Agent Diary: Lakshmi Durai takes an...

CruiseXplore's CEO boarded MS Trollfjord for a Hurtigruten Signature Voyage

In September 2024, I joined Hurtigruten’s North Cape Line trip, which is one of the Norwegian operator’s Signature Voyages aboard small ship MS Trollfjord. The ship typically carries between 500 and 650 passengers.

The 15-day voyage begins in Oslo, the capital of Norway, but I took the shorter round-trip from Tromsø, north of the Arctic Circle, with three ports of call and two sea days, so I got to sample the Signature treatment for six nights, an experience that entirely changed my perspective of cruising.

It’s not the size of the ship but the experience that Hurtigruten brings to the fore while sailing towards the Northernmost end of the world that is refreshing. Every part of the ship, which has recently been refurbished, is perfectly suited to its purpose. That includes the cabins. The Arctic Superior cabin is cosy, comfortable and just right for the two. There are also more spacious suites with added extras, such as minibars and private balconies to capitalise on the epic Norwegian views.

I love experiencing a country by actively engaging with its history, people, culture and food, and Hurtigruten offers just such an immersive experience. Everything is authentically Norwegian; the crew, the delicious food and, of course, the destinations themselves. Throughout the journey, I feasted on Norwegian culture.

MS Trollfjord observation deck

Facilities include three restaurants, a two-storey observation deck bar, sauna and fitness room, and the Lecture Hall for expert presentations on Norway’s history and culture; this also doubles as a cinema.

The Lecture Hall was my favourite place to be, and a highlight for me was a workshop on Norway's indigenous Sámi people and their fascinating culture.

The walking track around the ship – as well as several viewing stations – make great vantage points to take in the Arctic coastline, and I also spent a lot of time on the upper observation deck and in the panoramic lounge while cruising through the many fjords we passed. It was simply breathtaking.

Even the sauna and fitness room offer floor-to-ceiling windows so you’ll never miss a landscape

What stands out on Signature Voyages is the level of service. Signature Voyages have twice the number of Coastal Experience Team compared to standard Hurtigruten sailings, and that made for a more personal approach, so I got more out of my journey. The crew members were always happy and helpful, and the expedition team was highly knowledgeable and approachable.

Ny-Alesund

There are many benefits to being on a smaller ship, the main one being access to destinations that bigger ships wouldn’t be able to reach. This opens up access to different kinds of shore excursions too, such as guided walking tours, cross-country skiing, kayaking, dog sledding and ice fishing. You can even ‘hook and cook’ your fish dish of the day.

We took excursions in all three ports of call, visiting Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital city, which is surprisingly cosmopolitan with one of Norway’s best restaurants, and Ny-Alesund on the island of Spitsbergen. Here, passengers can take a photo with the world's northernmost post office.

MS Trollfjord docked in NY-Alesund

All-inclusive Signature Voyages include premium drinks and sustainable, locally-sourced food, using the very best produce from ports along the way. We were treated to the finest quality Norwegian cuisine on board, including exotic produce, such as reindeer meat, and a delicious array of the freshest fish, including salmon, haddock, mackerel, cod and herring.

I started the sailing with a five-course meal in ROST speciality restaurant, while taking in the views, and ended with a king crab dinner in Brasserie Arran. What a way to spoil myself! It was truly exquisite.

King crab at Brasserie Arran

The Northern Lights season typically starts mid-to-late September. Our sailing was a week prior, but we were lucky to experience this natural wonder, not just once, but on two consecutive nights. Witnessing the Aurora Borealis, right above our heads while on the observation deck, was magical.

The Northern Lights as seen by Lakshmi

As an agent, Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise is a real benefit. Sail the Norwegian coast with them during the auroral season between 20 September and 31 March on a voyage of 11 days or more and if the Northern Lights don’t occur within sight of your ship during your voyage, they provide a six-day southbound or seven-day northbound Coastal Express voyage free of charge, so seeing the Northern Lights is now a bucket-list experience you can almost bank on with Hurtigruten.

Lakshmi Durai is the CEO of CruiseXplore. For more information, visit Hurtigruten’s B2B Agent Portal at www.agentportal.hurtigruten.com and www.hurtigruten.com/en. For travel trade enquires, visit www.connectingtravel.com/cruise-hub/hurtigruten or contact Carla Hines, Head of Sales Emerging Markets on +44 (0) 7826 912 426 or carla.hines@hurtigruten.com

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