Cruise Critic’s Editors Pick Their Best Cruise Destinations by Itinerary
Where to go next? Our editorial staff pick their best cruise destination itineraries -- and bucket list cruises.
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Cruising Norway’s Coast with Hurtigruten – in Winter!
Visiting Honningsvag aboard Hurtigruten's MS Maud in winter ( Photo by Adam Coulter)
Adam Coulter, Executive Editor, Cruise Critic UK & Australia: “For me, it’s hands-down the “Coastal Express” with Norwegian cruise, ferry and expedition line Hurtigruten. Originally launched 175 years ago as a vital connection for remote towns and villages along the 1,500-mile Norwegian coastline, this itinerary is stunning at any time of year, but there is something very special about going in winter.
“Starting at Bergen and stopping at an incredible 34 communities in coastal Norway along the way, sometimes for just 15 minutes, the route calls in at Alesund, the Lofoten Islands and crossing the Arctic Circle, calling in at Tromso, Hammerfest, Nordkapp (The North Cape), and finally Kirkenes – just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the Russian border.
“As well as a very strong chance to catch the Northern Lights, you can also take part in the most incredible excursions including husky sledding, skiing, nighttime skidooing, ice fishing and even a stay in the Ice Hotel in Kirkenes!
“Even better, you can take the Coastal Express as a 6-day, one-way cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes, or a 12-day roundtrip cruise.”
