MS Nordlys - Photo Tour

Second in our current series of photo tours aboard the ships in the Hurtigruten fleet is MS Nordlys.

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.

Scroll down to see our full photo tour of her passenger decks.

MS Nordlys alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen

Built in Germany, Nordlys entered service with Hurtigruten in 1994. She has two sister ships; Kong Harald and Richard With. With a tonnage of 11,200 she can carry up to 60 passengers (482 in berths) served by a crew of 55.

Hurtigruten's MS Nordlys docked in Bergen

EXTERIOR

Along with several of her fleetmates built at around the same time, MS Nordlys is affectionately referred to as one of Hurtigruten's '90s' ships, all of which share a similar design and layout.

MS Nordlys

With her slightly squat but handsome design she cuts an attractive profile. Her exteriors are painted in the standard Hurtigruten scheme of black, red and white.

MS Nordlys alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen

The check-in area at the terminal. Escalators lead to the ship

After passing through the terminal and coming alongside, passengers get a great view of Nordlys taking on stores and cargo for the upcoming voyage. From here an enclosed glass gangway leads to the ship...

The large loading doors lead to the car deck and cargo holds

Ready to board; the glass gangway gives a great view of Nordlys alongside

INTERIORS

Deck 4 contains many of the main public spaces on Nordlys. Immediately off the forward stairwell is the Aurora cafe, which serves a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The Aurora Cafe on MS Nordlys

Moving aft through the cafe a wide open walkway leads passengers through to the main dining room. This model of the original Nordlys displayed along the way is a nice touch.

A model of the original Nordlys is dispayed on board

A number of tables along the arcade offer great views through the large picture windows which continue throughout deck 4.

The mirrored ceilings and busy carpets show Nordlys's design is firmly rooted in the 90s.

At the aft end of deck 4 is the Stjernesalen restaurant. This is the man formal dining area on board, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Stjernesalen Restaurant

Moving back through to the forward end of deck 4 brings you to the Sirlund bar. This attractive room has ample seating and plenty of natural light.

The Sirlund Bar, MS Nordlys

The Sirlund Bar, MS Nordlys

Beyond this is the Library, stocked with a selection of books and tastefully furnished in rich colours.

The small Knut Hamsun Library offers a quiet spot on Deck 4

Up at the top of Nordlys, on Deck 7, passengers will find the ship's two main observation lounges. The Sirius lounge, located amidships, is the smaller of the two, but still provides full-height windows along both sides, and a well-stocked bar.

The Sirius Lounge on MS Nordlys

The largest of the lounges aboard Nordlys is the Orion Panorama Lounge, located at the forward end of deck 7.

Huge windows line three walls of the Orion Panorama Lounge

Seating here is arranged to optimise the fantastic views afforded by its location above the ship's navigation bridge. A dance floor is also provided in the central part of the lounge.

The forward end of the Orion Panorama Lounge

The Panorama Lounge spans the full width of Nordlys, which also gives views back along the length of the ship.

A view back along MS Nordlys

Just aft of the Sirius bar on deck 7 is a small but well-equipped fitness centre, along with changing rooms and showering facilities.

The Fitness Centre, MS Nordlys

However, any passengers wanting to make use of the sauna will need to head down to deck 2, and all the way forward.

A long way down... Whilst not a large cruise ship, this view shows Nordlys is still a substantial vessel

The Sauna is located forward on deck 2

OPEN DECKS

Back up in the open air on deck 7 is the sun deck, with plenty of loungers to use when the weather is favourable.

The partially enclosed Sun Deck

The Sun Deck of MS Nordlys

This area is partially enclosed along the base of the funnel, to ensure passengers can enjoy the fresh air even when the rain sets in.

The Hurtigruten logo is proudly displayed on the funnel

On deck 6, Nordlys has a full wrap-around promenade, which is the perfect place for passengers to stretch their legs whilst taking in the views.

The promenade on deck 6

Beneath the bridge wings; the forward end of deck 6

Lifeboats are stored above the promenade deck

ACCOMMODATION

MS Nordlys offers a range of accommodation. The standard inside and outside cabins, whilst similar in design, vary slightly in layout, as shown in the following examples.

A standard 2-berth outside cabin on Nordlys

Another standard cabin, with a slightly different layout

Wheelchair accessible cabins are also available, with adapted bathrooms.

A wheelchair accessible cabin

The bathroom of a wheelchair accessible cabin

A range of suites and mini-suites are offered, but were unfortunately unavailable for photographs during our visit.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

MS Nordlys is a very comfortable and well presented ship. Her interiors, whilst perhaps showing their age with regards to styling, are well maintained, and provide a clean and pleasant environment to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the route.