GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT/ID CARD

All guests checking in at the Hurtigruten Terminal or on board our ships have to present a valid Passport or government approved ID Card.

VACCINATIONS
At the time of printing there are no compulsory vaccinations or health requirements for travelling to Norway. It is however the responsibility of all passengers to ensure they comply with any health requirements at the time of travel. We suggest you consult your doctor or the relevant health authorities about any precautions you should take with regard to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

TIME NORWAY
CET (GMT + 1) CEST (GMT + 2 in the period 27. March - 30. October 2011)

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
Hurtigruten's Geotourism efforts are tied to the company's focus on climate and environmental targets. As a key enterprise, we are conscious of our responsibility for safe operation and protection of the environment and will ensure that our operations and priorities yield an improvement in environmental performance.

Within the framework provided by technological developments and economic conditions, we will continuously tailor our business to eliminate or minimise harm to the environment. Hurtigruten complies with the requirements enshrined in national and international regulations and seek to contribute to sustainable development in the areas in which we operate.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION BEFORE YOU GO

Please check your itinerary and that you have all the appropriate vouchers required. If you think you are missing anything or have any queries, contact our reservations team or your booking agent immediately. Preparation is part of the pleasure of your holiday; add to your enjoyment by fnding out about your destination before you travel: the climate, terrain, places of interest, local customs, public holidays, activities and food and drink.

CURRENCY IN NORWAY

We suggest that you take a small amount of local currency (Norwegian Kroner-NOK) in cash. Major credit cards are widely accepted except possibly at smaller businesses. You may be asked to provide identifcation when you pay by credit card or exchange money.

INSURANCE

It is a condition of the contract with us that every member of the booking has travel insurance in force for the entire duration of the holiday, covering at least the cancellation of the booking and providing medical cover for illness or injury and repatriation while overseas. Please provide us with the name of your insurer, together with their 24-hour emergency number.

LUGGAGE

We recommend that you only take luggage that you are able to carry yourselves as luggage handling is normally not provided in Scandinavia. Please remember to take any medication you rely on as well as your passport and glasses in your hand luggage at all times. You can hand in your suitcase for storage at the ship's reception.

TRANSFERS

Bergen & Trondheim:
Hurtigruten operates a transfer shuttle bus service between the Hurtigruten Terminal, Bergen airport, city centre hotels and the Bergen railway station and between the Hurtigruten pier, city centre hotels and the railway station in Trondheim. This service operates DAILY during the summer season (15 April to 30 September) and ON DEMAND ONLY when booked in advance during the winter season (01 October to 14 April).

Kirkenes:
Transfers to and from the Hurtigruten pier in Kirkenes are operated by the offcial airport bus in Kirkenes. These buses operate all year. Please check the schedules posted locally at the Kirkenes airport and city centre hotels for departure times.  Transfer from the Hurtigruten pier takes place upon arrival and disembarkation of the ship.

ON BOARD

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements on board are made in several languages. These announcements may also be heard in your cabin by activating the telephone system. No public announcements are made at night so if you would like a call, for example to view an appearance of the Northern Lights, please advise the reception.

BRIDGE VISITS
Visits to the bridge may be booked on board. These visits include a welcome drink and an informal talk by the Captain or one of his offcers. The price and times will be announced by the Tour Leader on board.

CABINS
The times for checking out of cabins are according to the ship's timetable and may vary from day to day. On arrival in Bergen, Kirkenes and Trondheim (southbound) special rules apply: 
  Cabins for departure from Bergen are available from 18:00 hrs.
  Check-out on arrival at Kirkenes is before 8:30 hrs.
  Check-out on arrival at Trondheim (southbound) is before 8:00hrs.
  Check-out on arrival at Bergen is before 10:00 hrs.

Please contact the reception for more information. If you are travelling in a suite different check-out timings may apply, please contact the reception.
The facilities of the cabins vary between the ships and the various cabin grades. Towels and shower gel are provided and hairdryers are available on all ships except for MS Vesteralen (some cabins), MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen. Tea/coffee making facilities are available in suites only.

It is possible to hire cots on board; a limited number can be pre-booked. Please note that cots do not ft into all cabins. Please contact Hurtigruten for further information. For bookings with unspecifed cabin grades/numbers, requests for adjacent cabins or accommodation in a specifc area of the ship etc cannot be guaranteed.

On MS Lofoten, MS Nordstjernen and MS Vesteralen some cabins have portholes which might be covered during the winter period.  There are no safety deposit boxes in the cabins (except in some suites on MS Troll-fjord and MS Midnatsol) and Hurtigruten cannot accept liability for any loss. Valuables may be handed in at reception to be kept in the ship`s safe.

BICYCLES ON BOARD

We are now offering 4 bikes for rent on all ships. Price is NOK 100 per Bike/Port (included lock and helmet). 

CAFETERIA

Hot and cold drinks and snacks may be bought in the cafeteria, usually open 24 hours a day. During the winter, times are advised on board. When leaving from Bergen the cafeteria opens at 16:00 hrs.

CARS AND VEHICLES

Please meet at the quayside latest 1 hour prior to departure in Bergen, Trondheim, Bod0, Troms0 and Kirkenes.

Times in Bergen for driving the cars on board: 
In the summer season (15 Apr-30 Sep): from 18:00 hrs.  
In the winter season (01 Oct-14 Apr): between 19:30 and 21:30 hrs.

For all other ports, please be at the quayside latest 30 minutes prior to departure. If you are bringing a car from Bergen and further north than Bod0, please be at the quayside latest 2 hours prior to departure. Passengers must embark with their luggage via the Hurtigruten Terminal. Only the driver is allowed in the car when driving on or off the ship. The control key card for your car must be shown to the crew on the car deck (you will receive this at check-in). Your car key will be kept by the crew on the car deck. In the high season there is limited car capacity on certain short stretches. Please note that there will be no access to the car deck during the voyage and it is not possible to go ashore by car when the ship calls at ports.

Caravans cannot be brought on to the ships. MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen do not have a car deck.

CHECK-IN BERGEN

The terminal is open daily from 13.00hrs for baggage delivery. Check-in commences at 15.00hrs and embarkation at 16.00hrs, with access to cabins from 18.00hrs. 

CHECK-OUT

Check-out of cabins is in accordance with the change of cabin day as stated in the Hurtigruten timetable. Check-out in Bergen is at 10.00hrs and in Kirkenes at 09.00hrs.

CONFERENCES
Most ships have conference facilities. If there is a meeting in progress you may fnd that a section of the dining area or public area has been reserved for this purpose.

CRUISE CARD AND CURRENCY ON BOARD
For your convenience, we offer a Cruise Card system on board all ships. This system allows you to charge all on board purchases to your cruise card. Cruise card accounts can be created at all points of payment on board the ship. We accept VISA, Master-Card, Diners, American Express or cash (NOK, EUR, GBP, USD) as deposit. On your last night on board, an itemised statement will be delivered to your cabin door. The cruise card account needs to be settled by 22:00.

For your convenience, your cruise card charges will be billed automatically to your credit card. Any discrepancies must be reported before disembarkation. This also applies if you want to pay part cash and part credit card. The currency used on board is Norwegian Kroner. Exchange rates are similar to those in a hotel. Please check with the reception for methods of payment. Please note that a PIN code is required when paying with your personal credit card on board.

DIETS

Special diets, such as vegetarian must be ordered well before departure.

DISABLED GUESTS

All ships, except MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen have lifts and cabins for disabled guests. People with severe disabilities or who are unable to take care of themselves must be accompanied by a carer.

DRINKS

The ships are licensed to sell drinks onboard. If you would like to drink water with your meal please advise staff. If you prefer bottled water there is a charge for this.  

ELECTRICITY

220 V AC 2 pin, and a continental adaptor is required. If you need an adapter/converter, please bring your own with you.

EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION

In Bergen the Hurtigruten ships sail from the Hurtigruten Terminal, N0stegaten 30, N-5010 Bergen. Taxi drivers will understand if you ask to be taken to the Hurtigruten Terminal and it is sign-posted as such locally. Luggage lockers are available in the terminal at a charge of NOK 30 (3 x 10 kroner coins are required.)

The terminal is staffed and open for luggage check-in from 13:00 hrs. Passenger check-in begins at 15:00 hrs and embarkation takes place from 16:00 hrs. Cabins are available from 18:00 hrs.

There are no restaurant facilities in the terminal and passengers are free to explore Bergen until embarkation time. A buffet dinner is served in the evening of departure from Bergen, usually between 18:00-21:00 hrs. It is open seating this evening only. Round Voyage guests will fnd their table assignment for the rest of the voyage in the envelope they receive at check-in. 

When disembarking in Bergen, luggage will be delivered to the baggage belt in the terminal. On the last day of the round voyage you will be asked to vacate your cabin a few hours before arrival. Information regarding luggage handling and disembarkation at other ports is available on board.

ENTERTAINMENT

There is usually music in the bar area and occasional visits by local choirs and musicians, but there is no organised entertainment programme (except as specifed on theme voyages) as the emphasis of the voyage is on relaxation and scenery.

FITNESS ROOM AND SAUNA

Available on all ships except MS Vesterålen, MS Nordstjernen and MS Lofoten.

GRATUITY POLICY

It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal voyage, but if you feel that individual crew members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, this is entirely at your discretion.

HAND HYGIENE

Hurtigruten wishes to ensure that your voyage will be as pleasant as possible and would like to ask you, for the sake of your own health and that of other people, to be especially careful with hand hygiene during your voyage. Anti bacterial hand gel is available throughout the ship.

HURTIGRUTEN´S 1893 AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME

Hurtigruten is proud to introduce our new 1893 Ambassador Programme offering special privileges to returning customers who have sailed with us for 3 or more consecutive nights. Within this programme you will fnd a host of benefts specially chosen to ensure that every voyage you take with us in future is a special and memorable experience. For full details how to join, please visit our website: www.hurtigruten.co.uk

INTERNET

There is an internet cafe on board all ships except MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen. Be aware that the bandwidth is low. Wireless internet will be rolled out on board all our ships in 2012, details about time frame and charges to follow soon.

ITINERARY/WORKING SHIPS

Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable, as shown in our brochures and on our website. Our ships carry goods, vehicles and foot passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life. Some noise may be experienced during docking and loading/unloading. It may very occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail stops due to weather or other conditions. Some stops may be very short and some are at night.

With the exception of MS Nordstjernen and MS Lofoten, our vessels are equipped with stabilisers. On the Norwegian coast the ships enter the open sea for a few hours on only a few occasions during the whole voyage. The majority of the time the ships sail between mainland Norway and the coastal islands where the sea is generally calmer.

As Christmas approaches itineraries may change in order for ships to host dinners and celebrations for local communities. Please ensure that you are back on board by sailing time, especially if the ship has arrived late as it may leave as scheduled to make up time. The departure time is advised at the gangway and ships are not able to wait for passengers who are late. If you miss the ship it is your responsibility to make arrangements to rejoin the voyage at the next possible stop or to return home.

LANGUAGE

Norwegian and English are the offcial on board languages. The personnel at the Reception and some of the service crew often also speak German. The Tour Leader speaks Norwegian, English and German.

LAUNDRY

Laundry rooms with washing machines, dryers and irons are available on all ships except MS Nordstjernen. Tokens may be purchased from reception. On board MS Nordstjernen arrangements for laundry can be made with the crew at a fee.

MEALS/SPECIAL REQUESTS

The usual meal times are: 
Breakfast from 07:30 to 10:00 hrs (open sitting) 
Lunch from 12:00/13:00 hrs (open sitting) 
Dinner from 18:30/19:00 hrs (assigned seating) During the high season, there may be two meal sittings (times advised on board).

Full board begins with a buffet dinner on departure from Bergen and ends with brunch on the arrival day back in Bergen.

The food is Norwegian and breakfast is buffet style with a selection of cold meats, cheese, eggs, cereals and fruit. Lunch is the famous Cold Table with a choice of fsh dishes, cold meats, salads, a selection of hot dishes, desserts and fruit. Dinner is a three-course set meal from our coastal menu; there is not usually a choice of menu. Occasionally the Cold Table may be served in the evening and the set meal at lunch time.

It is safe to drink tap water on board. Ship's purifed water and mineral water in bottles, soft drinks, wine and our coffee deal can be purchased on board. Wine packages are also available; these include one bottle of ship's purifed water every day.

Coffee deal: passengers can purchase a thermo coffee cup with the ship's logo and have as much coffee as they want. It is only valid on the ship where it was purchased and you can fll as much coffee and tea you want from the date you bought the mug and throughout the year.

Specifc diets, e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free etc., are generally available if suffcient notice (at least two weeks) has been given to us in order to advise the ship. All ships are fully licensed; the price level is the same as on mainland Norway.Restaurant opening hours vary depending on season and number of guests on board.Further information is available on board.

MEDICAL

On the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ships do not leave territorial waters and are rarely far from land. There is no doctor or pharmacy on board and medical assistance is available at ports or, in an emergency, by helicopter. Some of the crew are trained in frst aid and there is a First Aid cabin on all ships. If you need assistance please contact the reception. At the time of printing there are no compulsory vaccinations or health requirements for travelling to Norway.
It is however the responsibility of all passengers to ensure they comply with any health requirements at the time of travel.We suggest you consult your doctor or the relevant health authorities about any precautions you should take with regard to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

If you have any mobility or hearing/sight problems, please advise reception on arrival. This will ensure that you receive assistance in the event of any emergency.

If you are prone to seasickness, we suggest you carry effective medication. Some tablets are available on board, for which a charge is generally made, but they may not be appropriate for every passenger.

SAFETY

An Information Meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and Kirkenes and includes details about safety on board. Please familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures as shown in the cabins (there is a diagram on the cabin door and in public areas), and ask at reception if in doubt.

Passengers with limited mobility or who have diffculties with vision or hearing are asked to advise the reception desk if they will need assistance in case of an emergency. In many ports there may be a good deal of activity on the quay with cars joining/ leaving the ships and/or goods being loaded or unloaded. Please be alert to such traffc when embarking and disembarking.
Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep valuable items, including mobile telephones and cameras, out of sight.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Pre-booking excursions, where possible, is recommended as only remaining places will be sold on board. Excursions booked on board will be payable in Norwegian Kroner and the price may vary as a result of exchange rate fuctuations. Pre-booking of shore excursions is possible until 4 weeks prior to departure. If you choose to pay by credit card, pre-bookings can be made until 2 weeks prior to departure.

Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers, sailing times and weather and/or local conditions. If pre-booked excursions have to be cancelled, you will get a refund on board in NOK.

SHOPS

There is a shop on board all ships. They sell souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries. On MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen this service is handled by the coffee shop.

SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. It is not permitted when the ships are in port. To show respect for the environment, please use the provided ashtrays. Throwing cigarette ends overboard is strictly prohibited. Smoking in the cabin is prohibited and fned with NOK 1.500.

SNOW, ICE AND PRECIPITATION

Please take care when walking on the outside decks as surfaces may be slippery.

SUITE SERVICE

We are pleased to introduce a range of extras if you book a suite on board one of our ships. They include a fruit basket upon embarkation, bathrobe, tea/coffee making facilities, an invitation to visit the bridge, complimentary coffee deal on board throughout your voyage and late check out. For a fee you also have the option to have breakfast served in your suite and to use the mini bar. If there is available capacity you may book and pay for an upgrade to a suite when on board.

TELEPHONE/MOBILE PHONES

All ships have pay phones. Phone cards can be purchased from reception. Private mobile phones may be used on board although reception may vary. Check with your provider for costs when using your phone abroad. Passengers are requested to restrict the use of mobile telephones in public areas to avoid disturbing fellow travellers.

TOUR LEADER

Each ship has a Tour Leader on board who informs about and sells excursions, issues a daily programme and news bulletin and makes announcements regarding places of interest, disembarkation, etc. Occasionally this service may be carried out by the reception. All Tour Leaders speak Norwegian, English and German.

WAKE-UP CALLS

When arriving at night, disembarking passengers will be woken half an hour to an hour before arrival. On early morning arrivals a wake-up call will be made to allow time for you to vacate the cabin for it to be prepared for the next occupants. You may use the ship's public facilities and the luggage room until you disembark.

WHAT TO WEAR

Dress on board is informal. Although some passengers choose to change for dinner the dress code is 'smart/casual' rather than formal. The weather in Norway can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily. Where necessary, excursions include use of appropriate clothing. Please also see the equipment list in this booklet.

WHEELCHAIR USERS/DISABLED PASSENGERS

With the exception of MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen, all of our ships have elevators/lifts and at least one wheelchair accessible cabin for disabled passengers. Please contact our reservations department for further information and advise us at the time of booking if special transfers need to be arranged. Guests who require a wheelchair must bring their own foldable wheelchair and travel with a companion who is able to assist them. There is a ramp in all ports, but, as working ships, no designated crew member will be able to assist. NB: Airlines usually do not allow wet battery wheelchairs on aircraft. 

Excursions are not suitable for passengers with electric wheelchairs although some are possible with a manual, foldable chair. Please contact the Tour Leader on board who will be able to advise which excursions are suitable. Drivers and guides are not permitted to lift wheelchairs or passengers at any time.  

For assistance at train stations please call NSB (Norwegian State railways) on: +47 815 815 00 888, for assistance when using the Oslo airport train (Flytoget) please call +47 64 821772. Please call at least 24 hours before you travel.

WILDLIFE

The Hurtigruten brochures include pictures and descriptions of wildlife which may be seen from the ships and during excursions. Spending time on outside decks increase your chance of spotting wildlife, but there is no guarantee of sightings.

REMEMBER

Do not forget to bring your binoculars, camera and/or a video camera. Take practical, warm and windproof clothing for going out on deck. Smart, but casual clothes are recommended on board. Good comfortable footwear is vital for excursions.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Temperatures usually vary between 2°C and -10°C in winter. Summer temperatures in northern Norway vary between 10°C and 30°C depending on latitude. 

For additional information, please contact us on email: uk.uk.sales@hurtigruten.co.uk or call 0845 225 6640