clarify cruise planning practical details.

The west coast of Norway is warmed by the Gulf Stream, so you can expect temperatures to be similar to those found in New England. Though temperatures vary from south to north, average temperatures range between 20 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and in the summer between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Midnight Sun can be seen above the Arctic Circle from mid-May to late July. The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is most often seen during the winter months. Unlike the Midnight Sun, which is visible as long as the weather is fair, the Northern Lights can be seen only when the right atmospheric conditions prevail.

There is no dress code on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ships. Most passengers wear comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to accommodate weather changes. A warm sweater, a hat, gloves, light rain gear, and a wind breaker are suggested, and good walking shoes are vital.

There is a non-tipping policy on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ships. However, if you feel that individual crew or staff members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, tipping is at your discretion. A tipping policy exists on other voyages to Antarctica, Greenland and World cruises.

There will be luggage service from Bergen city center hotels to the Hurtigruten terminal. The service will operate daily at the following hotels:

• Clarion Havnekontoret
• Radisson SAS Royal Hotel
• First Marin
• Strand
• Clarion Admiral
• Neptun
• Raddisson SAS Hotel Norge

Passengers will be advised to mark their luggage with their cabin numbers (if known) before delivering it to our representative in the lobby of their respective hotel. Luggage will then be taken to the terminal and delivered to cabins on board the ships.

All vessels have an electrical supply of 220 volts. An adapter and converter are required.

All meals are included for one-way and roundtrip passengers. Meals are served at set times in the dining room. In high season, mealtimes may vary if there are several sittings. o 07:00-10:00 Breakfast buffet with a wide selection of food o 12:00-14:30 Large lunch buffet with hot and cold dishes and dessert o 18:30-21:00 Three-course dinner.

We do our best to meet special dietary requirements. All requests for special meals have to be passed on to us well in advance of departure.

A current passport is required for U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter Norway and the other Scandinavian countries. A visa is not necessary.

All ships except for the MS Nordstjernen and the MS Lofoten have an internet café and offer internet access via satellite for a fee. In most harbors, mobile/cellular networks (3G) are available if you bring your own PC and a mobile access subscription. There is no internet access in the cabins (except in some suites).