MS Midnatsol - Photo Tour
MS Midnatsol is a combined cruise and freight vessel operated by Hurtigruten. Along with her fleetmates she sails the 11-day round trip from Bergen, calling at 34 ports along the coast of Norway. The route is popular with cruise tourists keen to experience 'the most beautiful voyage in the world', and also serves as a lifeline for many smaller communities in Norway's more isolated north.
After passing through the terminal building, passengers get a great view of the ship alongside, loading stores and cargo ready for the voyage. From here, the gangway leads to the ship.
INTERIORS
Passengers entering Midnatsol are first greeted with her impressive atrium, which sweeps through six decks, providing a fantastic focal point for her interiors. This area is very tastefully decorated and sets the calming tone of her public spaces.
Just off the atrium on Deck 5 is the Midtsommer cafe, serving a selection of hot and cold meals and snacks.
A wide passageway winds through the cafe to the aft end of deck 5. Along the way sits this large scale model of Midnatsol.
Just past the cafe is the gift shop, with a range of clothing and souvenirs for sale.
Situated at the aft end of Deck 5 is the main restaurant, where passengers can take meals during fixed times. The room has a pleasant atmosphere, with large picture windows along three sides.
Passing back through the atrium and forward on Deck 5 brings you to the main conference auditorium, which provides space for on board talks and lectures. Two additional conference rooms are also available.
Throughout the ship are several quiet seating areas, where passengers can relax and take in the views.
The majority of the remaining public spaces are located on Deck 8, which is best accessed using one of the glass lifts in the atrium.
The Mysterier Bar is a good gathering place, and has a nice wooden dancefloor with a small lighting rig and acoustic equiment for an accompanying band.
Just through the bar area is the Hamsun Room, a cosy lounge area, with the standard full-height windows.
Also in this area is a small internet centre, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout the voyage.
Situated at the forward end of decks 8 and 9 is the Panorama Lounge. Spanning the two decks, with full double-height windows on three sides, this is by far the largest and most impressive of Midnatsol's bars and lounges.
A large double-height area in the centre of the lounge adds to the feeling of light and space.
A sweeping staircase connects the two levels of the Panorama Lounge. Ample seating is provided on both levels.
Deck 9 also contains the Sauna and Fitness Room, which were unfortunately closed for cleaning whilst alongside during our visit.
Continuing aft on Deck 9 brings you to Midnatsol's open sun deck, wrapped around the base of her funnel.
Back down on Deck 6, a promenade wraps completey around the ship's superstructure - a great place to take a stroll whilst enjoying the scenery.
ACCOMMODATION
Unfortunately the larger suites were not available to view during our visit. A reader of this blog has kindly sent a link to his album of photos here, which gives a great impression of an Owners Suite on Midnatsol.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Midnatsol is an attractive and comfortable ship. Her light and open public spaces make her an easy ship to settle into, and finding your way round is made simple by a logical design and inclusion of the large central atrium.
We hope you've enjoyed this photo tour of MS Midnatsol. Check back for our tours of the other ships in the Hurtigruten fleet, which will be posted over the coming weeks.
Ships in Bergen went on board to tour the interiors of MS Midnatsol. Scroll down to see our full photo tour of this ship.
MS Midnatsol entered service in 2003 following her construction in Rissa, Norway. With a tonnage of 16,140 she is one of the larger ships in the Hurtigruten fleet. She can carry up to 1000 passengers (644 in berths) over her 10 decks.
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| Midnatsol alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen |
EXTERIOR
A few photos of Midnatsol's exteriors taken before boarding show her smart profile and clean, modern appearance.
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| Large expanses of glass give Midnatsol's passengers fantastic views |
.jpg "MS Midnatsol in Bergen") |
| Midnatsol refuels whist alongside in Bergen |
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| Midnatsol alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen |
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| Ready to board: the gangway leads to Midnatsol's passenger decks |
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| Preparing for another voyage: Midnatsol takes on stores and cargo |
Passengers entering Midnatsol are first greeted with her impressive atrium, which sweeps through six decks, providing a fantastic focal point for her interiors. This area is very tastefully decorated and sets the calming tone of her public spaces.
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| A view up through the decks of the main atrium... |
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| ...and back down again; the view from the top |
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| The Midtsommer cafe onboard MS Midnatsol |
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| A selection of cakes is available alongside more substantial offerings |
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| A builder's model of Midnatsol displayed on board |
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| The gift shop aboard Midnatsol |
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| Midnatsol's main restaurant |
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The main auditorium can be partitioned into two seperate areas
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| A small lounge area next to the conference rooms |
The Mysterier Bar is a good gathering place, and has a nice wooden dancefloor with a small lighting rig and acoustic equiment for an accompanying band.
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| The Mysterier Bar on Midnatsol |
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| The dancefloor in the Mysterier Bar |
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| The Hamsun Room on Midnatsol |
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| The internet centre on Midnatsol |
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| The lower level of the Panorama Lounge |
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| Seating areas on the upper level of the Panorama Lounge |
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| The forward facing windows of the Panorama Lounge |
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| Sit back and enjoy the trip; the view from an armchair in the Panorama Lounge |
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| The upper level of the Panorama Lounge on Midnatsol |
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| The double-height windows continue along both sides of the lounge |
OPEN DECKS
Outside on Deck 9 are the Midnatsol's sun decks.
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| A bar with a sliding glass doors is adjacent to this attractive seating area |
A large open-air seating area for the nearby bar leads through to two jacuzzis - the perfect place to stay warm whilst enjoying the regular sightings of the Northern Lights.
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| A jacuzzi on Deck 9 of Midnatsol |
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| Midnatsol's aft sun deck |
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| Midnatsol's lifeboats are situated beside the Deck 6 promenade |
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| Midnatsol's wrap-around promenade deck |
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| The large loading door is raised as Midnatsol takes on supplies |
MS Midnatsol offers a range of accommodation. All rooms are en suite, and most have two single lower berths, as seen in this standard outside cabin.
Also available is a selection of larger, more luxurious accommodation. This suite has a large double bed and seperate lounge area with a full-height bay window to maximise the views.
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| A comfortable standard cabin on Midnatsol |
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| The en suite bathroom modules are clean and practical |
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| A suite on board Hurtigruten's Midnatsol |
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| The private seating area has a large sofa and two armchairs |
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| The suite bathrooms offer a seperate bath and shower |
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Midnatsol is an attractive and comfortable ship. Her light and open public spaces make her an easy ship to settle into, and finding your way round is made simple by a logical design and inclusion of the large central atrium.
We hope you've enjoyed this photo tour of MS Midnatsol. Check back for our tours of the other ships in the Hurtigruten fleet, which will be posted over the coming weeks.
Beautiful ship! Thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it! Keep an eye out for our tours of the other ships in the Hurtigruten fleet, which will follow soon.
ReplyDelete