Exploring ‘Trollfjord’: A Deep Dive into Hurtigruten’s Iconic Coastal Cruise Ship

How do you transform a ferry into a cruise ship? Norway’s Hurtigruten did just that with ‘MS Trollfjord’, enhancing it with luxurious features for exclusive Arctic voyages.

Hurtigruten’s ‘Trollfjord’ maintains the structure of a ferry while embodying the essence of a luxury cruise liner.

Since its introduction in 2002, Trollfjord has functioned as a vital element of the Norwegian coastal service, combining passenger and freight transport with tourism.

Two decades later, it has been repurposed. Hurtigruten refurbished the vessel to initiate a novel service offering signature coastal cruises to the Arctic sectors of Norway.

During the luminous nights of summer, the vessel embarks on a fortnightly journey from Bergen to Longyearbyen, dubbed the Svalbard Line. In contrast, the winter voyage, known as the North Cape Line, initiates in Oslo, heads to the North Cape, and then proceeds southward to Bergen.

The compact size of the Trollfjord allows it to anchor in lesser-known ports like Åndalsnes within the Norwegian Fjords territory.

The structural design of Trollfjord retains a ferry-like essence, equipped to accommodate only 500 passengers, prioritizing functional and cozy lounges over the typical modern cruise ship extravagances.

Here, you will miss the presence of casinos, aqua parks, or virtual arcades. However, its recent renovation has introduced a touch of luxury, offering a more refined cruise experience relative to other ships in the same coastal line.

With Norwegian nature the star of Trollfjord’s itineraries, the ship’s design embraces and reflects that natural beauty throughout its spaces.

The two-tiered bar and lounge on MS Trollfjord offers great views from all seats.

Locally-sourced wood, stone, and floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the look and feel of the public areas, while muted, almost monochromatic paintings of Norwegian artist Kaare Espolin Johnson decorate the Espolin Lounge, a quiet spot on the ship in which to enjoy a book from the adjacent library.

Trollfjord’s connection to nature extends into its dining experience as well. The all-inclusive offer on the signature voyages means guests can choose from the main dining-room or the Sami-inspired brasserie ‘Àrran’. The latter features roasted bone marrow, Arctic char, reindeer shank, and the classic Sami dish bidos.

Guests in ‘Flora’ restaurant needn’t miss out on views during dinner.

Five-course chefs special menus in fine dining restaurant ‘Røst’ are always available to suite guests, and others for an additional charge. The layout of Røst is designed in such a way that all tables offer views of the passing scenery.

The design of Røst, Trollfjord’s fine dining restaurant, means guests don’t miss out on the scenery during meals.

The two-tier ‘1893 Bar’ and observation lounge at the front of the ship is a favorite spot for sailaways and stretches of scenic cruising. Most drinks are complimentary, including wines, aquavit, and a range of interesting beers from local microbreweries.

Even some of the corridors on Trollfjord feature window-facing seating.

Even the onboard shop reflects the focus on Norwegian nature. Souvenirs are available, of course, but so are wool jumpers, windbreaker jackets, foldable water bottles, and other outdoor necessities that guests may only understand they need when the voyage is well underway.

Whether guests are hoping to glimpse wildlife, the northern lights, or simply take in the ever-changing coastline of Norway, Trollfjord offers two spacious outdoor areas.

Deck nine offers vast outdoor space for admiring the Norwegian scenery.

Deck six boasts a promenade deck that encircles the area, ideal for both exercise and enjoying the views. Completing six laps equates to nearly a mile. Additionally, a compact gym and sauna are open for guests.

The ship’s uppermost level, deck nine, hosts a spacious open area designed for the extensive scenic cruising that marks the voyages. Regularly, the head chef presents a tasting event here featuring Norwegian delicacies like cured salmon and freshly-caught shrimp.

The outdoor area on deck nine offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the northern lights.

During the voyages, this deck becomes a hotspot for those eager to see the northern lights. When the aurora is visible, the deck’s lighting is reduced to enhance the viewing experience.

Such is the likelihood of an aurora appearance, Hurtigruten offers a northern lights promise on its North Cape Line.

Helping travelers make the most of the outdoors is the coastal experience team. Young, energetic locals are on hand to explain points of interest, deliver presentations on Norwegian life, advise on excursions, and even lead hikes up mountains near the ports.

One area where Trollfjord’s origins as a ferry is more apparent is in the accommodation. Cabins are compact and will feel cramped if you’re used to cruise ship staterooms, but they have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Arctic Superior cabins are finished to a high standard but are smaller than typical cruise ships.

Exploring the deck plans and cabin grades before booking is crucial to ensure you understand what you are selecting. For instance, cabins on deck 6 have windows facing the promenade deck. The Arctic Superior grade cabins are more luxuriously finished, though some may not be larger than the standard ocean view cabins.

If space is a priority, the Trollfjord ship provides several mini-suites that offer extra room and come with a small sofa. Only a few suites located at the rear of the ship come with a balcony.

Mini-suites on the Trollfjord also feature additional sitting areas, providing more room.

Nonetheless, choosing a smaller cabin does not detract from the experience. The primary allure of Hurtigruten’s signature voyages, similar to the coastal route, is the breathtaking scenery.

Typically, guests spend far more time in the lounges and bars around the ship or out on deck than in their cabins.

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