Recently, I was lucky enough to be sent to Norway to experience an overnight stay in Bergen, followed by two nights on Hurigruten’s recently refurbished ship, the Kong Harald.
Bergen is a great place to spend a couple of days either before or after your time on the ship, being the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. In the morning, we enjoyed a fascinating walking tour around this UNESCO World Heritage city, discovering what this medieval fishing port has to offer. Make sure you take time out to take a ride on the Floibanen funicular railway to the top of Mount Floyen and enjoy spectacular views of Bergen and the surrounding area.
We stayed at the Hotel Neptun in Bergen; a great hotel, centrally positioned and within easy walking distance of the all the attractions, restaurants, cafes and bars. The breakfast there is amazing and certainly sets you up for a day of sightseeing.
I would certainly recommend spending some time in Bergen; being nearly 1000 years old and Norway’s first capital, it certainly has a lot to offer.
In the afternoon, we set sail on the Kong Harald for a two-night voyage to spectacular Sognefjord.
Despite selling many holidays for Hurtigruten, I will be honest and say I wasn’t too sure if this would be the type of holiday that I’d enjoy. It was my first time on a Hurtigruten ship and I must say now how pleased I was with the King Harald.
Recently refurbished, the ship has been decorated in a very stylish and contemporary fashion. The public areas are very spacious and airy, with great dining and relaxation areas. The spectacular views can be enjoyed whilst out on deck, and also from the Explorer bar whilst enjoying your favourite tipple!
I was taken away by how excellent the food was. Hurtigruten pride themselves on always trying to use fresh, locally sourced food. We enjoyed an extensive buffet breakfast, wonderful buffet lunches and excellent evening meals, including a mouth-watering seafood buffet with lobster, giant prawns and king crab!
The crew go out of their way to ensure that every aspect of your trip is taken care of in an extremely friendly manner but without being overbearing.
Despite only spending two nights on the ship, I was taken aback by how beautiful Norway is. Customers and friends have commented on this but you have to experience it to believe it! Sognefjord is stunning, with dramatic mountain scenery, quaint little villages and crystal clear water. I have enjoyed many traditional-style cruises before and found it useful to see how Hurtigruten differed. They pride themselves on offering a voyage experience rather than a cruise, where the emphasis is placed on the destinations visited, the memories created and the extremely high standard of cuisine.
Before the trip, one of my main questions was ‘Is this something I am suited to?’. At the end of the trip my question was answered and I have begun asking a different question – ‘When is my next Hurtigruten voyage?’
I’m now looking forward to next time already and seeing what the other ships have to offer!
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