Havila vs Hurtigruten: Cruise Line Comparison and Review

Havila and Hurtigruten are two popular cruise lines that offer unique experiences along Norway's stunning coastline. Havila has a more modern and luxurious feel, with a focus on comfort and relaxation.

Havila's ships have a capacity for 525 passengers, which is significantly smaller than Hurtigruten's 600 passengers. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.

One of the standout features of Havila is its focus on sustainability, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Hurtigruten, on the other hand, has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, but its goals are less ambitious.

Havila's itineraries are designed to showcase the best of Norway's nature and culture, with a focus on local experiences and interactions.

Both Havila and Hurtigruten offer a range of onboard facilities, including saunas and fitness rooms. Havila's ships have a fitness room, reception, lounge with a view, lecture hall, and two whirlpools on the top deck.

Havila's whirlpools are a standout feature, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding landscape while relaxing. If you're a fan of whirlpools, be sure to check if they're available on your Hurtigruten ship, as they're not always present.

Onboard dining experiences are also worth mentioning. Both Havila and Hurtigruten offer proeverijen (tasting sessions) on their top decks, featuring dishes like mussels, fish, and meat-based appetizers. The options vary between the two companies.

You'll find a range of facilities on board both Havila and Hurtigruten ships.

The sauna is a great place to unwind, and you'll find it conveniently located near the whirlpools on Havila ships.

Havila's ships boast two whirlpools on the top deck, offering a unique way to take in the surrounding landscape.

Not all Hurtigruten ships have whirlpools, so be sure to check ahead of time if this is a must-have for your cruise.

Both Havila and Hurtigruten offer proffered tastings on the top deck, featuring dishes like mussels, fish, and meat snacks.

The lounges on board offer stunning views, perfect for taking in the scenery.

Here's a breakdown of the facilities you can expect to find on board:

If you're looking for a relaxing experience, you can unwind in a hot tub or sauna on either Hurtigruten or Havila. Both ships have outdoor decks where you can soak up the breathtaking coastal views.

Hurtigruten's panoramic sauna and fitness room offer a unique blend of fitness and nature, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing stunning views.

Off the ship, Hurtigruten offers a range of excursions, including guided hikes, dog sledding, and visits to historical sites. These excursions give you a deep understanding of Norway's culture and natural beauty.

For a more cultural experience, Havila's Havblikk Bar & Lounge offers live music and panoramic views, while the Havila Shop sells unique local items.

If you're looking to stay active, Havila's gym is positioned by a window, allowing you to exercise with scenic views. Alternatively, you can try kayaking or fishing with Havila's guided nature walks and wildlife safaris.

In the winter, both ships offer Northern Lights viewing opportunities, with Hurtigruten providing snowmobiling and dog sledding excursions.

Havila is committed to eco-friendly operations, with a fleet that includes four hybrid battery-powered ships that can run on battery power for up to four hours.

Both Havila and Hurtigruten prioritize sustainability, with Hurtigruten aiming to create a zero-emission ship by 2030 through its Sea Zero project.

Hurtigruten has made significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint, cutting CO2 emissions by 25% across its fleet.

The Norway's Coastal Kitchen concept sources 80% of food and drink locally, supporting local economies and reducing environmental impact.

Havila's ships are designed with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, including optimized hull shapes to reduce drag and energy consumption.

The company also focuses on sustainably sourcing food, working with local suppliers to ensure freshness and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Havila's battery packs are charged using hydropower, a renewable energy source abundant in Norway, and the company aims to meet the strict zero emissions regulations for the fjord region to be introduced by the Norwegian government later this decade.

The battery packs are claimed by the company as the world’s biggest, and will be charged at shore with electricity generated from hydropower.

Havila's itineraries focus on the traditional coastal route, allowing passengers to explore Norway's natural landscapes and coastal communities. They offer a range of excursions, including guided hikes and cultural tours.

Hurtigruten, on the other hand, offers a variety of itineraries, from traditional coastal voyages to special expedition cruises. Their classic 12-day round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back is a staple.

Havila's emphasis on sustainability is a key feature of their itineraries, with eco-friendly ships designed to minimize environmental impact.

Hurtigruten offers a 12-day round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, allowing passengers to experience the full breadth of Norway's stunning coastline.

The company also offers innovative expedition cruises like the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express, which cater to adventurous travellers who want to see polar bears, glaciers, and other Arctic wildlife.

Hurtigruten's itineraries are designed to provide a rich and immersive experience of Norway's natural beauty and cultural heritage, with a range of excursions available at various ports of call.

These excursions include activities like dog sledding, hiking, and visits to historical sites, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveller.

Havila's focus is on the traditional coastal route, ensuring that passengers can enjoy a comprehensive exploration of Norway's natural landscapes and coastal communities.

The company offers a range of excursions similar to those provided by Hurtigruten, such as guided hikes, cultural tours, and wildlife safaris, allowing travellers to fully immerse themselves in the unique Norwegian environment.

Havila's itineraries are structured to provide ample opportunities for passengers to experience the local culture and natural beauty, with thoughtfully planned stops and activities at each port.

Havila's emphasis on sustainability is a key feature of their itineraries, with eco-friendly ships designed to minimise environmental impact.

The company's ships can run on battery power for up to four hours, making Havila an attractive choice for environmentally conscious travellers.

Hurtigruten operates a fleet of seven ships, each varying in size and age, providing options to cater to different traveller preferences.

Havila operates four identical, brand new ships designed with contemporary travellers in mind, featuring spacious cabins with large windows and a focus on comfort and breathtaking views of the Norwegian landscape.

As I've been following the developments in the cruise industry, I've come across some interesting thoughts on Havila Kystruten, a new coastal competitor to Hurtigruten.

Ships sailing on powered batteries is a game-changer for eco-sustainability in cruising. It's a good, innovative way to reduce the environmental impact of these journeys.

One of the commenters, Paul Eiken, had an intriguing idea about Hurtigruten diversifying their offering and using spare capacity to reopen the Bergen to Newcastle ferry service. This route was previously operated by DFDS, but they scrapped it after a couple of years, cutting off the UK from Norway, as well as Sweden and Denmark.

The Bergen to Newcastle ferry route is a significant one, and reopening it could be a great opportunity for Hurtigruten to expand their services and provide a vital transportation link between the UK and Norway.

Hurtigruten offers a range of cabin categories, including suites and cabins with balconies, while Havila has a more limited selection of cabins, all with private balconies.

Both operators provide comfortable and clean accommodations, but Hurtigruten's cabins tend to be slightly larger.

Havila's cabins are designed to be more sustainable, with a focus on minimizing waste and energy consumption.

Accommodating guests requires some planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. This can be achieved by providing a clear and concise welcome message, such as the one seen in the "Welcome and Orientation" section, which includes essential information about the accommodation and its facilities.

To make guests feel at home, consider providing a list of essential items, like toiletries and towels, as mentioned in the "Essential Items and Amenities" section. This can be especially helpful for guests who may have forgotten to pack something.

It's essential to respect guests' individual needs and preferences, such as dietary restrictions, as highlighted in the "Dietary Restrictions and Special Requests" section. By doing so, you can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.

Consider providing a map or guide of the local area, as shown in the "Local Area and Transportation" section, to help guests navigate and make the most of their stay.

Managing a fleet of ships is a complex task, especially when it comes to maintaining a consistent and reliable experience for passengers.

Hurtigruten's fleet of seven ships offers a range of experiences, from classic to modern, by including both older vessels and recently renovated ones.

Each ship is designed to provide comfort and adventure, featuring amenities like saunas, hot tubs, and fitness rooms.

Havila's fleet, on the other hand, consists of four identical, brand new ships designed with modern travellers in mind.

These ships are equipped with the latest eco-friendly technology, using hybrid battery-powered systems that can run on battery power for up to four hours.

Havila's focus on sustainability makes it an attractive option for environmentally conscious travellers.

The diversity in ship sizes allows Hurtigruten to accommodate a range of passenger capacities, from intimate voyages to larger, more social experiences.

Hutten on cruise ships can vary greatly in size. The smallest hutten on Havila measure 16 m2.

Havila offers a range of hutten, including inside, outside, and balcony suites. These suites are nicely decorated and quite spacious.

The hutten on Hurtigruten are smaller, starting at around 11 m2. You'll notice a difference in the layout of the older hutten, which have two beds on either side of a narrow corridor.

When comparing Hurtigruten and Havila in terms of pricing, both offer competitive options. Prices for a 12-day round trip voyage on Hurtigruten typically start at around €1,400 for an inside cabin during the low season.

Hurtigruten's dynamic pricing model means prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and cabin availability. This can result in significant savings for early bookings or last-minute deals.

Havila also employs a dynamic pricing model, adjusting fares based on demand, booking time, and cabin availability. Prices for a 12-day round trip voyage on Havila generally start at around €1,200 for an inside cabin.

Both Hurtigruten and Havila include full board meals in their pricing, covering buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This provides great value for passengers, especially considering the quality of the meals.

The comprehensive inclusions and quality service offered by Hurtigruten make it a competitive option in terms of value for money.

Let's dive into more information about Hurtigruten and Havila, two companies that offer coastal cruises in Norway.

Hurtigruten has had four years to prepare for the transition on the coastal route, and they've diversified their offering to include expedition cruises to destinations like the Arctic and Antarctica.

They've also seen an increased demand for no-fly cruises that venture closer to home, as evidenced by their expansion of Dover services for the 2022-23 season.

Hurtigruten's U.K. general manager, Anthony Daniels, noted that they've seen a strong interest from British customers in no-fly cruises.

Havila, on the other hand, faces challenges of its own, including the economic shock of 2020, which compounded prior shipyard issues and caused them to miss their contractual start date of January 2021.

Havila will eventually set sail, but they face uncertain demand, particularly from international tourists who may take more time to feel comfortable setting sail on a cruise ship.

Here's a comparison of the two companies:

Hurtigruten's brand recognition remains strong, particularly in the international market, where the name remains synonymous with the Norwegian coastal service.

Dining options on Hurtigruten and Havila ships are a highlight of the cruise experience.

Hurtigruten offers a rich dining experience with its Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept, where 80% of the food and drink served is locally sourced from Norwegian suppliers.

The main dining venue on Hurtigruten is Torget Restaurant, serving a variety of meals throughout the day, including a buffet breakfast with a wide selection of breads, cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, and hot dishes.

You can also dine at Kysten Restaurant, which provides a fine dining experience with exquisite dishes crafted by skilled chefs using the finest ingredients from the Norwegian coast.

Havila emphasizes sustainability and quality in its dining options, aligning with the company’s eco-friendly approach.

The main dining venue on Havila is Restaurant Havrand, which serves an extensive range of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a buffet breakfast with fresh breads, fruits, cold cuts, and hot dishes.

Havly Café on Havila offers a more casual dining option, serving snacks, coffee, cake, lunch, and dinners in a relaxed setting.

On the newly revamped MS Trollfjord, Hurtigruten offers multiple dining options, including Flora, Brasserie Árran, and Røst, each with its own unique theme and menu.

The 1893 Bar on MS Trollfjord offers drinks with flavors inspired by the Norwegian coast, including Nordic-themed cocktails, locally brewed beers, and a selection of Norwegian aquavit.

Havila's focus on sustainability and quality shines through in its locally sourced ingredients and emphasis on Norwegian culinary traditions.

Prices for a 12-day round trip voyage with Hurtigruten typically start at around €1,400 for an inside cabin during the low season.

Both Hurtigruten and Havila offer competitive pricing, with Hurtigruten's prices fluctuating based on demand, booking time, and cabin availability.

Hurtigruten's dynamic pricing model means that early bookings often benefit from discounts, while last-minute deals can also offer significant savings.

Havila's prices start at around €1,200 for an inside cabin, with the option to rise to approximately €5,200 for a suite, depending on the season and cabin type.

Full board meals are included in both Hurtigruten's and Havila's pricing, covering buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hurtigruten frequently runs special promotions, such as early bird deals, seasonal sales, and loyalty discounts for repeat customers, enhancing value for money.

Havila's modern, eco-friendly ships and high-quality amenities contribute to the overall value for passengers, particularly for environmentally conscious travellers.

Both Hurtigruten and Havila employ dynamic pricing models, adjusting fares based on demand, booking time, and cabin availability.