- Experience the natural wonder of Lofoten
- Explore the beautiful and exciting Norwegian coastline
- Search for the Northern Lights in winter, and the Midnight Sun in summer
- Join exciting sea and land-based activities
Current offers on this cruise:
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Onboard credit
Explore the heart of Coastal Norway with up to $1,500 onboard credit* per cabin, on us! A front-row seat to fjords, Northern Lights and coastal communities awaits those who voyage with us; an authentic immersion into Norwegian life. Leave all the planning with us including additional flights from Australia or New Zealand to bookend your Norwegian journey. Just ask us how.Read more and book -
Book with confidence on all 2022 departures
We have relaxed our booking conditions to give you confidence, peace of mind and security in this uncertain time due to Covid.Read more and book -
No single supplement on selected departures
Hurtigruten makes Norway more affordable for solo travellers by reducing the single supplement to zero* on our classic voyages.Read more and book
Itinerary
Learn more about what you will experience on the Classic Voyage South. The day-by-day programme will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your coastal voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary, which is why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.
DAY 1 : Kirkenes
All Aboard!
Your voyage begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Russian border, but further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.
You’ll likely notice the area has many influences from Norway’s neighbour; road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, a monthly Russian market, and the WWII Russian Monument.
WWII history
For those interested in history, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about the town’s ordeal during WWII; bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta.
For more insights into this sombre period, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter which can house up to 2,500 people underground.
Norway’s northern frontier
In the port of Vardø, you’ll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day.
We cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea.
TIME IN PORT:
- Kirkenes: 09:00 - 12:30
- Vardø: 16:05 - 17:00
- Båtsfjord: 20:00 - 20:30
- Berlevåg: 22:25 - 22:35
DAY 2 : Mehamn - Tromsø
From the Top of Europe
We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.
Almost the northernmost
In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, once the northernmost town in the world until Longyearbyen in Svalbard claimed the title.
Check out the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen.
Mountains and marine mammals
We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.
If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.
As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.
Midnight magic
We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
There are also optional excursions for a midnight boatride around the city or a candlelit classical concert at the Arctic Cathedral.
TIME IN PORT:
- Mehamn: 01:20 - 01:30
- Kjøllefjord: 03:25 - 03:35
- Honningsvåg: 05:45 - 06:00
- Havøysund: 08:00 - 08:15
- Hammerfest: 11:00 - 12:45
- Øksfjord: 15:50 - 16:05
- Skjervøy: 19:30 - 19:45
- Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30
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The Northernmost Town In The WorldJoin us on a coach tour that explores and explains the events that have shaped Hammerfest, a town at the top of Europe.
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Snowmobile Trip Into The Polar NightJoin us on an unforgettable snowmobile tour into the polar night across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
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Breakfast At North CapeImagine having breakfast at the top of Europe. You enjoy breakfast and more on this scenic coach tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the northernmost points in Europe.
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Mountain Hike In HammerfestJoin a walking tour that follows a path through Hammerfest´s past and up to the top of nearby Mount Salen for magnificent views of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding islands.
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Into The Ice: Stories Of A Polar HeroGet outdoors and discover one of the greatest figures in polar history on this excursion from Hammerfest to nearby Mount Salen.
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Midnight Concert In The Arctic Cathedral (Tromsø)There is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience Tromsø than by attending a midnight concert at the city´s iconic Arctic Cathedral.
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Arctic Midnight Adventure in TromsøEnjoy a sightseeing tour of Tromsø’s famous sights from the seaside.
DAY 3 : Tromsø - Stamsund
High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.
After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.
Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-size fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.
Leaving Lofoten
We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!
The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.
TIME IN PORT:
- Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30
- Finnsnes: 04:20 - 04:40
- Harstad: 08:00 - 08:30
- Risøyhamn: 10:45 - 11:00
- Sortland: 12:30 - 13:00
- Stokmarknes: 14:15 - 15:15
- Svolvær: 18:30 - 20:30
- Stamsund: 22:15 - 22:30
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A Taste of VesterålenA Taste of Vesterålen is one of the classics in our extensive Hurtigruten excursion programme. Come along and experience the history, beautiful scenery and a multitude of breathtaking sights.
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Lofoten IslandsJoin us on a comfortable coach excursion through one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth.
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Sea Eagle SafariJoin us on an excursion into Norway’s spectacular Trollfjord and experience close encounters with magnificent sea eagles.
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Vesterålen and Lofoten by ribJoin us for an exciting open boat ride ride through the enchantingly beautiful scenery of Vesterålen and Lofoten.
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Lofoten by horseLike the idea of horseback riding along a remote beach and terrain once inhabited by Vikings? Join us for this excursion along the shore of Gimsøy island on the open North Atlantic Ocean.
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RIB-adventure in LofotenJoin us on this exciting sea excursion in open RIBs on the waters in and around the fantastic Lofoten archipelago.
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Discover a fishing villageJoin us on a guided walking tour to the quaint old fishing village of Svinøya adjacent to the Lofoten town of Svolvær.
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Electric cruising in LofotenExplore nature both above and below the surface and get closer to Lofoten’s epic landscapes on this cruise from Svolvær to Henningsvær.
DAY 4 : Bodø - Rørvik
A Landscape of Trolls
The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ cod liver oil!
We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.
Legend has it…
Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.
You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Expert about it!
We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870.
Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.
TIME IN PORT:
- Bodø: 02:30 - 03:30
- Ørnes: 06:25 - 06:35
- Nesna: 10:25 - 10:35
- Sandnessjøen: 11:45 - 12:15
- Brønnøysund: 15:00 - 17:25
- Rørvik: 21:00 - 21:30
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UNESCO Vega archipelagoTake a step back in time and see how the Norwegian islanders here developed a symbiotic relationship with the local duck population to cultivate a sustainable livelihood.
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Visit the salmonFascinated by fish? Join us on a visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre near Brønnøysund for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon.
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Visit Hildurs UrterariumDon`t miss out on this excursion to a unique food and herb farm, where the hosts proudly serves local food and welcome you to their private home.
DAY 5 : Trondheim - Ålesund
Coastal Communities and Klippfisk
Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.
Capital of the Viking Age
Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River.
Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city.
Dealing in dried cod
We dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian.
Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.
Peaks and petals
The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.
TIME IN PORT:
- Trondheim: 06:30 - 09:30
- Kristiansund: 16:30 - 17:30
- Molde: 21:15 - 21:45
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Trondheim With Nidaros CathedralJoin us for a coach tour of this medieval city that has become a major modern academic and technological research centre.
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The Hidden Rooms Of Nidaros CathedralExplore hidden rooms and secret chambers deep inside Trondheim´s ancient Nidaros Cathedral, the national shrine of Norway. This excursion is reserved only for our Platinum guests.
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The Atlantic RoadRide along on what The Guardian ranked as the world´s best road trip, and was awarded the “Engineering Feat of the Century” prize in 2005.
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Bergtatt - Magnificent Marble MineJoin us on a guided bus tour to Bergtatt, a working marble and limestone mine on the banks of an illuminated subterranean lake deep inside a mountain
DAY 6 : Ålesund - Bergen
Until Next Time
Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough.
Morning highlights
You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest.
The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina.
The home stretch
Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway.
As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.
Explore more of Norway
Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests.
But your journey doesn’t have to stop after disembarkation. We offer a Bergen sightseeing tour as well as a range of post-voyage programmes that you can add to your trip, including seeing Sognefjord by train or a tour of Oslo.
TIME IN PORT:
- Ålesund: 00:30 - 01:20
- Torvik: 02:35 - 02:45
- Måløy: 05:45 - 06:00
- Florø: 08:15 - 08:30
- Bergen: 14:45
What's included
Included in your voyage
- 6-day voyage in cabin category of your choice
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
- English-speaking Tour Leader on board
Engaging on-board activities and lectures:
- Lectures and presentations on history, biology, geography, geology and culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Introductory photo presentations, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
- Opportunities to casually engage with the Hurtigruten Guides and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- Excursion presentations
- Point of interest presentations out on deck
- Loan of trekking poles, snow shoes, head lamps, ice-spikes needed for optional hikes depending on season and conditions
- Captain’s dinner and a farewell event
Not included in your voyage
- Flights & transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Luggage handling
- Hikes with our Hurtigruten Guides
Notes
- Prices are per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
- Not all categories are available for all departures
- Single cabin pricing available on request
- Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.
Ships
MS Kong Harald
| Year built | 1993 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft (Germany) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 498 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,204 |
| Length | 121.8 m |
| Beam | 19.2 m |
| Speed | 17 knots |
Norway's reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable vessel.
MS Nordkapp
| Year built | 1996 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Kværner Kleven (N) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 480 |
| Car capacity | 24 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,386 |
| Length | 123.3 m |
| Beam | 19.5 |
| Speed | 18 knots |
MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.
MS Nordnorge
| Year built | 1997 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Kværner Kleven (N) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 476 |
| Car capacity | 32 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,384 |
| Length | 123.3 m |
| Beam | 19.5 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle.
MS Nordlys
| Year built | 1994 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2019 |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft (D) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 471 |
| Car capacity | 24 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,204 |
| Length | 121.8 m |
| Beam | 19.2 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
Both the name and the interior design of this modern expedition ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
MS Polarlys
| Year built | 1996 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Ulstein Mek. Verk. (N) |
| Passenger capacity | 619 |
| Beds | 503 |
| Car capacity | 26 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,341 |
| Length | 123 m |
| Beam | 19.5 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
Polarlys is Norwegian for `polar light´, and refers to the natural Arctic phenomenon we pursue in winter.
MS Richard With
| Year built | 1993 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2018 |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft (D) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 458 |
| Car capacity | 12 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,205 |
| Length | 121.8 m |
| Beam | 19.2 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
MS Richard With proudly carries the name of Hurtigruten's founder.
MS Vesterålen
| Year built | 1983 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2019 |
| Shipyard | Kaarbø Mek. Verk. |
| Passenger capacity | 490 |
| Beds | 301 |
| Car capacity | 24 |
| Gross tonnage | 6,261 |
| Length | 108.55 m |
| Beam | 16.5 m |
| Speed | 17.5 knots |
MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller boats and has an intimate on-board atmosphere.
Optional excursions
Find your favourite excursions and make your trip to Norway even more memorable. We recommend booking excursions in advance, but you can also book on board if there's still availability.
Please note that excursions vary by season and are subject to change.
The Northernmost Town In The World
Norway
Duration
1 hour 45 min
Price per person
From $ 149
Booking code
HR-HFT8B
Snowmobile Trip Into The Polar Night
Norway
Duration
2 hours 15 min
Price per person
From $ 659
Booking code
HR-MEH8F
Breakfast At North Cape
Norway
Duration
6 hours
Price per person
From $ 353
Booking code
HR-HVG8A
Mountain Hike In Hammerfest
Norway
Duration
1 hour 30 min
Price per person
From $ 164
Booking code
HR-HFT8G
Into The Ice: Stories Of A Polar Hero
Norway
Duration
1 hour 45 min
Price per person
From $ 194
Booking code
HR-HFT8H
Midnight Concert In The Arctic Cathedral (Tromsø)
Norway
Duration
1 hour 15 min
Price per person
From $ 149
Booking code
HR-TOS8C
Arctic Midnight Adventure in Tromsø
Norway
Duration
1 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 248
Booking code
HR-TOS8I
A Taste of Vesterålen
Norway
Duration
4 hours 15 min
Price per person
From $ 209
Booking code
HR-HRD9A
Lofoten Islands
Norway
Duration
3 hours
Price per person
From $ 218
Booking code
HR-SVJ9B
Sea Eagle Safari
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 278
Booking code
HR-SKN9C
Vesterålen and Lofoten by rib
Norway
Duration
2 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 644
Booking code
V-SKN9I
Lofoten by horse
Norway
Duration
3 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 293
Booking code
HR-SVJ9D
RIB-adventure in Lofoten
Norway
Duration
1 hour 30 min
Price per person
From $ 278
Booking code
HR-SVJ9E
Discover a fishing village
Norway
Duration
1 hour 30 min
Price per person
From $ 158
Booking code
HR-SVJ9F
Electric cruising in Lofoten
Norway
Duration
3 hours 15 min
Price per person
From $ 329
Booking code
HR-SVJ9J
UNESCO Vega archipelago
Norway
Duration
5 hours
Price per person
From $ 449
Booking code
HR-SSJ10B
Visit the salmon
Norway
Duration
2 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 188
Booking code
HR-BNN10C
Visit Hildurs Urterarium
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 194
Booking code
HR-BNN10E
Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 164
Booking code
HR-TRD11A
The Hidden Rooms Of Nidaros Cathedral
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 323
Booking code
V-TRD11B
The Atlantic Road
Norway
Duration
4 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 254
Booking code
HR-KSU11C
Bergtatt - Magnificent Marble Mine
Norway
Duration
4 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 323
Booking code
HR-KSU11E
Extend your cruise
Get more out of your journey by adding a Pre- or Post-programme before or after your expedition cruise.
Snowhotel – A Unique Winter Experience
Norway
From
Booking code
KKN1
Gamme Cabins by Kirkenes Snowhotel
Norway
Duration
2 Days
From
Booking code
KKN2
Norway In A Nutshell - three-day self-guided tour
Norway
Duration
3 Days
From
Booking code
N1404KL2BOVOFL
Norway in a Nutshell - one day
Norway
Duration
9 Hours
From
$ 370
Booking code
N1400KL2
Island Seafood Dinner & Boat Trip from Bergen
Norway
Duration
5 Hours
From
$ 257
Booking code
CENBG03
Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
Norway
Duration
3 Hours
From
$ 96
Booking code
CENBGO05
Oslo Panorama Tour
Norway
Duration
3 Hours
From
$ 56
Booking code
CENOSL01
Practical information
Life on board
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Step into Our Office
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Young Explorers
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Onboard activities and lectures along the Norwegian Coast
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Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
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Vegan on a cruise? Hurtigruten goes vegan!
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À la Carte Menu
Practical information
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Travel Information for The Coastal Express
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Frequently Asked Questions: Hurtigruten Cruises
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What to pack for Norwegian Coastal Voyages
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Flight Information
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Safer together
