To confirm your reservation, a $300-per-person deposit is required when booking a 7-day or shorter vacation. When booking an 8-day or longer vacation, a deposit of $600 per person is required. Deposit is required within 24 hours of booking. Booking information must include passenger’s full name, nationality, date of birth, and gender. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Checks, money orders, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted as forms of payment. Hurtigruten is a Norwegian company and payments are processed in Norway. As a consequence some credit card companies may charge a Foreign Exchange fee.

Travel is in Economy Class via IATA carriers, according to the route of the published itinerary. All airfares are subject to change without notice. SAS, Finnair, Icelandair, or other IATA carriers are responsible only for the air travel portion of the program in accordance with the terms and conditions of the airline ticket.

Group bookings are welcome. Special booking conditions apply. Please inquire with our reservations department for further details.

Although they are working ships as well as passenger ships, most Hurtigruten ships look and feel like cruise ships. Most 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 Hurtigruten 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 applies.

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 only allowed outside on deck.

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, on-board officers are trained in first aid and can provide emergency assistance.

You’ll find a Tour Leader on board to clarify 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. Although 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 Hurtigruten 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 all ships. However, if you feel that individual crew or staff members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, tipping is at your discretion.

Luggage handling is available by request.

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

All meals are included for one-way and round-trip passengers. Meals are served at set times in the dining room. In high season, mealtimes may vary if there are several sittings. • 7–10 AM Breakfast buffet with a wide selection of food • 12–2:30 PM Large lunch buffet with hot and cold dishes, and dessert • 6:30–9 PM Threecourse 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.

American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diner’s Club. Also, when boarding you will receive a “Cruise Card,” which you can use as form of payment, until settling your account at the end of your cruise.

All ships have pay phones and faxes. All ships, except the MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen have Internet cafés.

We strongly encourage passengers to purchase travel insurance. See page 76 for details.

Members of AARP enjoy attractive discounts on most programs.