Long celebrated as one of the most exciting and interesting coastal voyages, Norway’s coastal cruises are hugely popular with Silver Travellers who wish to travel north and cross the Arctic circle. The opportunity to visit hard-to-reach fishing settlements on the coast is another fascinating aspect of this journey. And of course, the scenery en route, glaciers and stunning fjords, the birds and wildlife all contribute to an amazing journey, which is quite unlike any other.
The towns and cities you visit are historic, Tromsø, Trondheim and Bergen, with architecture and treasures dating back centuries reflecting the culture and way of here, with remarkable palaces and cathedrals. There’s time to explore these so you can gain an understanding of life in the northern most part of Europe. And chances are you’ll spot a hint of Viking heritage To add to your adventure, there’s an overnight stay in the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, the only hotel of its kind in the world.
Travel with Regent, which offers these voyages through Havila Cruises onboard their highly sustainable and exceptional ships.
Havila operates the most sustainable voyages along the Norwegian coast due to its unique battery packs, energy efficient hull, heat recovery from the sea and engines, allowing up to four hours sailing with zero emissions.
Havila Voyages’ first ship, Havila Capella, was crowned as a winner of the next generation ship award at Nor-Shipping 2022, which is an international maritime trade fair committed to the UN’s sustainable development goals.
Havila’s four ships are loaded with the world’s largest battery packs, which enables them to sail through vulnerable fjords for four hours with zero emission, which of course protects the unique, pristine environment. The batteries are charged with clean hydropower ashore, and when they are not being used, the ships run on LNG (liquid natural gas) which, along with general efficient hybrid operation, cuts CO2 emissions by 35%. NOx emissions are reduced by 90% compared to equivalent ships on the route. The hull is specially designed for maximum energy efficiency and excess heat from cooling water and the sea is used for heating on board.
However, not only are these ships exceptional technically, they are good to look at too, with stylish Nordic interiors. The décor of the four ships is inspired by nature – the sea, the sky, mountains, and glaciers. All cabins are spacious and tastefully decorated using as much locally sourced furniture and fittings as possible. The furniture is supplied by well-known Norwegian manufacturers like Brunstad, For a Form and Ekornes. The mattresses are from Recticel in Åndalsnes. In true Nordic style, there’s a warm, authentic, and relaxed atmosphere. The ships feature unique works of art by artists such as Ørnulf Opdahl and Cathrine Knudsen.
We know that Silver Travellers are often keen foodies, and here the food concept takes you on a unique Norwegian culinary voyage. Scandinavian cuisine has gained a well-deserved excellent reputation in the last 20 years, with fresh and authentic being standout factors. The chefs hand-pick the best raw ingredients from local Norwegian producers to create traditional and modern dishes. The most important component is sustainability. Havila avoids all unnecessary use of plastic and limits the food waste on board to a maximum of 75 grams per passenger, per day. All meals are table service and there are no buffets, to further avoid food waste.
When you travel with Havia Cruises through Regent, you’ll be taking a classic voyage that began over 120 years ago. The Norwegian Coastal Express is a route which first started back in 1893, linking the Norwegian people and communities together and it starts in Bergen and stretches all the way up to Kirkenes. It covers 2,500 nautical miles and takes in 34 coastal ports both day and night.
Find out more
Go to Regent or call their travel advisors on 01174 534 670 for further information and to book your voyage north.
