DESTINATIONS CRUISE |NORWAY


AGENTS’ verdict


Claire Liptrot, branch manager, Hays Travel


rollfjord’s cabins were spacious with a modern Scandinavian look. The food was fantastic, especially in fine-dining restaurant Røst. My


“T


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The fam trip group; granite outcrop Torghatten on Brønnøysund; Ålesund PICTURES: Hurtigruten/Oscar Farrera; Maren Bjørgum


trolls and mythical creatures once used to explain the jagged landscapes left by the last ice age. After a walk around the base of the mountain, we


come in from the cold with lefse (potato flatbread) and cloudberry tea, which leaves a sweet tingle in my mouth. With shorter sailing distances along this section of the route, the next day brings a double helping of ports.


TRIED & TESTED Trollfjord


The 500-passenger ship was built in 2002 and its 285 cabins – Polar Inside, Polar Outside and Arctic Superior cabins, plus 17 Expedition Suites – and public spaces were renovated in 2023. The cabins are compact but modern, with underfloor heating that clients will appreciate during winter northern lights-spotting voyages. Menus feature locally sourced


produce to reduce food miles. Clients can pick from main restaurant Flora


(for a Norwegian-inspired buffet), Brasserie Árran (which offers Sámi dishes such as bone marrow, baby goat and reindeer) and fine dining at Røst (inclusive for suite guests). Afternoon tea is served daily at the 1893 Bar, where passengers can sip Scandi ciders or invent cocktails based on Norwegian ingredients. Wisdom and wellness are on the agenda too, with a


library, lecture theatre, photography classes, yoga, gym and a panoramic sauna offering some of the best views at sea.


28 24 APRIL 2025


Ålesund is photogenic, with a city centre constructed in pastel-hued art nouveau buildings following a devastating fire in 1904. I opt for a leisurely walk and a cinnamon bun, rather than to climb the 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint, which offers panoramic views over the town, nearby islands and Sunnmøre Alps. A short sailing later, we reach Hjørundfjord, where


we sample rømmegrøt ice cream, a sour cream-based treat dusted with cinnamon sugar.


FROM SEA TO CITY The Svalbard Line voyage comes to an end in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. I squeeze in a stroll on the Unesco-listed Bryggen Wharf, with 62 colourful timber buildings hinting at the town’s trading history, and a quick trip to the fish market for a taste of Arctic char and lumpfish – a chance to assess whether it is really as fresh as the Norwegian proverb claims. Although there’s plenty to see on shore, my thoughts


are drawn again and again to Trollfjord’s observation deck – a peaceful spot to wrap up warm and watch Norway’s scenery unfold around you. The memory of such timeless sights is enough to make me wonder about swapping the noise of the city for fjords and fresh air – and maybe even a few goats of my own.


TW BOOK IT


Hurtigruten’s 15-day The Svalbard Line voyage calls at 14 ports on a round-trip from Bergen. Prices start at £3,991 per person, based on two sharing a Polar Inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Includes flights from London on August 25. agentportal.hurtigruten.com


favourite port was Brønnøysund – the excursion to Torghatten brought Norway’s myths and tales to life.”


Sara Park,


marketing manager, Premier Travel Group


“Outdoor enthusiasts will love the summer midnight sun, while history lovers can explore fishing villages and Viking heritage. It’s perfect for mature travellers seeking a scenic journey or


younger adventurers after an expedition-style experience.”


Kelly Virgo, branch manager, Fred Olsen Travel


“The cabin was luxurious with a great-sized window. Both inside cabins and suites were equally comfortable – the difference is size, with a separate seating and sleeping area plus a balcony in the suites. The bar staff brought some fun to their service, always willing to humour you in trying out new drink combinations.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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